German visa resources
Documents for a Germany visa application
The core documents needed for a German national (category D) long-stay visa, plus the purpose-specific proof each route requires.
Important
A German national visa (category D) is the long-stay visa you apply for at a German mission abroad when you plan to live in Germany for more than 90 days — for work, study, research, training or family reunification. It is separate from the shared Schengen short-stay rules and lets you enter Germany and then convert to a residence permit locally.
The exact checklist depends on your purpose of stay, and the German mission responsible for your area publishes the definitive list. Always confirm against your mission's checklist before your appointment, because requirements and the number of copies vary by consulate.
Documents almost every applicant needs
- A completed and signed national visa application form (missions generally ask for it filled out and printed; the official category-D forms are on the Federal Foreign Office site)
- A valid passport meeting the mission's validity and blank-page requirements
- Recent biometric passport photographs to the required specification
- Proof of the purpose of stay (for example a work contract/job offer, university admission, research agreement, or evidence supporting family reunification)
- Proof that you can support yourself financially during the stay (this can be a blocked account/Sperrkonto, salary, sponsorship or a scholarship, depending on the route)
- Valid health insurance covering the intended stay
Route-specific evidence
German missions publish separate checklists per purpose — for example skilled workers, the EU Blue Card, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), students and PhD candidates, researchers, au pairs, ICT transfers and family reunification. Each has its own supporting documents, so use the checklist that matches your route.
Copies and translations
- Bring original documents plus the number of photocopies the mission specifies
- Documents not in German (or sometimes English) usually need a certified translation into German
- Foreign qualifications may need recognition/comparability evidence for work and study routes
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.