Non-EU foreigners need a visa to enter Germany. The type of visa depends on the duration of the planned stay. If you want to travel to Germany for a short time (less than 90 days), e.g. for a family visit or a business trip, you need a Schengen visa. If you are planning a longer stay (more than 90 days), e.g. for study purposes, you will need a long-term visa (national visa).

National Visa / Long Term Visa

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If you are planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, for example, to take up studies, for family reunion or for employment, you must apply for a national visa.

You can find information on visas for the various purposes on the following pages:

• Student visa
• Visa for family reunion
• Visa for employment (professional training, employment, voluntary service, AuPair, etc.)
• You can register for an appointment here.

If you are planning a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days, you must apply for a Schengen visa.
In the Central African Republic, Germany has no foreign representation and is represented in certain cases by the French Embassy.

To apply for a Schengen visa, please contact the French Embassy in Bangui directly if you meet all the following requirements:

• Your main destination Germany
• You have residency in the Central African Republic
• You are a Central African Republic national

If you are resident in the Central African Republic but do not have citizenship, please contact the German Embassy in Yaounde in order to apply for a visa.

• You can find information on Schengen visa here.
• You can register for an appointment here.