Germany Launches Online Visa Application System for Long-term National Visas
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has embraced a new era of digitalization by transitioning to a digital platform for submitting long-term national visa applications. This change, which took effect on January 1, 2025, allows applicants from various countries, including Uzbekistan, to utilize the new system. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has hailed this move as an “administrative revolution”.
The online application process now covers 28 categories of long-term visas, such as those for work, study, or family reunification. However, short-term Schengen tourist visas are not included in this digital system. The aim of this transition is to streamline the visa process and attract highly skilled professionals from across the globe.
Minister Baerbock has emphasized the importance of this change in modernizing Germany’s immigration policies. She stated, “We cannot afford for bureaucratic delays to hinder top talent from contributing to our economy. Over the past 2.5 years, we have undergone a significant structural reform of the visa process. This marks the start of a truly digital immigration era and enhances Germany as a business hub.”
The electronic portal was initially launched in a pilot phase two years ago and has now expanded to 167 visa centers worldwide. While the system is accessible in many regions, applicants from certain countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are currently excluded. For these countries, the message “online application unavailable” is displayed when selecting their respective consulates.
On the other hand, citizens of Uzbekistan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, and other countries in Central Asia, the Baltic States, and the U.S. have access to the online portal.
Wondering how the system works? Applicants start by selecting the type of long-term visa they need, specify their country of residence, and choose the relevant consulate or embassy handling their case. The application then proceeds entirely online, eliminating the need for physical document submissions in the initial stages.
This digital transition marks a significant leap towards a more efficient and modern visa process in Germany, paving the way for a smoother and more inclusive immigration system.
