05.05 · Syria — visa & stay in Germany

Syria –
Visa for
Germany.

Syrian citizens generally need a visa to enter and stay in Germany. Due to the location, there is easier access (e.g. those seeking protection, Section 22 Residence Act for admission from abroad). This guide focuses on the regular visa routes for study, work, training and family reunification.

Visa requirementbasically yes
approximately 12-24 weeksProcessing time
Embassy Beirut (Lebanon)Representation for Syria

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – options for Syrian citizens

Due to the political situation, there are special regulations for Syrian nationals. German diplomatic missions in the region: Embassy Beirut (responsible for Syria), visa applications are processed there.

01 Visa types

National visa (Type D) for long-term stays

Visa typeDurationPurposeSpecial feature
Schengen visa (Type C)max. 90 daysTourism, business trip, visiting familyOnly possible in exceptional cases; strict examination of readiness to return
National visa (Type D)over 90 daysStudy, work, training, family reunification (also humanitarian)一道Permits the requested activity; often combined with protection status
Visa to apply for study6 monthsPreparation for the entrance exam / application on siteRare, as previous stays are usually covered by humanitarian channels
Due to the difficult security situation in Syria, the German embassy in Damascus does not provide regular consular services. The embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) or in some cases the embassy in Amman (Jordan) is responsible. Processing times are very long (12-24 weeks).

Special paths for Syrian citizens

Humanitarian admission, resettlement and Section 22 Residence Act

Many Syrians come to Germany through humanitarian programs – not through regular visas. These routes are controlled by the authorities.

02 Humanitarian reception

Resettlement, quota refugees, family reunification with those under subsidiary protection

  • Resettlement program: UNHCR classifies Syrian refugees as particularly vulnerable; Germany accepts quotas annually (usually through the federal admission program). No regular visa procedure.
  • Family reunification with people entitled to subsidiary protection: Limited availability since 2018 (monthly quota of 1,000 people). Requirement: nuclear family (spouse, minor children). It is hardly possible for parents to join them.
  • § 22 Residence Act (admission from abroad): Can be granted by state governments or the federal government in individual cases (mostly individual hardship cases).
If you, as a Syrian citizen, already have a residence permit in Germany (e.g. asylum, subsidiary protection), special regulations apply to family reunification. Specialist lawyers and migration advice centers provide advice here.

Study in Germany

Study visa – university entrance, recognition of Syrian qualifications, language tests

Syrian applicants need a university entrance qualification (Syrian Abitur + possibly one to two years of study) and a study visa. Recognition takes place via uni-assist or directly at the university.

03 Study

Abitur (Al-Shahada al-Thanawiya), preparatory college, language C1, financing

  • University entrance: The Syrian high school diploma (al-Shahada al-Thanawiya al-Amma) alone is not recognized. You also need a one-year preparatory course in Germany or a successful first degree in Syria (1–2 years). The anabin database provides indicative reviews.
  • Language level: For direct admission C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). Sufficient for the B2 preparatory college.
  • Proof of financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (€11,208 per year). Since many Syrian citizens do not have a bank account in their country of origin, there are special regulations: funds in a German blocked account (via Fintiba/Expatrio) are also possible from third countries.
  • Recognition hurdles: Missing documents due to war can be replaced by affidavits - check in individual cases.
Missing original certificates are a common problem. The embassy accepts notarized copies or expanded affidavits. In cases of doubt, it is worth checking your admission in advance by the university.

Work visa for skilled workers

Work visa – if there is a job offer and the qualification is recognized

As with other third countries, the following also applies to Syrians: a specific job offer is required in order to be employed. Nursing staff, engineers, IT specialists and craftsmen are particularly in demand.

04 work

Job offer, recognition, language level B1/B2

  • Professional recognition: Syrian professional qualifications are recognized after an individual equivalence test. Recognition is mandatory for regulated professions (doctor, engineer, teacher), but voluntary but beneficial for non-regulated professions.
  • Language requirements: Depending on the professional field, B1 (crafts) to B2/C1 (academic professions).
  • Priority check: For many professions, it is checked whether a German or EU citizen can be hired as a priority. This test is often not carried out in shortage professions (nursing, IT).
  • Lower salary limits: For the EU Blue Card, the minimum salary (€48,300) must be achieved (shortage occupations: €43,759).
Syrian refugees who are already in Germany and have a residence permit according to Section 25 (Asylum) can change to a job without a visa as soon as the immigration authorities allow employment. The regular visa procedure applies to new immigrants from Syria.

Family reunification with Syrians living in Germany

Spousal and child reunification – special regulations for those entitled to subsidiary protection

For Syrian citizens who already live in Germany (e.g. with subsidiary protection), there are easier but also severely restricted conditions for family reunification.

05 Family reunification

A1 certificate, income, living space, monthly quota

  • Reunification with persons entitled to subsidiary protection (Section 25 Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 Alternative 2 Residence Act): Severely restricted since 2018. An annual quota of 1,000 visas is only available for nuclear families (spouse, minor children). There are long waiting lists.
  • Reunification with recognized asylum seekers/refugees according to GFK: These people (usually Section 25 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2 Residence Act) have an unrestricted right to join spouses and minor children - no quota.
  • Language certificate for spouses: As a rule, an A1 certificate is required before entry. Exceptions: if the spouse already lives in Germany and the marriage existed before the flight.
  • Livelihood: Syrians living in Germany do not have to provide proof of income if they receive benefits under SGB II/III - reunification is still possible.
The waiting times for family reunification via the quota for those entitled to subsidiary protection are often 2-3 years. Instead, in certain cases, visa procedures can be initiated by the federal states in accordance with Section 22 of the Residence Act (admission from abroad) - legal advice is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (Syrian Citizens)

FAQ – especially for applicants from Syria

The most common uncertainties and practical tips given the special situation.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for Syria

  • Where do I apply for a visa as a Syrian citizen? – Usually at the German embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) or in Amman (Jordan). The visa office in Damascus is closed. Deadlines are very tight.
  • What do I do if I am missing important documents (because they were lost in the war)? – You can submit an affidavit and provide alternative evidence (witnesses, photos, school certificates). Universities and embassies check accommodatingly.
  • Can I apply for a visa for Germany from another country (e.g. Turkey)? – As a Syrian citizen without a residence permit in this country, applying is only possible to a limited extent. The diplomatic missions abroad check your habitual residence. Most of the time you have to travel to Beirut.
  • Which language exams can I take in Turkey/Lebanon? – Goethe Institutes in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Beirut offer exams. telc exams are available but less common. Plan far in advance.
  • Are there special programs for Syrian students? – Yes, for example the DAAD’s “Leadership for Syria” program, scholarships from the Bayer Foundation, aid programs from universities. Do targeted research.

Next steps & similar countries

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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.