Germany has effected changes to its Long Stay Visa system for 2025 to increase accessibility for skilled professionals, students, job seekers, business investors, and families.
The new changes are meant to attract a diverse range of talent to Germany’s economy by simplifying application processes, expanding eligibility, and offering new opportunities for work and relocation.
The Germany Long Stay Visa, according to the DAAD Scholarship, is essential for individuals planning to stay in Germany for More than 90 days. It covers a variety of purposes, including employment, study, family reunification, job-seeking, business investments, and training programs.
The introduction of the Opportunity Card, a new digitised application system, and updated visa categories are expected to simplify the visa process for applicants across the globe.
Germany’s Long Stay Visa is now available for several specific categories, including, employment & skilled work, study & research, job seekers (Chancenkarte), family reunification, business & freelancing, and training & internships.
Reports said that several updates have been introduced in 2025 to further simplify the visa process:
Opportunity card (Chancenkarte): This new points-based visa allows job seekers to enter Germany for up to one year while searching for employment. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. This visa also permits part-time work during the job search.
Streamlined EU blue card process: The salary thresholds for eligibility have been lowered, and a wider range of professions, including those in ICT, healthcare, and engineering, are now eligible.
Digitalisation of applications: Applicants can now submit their visa applications online via the German Consular Services Portal, reducing waiting times for appointments and visa issuance.
Recognition partnerships for foreign qualifications: Individuals can now enter Germany while completing the process of having their foreign qualifications recognised, allowing more flexibility for skilled professionals.
Under the updated system, individuals holding a Long Stay Visa in 2025 may have different work options depending on their visa type including:
Employment visa: Direct work rights with a job contract.
EU blue card: Allows high-skilled workers to work and live in Germany with relaxed work conditions.
Opportunity card: Permits job-seeking while allowing limited part-time work.
Student visa: Students can work up to 20 hours a week.
Freelancer visa: Allows self-employed professionals to work in Germany.
Job seeker visa: Does not permit work until employment is secured.
To apply for the Long Stay Visa, applicants must;
Determine the visa type: Choose the visa that aligns with your purpose of stay, such as employment, study, or family reunification.
Prepare documents: Gather necessary documents like passport, visa application form, financial proof, accommodation details, and any work or study-related documentation.
Schedule an appointment: Book a visa appointment at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate.
Attend the visa interview: Submit biometric data and original documents, and answer questions about your stay.
Visa processing: Visa processing typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks, after which applicants can collect their visas.
The application fee for a standard Long Stay Visa is €75, with variations for specific visa types, such as the EU Blue Card (€110) and Job Seeker Visa (€75).
Applicants must also show financial proof to ensure they can support themselves during their stay, e.g, €1,200 per month (€14,400 for a full year), while students need to demonstrate €11,208 per year.
