German Visa: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements for 2025
Traveling to Germany has never been so organized and accessible. Regardless of whether your purpose is study, residence, or work, if you are not a citizen of one of the 62 Schengen Agreement member countries, you must apply for a German visa. Citizens of Schengen member states may travel visa‑free, although their stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days within any 180‑day period.
By completing a free evaluation form, you can receive expert guidance and the latest information on the various types of German visas. You may also contact the specialists at Koh Noor Migration Institute to obtain comprehensive details about the visa requirements.
Do I Need a German Visa?
If you are not a citizen of one of the 62 Schengen member countries, you must apply for a German visa for travel, study, residence, or work in Germany. Otherwise, you can enter Germany for migration, tourism, or business without a visa, though the duration of your stay is limited to 90 days within a 180‑day period.
Types of German Visas
German visas are broadly classified into two categories: short‑term and long‑term visas. In this classification, the family reunion visa is considered a short‑term visa, and its application process differs from that of long‑term visas. Below are the most important visa types available:
Long-Term Visas:
- Study Visa (Student Visa)
- Family Reunion Visa
- Research/Scientific Visa
Short-Term Visas:
- Tourist Visa
- Work Visa
- Transit Visa
- Business Visa
- Internship Visa
- Job Seeker Visa
- Medical Visa
- Language Course Visa
Visa Fees for 2025
For 2025, you must pay your German visa fees in cash (in euros) directly at the German Embassy. It is recommended that you have the exact amount ready, and note that the fee can only be paid in banknotes.
The cost depends on both the purpose of your trip and your nationality. For example, adult applicants for a short‑term visa must pay €80, while another short‑term visa fee is set at €75. These fees are non‑refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
Transit, Schengen, and Other Specific Visas
German Transit Visa:
Designed for travelers who are not permitted to exit the airport, the transit visa allows you to change flights within a Schengen airport en route to a non‑Schengen destination. Note that transit visas are only required if your final destination is not in the Schengen area.
Schengen Visa for Germany:
Since Germany is part of the Schengen Area, a Schengen visa permits travel within all Schengen member countries. Applicants must appear for an interview when submitting their application. Depending on your travel purpose, the key visa types issued by Germany include work, study, and tourist visas. To apply for any of these visas, you must meet the respective requirements.
For family travel, each family member must complete a separate application form. Documents provided will be held by embassy staff for approximately 15 days, and you will be charged around 200,000 Iranian Tomans for the document review process.
Schengen Visa Types and Fees:
- Type A (Transit, less than 48 hours):
- Applicants under 12: Free
- Applicants 12 and older: €80 to €100
- Type B (Transit, up to 5 days):
- Under 12: Free
- Adults: €80 to €100
- Type C (Tourist Schengen Visa):
- Applicants under 6: Free
- Ages 6 to 12: €40
- Over 12: €80 to €100
- Type D (National Visa for long-term stay):
- Under 6: Free
- Ages 6 to 12: €40
- Over 12: €80 to €100
Study Visa (German Student Visa)
The study visa is for applicants who plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, typically for programs lasting longer than three months. Non‑resident students are allowed to work part‑time up to 240 days (equivalent to 120 full‑time days) during their studies. A B2-level German language certificate is required, which may also help you qualify for tuition‑free education in Germany.
Language Course Visa:
This short‑term visa is for individuals wishing to attend German language courses, with a duration ranging from a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 12 months. Applicants must have valid health insurance and sufficient financial means.
Business Visa
A German business visa can be obtained by providing a valid passport, a standard photo, an invitation letter, and other required documents. This visa is mainly issued to those attending trade conferences or business meetings. To qualify, either you must register your own company (entrepreneurship) or have a German company invite you. Once your visa interview appointment is fixed, it cannot be changed or canceled. With a business visa, you initially receive a one-year permit, which may be extended based on your employment status, and after 5 years, it can lead to permanent residency.
Tourist Visa
For travel to Germany purely for tourism, you must apply for a tourist visa. Germany, with its rich cultural and natural attractions, is an excellent destination for leisure travelers. The tourist visa (Type C) is valid for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period. It requires proof of sufficient financial means—over €8,000—and a tourist invitation letter to reduce the risk of rejection. Note that holders of a tourist visa are not permitted to work or study.
Interview and Other Procedures
When applying for any type of German visa, you must attend an in‑person interview at the embassy. During the interview, you will need to provide your fingerprints (except for children under 12), along with all required documents. It is crucial to have no electronic devices (mobile phone, laptop, or tablet) with you during your interview. Appointment booking for the German Embassy is free, and you must schedule it directly on the embassy’s website—no travel agencies or intermediaries are allowed.
Appointment Booking and Additional Information
To book an appointment for a German visa in Tehran, visit the official website:
https://teheran.diplo.de/ir-fa
Navigate to “Services for Iranians” > “Visa” and follow the online instructions.
Alternatively, you can call the embassy at +98 22 667800 to secure an appointment. It is recommended that you book your appointment at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date.
This guide summarizes the essential conditions and procedures for obtaining a German visa in 2025. Thorough preparation—by ensuring all required documents are complete, following the correct appointment procedures, and understanding the different visa types—will increase your chances of a successful application. For the most current information, please consult the official website of the German Embassy in Tehran or contact a reputable migration consultant.
