Germany Long-Term Visa Process in 2025 to Work, Study, or Join Family

If you’re planning to live in Germany for more than 90 days, the Germany Long-Term Visa (National Visa / Type D) is your golden gateway—whether your goal is to study, work, train, or reunite with family.

Here’s your 2025 step-by-step breakdown to understand the purpose, eligibility, work permission, application procedure, and the processing timeline—all in one organized place.

Purpose of the Germany Long-Term Visa

Germany’s National Visa is issued for stays longer than 90 days and is mandatory for most third-country nationals. It allows you to enter Germany with the intention to obtain a residence permit for:

• Studying or language courses
• Skilled employment or vocational training
• Research & academic exchange
• Family reunification (spouse, child, dependent parents)
• Job-seeking or the new Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)
• Voluntary service or Au Pair stay
• Working holiday programs

⚠️ Citizens of countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and Switzerland can enter visa-free and apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany.

Who Can Apply? | Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible for a Germany Long-Term Visa if:

• You plan to stay longer than 90 days
• You have a valid reason (work, study, family, etc.)
• You hold a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years)
• You can demonstrate proof of legal residence in your current country (e.g., Irish Residence Permit if applying from Ireland)
• You meet the specific requirements of the visa category you’re applying for (employment contract, university admission, language certificate, etc.)

Fingerprints are required (except for children under 12).

Can You Work in Germany on This Visa?

Yes—depending on your visa category, you can:

• Start employment immediately if you have a work visa.
• Intern or train with vocational or research visa.
• Look for a job using the Job Seeker Visa or Chancenkarte.
• Study and then transition to a work visa post-graduation.

Pro Tip: The national visa can be converted into a residence permit once in Germany, enabling longer stay and work rights.

Processing Time in 2025

Standard Timeframe: 4 to 12 weeks, but may take several months depending on:

• Visa type
• Document checks or verification
• Submission completeness

⚠️ No status updates are provided during processing.

How to Apply: The Short Process Explained

Step 1: Choose the Right Category – Identify your purpose (study, work, family reunion, etc.)

Step 2: Application Route – Submit via one of these methods:

• • VisaMetric: For work, study, training, and some family reunion cases
  • Embassy: For language course, Chancenkarte, Au Pair, and family reunion with German/foreign spouse
  • Consular Services Portal: Online application for several categories.

Step 3: Prepare Documents –

• • Completed VIDEX National Visa Form
  • Passport & photos
  • Proof for purpose of stay (job offer, admission letter, etc.)
  • Proof of residence (e.g., residence permit in Ireland if applying from there)
  • Visa fee (75 EUR + VisaMetric service charge if applicable)

Documents must be authentic—falsified documents = automatic refusal.

Step 4: Book Appointment

• • Via Embassy based on your German visa category
  • You’ll submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo) during the appointment.

Step 5: Wait for Decision – Once processed, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker OR a refusal letter.

Visa Validity & Travel Rights

Your long-term visa will:

• • Show your full name, photo, passport number
  • Specify allowed entry dates and duration
  • Allow short-term travel to other Schengen countries (90 days in 180-day period).

Quick Facts Summary