Before entering Germany

The application process before entry

As a rule, the application process begins in your home country. A national visa is usually required to enter Germany. This must be applied for at the responsible German mission abroad.

Apply for a national visa

Third-country nationals generally need a visa to enter Germany. The visa must be applied for at the German embassy or consulate in the country of origin before travelling.

There are different types of visas, depending on whether you are coming to Germany to study, work, visit or for other reasons.

Last steps before entry

If you want to enter Germany with a national visa, there are a few important things that you should consider shortly before entering Germany:

Validity: Check if the national visa is valid for Germany and if it is valid for the period you plan to enter. Purpose: Ensure that you have the correct national visa for the purpose of travel. There are different types of national visas, such as study visas, work visas or family reunification visas.Passport: You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of your intended stay.Documents: Bring all required documents that required for the national visa application as they may be checked by the border guards.