German visa resources

Germany national long-stay visas (Type D)

Germany national long-stay (Type D) visa routes. For short stays, see the shared Schengen short-stay guidance.

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

Germany's national long-stay (Type D) visas cover longer stays and residence in Germany — for work, study, family and residence — under rules set by Germany's authorities. Use the official EU visa-policy sources below and check Germany's embassy or consulate for the requirements that apply to you.

Next steps

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Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Schengen visa policy (European Commission) (opens in new tab)
Short-stay visas issued by Schengen countries (European Commission) (opens in new tab)

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.