05.10 · Arab countries — overview & visa requirements

Arabic
Countries –
Visa for
Germany.

Citizens of all Arab states generally need a visa for Germany - both for short stays and for longer-term stays. The requirements (language certificates, financing, recognition of qualifications) are largely similar, but the processing time and the availability of consulates vary greatly depending on the country of origin.

Visa requirementfor all countries
4-24 weeksProcessing time
Goethe / telcLanguage certificates

Countries at a glance

Visa types & special features by country of origin

The following table provides an initial overview of the most important Arab countries of origin, the responsible German missions abroad and typical processing times.

01 Selection

Important Arab states in comparison

｜｜DSML｜｜
Processing times are averages and can change at any time. For countries with limited consular representation (Libya, Yemen, Syria), processing may take a year or longer.
countryResponsible embassy / GKTypical processing timeSpecial Notes
EgyptEmbassy Cairo8-16 weeksHigh number of university applicants, blocked account possible through third-party banks
MoroccoEmbassy Rabat, GK Casablanca6-12 weeksLots of workers in care and crafts, triple win program
TunisiaEmbassy of Tunis6-10 weeksGood recognition of qualifications, many emigrants in Germany
AlgeriaEmbassy Algiers12-20 weeksLong waiting times, strict document checks
LibyaJurisdiction over Tunis (often)24+ weeksConsular assistance limited, security situation problematic
SudanEmbassy Cairo (for Sudan)12-20 weeksObtaining documents is difficult, and the lack of an apostille is often problematic
YemenEmbassy Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) or Amman20-30 weeks一道Virtually no message of its own; Humanitarian admission rare
SyriaEmbassy Beirut (Lebanon) or Amman16-30 weeksSpecial regulations for those seeking protection, visa very difficult
IraqEmbassy Baghdad, GK Erbil12-24 weeks了一道Different regulations for KRG citizens, security clearances
JordanEmbassy Amman6-12 weeksRelatively good recognition of university degrees
LebanonEmbassy Beirut8-16 weeksMany students, high language barrier (French/English)
PalestineRamallah representation (no embassy)12-24 weeksSpecial political situation; Applications are often submitted via Jordan
Saudi ArabiaEmbassy Riyadh, GK Jeddah4-8 weeks一道Many business and student visas, easier financing
UAE / Qatar / Kuwait / Oman / BahrainEmbassies Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, Muscat, Manama4-8 weeks for wealthier applicants, blocked accounts are often unproblematic

Common requirements

What applies to all Arab countries – language tests, financing, recognition

Regardless of the country of origin, the German embassy requires a set of standardized documents for all national visas. The biggest hurdles are proof of language skills and financing.

02 Standard requirements

Language level, blocked account, recognition of qualifications

  • Language certificate (A1–C1): For spouse reunification A1 (Goethe A1, telc A1); for training B1; for work mostly B1/B2; for studies C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). The exams are available in almost all Arab capitals via Goethe-Instituts.
  • Proof of financing: Blocked account via Fintiba/Expatrio (requires international payment option). Often not a problem for Gulf states, but difficult for poorer countries. Alternative: Declaration of commitment from a relative living in Germany.
  • Recognition of school/university qualifications: Arabic qualifications must be checked via uni-assist or the responsible office. State universities (e.g. Cairo University, University of Tunis, University of Riyadh) are usually classified as H+, private universities are often not.
  • Visa fees: National visa (Type D) costs €75, Schengen visa €80. Payment possible in local currency at the current rate.
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of application.
Obtaining apostilles (certifications) for Arabic documents is often time-consuming. Documents from Syria, Yemen, Libya and Sudan are often examined with particular skepticism - affidavits can help.

Special challenges for Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya

Missing embassies, document procurement, humanitarian reception

Difficult conditions apply to citizens from war and crisis countries. The local German diplomatic missions are often closed or severely restricted.

03 Crisis countries

Special rules, responsibilities, humanitarian corridors

  • Syria: No regular embassy in Damascus. The embassy in Beirut (Lebanon) or Amman (Jordan) is responsible. Applicants must travel there. Family reunification for those entitled to subsidiary protection is limited to an annual quota (1,000 visas).
  • Iraq: Embassy Baghdad and GK Erbil for the Kurdistan Region. Security checks (due to IS history) can delay processing by months. Special admission programs for Iraqi local Bundeswehr staff.
  • Yemen: Closed message. Responsible: Embassy in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) or Amman. Virtually no regular visas; humanitarian admission via resettlement programs.
  • Libya: Limited operation of the embassy in Tunis (for Libyans). Only urgent humanitarian cases are processed. Normal study or work visas are hardly possible.
If you come from a crisis state and see no possibility of applying for a regular visa, contact the diplomatic mission in a neighboring country (e.g. Turkey, Jordan) - there are often special regulations for people who have already fled.

Language exams in the Arab world

Goethe Institutes and telc centers – availability and waiting times

There are Goethe Institutes in almost all Arab capitals (Cairo, Rabat, Tunis, Algiers, Amman, Beirut, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait). telc exams are less common, but are offered by private language schools in some cities.

04 Availability

Locations, deadline pressure, online options

  • Goethe exams (A1–C2): Regular appointments, but often fully booked for weeks or months. Early registration (4-6 months in advance) recommended.
  • telc exams: Available in select cities (e.g. Cairo, Rabat, Tunis). Fewer appointments, but often cheaper.
  • TestDaF: Available in larger cities (Cairo, Rabat, Amman, Beirut). Specific dates, registration via TestDaF portal.
  • DSH: Can only be taken in Germany – for Arab applicants who are already in Germany.
Due to high demand, exam places in Egypt and Morocco are extremely scarce. Book your language test 6 months before the planned visa date. An exam in another country (e.g. Turkey, Jordan) can shorten the waiting time.

Recognition of Arabic qualifications

School qualifications and university diplomas – what is considered equivalent?

The anabin database (the KMK) lists thousands of foreign educational institutions. Here is an assessment for selected countries.

05 Recognition

Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, Gulf States, Iraq, Syria

  • Egypt: Thanaweya Amma + 1 year of study or preparatory course required. Degrees from state universities (Cairo, Alexandria) are H+.
  • Morocco/Tunisia/Algeria: Baccalauréat is often recognized (not automatically); some subjects require a preparatory course. Universities predominantly H+.
  • Jordan / Lebanon: Similar regulations to Egypt. Good recognition from private universities (e.g. American University of Beirut).
  • Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait): Degrees are usually recognized if the university is state accredited.
  • Iraq / Syria: Recognition is difficult due to the political situation. Universities are often considered H+, but document falsification is checked. Affidavits are often necessary.
Recognition can take 3-6 months. Start the process via uni-assist or the responsible office (e.g. ZAB) as early as possible - before you apply for the visa.

Frequently asked questions for Arab applicants

FAQ – linguistic, financial, cultural peculiarities

The most common uncertainties and practical tips for applicants from the Arab world.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for Arabs

  • Do I need an apostille for my Arabic documents? – Yes, an apostille from the foreign ministry of the country of origin is required for all documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, school certificates). The embassy will not accept the documents without an apostille.
  • Can I submit the visa application in Arabic? – No. All forms must be filled out in German or English. Arabic documents must be translated into German (not English) by a sworn translator.
  • How do I pay the blocked account if I don't have an international bank account? – Use a service like Fintiba/Expatrio that accepts transfers from third-party accounts (e.g. a relative in Europe or the Gulf states pays for you). Alternatively: Declaration of commitment from a relative living in Germany.
  • As an Arab, can I do an apprenticeship in Germany without studying? – Yes, very good. Dual training is also possible with a secondary school leaving certificate. Apply through the Central Foreign Placement Service (ZAV) or special programs (e.g. crafts with North Africa).
  • How do I find out whether my university is recognized? – Search the anabin database (anabin.kmk.org). With “H+” the university is recognized, with “H-” it is not.

Next steps & country-specific pages

ECDetail page

Egypt – Visa Germany

→ M.ADetail page

Morocco – Visa Germany

→ SYDetail page

Syria – Visa Germany

→ IRDetail page

Iran – Visa Germany

→

Applying for a visa from an Arab country is often time-consuming, but successful with the right preparation.
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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.