Determine the purpose of your stay
Studies, work, training, family and self-employment have their own evidence.
The visa follows the purpose - not the other way around. Which visa applies to you depends on what you plan to do in Germany. Anyone who decides on the visa before the purpose is clear is applying for the wrong one – and starts the process all over again.
The overview helps you choose the right logic from many types of visas before you collect documents.
Studies, work, training, family and self-employment have their own evidence.
An application made in the wrong way quickly appears contradictory.
First visa type, then documents, appointment and application.
As on the homepage: first clarify the direction, then decide on the details.
For skilled workers with recognized foreign qualifications who have a specific job offer from a German employer.
Job offer a German employer
Recognized professional qualification or college degree
Not a legal one Minimum salary (except for Blue Card)
For university graduates with a job offer and minimum salary. Faster route to a settlement permit than the standard work visa.
Recognized university degree (at least 3 years)
Minimum salary 2025: €45,300 gross/year
For shortage occupations: 41.042 € gross/year
For qualified specialists who do not yet have a job offer. Allowed to stay for 6 months to look for a job in Germany.
Recognized university degree or vocational training
Proof of living expenses for 6 months
Valid for 6 months, not extendable
New points system (since 2024): qualifications, language skills, professional experience and connection to Germany are assessed. Allows job search and trial work.
Min. 6 points in the points system
Recognized qualification or college degree
Trial work up to 2 weeks allowed
For international students who have been admitted to a German university. Requires admission letter, blocked account and proof of language skills.
Admission letter the university
Blocked account: at least €934/month
Language certificate (DSH, TestDaF or English)
For international applicants with a signed training contract with a German company. Requires the contract – not the other way around.
Signed training contract
School graduation recognized or assessed (ZAB)
German level B1–B2 (depending on company)
For internships of up to 6 months in Germany. Requires an internship agreement with a German company.
Internship contract with German company
Max. 6 months Duration of stay
Proof of Cost of living
For spouses, children and, in certain cases, parents of people who already have a secure residence status in Germany.
caregiver has secure residence
Spouses: at least A1 German language skills
Sufficient living space and livelihood
For language courses without the intention of studying. Allows stay of up to 12 months to learn German - if no other visa fits.
Course confirmation from a recognized language course provider
Proof of living expenses
Max. 12 months, no employment
For young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 who live as an au pair in a German host family and learn German at the same time.
Age: 18-26 years
Au pair contract with host family
Basic knowledge German (A1) recommended
For entrepreneurs who want to start a company or hold a stake in Germany. Economic interest must be proven.
Viable business plan
Sufficient equity or proof of financing
Economic interest verifiable for Germany
For freelancers such as doctors, lawyers, journalists, artists and translators. Separate regulation compared to the classic self-employed visa.
Freelance profession according to German law
Evidence of clients or contracts
Recognition of professional qualifications where necessary
For scientists and researchers who work at a German research institution. Faster and simpler route than the standard work visa.
Admission agreement with research facility
Doctoral title or equivalent qualification
Simplified procedure – no separate access to the labor market is necessary
For skilled workers whose foreign qualifications are not yet recognized. Allows employment under certain conditions while the recognition process is ongoing.
Job offer in a qualification-related area
Ongoing recognition process
Salary at least Collective wage level
The wrong visa cannot be changed on site. Anyone who enters the country and finds that the purpose does not match the visa must leave the country and reapply.
You now know all types of visas.
Let us clarify which one applies to your situation.
Free · No obligation · 30-45 minutes
People who want to know which national visa suits their own situation.
Clarify purpose, evidence and responsible foreign mission before detailed pages.
Check visa typeAs of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.