Germany Immigration: Visa Types, Requirements, & How to Apply

Immigration to Germany

Germany is a great place to live, work, and study. It has a strong economy, good job opportunities, and a rich culture. Thus without any doubt we can say that Germany immigration offers numerous opportunities for individuals seeking better career prospects, quality education, and a secure future abroad. If you want to move to Germany, the immigration process is easier than you might think.

Germany Immigration from India

Many people from India move to Germany for jobs, education, and a better lifestyle. With good job opportunities and easy visa processes, Germany immigration from India is popular and accomplishable. Whether you’re applying for a job seeker visa, exploring the benefits of the Germany Opportunity Card, or aiming for Germany permanent residency, the process is structured and achievable. Families can also reunite through the Family Reunification Visa Germany, while short-term travelers can opt for a Germany Schengen Visa.

Types of German Visas

Types of German Visas
The Germany immigration pathways are given by:

1. Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) – Job Seeker Visa

The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based visa that allows skilled professionals to live and search for jobs in Germany for up to one year.

Key Features:

No job offer required before applying.
You can work part-time (20 hours/week) while job hunting.
Scoring system based on education, work experience, language skills, and age

Who should apply?

Skilled professionals without a job offer who want to explore career opportunities in Germany.

2. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled professionals with a job offer in Germany.

Key Features:

Faster permanent residency (after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German).
Spouses can join and work without restrictions
Valid for 4 years (or duration of employment + 3 months).

Who should apply?

Professionals in STEM, healthcare, and skilled trades with a high salary offer in Germany.

3. Germany Student Visa

For students enrolled in full-time university programs in Germany.

Key Features:

Allows part-time work (120 full days or 240 half days per year).
Can apply for a job-seeker visa after graduation.
Valid for course duration + 18 months for job search.

Who should apply?

Students planning to study in Germany and later work there.

4. Family Reunion Visa

For spouses, children, and dependents joining a family member legally residing in Germany, a
Family Reunion Visa is required.

Key Features:

Spouses can work immediately if the sponsor holds an EU Blue Card.
Spouse must know basic German (A1 level) unless an exemption applies.
Children under 18 can join parents in Germany.

Who should apply?

Family members of German residents or work visa holders.

5. Schengen Visa (Tourist & Business Visa)

A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa for visiting Germany for tourism, business, or family visits (valid for 90 days).

Eligibility Criteria:

Valid passport (6-month validity).
Travel itinerary (hotel booking, flight tickets).
Financial proof (bank statements, salary slips).
Health insurance (coverage of €30,000).

Who should apply?

Those traveling to Germany for tourism, business meetings, or family visits.

Germany Immigration Requirements

German immigration rules can be pretty detailed and they do change from time to time. So, to make things easier for you, here’s a simple breakdown of the key points and where you can find reliable info!
To move to Germany, you need:

A valid passport
Enough money to support yourself
Health insurance
Education certificates and work experience (if needed)
Basic knowledge of the German language (for some visas)
A job offer (for work visas)

How to Apply for German Visa

Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Germany offers different types of visas based on your purpose of travel, such as tourist, student, work, or family reunion visas. Research and select the visa category that fits your needs.

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Visit the official German consulate or embassy website and download the appropriate visa application form. Carefully fill in all required details, ensuring accuracy to avoid delays.

Step 3: Book an Appointment at the German Consulate

Once your application form is complete, schedule an appointment with the German consulate or embassy in your country. Appointments are usually booked online, so check availability in advance.

Step 4: Gather and Submit Your Documents

Prepare all necessary documents, including your passport, visa application form, proof of financial means, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and any other specific requirements for your visa type. Ensure all documents are up to date and meet the guidelines provided by the consulate.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

On the scheduled date, visit the German consulate or embassy for your visa interview. Be punctual, dress appropriately, and be prepared to answer questions about your trip, financial status, and intent to return to your home country.

Step 6: Wait for Your Visa Approval

After your interview, the processing time varies depending on your visa type and personal circumstances. Track your application status through the consulate’s website and wait for a decision. Once approved, you can collect your visa and start planning your trip to Germany!

Germany Immigration Points Calculator

Unlike other Germany immigration pathways, such as the EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa, which rely on qualifications and job offers, the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is the only visa that follows a points-based system.
Below is the Germany Opportunity Card Points System:

Category	Points
Education & Work Experience
Diplomas/qualifications partly recognized by Germany	4 points
5+ years of work experience in the past 7 years	3 points
2+ years of work experience in the past 5 years	2 points
Vocational training in a bottleneck profession (e.g., nursing, IT, engineering, construction)	1 bonus point
Language Skills
German Level B2 and above	3 points
German Level B1	2 points
German Level A1 – A2	1 point
English Level C1 and above	1 bonus point
Age
Under 35 years	2 points
Between 35 – 40 years	1 point
Ties to Germany
Previous stays in Germany (6+ months in the last 5 years, except tourism)	1 point
Spouse
If your spouse is also eligible and applying for Chancenkarte	1 point

To qualify for the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), you must score at least 6 points based on the points system.

Pathway to German Permanent Residency and Citizenship

If you are planning for Germany immigration, you can live in Germany permanently or become a citizen:

Permanent Residency: After living and working in Germany for 27 months, or 21 months if you know German well.
Citizenship: After 8 years of living in Germany (or 7 years if you complete an integration course) and knowing German culture and laws.

How CanApprove Simplifies Your Immigration Process

CanApprove helps you at every step in your Germany immigration journey, including:

Checking if you qualify for immigration
Helping with paperwork and SOP
Guiding you through the visa process
Preparing you for the visa interview
Supporting you after you arrive in Germany

We make the process smooth and easy.

Why CanApprove is the Best Germany Immigration Consultant

Here’s why CanApprove is the Best Germany Immigration Consultant:

Years of experience in immigration services
Many happy clients who successfully moved to Germany
Clear and honest advice
Personal support from friendly experts
Help even after you move to Germany

Choose CanApprove for an easy and successful Germany immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I immigrate to Germany?

You can immigrate to Germany through various pathways, including:

German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): If you have skills in demand, you can enter Germany to search for a job.
Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a German employer, you can apply for a work visa.
EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals with a high salary offer.
Study Visa: If you plan to study in Germany, you can later transition to a work visa.
Family Reunion Visa: If you have family members in Germany.

Is Germany an immigrant-friendly country?

Yes, Germany is immigrant-friendly, especially for skilled workers. The country has introduced various immigration reforms to attract professionals due to labor shortages. However, integration depends on factors like language proficiency, qualifications, and employment prospects.

Is it easy to get PR in Germany for Indians?

Getting Permanent Residency (PR) in Germany requires fulfilling certain conditions:

Hold a German work visa or EU Blue Card for at least 27 months (21 months if you know German at B1 level).
Be financially stable and have health insurance.
If you have studied in Germany, you can apply for PR after 2 years of full-time work.
PR is easier if you are a skilled worker or highly qualified professional.

What is the cost of living in Germany?

The cost of living varies by city. On average, a single person needs around €1,000–€1,500 approx. per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.

How long does it take to get a German visa?

The processing time for a German visa depends on the type of visa and can take anywhere from 15 days to several months.