05.02 · India — visa & stay in Germany

India –
Visa for
Germany.

Indian citizens require this for every stay in Germany a visa. The demand for work and study visas has increased sharply. Particularly in demand: EU Blue Card for IT specialists, Studies (with APS certificate) and the visa to search for a training place.

Visa requirementfor all stays
approximately 8-16 weeksProcessing time
Embassy DelhiConsulates General Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – all options for Indian citizens

The German embassy in New Delhi is the central contact point. Processing times are particularly long - early planning is crucial.

01 Visa types

Schengen Visa vs. National Visa

Visa typeDurationPurposeSpecial feature
Schengen visa (Type C)max. 90 daysTourism, business trip, familyNo employment
National visa (Type D)over 90 daysStudy, work, EU Blue Card, training, research, language courseAllows the requested activity
Job search visa6 monthsJob search for qualified specialistsFor graduates only; no prior job confirmation required
Wait times for appointments are currently 8-16 weeks. For students from India this is APS certificate Mandatory since 2022 (Academic Testing Center). No study visa will be processed without an APS certificate.

APS certificate – mandatory for students

What the APS certificate is, how to get it and how long it takes

The Academic Testing Center (APS) in New Delhi checks the authenticity of Indian study certificates. Without this certificate, the embassy will not accept a study visa application.

02 APS procedure

Registration, document verification, interview (partial)

  • Registration: Online on the APS website (aps-india.de), fee approx. 18,000 INR (approx. €200).
  • Documents to be submitted: Certificates (10th, 12th grade, Bachelor/Master), grade sheets, passport, birth certificate - all in English (no translation necessary).
  • Duration: 6-12 weeks from submitting the application to receiving the certificate.
  • Interview: In some cases, a short interview (by telephone or on site) will be conducted to confirm the authenticity of the documents.
The APS certificate must before when applying for the visa. Allow at least 3 months for the APS process before booking your visa appointment.

Blue Card EU & IT professionals

Indian IT specialists are in high demand – the simplified process

The EU Blue Card is the fastest route for highly qualified Indian professionals (especially IT, engineers, scientists).

03 EU Blue Card

Minimum salary, language skills, accelerated procedure

  • Minimum salary 2025: €48,300 gross/year (normal case); for shortage occupations (IT, engineers) €43,759.
  • Proof of language skills for the Blue Card: No legal requirement, but employers usually expect B1-B2. B1 is required for the subsequent settlement permit.
  • Advantage: No priority check by the Federal Employment Agency. Processing is expedited (approx. 4-8 weeks).
  • Relatives: Spouses are allowed to work immediately and without a language test (residence permit for family purposes).

Special feature for IT specialists without a university degree

Since 2024, IT specialists without a formal university degree can also receive a work visa if they have at least three years of professional experience and receive a gross salary of at least €45,000/year. This is a huge advantage for many Indian IT professionals.

The EU Blue Card is tied to a university degree - unless you fall under the new IT regulations (see above). For other professions without an academic degree, the general skilled worker visa is the alternative.

Study in Germany

Study visa – admission, financing, blocked account, language skills

Indian applicants must submit the APS certificate (see above). The normal visa process then follows.

04 Study

University entrance, proof of financing, visas

  • University entrance: Indian 12-year school system + university studies (1–2 years) or preparatory college. The exact recognition is regulated by the anabin database.
  • Language certificate: For German-language degree programs usually TestDaF 4×4 or DSH-2; IELTS (6.5) / TOEFL (90) is sufficient for English-language master's programs.
  • Financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (currently €11,208 per year). The account can be opened with a German bank (e.g. Fintiba, Expatrio) or an Indian bank.
  • Insurance: Travel health insurance for the initial period, then statutory health insurance after starting your studies.
The blocked account must be set up before the visa application. The Delhi Embassy strictly checks the account funds. Declarations of commitment from people living in Germany are also accepted, but must be notarized.

Training visa & skilled workers

Training in Germany – opportunities for Indian young people

Dual training is an alternative to studying and leads to a recognized professional qualification. The prerequisite is a training contract with a German company.

05 Training

Contract, language level B1/B2, approval of the Federal Agency

  • Training position: You need a signed training contract with a German company.
  • Language level: Usually B1 (telc B1, Goethe B1). B2 is often required for nursing and medical training.
  • Consent procedure: The Federal Employment Agency is checking whether the training position could also be filled with a German applicant.
  • Visa: National visa for the purpose of training, duration of training plus 6 months to search for a job.
Finding apprenticeships from India is challenging. Plan 6-12 months for the search and application phase. Online job exchanges such as “Make it in Germany”, “Ausbildung.de” or contacting German chambers of commerce can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (Indian Citizens)

FAQ – specifically for applicants from India

The most common uncertainties and tips from experienced applicants.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for India

  • Is the APS certificate really always mandatory? – Yes, for all study visa applicants from India (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate). Without APS the application will not be accepted.
  • Can I work in Germany while studying? – Yes, 120 full days or 240 half days per year. After completing your studies, you will be given an 18-month residence permit to search for a job.
  • How do I find a training position from India? – Use platforms such as Studium.de, Make it in Germany, or direct applications to German companies. B1 language level is almost always required.
  • Which language certificates are accepted for the Blue Card? – There is no obligation, but if you present a certificate (Goethe B2, telc B2) it increases trustworthiness.
  • Can my family (wife, children) come with me? – Yes, family reunification is possible. Spouses do not have to show German if you have a Blue Card; For other residence permits, A1 is required.

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Editorial transparency

As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.