Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Visa
My visa has been issued by the German Embassy Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi: Could I use this visa to make a sidetrip to other European countries (for example to France or Austria)? Yes , you can. According to the Schengen agreement, visas are also valid for Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Please note, however, that you always have to apply at the consulate of the country which is your primary destination. If you intend to visit several of the above-mentioned countries but do not have a primary destination, you should apply at the consulate of the country which is your first point of entry. |
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I've already made a trip to Germany with a visa ("Schengener Staaten" is mentioned on the visa sticker) issued by the German Embassy or Consulate. I think the visa is still valid and I`m planning now a business trip to Italy for example. Can I use this visa?
Yes, you can. Please check your visas' validity, its number of entries and the maximum duration of stay (both are mentioned on your visa sticker) carefully.
My flight itinerary requires an overnight stay at a German airport. Do I have to apply for an airport transit visa or a regular visa? As a Pakistani national you require an airport transit visa (that is a visa for short stopovers while you are waiting a few hours for your onward flight in the airport's international transit area). Please note that a stay in airport transit areas is only possible at the airports in Frankfurt/Main, Hamburg and München. However, as a Pakistani national you do not require an airport transit visa if you have a permanent residence permit for Andorra, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, UK, Vatican or the United States of America. Hotel accommodation is only available outside the transit area. Please apply for a regular tourist visa if you want to stay outside the airport overnight. |
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My flight itinerary requires airport transit in Germany, however I do not have a confirmed onward flight from Germany. Do I have to apply for an airport transit visa or a regular visa?
If you don't have a confirmed onward flight from Germany you have to apply for a regular tourist visa.
I am planning to apply for a visa at the German Embassy or Consulate, how long should my passport be valid ? Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months upon conclusion of your trip. |
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This website tells me that I have to show my bank statement when applying for a visa. I don't have a bank account / my balance is low and the trip will be paid by my friends/relatives in Germany. What do I have to submit ?
Ask your friends/relatives to sign an official affidavit of support (called "Verpflichtungserklärung" in German).
How can my friends/relatives in Germany get an official affidavit of support (so-called "Verpflichtungserklärung") ? Your friends can get this document at the local Aliens' office at their place of residence in Germany. Please bring the original of this affidavit when applying for your visa. |
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I want to visit my friends/relatives. My own funds are sufficient so I'm paying for the trip myself. What kind of invitation should I submit ?
Just ask your friends/relatives to send you an informal invitation. Name, address and a copy of the friend's/relative's passport. A copy of the residence permit is an additional requirement if your friend/relative in Germany is not a German national. If your friends/relatives pay for your travel expenses you will need to submit an official affidavit of support.
I have my own business and therefore cannot bring an employment letter. What documents should I submit ? Please include your business registration, your tax returns and your latest bank statement to complete your application. |
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Why am I required to have a health insurance coverage for the Schengen states ?
Imagine you have an accident during your stay in the Schengen states. Please check carefully whether your medical insurance will also cover costs for medical treatment abroad. If yours does not, you need to submit a health insurance covering your stay in Europe when applying for the visa.
Please see the list of health insurance companies in Pakistan complying with the Schengen requirements on our website.
My spouse is a German national. We both plan to establish a joint residence in Germany. Do I get a German work permit immediately after we move to Germany ? The residence permit will be issued by the Aliens' Office after your arrival in Germany. The issuance of a work permit is within the discretion of the Aliens'office at your future place of residence in Germany. |
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My spouse is a German national. We 're both residents in Pakistan and planning to spend our vacation in Germany. I learned from your list that I'm required to hold a visa to enter Germany. What do I have to submit ?
Just submit your application and the requirements listed for the type of visa you are applying for. If you attach an original or certified copy of your spouse's German passport and the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate you will get the visa free of charge and are exempt from the proof of health insurance and bank statement.
Please note, however, that your visa is only good for stays up to 90 days. If you want to live and work in Germany you need to apply for a residence permit.
I've heard that Germany has a shortage of IT specialists. I'm an IT-expert and would be interested to work in Germany. How can I find an employer and how can I apply for a residence and work permit ? The Federal Employment Agency has set up an online job fair (see link below) where you can introduce yourself and present your curriculum vitae. Companies also post job openings in this online fair. Of course, you may also apply directly to a company in Germany. As soon as you have a written formal notice that a work permit will be issued, you can apply for an entrance visa at the German Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction for your place of residence. |
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My employer is sending me to work in Germany for a few years in its office. May my wife and children follow me ?
Yes, in general they may. Aliens eligible to obtain a residence and work permit may be followed by members of their family. Please submit your marriage certificate and your children's birth certificates when applying for their residence permit.
I'm a legal resident alien in Pakistan and would like to work in Germany for a few years. However, I do not have any contact with an employer in Germany yet. How can I apply for a residence and work permit? First things first: It is essential to find an employer in Germany who is willing to make you a job offer. Once you got a job offer, please apply for a residence and work permit. |
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We want our minor child to accompany us to Germany. How do we apply for a visa ?
A birth certificate of your child is an additional requirement. The visa application of your child needs to be signed by both parents. Please make sure that you include a family court order if only one parent has full custody.
How long will I have to wait for my visa ? Usually, the processing time for visa applications is around 11 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months. |
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