How to Get a Long-Term Visa for Germany in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Naqqash Khalid | Published May 31, 2025 | 1:02 pm | 13 views

Germany is one of the most popular countries in Europe that welcomes people from around the world for many long-term reasons—like working, studying, or joining family. If you want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a long-term visa, also known as a national visa or D visa.

This visa allows you to live legally in Germany while you work, study, or stay with your loved ones. In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for a long-term visa in Germany in 2025. You’ll learn about the types of visas, required documents, and a simple step-by-step process.

What Is a Long-Term Visa for Germany?

A long-term visa is a special visa that allows you to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. Unlike a short-term tourist visa, which is only for vacations or short visits, the long-term visa is for people who want to live in Germany for a longer period—for work, education, or to join family members.

After arriving in Germany with a long-term visa, you must also apply for a residence permit to continue living there legally.

Main Reasons to Apply for a Long-Term Visa

There are three main reasons why people apply for a long-term visa to Germany:

To Work – You have a job offer in Germany.
To Study – You want to attend a university or language course.
To Join Family – You want to live with your spouse, children, or parents who already live in Germany.

Each reason has its own requirements and steps, but the general application process is similar.

1. Long-Term Work Visa

Germany offers great job opportunities for skilled workers, professionals, and even people from non-EU countries. If you have a job offer from a company in Germany, you can apply for a long-term work visa.

Work Visa Requirements:

A valid job offer or signed work contract from a German employer
Proof of your qualifications (such as a university degree or job training certificate)
Recognition of your degree or training in Germany
Language skills (German may be needed depending on the job)
Health insurance
Proof you can support yourself financially
A clean criminal record

If you’re a highly skilled worker earning a high salary, you may qualify for the EU Blue Card, which is a faster and easier option for getting a work visa.

2. Long-Term Student Visa

Planning to study at a German university? You’ll need a student visa. Germany is home to top universities, and many of them offer courses in English.

Student Visa Requirements:

Admission letter from a recognized German university
Academic records and certificates
Proof of language skills (English or German)
Proof you have enough money to support yourself (usually shown through a blocked bank account)
Health insurance
Valid passport and recent photos

You can also get a visa if you are attending a language course or a preparation program before starting your studies.

3. Family Reunion Visa

This visa is for close family members—such as spouses, children, or parents—who want to join their loved ones already living in Germany. Both German citizens and foreign residents with legal status in Germany can invite their family members.

Family Reunion Visa Requirements:

Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
The family member in Germany must have a valid residence permit
Enough living space in the home for everyone
Sufficient income to support the family
Basic German language skills (usually required for spouses)
Health insurance and valid travel documents

This visa can take longer to process because the embassy will verify all the documents carefully.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Long-Term Visa

Let’s go through the full process of applying for a long-term visa to Germany in 2025:

Step 1: Decide Why You’re Going to Germany

First, you need to know your purpose—whether it’s for work, study, or joining family. The type of visa you apply for depends on this purpose.

Step 2: Collect All Required Documents

Each visa has different requirements, but some documents are common for all:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-size photos
Proof of place to live in Germany
Proof of health insurance
Proof of financial support
Purpose-specific documents (job contract, university letter, marriage certificate)
Language certificate (if required)

Make sure all documents are original, up to date, and translated into German (if they are in another language) by a certified translator.

Step 3: Book a Visa Appointment

You must schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Book early, because it may take weeks to get a slot—especially during busy times.

Step 4: Go to the Visa Interview

Attend the interview with all your documents. A visa officer will ask questions about your plans in Germany, your job or studies, and your financial situation. Dress neatly and answer honestly and confidently.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

You will need to pay a visa application fee, usually between 75 and 100 euros. This fee is non-refundable. Check the payment options available at your embassy before the appointment.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

After your interview, your visa application will be processed. Processing times vary depending on the visa type and how busy the embassy is. It can take a few weeks to several months. Family reunion visas usually take longer.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa

If your visa is approved, you’ll get a visa sticker in your passport. It will show the entry date, expiration date, and purpose of your stay. Now, you can prepare to move to Germany!

Step 8: Travel to Germany and Register

Once in Germany, you must register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days. You’ll receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), which is needed for many official processes.

Step 9: Apply for Your Residence Permit

Your visa only allows entry and a short stay. To stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde). Do this before your visa expires. The permit lets you live, work, or study in Germany legally for a longer period.

Important Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

Start early – Apply several months in advance.
Keep copies – Save duplicates of all your documents.
Check your passport – It should be valid for at least 1 more year.
Learn basic German – This helps, especially for work or family visas.
Show return plans – Some visas require proof that you will return after your stay.

Rights and Responsibilities After You Arrive

Your Rights in Germany:

Live in Germany legally
Work or study (depending on your visa type)
Travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days
Apply for permanent residency or citizenship later

Your Responsibilities:

Follow all German laws and rules
Renew your residence permit before it expires
Inform the authorities if you change your address or job
Keep your health insurance active

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work in Germany with a long-term visa?

Yes! If you have a work visa or a student visa with work rights, you can work. Students can usually work part-time. Skilled workers can work full-time.

How long does visa processing take?

It depends. Some visas take a few weeks, but family visas can take several months due to document checks.

Can I extend my visa in Germany?

You can’t extend the visa itself, but you can apply for a residence permit before it expires to stay longer.

What if my visa is denied?

If your visa is rejected, you’ll receive a written reason. You can appeal the decision or reapply with better documents.

Do I need to speak German?

It depends. For family visas, basic German is often required. For work or study, it may not be necessary if your job or course is in English. Still, learning German helps a lot.

Can my family join me later in Germany?

Yes. After you get your residence permit and meet the income and housing requirements, you can invite your spouse or children.

Can I visit other countries with my German visa?

Yes. You can travel to other Schengen countries for short trips (up to 90 days), but your main stay must be in Germany.

Is health insurance required?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for both your visa and residence permit. It ensures you have access to healthcare in Germany.

Can I apply for permanent residency later?

Yes. After living in Germany for about 5 years and meeting income, language, and integration conditions, you can apply for permanent residency.

Do I need a blocked account for financial proof?

Yes, students often need a blocked bank account to prove they can support themselves. For work or family visas, other income documents may be used.

Getting a long-term visa for Germany takes time and planning, but it is possible if you follow the steps carefully. Whether you’re going to work, study, or live with your family, Germany offers many great opportunities. Make sure to prepare your documents, apply early, and follow the legal steps once you arrive.

If you stay on the right path, your dream of living in Germany can come true in 2025!

Naqqash Khalid