General Information

If you plan to stay more than 90 days within a period of 180 days or take up employment you need to have a national visa or residence permit. 

Korean nationals can apply for a necessary residence permit within 90 days of arrival with the competent aliens authority in Germany. The same applies to citizens of the following countries: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America.

Other nationals have to apply for a national visa before their travel to Germany. During the visa process the Embassy often needs to contact organisations and institutions in Germany, therefor issuing the visa can take some time. Be sure to apply as early as possible.

A national long-term visa (D-visa) also allows you to travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. For further Information, click here.

If you are working for the US military and you are "PCS'ing" to Germany, please click here.

The visa application fee is 75 Euros and is to be paid on application in cash in KRW (at current exchange rate) or with Visa/MasterCard in Euro. If the visa is refused or the application withdrawn by the applicant, the visa fee will not be reimbursed.
 

Please note that there is no legal claim to a visa. Submitting the documents mentioned below does not automatically guarantee the issuance of the visa.
 

Study Visa

Visa applicants for studies (incl. preparatory courses), seeking a study place as well as basic and advanced training can apply for their visa online through the Consular Services Portal. You can find more information here.
Alternatively, you can still hand in your visa application at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul with the documents listed below. Please note, however, that the available visa appointments for those categories are very limited.

Documents:

• one filled out and signed application form (online / PDF)
• Valid passport + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa.
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• Two recent passport photographs not older than 6 months (white background – 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Acceptance letter of a German University and proof of knowledge of teaching language according to the acceptance letter
• Motivation letter
• evidence of prior study performances (if any)
• Proof of funding, e.g.:
  - blocked account or
  - confirmation of scholarship (at least the same amount, that is required for the blocked account) or
  - official declaration of financial support from Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung“)
• Proof of private health insurance. You can use the German "incoming" health insurance. A travel insurance will not be sufficient.

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Study Applicants

Visa applicants for studies (incl. preparatory courses), seeking a study place as well as basic and advanced training can apply for their visa online through the Consular Services Portal. You can find more information here.
Alternatively, you can still hand in your visa application at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul with the documents listed below. Please note, however, that the available visa appointments for those categories are very limited.

Documents:

• filled out and signed application form (online / PDF)
• valid passport (the original will be returned to you after application) + copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after expiring date of the visa.
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + copy
• two recent passport photographs, not older than 6 months( white background – 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• confirmation of an authorisation showing that the applicant is allowed to commence a course of study in Germany (i.e. school leaving certificate,
• certificate showing that the applicant has passed the university entrance examination)
• Motivation letter
• Proof of private health insurance. You can use the German "incoming" health insurance. A travel insurance will not be sufficient.
• Proof of funding, e.g.:
  - blocked account or
  - confirmation of scholarship (at least the same amount, that is required for the blocked account) or
  - official declaration of financial support from Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung“)
• evidence of prior study performances (if any)
• proof of knowledge of teaching language or a registration for a German preparatory or intensive language course

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.
 

Please note:

- Pursuing a gainful occupation is not allowed before the studies have commenced (hereby
comprised is e.g. the time needed for preparation language courses).

- After the entry with a valid visa, the applicant needs to apply for a residence permit which allows to commence studies in Germany at the responsible German aliens authority after having entered Germany. The application should be handed in before the visa has expired.

Language Course

For the visa application the following documents need to be handed in personally and in original at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul.

• one filled out and signed application form (online / PDF)
• valid passport + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa.
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• two recent passport photographs not older than 6 months(light background – 3,5x 4,5 cm)
• confirmation of the registration for a German language course that comprises at least 18 hours of language training per week (e.g. registration document, invoice showing that a down payment has been made)
• Detailed motivation letter containing information regarding the intended duration and goal (B1, C1,...) as well as previous studies of German language, if applicable
• Proof of private health insurance. You can use the German "incoming" health insurance. A travel insurance will not be sufficient.
• Proof of sufficient financial means, e.g.:
                - blocked account or
                - confirmation of scholarship (at least the same amount, that is requiered for the blocked account) or
                - formal obligation from Germany

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Please note:

- During the duration of the language course it is not allowed to pursue a gainful occupation.

- Due to the shortness of a language course it usually is out of the question that spouses and/or children accompany or join the principal visa holder.

Au Pair

For the visa application the following documents have to be handed in personally and in original at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul.

• application form (online / PDF) duly filled out and signed
• valid passport (the original will be returned to you after application) + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiring date of the visa.
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• two recent passport photographs not older than 6 months (white background – 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Proof of  basic knowledge of the German language
• Motivation letter
• Au Pair contract, with a mainly German speaking family or from an Au Pair agency   * contract sample

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Please note:

- The duration of the Au Pair trip must be at least 6 and maximum 12 months.

- You need to be at least 18 years old (you can apply at the age of 17 when you turn 18 before you start your trip). You must not be older than 26 years on the day of application.

- It is not possible to apply more than 6 months before you start your trip.

- The visa officer may conduct a short interview in order to test your basic knowledge of the German language.

Researchers and Scientists

For the visa application the following documents need to be handed in personally and in original at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul.

Documents:

• one filled out and signed application form (online / PDF)
• valid passport (the original will be returned to you after application) + one copy of the identification pages. The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• two recent passport size photos not older than 6 months (light background – 3.5x4.5 cm)
• a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) between the research organisation and the researcher according to §18d AufenthG (Please see a sample on the website of BAMF)
  either the certificate of employment of the current employer or the attestation of an ongoing graduation
  proof of the most recent university degree
• Proof of funding, e.g.
• confirmation of a scholarship issued by the inviting research facility
  document confirming the cost absorption by the sending research facility
  employment contract including details about salary
• own salary slips and bank statements of the last 6 month
• Proof of valid and sufficient private medical insurance in Germany, for example“Incoming” insurances in Germany (not required if employed in Germany). Travel insurance is not sufficient.

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Please note:

In the visa procedure, the interest in entering the country must be carefully weighed against the security interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the case of visa applications for study and research stays and comparable employment, particular care must be taken to ensure that the knowledge acquired in Germany cannot be misused for purposes that could impair or threaten the peaceful coexistence of peoples and/or public order, security or health in Germany. 

In individual cases, this can lead to a longer processing time for the visa application (up to several months).

Work

Most visa applicants who want to take up employment in Germany can now apply for their visa online through the Consular Services Portal (except for researchers, interns and those who are self-employed). You can find more information here.

Alternatively, you can still hand in your visa application at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul with the documents listed below. Please note, however, that the available visa appointments for those categories are very limited.

Documents:

• application form (online / PDF) duly completed and signed
• valid passport (and one copy of the identification pages). The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiring date of the visa.
• two recent passport photographs not older than 6 months (light background – 3,5x4,5 cm)
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• one copy of the employment contract with the German employer, if available
• original and one copy of the “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” (Declaration of employment form) completed and signed by the employer; in case of assignment in addition the annex B. You can find those documents on the website of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit
• invitation letter (original) of the German employer including the employer's address and contact person in Germany
• proof of your qualification (university degrees, trainings, job experience)
• curriculum vitae
• Proof of valid and sufficient private medical insurance in Germany, for example “Incoming” insurances in Germany. Travel insurance is not sufficient.

In individual cases submission of additional documents might be necessary.
 

Please note:

- A decision on the application will only be made after consultation with the competent foreigners authority and the Federal Employment Office in Germany.  After the entry with a visa, an extension of the residence and work permit can be obtained at the competent foreigners authority in Germany.

Opportunity Card

Visa applicants for the Opportunity Card can apply for their visa online through the Consular Services Portal. You can find more information here. 

The opportunity card makes it possible for people with a state-recognized vocational qualification of at least two years or a university degree to look for a job in Germany. The opportunity card can also be used to search for measures to recognize foreign professional qualifications in Germany.
Please use the → Self-Check to find out if you meet the requirements.

Alternatively, you can still hand in your visa application at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul with the documents listed below. Please note, however, that the available visa appointments for those categories are very limited.

Documents:

• an application form (online / PDF) duly completed and signed
• a valid passport (and a copy of the identification pages). The passport should be valid for at least 3 months after expiring date of the visa.
• two recent passport photographs not older than 6 months (light background – 3,5x4,5 cm)
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + a copy
• Proof of your qualification (university degrees, trainings). Further information can be found here.
• a detailed motivation letter providing information on the planned course of action to secure a job (sector, region, intended place of residence/accommodation etc.)
• curriculum vitae
• Proof of funding, e.g.:
     - secured financial status (e.g., blocked account) or
     - an employment contract for a secondary employment or a binding job offer detailing the weekly working hours and your monthly wage or
     - formal obligation from Germany
• Proof of valid and sufficient private medical insurance in Germany, for example “Incoming” insurances in Germany. Travel insurance is not sufficient.

In individual cases submission of additional documents might be necessary.

Please note:

- After the entry with a visa, an extension of the residence and work permit can be obtained at the competent foreigners authority in Germany.

Family Reunion

Visa applicants for family reunion (except for subsidiary protection) can apply for their visa online through the Consular Services Portal. You can find more information here.
Alternatively, you can still hand in your visa application at the consular section of the German Embassy in Seoul with the documents listed below. Please note, however, that the available visa appointments for those categories are very limited.

Documents:

• application form (online / PDF) duly completed and signed
• valid passport (and one copy of the identification pages). The passport should be valid for at least 3 month after the expiration date of the visa.
• Proof of Korean residence permit (Alien Registration Card), if applicable + one copy
• two recent passport photographs, not older than 6 months(light background – 3,5 x 4,5 cm)
• documents proving the relationship (e.g. marriage/birth certificate), Original and one copy + German translation if applicable:
  • e. g. Korean Certificate of Marital Status with “Apostille“ in case of reunion with spouse,
    Korean Familiy Certificate with “Apostille“ in case of reunion with child/ren etc.
  • documents from other countries / other pertinent documents
    (Apostille, legalisation or verification procedure might be necessary in individual cases depending on the issuing country. Please consult the website of the German mission in the country of origin.)
• copy of the passport of the relative/spouse living in Germany; in case the relative/spouse does not have the German citizenship, a copy of the German residence permit needs to be submitted
• proof of basic knowledge of German language (please check separate leaflet); normally not required in case of reunion with a child under age

In individual cases the submission of additional documents might be necessary.
 

Please note:

- In case of reunion with a German or EU citizen the visa fee is waived.

- The Embassy may only issue a visa with the consent of the competent foreigners authority in Germany. Visa processing times therefor vary a lot and can extend to several months.

- Citizens of the Republic of Korea may enter Germany without a visa and apply for the residence permit within 90 days after arrival in Germany at the local foreigners authority. Prior consultation with the foreigners authority is recommended.

Application Forms

Now you can use the online application form also for national visa applications. Please enter your information on this website, print out the complete form (with the barcodes) and bring it to your appointment.
 

You also can use the application form in PDF.