Do I require a visa in order to enter or stay in Germany?

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• A visa is not required for citizens of the European Union who wish to travel, stay or work in the Federal Republic of Germany. This rule also applies for nationals of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. However, these citizens have to be able to identify themselves at all times during their stay in Germany with the aid of a valid passport.
• Special rules exist for citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the US. These citizens may travel and stay in Germany without the necessity of a visa. If they intend to work in Germany, they can apply for a residence permit from within Germany. The request has to be submitted within 90 days after the entry and before the employment is taken up.
• Third-country nationals who are in possession of a national residence permit issued by a Schengen country are allowed to travel to Germany for up to 90 days per 180-day period, as long as the duration of the stay does not exceed the permit’s validity period. This rule also applies to the holders of a national visa (category „D“ visa) issued by a Schengen country. However, if these citizens aim to work in Germany, they need to apply for a visa in advance at the competent German mission.
• For all other third-country nationals who wish to enter Germany and who are not in possession of a national residence permit issued by a Schengen country or who would like to stay in Germany for more than 90 days (e.g. family reunion, employment, studies etc.) a visa is mandatory.

How do I apply for a visa?

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In order to apply for a national visa for Germany or a letter of guarantee you will need an appointment at the German Embassy in Luxemburg. You have to come in person and bring with you all relevant documents.

If you wish to travel to Germany and need a visa for Germany please read all the information concerning the procedure of application, which is stated on our website. Please send the filled in application form including the documents required for your visa request via e-mail to the following address: info@luxe.diplo.de

For more information regarding visa and letters of guarantee, please use our contact form.

Subsequent entry of spouses: language skills required before entering Germany. See them here.

Table of countries: whose citizens require/do not require a visa to enter Germany. See it here.

For more information please visit the website of the German Foreign Ministry.

Family reunion for people eligible for subsidiary protection

As of 1 August 2018, close family members (spouses, unmarried minor children and parents of minor children) of a person eligible for subsidiary protection in Germany will be able to apply for a visa for the purpose of family reunion.

Eligible family members may already use the following link to register for an appointment to submit their visa application:

Appointment system of the German Foreign. Find it here.

All relevant information about family reunion of Syrian refugees in Germany can be found here.