How to apply for Germany’s updated long stay visa in 2025

Germany has introduced changes to its Long Stay Visa system for 2025, aiming to enhance accessibility for skilled professionals, students, job seekers, business investors, and families.

These changes are designed to attract diverse talent to Germany’s economy by simplifying the application process, broadening eligibility, and creating new opportunities for work and relocation.

The Long Stay Visa, as outlined by the DAAD Scholarship, is necessary for individuals planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. It caters to a variety of purposes, including employment, study, family reunification, job-seeking, business investment, and training programs.

Key updates include the launch of the Opportunity Card, a new digitized application system, and updated visa categories. These updates are expected to streamline the visa process for global applicants.

Germany’s Long Stay Visa now offers several specific categories, including:

• Employment & Skilled Work
• Study & Research
• Job Seekers (Chancenkarte)
• Family Reunification
• Business & Freelancing
• Training & Internships

Notable changes introduced for 2025 include:

• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): A points-based visa for job seekers, allowing them to stay in Germany for up to one year while searching for employment. Applicants are assessed based on qualifications, work experience, and language skills. This visa also permits part-time work during the job search.

• Streamlined EU Blue Card Process: Salary thresholds for eligibility have been lowered, and more professions (including ICT, healthcare, and engineering) are now eligible.

• Digitalization of Applications: Applicants can now submit visa applications online through the German Consular Services Portal, reducing waiting times for appointments and visa issuance.

• Recognition Partnerships for Foreign Qualifications: Skilled professionals can enter Germany while their foreign qualifications are being recognized, providing more flexibility.

Under the updated system, individuals holding a Long Stay Visa in 2025 will have different work options based on their visa type:

• Employment Visa: Allows direct work with a job contract.
• EU Blue Card: Permits high-skilled workers to live and work in Germany with relaxed work conditions.
• Opportunity Card: Allows job seeking with limited part-time work.
• Student Visa: Permits students to work up to 20 hours a week.
• Freelancer Visa: Allows self-employed professionals to work in Germany.
• Job Seeker Visa: No work is permitted until employment is secured.

To apply for a Long Stay Visa, applicants must:

1. Determine the visa type: Choose the visa that aligns with their purpose of stay, such as employment, study, or family reunification.
2. Prepare documents: Gather necessary documents, including passport, visa application form, proof of finances, accommodation details, and any work or study-related documentation.
3. Schedule an appointment: Book a visa appointment at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate.
4. Attend the visa interview: Submit biometric data, original documents, and answer questions about their stay.
5. Visa processing: The processing time typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks, after which applicants can collect their visas.

The standard visa application fee is €75, with variations for specific types (e.g., EU Blue Card – €110, Job Seeker Visa – €75).

Applicants must also demonstrate financial proof to show they can support themselves during their stay, such as €1,200 per month (€14,400 per year), while students need to show €11,208 per year.