03/03/02 · Document checklist

What the message
really demanded.

Every visa has a basis that always applies - and a layer that is added depending on the visa type. Missing documents do not result in a request on the day of the appointment, but to rejection or postponement. This page separates what always applies from what specifically applies.

Applies to every visa

Everyone needs these documents – regardless of visa type

Six documents that are always mandatory for every German visa. Without one of these, no application will be processed.

1

Valid passport

Must at least 6 months after the planned end of your stay be valid. Additionally: 2 copies of the data page. Expired passports will result in immediate rejection.

Always mandatory
2

Biometric photographs

Exactly 2 photos, 35×45 mm, white background, current (not older than 6 months). Images must comply with ICAO standards. Photos from vending machines are rejected – photo studio recommended.

Always mandatory
3

Completed visa form

online service2.diplo.de fill it out, print it out and sign it. The form must be completely filled out - incomplete forms will be returned.

Always mandatory
4

Proof of health insurance

Must do that cover the entire duration of your stay. Travel health insurance is generally not accepted. Private international KV or GKV proof (after entry). Minimum coverage: €30,000.

Always mandatory
5

Visa fee

€75 standard fee for national visas (D visas). Fee in cash or card – depending on the embassy. Will not be refunded, even if rejected. Children under 6 years: free. Children 6–12 years: €37.50.

Always mandatory
6

Proof of living expenses

Bank statements from the last 3 months, bank certificate, proof of blocked account, guarantee or proof of salary from a German employer. Amount varies depending on the visa - at least €700/month as a basis.

Varies per visa

Visa type-specific documents

Which also applies depending on the visa

Study visa § 16b Residence Act

Mandatory documents
–

College Admission from a German university – original letter or digital letter with letterhead

Duty
–

Blocked account proof with at least €11,208 (€934 × 12 months) – account statement from the German bank

Duty
–

School leaving certificate/university certificate from the country of origin + certified translation into German

Duty
–

Language certificate – German language skills for German-language studies (usually DSH or TestDaF), proof of English for English-language courses

Duty
–

CV in German – in tabular form, with school leaving certificate and, if necessary, pre-qualification

Duty

Additionally recommended

Optional
–

Proof of accommodation (confirmation of residence or offer of accommodation) for the embassy appointment

–

Letter of motivation – why this course of study, why Germany

–

anabin proof or ZAB assessment of the school leaving certificate – strengthens credibility

Training visa § 16a Residence Act

Mandatory documents
–

Training contract – signed by applicant and company, with proof of chamber registration (IHK or HWK)

Duty
–

School certificate/education certificate + certified translation – for proof of requirements

Duty
–

CV in German – in tabular form, with school qualifications and career interests

Duty
–

Language certificate – no legal level, but B1/B2 expected depending on the company and embassy

Recommended

Depending on the message, additionally

Optional / situational
–

ZAB assessment or anabin proof of school leaving certificate

–

Proof of accommodation in Germany (confirmation of residence, offer of accommodation, company accommodation)

–

Letter of motivation – why this apprenticeship, why this company

Work visa § 18 Residence Act

Mandatory documents
–

Employment contract or binding job promise from the German employer – signed, with salary, position and start date

Duty
–

Proof of professional qualifications (study certificate or professional qualification) + certified translation

Duty
–

Notice of recognition – if the profession requires licensing (doctor, engineer, teacher) or the employer requires it

Situationally mandatory
–

CV in German – with qualifications and relevant professional experience

Duty

EU Blue Card § 18g Residence Act

Mandatory documents
–

Employment contract with a minimum salary of €45,300 gross/year (standard) or €41,042 (shortage occupations 2025)

Duty
–

University certificate (at least 3 years standard period of study) + certified translation – must be recognized or capable of being recognized in Germany

Duty
–

Equivalence proof – if the qualification is not automatically recognized: ZAB assessment or Statement of Comparability

Situationally mandatory
–

CV in German with academic qualifications and professional experience

Duty

Family reunification §§ 27-36 Residence Act

Mandatory documents of the applicant
–

Marriage certificate + certified translation + if necessary apostille – for spouse reunification

Duty
–

Birth certificate + certified translation – for your own identity and child reunification

Duty
–

Language certificate A1 (Goethe A1, Start Deutsch 1 or telc A1) – when spouses join non-EU foreigners

Obligation for marriage
–

Documents of the reference person (Copy of residence permit, proof of salary for the last 3 months, rental agreement)

Duty
–

In case of children joining: Custody evidence and, if applicable, declaration of consent from the other parent

Situationally mandatory

Job search visa § 20 / Opportunity card § 20a

Mandatory documents
–

University certificate or professional qualification + certified translation – must be recognized or capable of being recognized in Germany

Duty
–

Financial proof – Section 20: for 6 months (approx. €4,200–6,000); § 20a: for 12 months (approx. 8,400–12,000 €)

Duty
–

CV in German – with qualifications and professional experience

Duty
–

Language certificates for points system (only § 20a) – Goethe/telc for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English

Depending on the points
–

Proof of professional experience (only § 20a) – employment references, employment contracts for point categories

Depending on the points

Self-employed visa § 21 / freelancer § 21 paragraph 5

Mandatory documents
–

Business plan in German (only § 21 paragraphs 1–4) – with 3-year financial planning, market analysis, investment requirements

§ 21 Obligation
–

Chamber statement (only § 21 paragraphs 1-4) – IHK, HWK or economic development; written, dated, stamped

§ 21 Obligation
–

Proof of capital – Account statements, bank certificate or investor confirmation

Duty
–

Credentials – University certificate, professional certificates, professional license for regulated professions

Duty
–

Professional license/license to practice medicine (only § 21 paragraph 5, regulated professions) – apply before the embassy appointment

§ 21 paragraph 5 situational
–

CV in German – with qualifications and relevant professional experience

Duty

Researcher visa § 18d Residence Act

Mandatory documents
–

Admission agreement the BAMF-recognized research institution - with research project, confirmation of qualification, funding commitment and duration

Duty
–

Doctoral certificate or equivalent qualification + certified translation

Duty
–

Academic resume with publication list and research focus

Duty
–

Proof of BAMF recognition from the institution – not always required, but recommended to bring with you

Recommended
U Certified translations

What a certified translation is – and who can issue it

A certified translation is a translation made by a State-sworn or publicly appointed translators was made and stamped and signed. It confirms that the translation is correct in terms of content.

Online services, machine translations or non-sworn translators are not accepted by German embassies.

  • Who can translate: State-sworn translators in the country of origin or in Germany
  • Language: Translation must be into German – no intermediate languages
  • Format: Translator's stamp, signature, date, chamber stamp (depending on country)
  • Processing time: 1-3 weeks – cannot be planned at short notice
  • Costs: approx. 40-120 € per page, depending on language and scope
  • Validity: Unlimited – as long as the original document remains valid
A Apostille & legalization

When documents need to be additionally certified

An apostille confirms the authenticity of public documents for use abroad. It is issued by an authority in the country of origin – not by the translator. Apostille and certified translation are two different steps, both of which may be necessary.

For countries that have joined the Hague Convention, an apostille is sufficient. For everyone else, full legalization is necessary.

  • Apostille countries: EU states, USA, India, Türkiye, Russia, Ukraine, numerous Latin American countries
  • Requires legalization: Nigeria, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan (and other non-members)
  • Processing time: 2-12 weeks depending on country – start early
  • What is apostilled: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, school certificates, college degrees
  • Not necessary: Documents issued directly by the German state or German embassies

Decision logic

Do I need an apostille or legalization?

This sequence answers the question in three steps – check each document separately.

Is the document an original German document?
(issued by German authorities, embassies, notaries)
→ Yes
No apostille required.
Check certified translation.
Is the country of origin a member of the Hague Apostille Convention?
(List: hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41)
→ Yes
Apply for an apostille with the responsible authority in the country of origin. Then have it translated into German.
The country is not a member of the Hague Convention
(e.g. Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia)
→ then
Full legalization necessary: (1) Certification in the country of origin → (2) Confirmation by the national foreign ministry → (3) Confirmation by the German embassy in the country of origin. Then translate.
documentApostille / legalization necessary?Note
Birth certificateGenerally yes – depending on the country of originMain identity document; Embassy checks authenticity
Marriage certificateGenerally yes – depending on the country of originMandatory if spouses are joining
University certificateDepends on country and visaSome embassies accept certified copy without apostille
school certificateDepends on country and visaDirect contact with the embassy recommended
Certificate of good conductYes – apostille or legalization depending on the countryFor training visas and some professions
Training contractNo – German documentNo foreign document; no apostille required
Admission agreementNo – German documentIssued by a German institution
Apostille requirements vary depending on the embassy and country of origin. What applies to the embassy in Lagos does not necessarily apply to the embassy in Mumbai. Before applying, always ask the responsible German embassy directly which documents need to be apostilled.
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Editorial transparency

As 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.