05.08 · Iran — visa & stay in Germany

Iran –
Visa for
Germany.

Iranian citizens require a visa for every stay in Germany. Due to sanctions and political tensions, the visa process is particularly demanding. Processing takes place via the embassy in Tehran (limited) or via Ankara's visa agency. Particular hurdles: proof of financing, bank transfers and the recognition of school qualifications.

Visa requirementfor all stays
approximately 16-30 weeksWaiting time
Embassy TehranAlternative: Ankara

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – options for Iranian citizens

The German embassy in Tehran only processes a limited contingent of visas. Processing the application can take a very long time. Alternatively, you must contact the embassy in Ankara (Türkiye).

01 Visa types

Schengen Visa vs. National Visa

Visa typeDurationPurposeSpecial feature
Schengen visa (Type C)max. 90 daysTourism, business trip, familyNo employment; very strict checks on readiness to return
National visa (Type D)over 90 daysStudy, work, training, family reunification, researchAllows the requested activity; high requirements for financial evidence
Due to the political situation, waiting times for Iranian applicants are extremely long (4-8 months). The German embassy in Tehran only accepts urgent cases. In many cases, applications must be made through the embassy in Ankara, Turkey - this requires additional travel and approvals.

Special challenges

Sanctions, banks, proof of financing – the biggest hurdles

Iranian applicants must expect significant practical difficulties when applying for a visa. The following list shows the most common problems and solutions.

02 Hurdles

Financing, bank transfers, duplicate documents

  • Blocked account / proof of financing: Direct transfers from Iranian banks to Germany are often not possible due to sanctions. Solution: Opening a blocked account via third countries (e.g. Turkey, UAE) or using service providers such as Fintiba/Expatrio with payment via foreign accounts (e.g. family abroad).
  • Declaration of commitment: A person living in Germany can submit a declaration of commitment (formally with sufficient income). This gets around the blocked account problem.
  • Missing or damaged documents: Many Iranians do not have complete original certificates (war, migration). The embassy accepts affidavits and documents from recognized authorities (e.g. notary in Turkey).
  • Language exams in Iran: Goethe-Institut Tehran offers exams, but with long waiting times (up to 6 months). Alternatively: take exams in Turkey or the UAE.
The question of financing is the biggest hurdle. If you do not have a declaration of commitment or access to foreign bank accounts, you should speak to specialized advisors (migration, lawyers) at an early stage. The blocked account via third countries is possible, but complicated.

Study in Germany

Study visa – recognition of Iranian qualifications, language tests, financing

Iranian applicants are welcome, but often have to complete an additional qualification (preparatory college) as the Iranian Abitur is not always recognized as equivalent.

03 Study

Diplom-e Motavasete, preparatory college, language C1, financing

  • University entrance: The Iranian high school diploma (Diplom-e Motavasete) alone is usually not enough. You need either:
    • successful studies in Iran (1–2 years, depending on the subject),
    • a one-year preparatory course in Germany,
    • or very good grades in the competition (national entrance exam) for certain subjects (rare).
  • Language certificate: For direct admission C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). B2 is sufficient for the preparatory college.
  • Financing: Particularly problematic (see above). Declaration of commitment by relatives in Germany is the best way. Scholarships (DAAD, KHG) are rare.
  • anabin check: Check the university in Anabin; Iranian state universities (e.g. University of Tehran, Sharif) are usually H+ and are considered equivalent.
Recognition can take up to 6 months. Start early by obtaining certified translations and the preliminary review via uni-assist.

Work & skilled workers

Work visa for engineers, IT, nursing – possible despite sanctions

Iranian skilled workers have good opportunities in the fields of engineering (especially civil, mechanical engineering, electrical) and nursing, provided they receive a job offer and can prove financing.

04 work

Job offer, recognition, language level B1/B2

  • Engineers: Recognition of Iranian diplomas is often possible (after individual examination). Language level B2 necessary for teamwork, documentation.
  • Nursing professionals: High demand. Requirement: Recognition of training in Iran (runs parallel), B2 certificate (Goethe, telc).
  • IT specialists: Even without a formal university degree possible with 3+ years of experience. Language level B1 sufficient.
  • Job offer: No work visa in Germany without prior job confirmation. Searching from Iran is difficult, but possible through agencies (e.g. GIZ, Triple Win for Nursing).
Processing work visas from Iran takes a particularly long time (6+ months). The employer in Germany often has to apply for a priority check by the Federal Employment Agency, which takes additional time. Patience is essential.

Family reunification

Bringing spouses and children along – special rules for Iranians

Family reunification is possible if the Iranian living in Germany has a secure residence permit (e.g. settlement permit, residence permit for studying or working). However, the right to follow suit is linked to strict proof of income and living space.

05 Family reunification

A1 certificate, income, living space, proof of marriage

  • Spouse: Must provide proof of an A1 certificate (Goethe A1, telc A1) before entry. Exceptions possible if the partner living in Germany is entitled to asylum or has an EU Blue Card.
  • Children: Minors under the age of 18 can follow suit without a language test, provided that custody is proven.
  • Proof of marriage: The Iranian marriage certificate must be apostilled and translated into German by a sworn translator.
  • Proof of income: The Iranian living in Germany must prove sufficient income to support the family (approx. €2,300 net for 4 people).
The A1 exam can be taken in Iran (Goethe-Institut Tehran), but dates are tight. Allow 4-6 months for appointment booking and test results.

Frequently Asked Questions (Iranian Citizens)

FAQ – especially for applicants from Iran

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

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for Iran

  • Where do I apply for a visa as an Iranian citizen? – Normally at the German embassy in Tehran. Since the staff contingent is limited, the application can also be submitted via the German embassy in Ankara (Türkiye). This requires you to leave Iran.
  • Can I pay German bank fees via Iranian accounts? – No, direct payments are not possible. You need an account in a third country (e.g. Turkey, UAE) or a person living in Germany who will transfer the fees.
  • How do I get a blocked account? – Fintiba and Expatrio accept payments from foreign accounts (non-Iranian). A family member abroad can open and fund the account for you. Alternatively: declaration of commitment by a relative living in Germany.
  • Which German exams are possible in Iran? – Goethe-Institut Tehran offers A1–C2. telc exams are officially not available (due to sanctions). Take advantage of opportunities in Iraq (Erbil) or Turkey.
  • My passport is expiring, do I need to renew it before applying for a visa? – Yes. The passport must be valid for at least 12 months when the application is submitted. The extension in Iran can take weeks - take care of it in good time.

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.