05.09 · Western Balkan states — visa & stay in Germany

Western Balkans –
Visa for
Germany.

Citizens from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo require a visa for stays longer than 90 days. Since 2024, Kosovo citizens with a biometric passport have been visa-free for short stays (tourism, business) (Schengen regulation). The Western Balkans regulation for workers (work visa without priority check) makes access to the German labor market much easier.

Visa requirementfor long-term stays
approximately 6-12 weeksProcessing time
Western Balkans settlementfacilitated work visas

Visa types & visa-free entry

Overview: When do I need a visa – exceptions for Kosovo (2024)

Since January 1, 2024, citizens of Kosovo with a biometric passport can enter the Schengen area visa-free (max. 90 days within 180 days). All other Western Balkan states still require a visa for short stays.

01 Entry requirements

Schengen visa waiver (Kosovo only) – national long-stay visas

countryShort stay (max. 90 days)Long stay (study, work, training)
Bosnia-HerzegovinaVisa requirementNational visa (Type D) required
SerbiaVisa requirementNational visa (Type D) required
North MacedoniaVisa requirementNational visa (Type D) required
AlbaniaVisa requirementNational visa (Type D) required
MontenegroVisa requirementNational visa (Type D) required
KosovoVisa-free (with biometric passport, since January 1, 2024)National visa (Type D) for stays >90 days
The visa exemption for Kosovo only applies to short stays of up to 90 days. Kosovo citizens also need a national visa for work, study or training for more than 90 days. The application must be submitted to the German embassy in Pristina.

Western Balkans scheme (work visa)

Facilitated labor migration for Bosnia, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo

The Western Balkans regulation allows citizens of these states access to the German labor market without a priority check by the Federal Employment Agency. That's a big advantage.

02 Work visa without priority check

No check as to whether a German/EU citizen can be hired as a priority

  • Requirement: Specific job offer in Germany (no minimum qualification required).
  • No priority check: The Federal Employment Agency does not check whether the position could also be filled by a German - this speeds up the process considerably.
  • Validity period: The regulation applies until at least the end of 2025 (will be regularly extended).
  • Responsibility: The immigration authority at the place of work in Germany issues the residence permit. The visa application is made at the embassy in your home country.
The Western Balkans regulation also allows entry to look for a job for a maximum of 6 months (job search visa). Requirement: a university degree or completed vocational training. The visa can be applied for at the embassy.

Study in Germany

Study visa – recognition of school qualifications, language skills, financing

Balkan high school diplomas are usually recognized if certain grade requirements are met. C1 is usually required for studying.

03 Study

University entrance, language c1, financing (blocked account)

  • University entrance: The Abitur from Bosnia, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro or Kosovo is usually recognized as a general university entrance qualification (if necessary with grade requirements). The anabin database provides information.
  • Language certificate: For German-language degree programs C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). For English master's programs, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90 is sufficient.
  • Financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (€11,208 per year). Opening via Fintiba, Expatrio or a bank in your home country (possible). Declaration of commitment by a third party in Germany is also possible.
  • Special feature of Kosovo: Since Kosovars can enter the country without a visa, preparing for studies is easier (e.g. attending language courses before starting your studies).
The notes from the Balkans can be converted. If you have poor grades, it may be difficult to access your desired course of study. A preparatory college (1 year) can improve your chances.

Labor & Western Balkans Settlement

Work visa – massive relief through the Western Balkans regulation

This regulation is the quickest and easiest way to find employment in Germany. It applies to all professions – from helpers to specialists.

04 work

Job offer, no priority test, language level A2/B1

  • No priority check: The Federal Employment Agency does not check whether a German/European could get the job - that saves months.
  • Language certificate: Not required by law, but in practice employers expect at least A2/B1. B2 is required for nursing professions.
  • High demand industries: Gastronomy, logistics, construction, care, IT, crafts.
  • Visa application: With an employment contract and approval from the Federal Agency (if necessary) at the embassy. The duration is approx. 4-8 weeks.
The Western Balkans regulation applies to unlimited stays. Anyone who gets a work visa through this regulation can apply for a settlement permit after 5 years (requirement: B1 German, sufficient retirement provision).

Training/dual studies

Training visa for young people from the Western Balkans

Dual training is an excellent route into the German job market. The Western Balkans regulation also applies to training relationships.

05 Training

Training contract, language level B1, no priority test

  • Training contract: Requirement for the visa (duration of training 2–3.5 years).
  • Language level: Usually B1 (Goethe B1, telc B1). B2 is preferred for training courses with a lot of customer contact (e.g. sales, hotel industry).
  • Age: Practically under 35 years old, but no legal limit.
  • Advantage: Here too, there is no priority check - the procedure is quick.
Training positions in the technical area (mechatronics, electronics, IT) are particularly in demand. Apply early via EURES or the Central Office for Employment Services (ZAV).

Family reunification

Bringing spouses and children with you – A1 requirement for spouses

Family members can be reunified if the person living in Germany has a secure residence permit. Language proof A1 is the most important hurdle.

06 Family reunification

A1 certificate, proof of marriage, income, living space

  • Spouse: Must present an A1 certificate before entry (Goethe A1, telc A1, ÖSD A1). Exceptions: if the partner living in Germany has an EU Blue Card or the marriage was concluded before 2024 (special regulations for Kosovo?).
  • Evidence documents: Marriage certificate (must be translated and apostilled), children's birth certificates, proof of income from the partner living in Germany (approx. €2,000 net for 3 people).
  • Children: Minors under 18 can follow suit without a language test.
The A1 exam can be taken in the respective capitals of the Western Balkans (Goethe Institute or telc exam centers). Schedule the exam 2-3 months before applying for your visa.

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Visa advice for Western Balkan citizens

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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.