What types of visas are available for your trip to Germany?
Different visas are available for entry into Germany. They differ in terms of the length of stay, the purpose of the trip and the period of validity. Before you decide on a visa, you should inform yourself sufficiently at the Foreign Office. This way you will enter Germany with the right visa.
These are the visa types for Germany
Germany is one of the Schengen states. Within the Schengen area, all citizens of Schengen member states may travel freely. There are no border controls. All those who have a visa for Germany also benefit from this freedom. These are the visa types:
Schengen visa type A: transit
The Type A visa allows you to stay in the international transit area of an airport. However, some citizens do not need this visa for transit.
Schengen visa type B: transit or transit visa
This visa allows you to travel by land through the Schengen area to a third country. It has a maximum validity of 5 days. Attention: In the future, this visa type will be discontinued. Instead, applicants will receive the visa type C with the addition Transit.
Schengen visa type C: short stay
You can move freely in the Schengen area for up to three months. It is therefore ideal for business travelers and tourists. Usually it can not be extended.
Schengen visa type D: National visa
You are allowed to stay longer than three months in a certain Schengen country like Germany. In addition, the type D visa allows you to enter other Schengen countries for a period of 90 days. This visa is ideal for those who want to study, work or settle in Germany. The maximum validity is 12 months. You can apply for a residence permit on the spot.
Schengen visa with limited territorial validity
With the LTV visa (LTV stands for "limited territorial validity") you are only allowed to enter the country that issued you the visa. It is issued for humanitarian reasons or as a result of international obligations.
Schengen visa C variants
There are three variants of the Schengen visa C: Single Entry, Double Entry and Multiple Entry. With the Single Entry you are allowed to enter the Schengen area only once. With the Double Entry twice and with the Multiple Entry multiple entries and exits are possible.
Apply for the D visa in time
For vacations of up to three months in Germany, a C visa is sufficient. However, if you want to work or study in Germany, you need a D visa. You have to apply for it at the German embassy before entering Germany. This rule does not apply to citizens of the following countries:
- Australia
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- USA
If you have a passport from one of these countries, you can also arrange for permission locally in Germany.
