05.01 · Türkiye — Visa & stay in Germany

Türkiye –
Visa for
Germany.

Turkish citizens require every stay in Germany a visa – even for short tourist stays. The most common visas: study, training, work, family reunification. Proper preparation and complete documentation are crucial.

Visa requirementfor all stays
approx. 4-12 weeksProcessing time
Embassy AnkaraConsulates General in Istanbul, Izmir

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – all options for Turkish citizens

The German embassy differentiates between short stays (Schengen visa, max. 90 days) and long-term visas (national visas for stays over 90 days).

01 Visa types

Schengen Visa vs. National Visa

Visa typeDurationPurposeSpecial feature
Schengen visa (Type C)max. 90 days within 180 daysTourism, business trip, visiting family/friendsDoes not allow employment
National visa (Type D)over 90 days, often 1 yearStudy, training, work, family reunification, language courseAllows the requested activity (e.g. work, study)
Visa to apply for study6 monthsPreparation for the entrance exam / application on siteNo studying allowed, just preparation
Waiting times for appointments at the Ankara Embassy or the Consulates General in Istanbul and Izmir are currently 4-12 weeks. Start the application process early – at least 4 months before the planned travel date.

Study in Germany

Study visa – requirements, university entrance, financing

Turkish school qualifications are often recognized in Germany. The path to a study visa begins with admission (letter of admission) or participation in the preparatory college.

02 Study

Admission, proof of language skills, blocked account

  • University entrance: A Turkish Lise Diploma alone is often not enough. You need either:
    • a passed YKS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı) with the corresponding point value,
    • or a preparatory college (1 year) in Germany,
    • or 1-2 years of study in Turkey (depending on the desired subject).
  • Language certificate: For most degree programs C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). Turkish high school graduates can also take part in the preparatory college with B2.
  • Financing: Proof of a blocked account (€934 per month, approx. €11,208 per year). Alternatively, a declaration of commitment from a person living in Germany.
  • Further documents: APS certificate (Academic Testing Center) – required in individual cases; please ask the embassy.
The APS certificate (Ankara) is not always mandatory for Turkish university applicants, but is often helpful. Find out from the embassy whether your individual case requires an APS test.

Work & Training

Work visa, EU Blue Card and training visa for Turkish skilled workers

The demand for Turkish workers is high – especially in nursing, engineering and skilled trades. The visa usually requires a specific job offer.

03 Work & Training

Job offer, recognition, language skills

Work visa (skilled workers)

  • Requirement: Specific job offer from a German employer that matches your qualifications.
  • Recognition: Turkish professional qualifications often have to be recognized by the responsible German body. Recognition is mandatory for regulated professions (e.g. doctor, engineer).
  • Language level: Usually B1 or B2 (depending on the profession). For IT specialists, A2/B1 is often sufficient.
  • Salary: For the EU Blue Card you need a minimum salary (2025: €48,300 gross/year, in shortage occupations €43,759).

Training visa

  • Requirement: Training contract with a German company, approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
  • Language level: Usually B1 (Goethe or telc B1). B2 is often required for training in the nursing sector.
  • Age: In practice, under 35 years of age, there is no legal limit, but the embassy checks the ability to integrate.
Anyone who wants to work in a regulated profession (e.g. doctor, lawyer) in Germany must go through the recognition process before applying for a visa. This often takes 3-6 months - apply at the same time.

Family reunification

Spouse reunification and family unity – requirements for Turkish citizens

The reunification of spouses and minor children is possible if the person living in Germany has a secure residence permit (e.g. settlement permit, residence permit for skilled workers).

04 Family reunification

Spouse, children, language skills A1

  • Spouse reunification: The immigrating spouse must provide proof of an A1 language level (Goethe A1, telc A1, ÖSD A1) before entering the country. Exceptions: the partner is highly qualified or there is an illness.
  • Children: Minor children (under 18) usually follow suit without a language test if the person with legal custody lives in Germany.
  • Livelihood: The person living in Germany must prove sufficient income to support the family (minimum limit is around €2,200 net for a family of four).
  • Living space: Sufficient living space (approx. 12 square meters per person).
The A1 language level must be proven before applying for a visa. Pure certificates of participation are not accepted - only official certificates.

Documents & process

Standard documents for every visa – plus specific evidence

Regardless of the visa type, you always need the following basic documents:

documentRequirement
PassportValid for at least 12 months beyond the planned end of the visa, at least 2 free pages
Visa application formFilled out online and printed out (via the embassy website)
Biometric passport photos3 recent photos (35×45 mm), no older than 6 months
Proof of FundingBlocked account (for studies) or bank statements from the last 3-6 months, pay slips
Travel health insuranceFor the duration of the visa (for national visas for the first year)
Certified translationsTurkish documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificates) must be translated into German by a sworn translator
Turkish notarial certifications are not recognized by the embassy. You need an apostille (for documents) or a certified translation from a translator sworn in in Germany. If you have any questions: contact the Ankara Embassy.

Application process step by step

From appointment to collection – the typical process for Turkish applicants

Applications can only be submitted via the embassy’s online platform. A personal visit to the visa center is required.

05 Process

Book an appointment, submit documents, wait

  1. Decide which visa you need (see table above).
  2. Collect all documents (full list on the Ankara Embassy website).
  3. Book an appointment at the visa center (early, often fully booked 8-12 weeks in advance).
  4. Submit the documents in person (including biometric data).
  5. Wait for processing (usually 4-12 weeks, longer for complex cases).
  6. If the decision is positive: the visa will be stuck into the passport. In case of rejection: Reasons will be communicated in writing (objection possible).
The Ankara Embassy does not accept documents by mail. Every applicant must appear in person. The processing time only begins after the complete submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (Turkish Citizens)

FAQ – especially for applicants from Turkey

The most common uncertainties and misunderstandings at a glance.

06 FAQ

Answers to specific questions

  • Do I need an APS certificate? – Not generally. The embassy decides depending on the individual case. If you are unsure: have the APS test carried out in Ankara (takes approx. 8 weeks).
  • Can I study directly in Germany with a Turkish Lise Diploma? – No, not usually. You either need 1 year of studying in Turkey, a preparatory course in Germany or very good grades in the YKS for certain subjects.
  • Do I have to know German for a work visa? – Yes, the embassy expects at least A2/B1 for simple tasks and B2 for skilled workers. Without proof, the visa is often rejected.
  • How much are the visa fees? – National visa (type D): €75; Schengen visa: €80 (as of 2025).
  • Can I submit the application in German or Turkish? – Forms filled out in German or English. Documents in Turkish must be translated.

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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.