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What does "Category D visa" mean in English?

Last updated on 14 March 2024

The Category D visa, also known as the National Visa, is a German long-stay visa that allows individuals to reside in Germany for more than 90 days. It is typically issued for purposes such as employment, study, family reunion, or research.

What is “Category D visa”?

The Category D visa is a type of visa specifically for those who wish to stay in Germany for an extended period, usually for more than three months. It is relevant for non-EU nationals who plan to work, study, or live in Germany for a long duration. This visa is also a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit once in Germany, which is necessary for long-term stays.

More information about “Category D visa”

The Category D visa is usually valid for three to twelve months and must be converted into a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) after arrival in Germany[6]. The process for obtaining this visa involves meeting specific requirements, such as having a job offer from a German employer, being accepted into a German university, or joining family members residing in Germany[2]. Applicants must also demonstrate financial stability and have valid health insurance coverage[2][3].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Category D visa:

  • Ausländerbehörde: The local immigration office in Germany where you apply for a residence permit after entering with a Category D visa.
  • Anmeldung: The registration process with local authorities that must be completed within two weeks of moving into a new residence in Germany.
  • Blue Card: A specific type of residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals with a job offer in Germany that meets certain salary requirements.

The Category D visa is an essential step for non-EU nationals planning a long-term stay in Germany for various purposes such as work, study, or family reunification[2][6].

Sources

[1] https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa/long-stay-visas/2442162 [2] https://total.law/us-to-de/visa/national-visa-germany/ [3] https://www.germany.info/blob/2435498/190adda1627c2c40c13b644a8ea76eb6/research-visa-data.pdf [4] https://handbookgermany.de/en/national-visa [5] https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/-/215870 [6] https://allaboutberlin.com/glossary/Category%20D%20visa [7] https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/visa/employment-visa/922292 [8] https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/buergerservice/faq/-/606848 [9] https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/buergerservice/faq/18-schengeneinreised/606726 [10] https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa/-/2449340 [11] https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/germany/uae/english/pdf/study-in-germany1.pdf [12] https://www.localyze.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-german-work-visas-and-permits [13] https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/faqs/EN/topics/civil-protection/coronavirus/travel-restrictions-border-control/IV-restrictions-applying-to-air-and-sea-travel-outside-of-europe/what-special-conditions-apply-to-entry-into-germany-by-family-members-who-are-third-country-nationals.html [14] https://visaguide.world/europe/germany-visa/long-stay/ [15] https://hallogermany.com/blog/work-visa-residence-permit-requirements [16] https://total.law/uk-to-de/visa/national-visa-germany/ [17] https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/-/2449446 [18] https://www.germany.info/us-en/embassy-consulates/losangeles/visa-procedure-la---new/971662 [19] https://allaboutberlin.com/glossary/National%20Visa [20] https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/visa/residence-visa/922288