Visa services · Germany
German visas and residence permits
The right visa depends on why you come and how long you stay. Choose a category to see its visas, the legal basis and our fee.
Choose a category
The basics
Which visa type?
A
Airport transit
Transit through the international area of a German airport. Whether you need one depends on your nationality.
C
Schengen short stay
Tourism, family visits and business visits. Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area.
D
National visa
Work, study, training and family. Issued for one purpose; the residence permit follows in Germany.
A short business visit is a Schengen visa (C). Moving to Germany to take up a job is a national visa (D).
Official rules
Embassy fees and processing times
- Schengen visa (C)
- €90
- Children aged 6 to under 12: €45
- National visa (D)
- €75
- Minors: €37.50
- Schengen decision
- Up to 15 days
- For a complete application
- National visa decision
- Several months
- Depends on the purpose and case
- Waiting for an embassy appointment comes on top of the decision time.
- Exemptions and reduced fees exist; some family applicants pay no visa fee.
- These are paid to the embassy or authority. Our service fee is separate.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
No visa or work permit needed. You only register your address in your new city.
Questions
Before you book
Is a business trip a work visa?
No. Meetings, trade fairs and negotiations are a short business visit on a Schengen visa (type C). Taking up a job in Germany needs a national visa (type D) for the right work route.
Why does it say "On request" instead of a price?
These routes depend heavily on the individual case. We check your situation first and email you a fixed offer before you pay anything.
Are the embassy fees included in your price?
No. The official visa fee (normally €75 for a national visa, €90 for a Schengen visa) is paid to the embassy or authority. Our service fee is separate.
How long does it take?
A Schengen visa is normally decided within 15 days of a complete application. A national visa can take several months. Waiting for an embassy appointment comes on top, so start early.
I am an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. Do I need a visa?
No. You can live and work in Germany without a visa. You only register your address in your new city.
What our service includes, how payment works and the four stages on your case page: visa services overview.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute call. You leave knowing your route, timeline and price.