It happens that it is not enough to stay in Germany for 3 months, which the Schengen visa gives. Therefore, those wishing to come to the country will have to issue a so-called national visa to Germany.
Terms and purposes of obtaining a national visa to Germany
National visa (category D, II) is valid only in the territory of Germany. With the permission to stay in the country, the foreigner can be visited by other states that are members of the Schengen zone. With a national visa to Germany, the length of stay can vary from 3 months to several years, depending on the purpose of arrival in the country. By the way, a visa of category D can be extended in Germany at the request of the department dealing with cases of foreigners.
Registration of a national visa to Germany is usually handled by persons who plan:
- business or tourist trip lasting more than three months;
- studying at school, language courses, university in Germany;
- Work (including being an Au Pair or participating in volunteer projects);
- family reunification (for example, when marrying a German citizen and intending to live together in the country).
How to apply for a national visa to Germany?
To obtain a national visa for residents of Russia, you should apply to the German Embassy in Moscow. In addition, several consular departments operate in the Russian Federation: in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and Novosibirsk.
Citizens of Ukraine to apply for a national visa must apply to the visa center in Kiev, Lviv, Donetsk, Kharkov or Odessa.
To obtain a national visa to Germany will need a lot of documents. First of all it is necessary to fill out the application form in German. By the way, to obtain a visa category D you need to know the language. Therefore, to confirm the level of German language proficiency, please provide all the certificates, diplomas and certificates that you have. In addition to the package of documents are attached:
- photocopies of foreign and civil passports;
- Photo;
- medical insurance policy, valid for the whole trip;
- Armor tickets;
- documents that guarantee your return back - certificates from the place of study, work on the granting of leave, certificate of the availability of property, etc .;
- financial guarantees - certificates of income, bank statements, etc.
Additional documents will be required, depending on the purpose of the trip. For example, on a private visit, give an invitation from a German citizen. If you are traveling for the purpose of studying or working in Germany, attach an invitation from the institution, a certificate of accommodation in the hostel or hotel, etc. Family reunification will require copies of various documents (certificates of marriage, birth, etc.), depending on each specific situation.
The national visa is issued within 4-8 weeks. The package of documents should be submitted in person (the applicant is fingerprinted) and in advance, that is, at least one and a half months before the proposed trip. In addition, keep in mind that employees of the consular department usually conduct interviews with applicants.