If you’re planning to live in Germany for more than 90 days, the Germany Long-Term Visa (National Visa / Type D) is your golden gateway—whether your goal is to study, work, train, or reunite with family.
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Here’s your 2025 step-by-step breakdown to understand the purpose, eligibility, work permission, application procedure, and the processing timeline—all in one organized place.
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Purpose of the Germany Long-Term Visa
Germany’s National Visa is issued for stays longer than 90 days and is mandatory for most third-country nationals. It allows you to enter Germany with the intention to obtain a residence permit for:
- Studying or language courses
- Skilled employment or vocational training
- Research & academic exchange
- Family reunification (spouse, child, dependent parents)
- Job-seeking or the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)
- Voluntary service or Au Pair stay
- Working holiday programs
⚠️ Citizens of countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Switzerland can enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany.
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Who Can Apply? | Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible for a Germany Long-Term Visa if:
- You plan to stay longer than 90 days
- You have a valid reason (work, study, family, etc.)
- You hold a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years)
- You can demonstrate proof of legal residence in your current country (e.g., Irish Residence Permit if applying from Ireland)
- You meet the specific requirements of the visa category you’re applying for (employment contract, university admission, language certificate, etc.)
Fingerprints are required (except for children under 12).
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Can You Work in Germany on This Visa?
Yes—depending on your visa category, you can:
- Start employment immediately if you have a work visa.
- Intern or train with vocational or research visa.
- Look for a job using the Job Seeker Visa or Chancenkarte.
- Study and then transition to a work visa post-graduation.
Pro Tip: The national visa can be converted into a residence permit once in Germany, enabling longer stay and work rights.
Processing Time in 2025
Standard Timeframe: 4 to 12 weeks, but may take several months depending on:
- Visa type
- Document checks or verification
- Submission completeness
⚠️ No status updates are provided during processing.
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How to Apply: The Short Process Explained
Step 1: Choose the Right Category – Identify your purpose (study, work, family reunion, etc.)
Step 2: Application Route – Submit via one of these methods:
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- VisaMetric: For work, study, training, and some family reunion cases
- Embassy: For language course, Chancenkarte, Au Pair, and family reunion with German/foreign spouse
- Consular Services Portal: Online application for several categories.
Step 3: Prepare Documents –
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- Completed VIDEX National Visa Form
- Passport & photos
- Proof for purpose of stay (job offer, admission letter, etc.)
- Proof of residence (e.g., residence permit in Ireland if applying from there)
- Visa fee (75 EUR + VisaMetric service charge if applicable)
Documents must be authentic—falsified documents = automatic refusal.
Step 4: Book Appointment
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- Via Embassy based on your German visa category
- You’ll submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo) during the appointment.
Step 5: Wait for Decision – Once processed, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker OR a refusal letter.
Visa Validity & Travel Rights
Your long-term visa will:
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- Show your full name, photo, passport number
- Specify allowed entry dates and duration
- Allow short-term travel to other Schengen countries (90 days in 180-day period).
Quick Facts Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Germany Long-Term (National) Visa |
| Valid For | Stay > 90 Days |
| Eligible Purposes | Work, Study, Family, Training, Research |
| Application Routes | VisaMetric / Embassy / Online Portal |
| Work Permission | YES (based on visa category) |
| Standard Processing Time | 4–12 weeks (can be longer) |
| Visa Fee | €75 (+ service charge if via VisaMetric) |
| Post-Arrival Actions | Register residence + apply for residence card |
| Travel to Schengen Area | Allowed (90/180 days rule) |
References
- https://dublin.diplo.de/ie-en/2353492-2353492
- https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/visa/residence-visa-922288
- https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/other.
DATE . May/26/2025