05.04 · Egypt — visa & stay in Germany

Egypt –
Visa for
Germany.

Egyptian citizens need to stay in Germany for every stay a visa. Study visas and work visas are particularly popular Engineers and nursing staff as well as family reunification. The recognition of Egyptian school and university qualifications is central – plan early.

Visa requirementfor all stays
approximately 8-16 weeksProcessing time
Embassy CairoResponsible for all of Egypt

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – all options for Egyptian citizens

The German embassy in Cairo is the central contact point. Appointments are often fully booked several months in advance - early planning is crucial.

01 Visa types

Schengen Visa vs. National Visa

Visa typeDurationPurposeSpecial feature
Schengen visa (Type C)max. 90 daysTourism, business trip, visiting familyNo employment
National visa (Type D)over 90 daysStudy, work, training, family reunification, language courseAllows the requested activity
Visa to apply for study6 monthsPreparation for the entrance exam / application on siteNo studying allowed, just preparation
Waiting times for appointments at the Cairo Embassy are currently 8-16 weeks. Incomplete documents lead to massive delays. Use the embassy's checklist and fill out the online form carefully.

Study in Germany

Study visa – recognition of Thanaweya Amma, preparatory college, financing

Egyptian high school graduates usually need a preparatory course in order to obtain university entrance qualifications for Germany. Simply studying in Egypt can make access easier.

02 Study

Thanaweya Amma, Studienkolleg, Sprachc1, blocked account

  • University entrance: The Egyptian Thanaweya Amma (general Abitur) alone is not recognized as a direct university entrance qualification. You need:
    • a one-year preparatory course in Germany (TestAS may be mandatory), or
    • two successful years of study at an Egyptian university (for a subject-specific university entrance qualification), or
    • an Egyptian bachelor's degree (for consecutive master's programs).
  • Language certificate: C1 is required for admission to the course (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). B2 is usually sufficient for the preparatory college.
  • Financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (€11,208 per year). Opening through Fintiba, Expatrio or an Egyptian bank (if possible).
  • Scholarships: DAAD, AGYA (Arabic-German Young Academy of Sciences), Egyptian ministries – apply early.
The preparatory college is often perceived as a necessary “detour,” but it offers excellent preparation. The TestAS examination (study aptitude test) can be required by the preparatory college. Find out more from your desired university.

Work & skilled workers

Work visa for engineers, IT specialists, nursing staff and skilled trades

German companies are increasingly looking for Egyptian skilled workers - particularly in the areas of engineering, IT and nursing. A job offer is a prerequisite.

03 Work visa

Job offer, recognition, language level B1/B2

  • Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical): Mostly B2 required. Recognition of the degree by the Chamber of Engineers is necessary (duration 3-6 months).
  • IT specialists: Also possible without a formal university degree if 3 years of professional experience and salary ≥ €45,000. Language level B1 sufficient.
  • Nursing professionals: High demand. Requirement: Recognition of the training (runs parallel), language certificate B2 (Goethe, telc B2·C1 Pflege).
  • Trades (electrician, plumber, welder): Often B1 is sufficient. Recognition by the Chamber of Crafts is mandatory.
Egyptian professional qualifications are generally recognized in Germany as long as they come from a state university. For engineers, the Chamber of Engineers may require an additional test (e.g. knowledge of German standards).

Training & dual studies

Training visa for young Egyptians – opportunities and requirements

Dual training is a popular alternative to studying. The combination of vocational school and company practice leads to a recognized IHK or HWK qualification.

04 Training

Training contract, language level B1, approval from the Federal Agency

  • Training position: A binding training contract with a German company is required.
  • Language certificate: Usually B1 (Goethe B1, telc B1). B2 is often required for training in the commercial sector or with a lot of customer contact.
  • Approval of the Federal Employment Agency: This checks whether the training position cannot be filled by a German applicant (priority check). This test is not necessary in shortage occupations.
  • Age: In practice, under 35 years of age, as the training period is 2-3.5 years.
Finding a training position from Egypt is difficult, but not impossible. Use contacts from the German-Egyptian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt) and online portals such as “Make it in Germany”.

Family reunification

Bringing spouses and children to join you – A1 requirement and evidence

Family reunification with a spouse living in Germany is possible. The biggest hurdle is the A1 language certificate for the immigrating spouse before entry.

05 Family reunification

A1 certificate, income, living space, proof of marriage

  • Spouse: Must provide proof of an A1 certificate before entry (Goethe A1, telc A1, ÖSD A1). Exceptions: the partner is highly qualified, has studied or the marriage has already existed for more than 3 years (partially).
  • Children: Minor children under the age of 18 can follow suit without a language test, provided they have proof of legal custody.
  • Livelihood: The person living in Germany must prove sufficient income (approx. €2,300 net for a family of four).
  • Proof of accommodation: Sufficient living space (12-15 sqm per person).
  • Proof of marriage: The marriage certificate must be legalized (apostille or consular legalization) and translated into German by a sworn translator.
Egyptian marriage certificates require an apostille or consular legalization from the German Consulate General in Cairo. Plan an additional 4-6 weeks for this.

Frequently Asked Questions (Egyptian Citizens)

FAQ – especially for applicants from Egypt

The most common uncertainties and practical tips from consulting practice.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for Egypt

  • Will my Thanaweya Amma be recognized in Germany? – Only in conjunction with passing a preparatory course or successfully studying in Egypt. The general university entrance qualification is not directly recognized.
  • Do I need a visa for a language course in Germany? – Yes. A national visa (Type D) is required for language courses longer than 90 days. Requirement: Proof of 400 teaching units (usually) and blocked account.
  • Where do I take the German exam in Egypt? – Goethe-Institut Cairo (Alexandria), telc exams at selected language schools. Waiting times for exams are long - register 3-4 months before your scheduled test.
  • Can I pay the visa fees in Egyptian pounds? – Yes, but the exchange rate is adjusted daily. It's best to pay in euros to avoid surprises.
  • How long is an Egyptian passport valid for visa? – At least 12 months beyond the planned visa end date. Renew your passport on time.

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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.