German visa resources
Appointments and biometrics for a Germany visa
German national visas use the online Consular Services Portal plus a shortened in-person appointment for biometrics; the residence permit card involves biometrics again in Germany.
Important
Germany has moved national visa applications to a digital-first process. You register and submit your application and scanned documents online through the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de), and the mission reviews it before you attend in person, which shortens the appointment.
An in-person appointment at the responsible mission or visa application centre is still required, because you must give biometric data, present your original documents and pay the fee. Some routes (such as ICT transfers, researchers and au pairs) may still use paper appointments.
The visa appointment abroad
- Register and complete the application on the Consular Services Portal, then upload your documents
- Attend the in-person appointment to give fingerprints and a photo, have originals checked and pay the fee
- Authorities often decide the case before or shortly after the appointment, so the visa may be issued at or soon after the interview
Biometrics for the residence permit in Germany
- The residence permit is issued as an electronic card (eAT) that stores biometric data
- You provide a biometric photo and fingerprints when applying at the local foreigners' authority
- The physical card is produced afterwards and collected once ready
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.