Eligibility Quiz
Documents Required
Essential Documents (All Applicants)
- Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid for at least 6 months beyond entry, with 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application form (VIDEX form)
- 2 biometric passport photos
- Proof of qualifications: Degree certificate, transcripts, and official recognition notice (or Anabin/BQ Portal printout confirming recognition status)
- Proof of financial means (see below for options)
- Health insurance certificate meeting German standards
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence
- CV/resume in English or German
For Points-Based Applicants (Additional)
- Language proficiency certificates: Goethe-Institut, IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for A1 German or B2 English
- Proof of relevant work experience: Employment confirmation letters from current and previous employers, with dates and job titles
- Printout of Self-Check results showing your points calculation
- Motivation letter: Explaining your job search plans, target sectors, preferred cities, and integration intentions
Qualification Recognition Documents
- For foreign degrees: Statement of Comparability from ZAB or official recognition certificate from the competent German authority
- For vocational training: Documentation proving your qualification is state-recognized in the country where you obtained it
- Anabin database printout (for university degrees) or BQ Portal printout (for vocational qualifications) confirming recognition status
Financial Proof Documents
You can demonstrate financial means through one of the following:
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) confirmation showing €1,091 per month available (can be opened with providers like Expatrio, Fintiba, or Deutsche Bank; typically takes 1–2 weeks and can be done entirely online)
- Declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany
- Employment contract for part-time work in Germany (up to 20 hours per week)
Translation and Apostille Requirements
All documents not in German or English must be professionally translated and certified. Submit documents unstapled and in the sequence prescribed by the processing authority.