Citizens of third countries - countries that are not members of the European Union - need a visa to enter and stay in Germany. They can apply for these visas at the relevant foreign mission, consulate or embassy. Different visas are required depending on the purpose of entry and the intended length of stay. Therefore, in addition to the common Schengen visa and national visa, there are also special visas for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors. O. Law helps you to apply for the visa that suits your purpose and to collect the necessary documents.
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A Schengen visa allows third-country nationals to stay or transit within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa is ideal for short-term stays such as business travel or tourism. Requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa include:
The process from visa application at the embassy to visa issuance usually takes about 45 days.
Applying for a Schengen visa requires the fulfillment of certain conditions and the submission of various documents. The required documents include:
Please note that additional documents may be required depending on individual circumstances. This list covers the essential documents required for preparation.
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Third-country nationals wishing to stay in the Schengen area for more than three months or to carry out business activities require a National Visa. Similar to the Schengen visa, this must be applied for at the relevant embassy or consulate before entry. The application process can take several months. In addition, an expedited expert procedure is available to expedite this process, but processing times vary, so it is important to consider whether this costly procedure is feasible.
For long-term stays in Germany, more extensive documentation and additional paperwork
are required for the National Visa application. Requirements vary depending on the purpose
of your stay.
Please note that additional documents may be required; this list is not exhaustive.
Planning a long-term stay in Germany? We can help you with your National Visa application!
Many consulates require applicants to make an appointment in advance to submit application materials
On the date of the appointment, the applicant must visit the embassy or consulate in person to submit the documents and provide biometric data
(fingerprints and photograph).
The visa fee must be paid during the application process. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. In general, the fee for a short-term Schengen visa is 80 Euros.
The processing time for a Schengen visa is usually 15 days. However, if additional documents are requested or a more detailed investigation is required, the processing time may increase to 30 to 60 days.
After processing, the applicant will be notified of the decision. If approved, the visa will be affixed to the passport. The applicant may pick up the passport in person or have it mailed to them.
If the application is denied, the applicant will receive a written notice stating the reasons for the denial. The applicant has the right to appeal or reapply within a specified period.
By carefully following these steps and submitting complete and accurate documents,
the Schengen visa application process can be smooth and successful.
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Germany offers the Self-Employment Visa Section 21 of the Residence Act (§ 21 AufenthG) to facilitate the entry and residence of third-country nationals who are entrepreneurs, self-employed persons and investors in Germany. This visa distinguishes between entrepreneurs and self-employed persons, and the conditions for granting the visa vary.
This visa is for third-country nationals who wish to start a new business or take over an existing business in Germany. The following requirements must be:
This visa is for self-employed persons who wish to pursue a freelance profession. The following requirements must be met:
The process from application to visa issuance can take several months. Successful self-employed persons can extend the duration of their visa.
Are you an entrepreneur who needs a self-employment visa to stay in Germany?
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The special status of the family is constitutionally protected in Germany, and this protection extends to immigrants. Third-country nationals with a residence permit, sufficient income, and adequate living space may apply for family reunification. The right to family reunification applies only to the core family, including spouses and minor children. Residence permits for other relatives are granted only in exceptional cases. Spouses must prove basic knowledge of the German language before entry unless an exceptional situation applies.
As an international law firm based in Düsseldorf and specializing in commercial, corporate, and immigration law, we regularly advise international companies and investors on business immigration to Germany. Proper and thorough preparation is crucial when applying for the appropriate visa. We ensure that you receive the necessary residence permit for your business purposes on time and without surprises.