How much does a Germany long-stay visa cost?

For a Germany long-stay visa, the consular fee is €75. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National visa (standard) — €75; Applicants under 18 — €37.5; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Scholarship holders (DAAD and public funds) — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. After arrival you must convert the national visa into a residence permit at the local foreigners' authority, which costs approximately €100. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Germany long-stay visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany long-stay visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Germany long-stay visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; Purpose-of-stay evidence: job offer, admission letter, or marriage/birth certificates for family reunification; Proof of financing (salary, blocked account or formal obligation letter); Health insurance valid from the date of entry; German language certificate (A1) for spouse reunification, where applicable; Legalised and translated civil status documents where required; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Germany long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Germany long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany long-stay (national d) visa — used for stays longer than 90 days, followed by a national residence permit. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Germany consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€75

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany long-stay visa

German Embassy London or Consulate General Edinburgh (or their outsourced partner) for national visas covering work, study, family reunification and job-seeking.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies)
2 biometric photos
Purpose-of-stay evidence: job offer, admission letter, or marriage/birth certificates for family reunification
Proof of financing (salary, blocked account or formal obligation letter)
Health insurance valid from the date of entry
German language certificate (A1) for spouse reunification, where applicable
Legalised and translated civil status documents where required
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

National visa (standard)€75
Applicants under 18€37.5
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Scholarship holders (DAAD and public funds)Free
VFS/TLS service fee€30

After arrival you must convert the national visa into a residence permit at the local foreigners' authority, which costs approximately €100.

Booking an appointment

National visa appointments are booked through the mission's online system; waits of 4–10 weeks for a slot are common. Family reunification slots are often a separate queue.

Practical tips

Bring two full sets of every document — German missions keep duplicates. Book the appointment as soon as you have the core evidence; slots are the long pole, not the paperwork.

What is unusual about the Germany process

The local Ausländerbehörde must usually consent to national visas, which is why processing routinely takes up to 3 months.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Germany Visa Application Centre – London
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Manchester — Germany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Edinburgh — Germany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Germany consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Germany long-stay visa cost?: For a Germany long-stay visa, the consular fee is €75. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National visa (standard) — €75; Applicants under 18 — €37.5; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Scholarship holders (DAAD and public funds) — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. After arrival you must convert the national visa into a residence permit at the local foreigners' authority, which costs approximately €100. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany long-stay visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany long-stay visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Germany long-stay visa?: German Embassy London or Consulate General Edinburgh (or their outsourced partner) for national visas covering work, study, family reunification and job-seeking. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany long-stay visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; Purpose-of-stay evidence: job offer, admission letter, or marriage/birth certificates for family reunification; Proof of financing (salary, blocked account or formal obligation letter); Health insurance valid from the date of entry; German language certificate (A1) for spouse reunification, where applicable; Legalised and translated civil status documents where required; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Germany long-stay visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. National visa appointments are booked through the mission's online system; waits of 4–10 weeks for a slot are common. Family reunification slots are often a separate queue.
Can I apply for a Germany long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇩🇪 Germany long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time