05.06 · China — visa & stay in Germany

China –
Visa for
Germany.

Chinese citizens need to stay in Germany for every stay a visa. The demand for study and work visas is very high. For students: The APS certificate is mandatory - without it, no one can get it Study visa application processed. For professionals: The recognition of Chinese Getting a college degree is often straightforward.

Visa requirementfor all stays
approximately 8-16 weeksProcessing time
Embassy BeijingConsulates General Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang

Visa types at a glance

Which visa for which purpose – all options for Chinese citizens

Germany is a popular destination for Chinese students and professionals. The application is submitted via the service company VFS Global; appointments are often fully booked for weeks or months.

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
Visa to apply for study6 monthsPreparation for the entrance exam / application on siteRare; usually a direct study visa with admission
This has been the case for Chinese university applicants since 2022 APS certificate (Academic Testing Center) in Beijing or Shanghai compulsory. Without this certificate, no student visa application will be accepted. Processing time is 4-8 weeks.

APS certificate – mandatory for studies and research

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

The Academic Testing Center (APS) checks the authenticity of Chinese academic certificates. Every Chinese who wants to study in Germany needs this certificate. It may also be required for some research stays.

02 APS procedure

Registration, document verification, interview (20–30 min.)

  • Registration: Online on the APS website (aps.org.cn), fee approximately 2,500 CNY (approx. €320).
  • Documents to be submitted: Graduation certificates (high school, bachelor, master), grade sheets, passport, birth certificate, if necessary, knowledge of German/English.
  • Interview: An approximately 20-30 minute conversation (in German/English) about course content to confirm the authenticity of the documents. Preparation is important!
  • Duration: 4-8 weeks from submitting the application to receiving the certificate.
  • Special feature for “TestAS” participants: Anyone who has completed the TestAS (study aptitude test) with certain results can be exempt from the interview.
Allow at least 2-3 months for the APS procedure. Without an APS certificate, the embassy will not process your study visa application. The certificate is valid for an unlimited period.

Study in Germany

Study visa – university entrance, recognition of Chinese qualifications, financing

Chinese applicants are the second largest group of international students in Germany. The university entrance qualification (Gaokao) is recognized under certain conditions.

03 Study

Gaokao, Studienkolleg, Sprachc1, blocked account

  • University entrance (Gaokao): Since 2020, direct access with the Gaokao is possible under certain circumstances:
    • Total points ≥ 70% of the maximum (usually approx. 525/750 points) → direct general university entrance qualification for all subjects.
    • For lower results: 1-2 years of study in China or preparatory college in Germany required.
  • Language certificate: For German-language degree programs C1 (TestDaF 4×4, DSH-2). For English language programs, IELTS (6.5) / TOEFL (90) is sufficient.
  • Financing: Blocked account with €934 per month (currently €11,208 per year), openable via Fintiba, Expatrio or a Chinese bank.
  • Recognition: Chinese bachelor's degrees from state universities are usually recognized. Testing via anabine. uni-assist is often responsible.
The Gaokao grades alone are not enough for direct admission to all degree programs. For medicine, law or psychology, very high scores and often also a preparatory course are necessary. Find out more from the respective university.

Work & EU Blue Card

Work visa for engineers, IT, nursing, business – good opportunities for Chinese

Chinese skilled workers are in high demand in Germany, particularly in engineering, IT and nursing. A job offer is mandatory.

04 Work visa

Job offer, recognition, language level B1/B2

  • Engineers (mechanical, electrical, construction): Very good chances. Recognition of the Chinese diploma is usually problem-free (anabin H+). Language level B2 required for team communication.
  • IT specialists: Even without a university degree possible with 3+ years of experience and a salary ≥ €45,000. B1 is often enough.
  • EU Blue Card: Minimum salary €48,300 (€43,759 for shortage occupations). Expedited processing, no priority check. Popular among Chinese academics.
  • Nursing professionals: High demand. Requirement: Recognition of Chinese training (runs parallel, duration 3-6 months), language certificate B2 (Goethe, telc).
  • Economist (business administration, economics): Good opportunities in international companies. Language level B2–C1, professional experience is often desirable.
Chinese university diplomas are generally recognized as equivalent in Germany (if the university is listed as H+ in the anabin database). The exam is usually easy – but start early.

Research & Promotion

Visa for doctoral students, visiting scientists and postdocs – Chinese researchers welcome

Germany is an attractive research country. Chinese graduate students and visiting researchers can apply for a national visa for research purposes.

05 Research

Hosting agreement, financing, language skills

  • Hosting Agreement (hosting agreement): A commitment from a German research institution (Max Planck, Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, University) is the most important requirement.
  • Financing: Scholarship (e.g. CSC – China Scholarship Council), own funds or salary from the research institution. Blocked account not required if sufficient financing is proven (e.g. scholarship confirmation).
  • Language: English is often sufficient for research laboratories; Knowledge of German is an advantage. The embassy usually does not require a formal language test if the work is done in English.
  • APS for researchers: APS is often not required for pure research stays (no studies). If in doubt: ask the consulate.
CSC scholarship holders have a simplified visa process. The Beijing Embassy processes these applications as a priority. However, expect long waiting times (8-12 weeks).

Frequently Asked Questions (Chinese Citizens)

FAQ – especially for applicants from China

The most common uncertainties and practical tips, also on APS and Gaokao.

06 FAQ

Concrete answers for China

  • Is the APS certificate really mandatory for every student from China? – Yes, for all applicants with a Chinese university degree or for applicants with a Chinese university entrance qualification (Gaokao). Exception: Applicants with a foreign university degree (e.g. USA).
  • How do I prepare for the APS interview? – Learn to explain the most important content of your previous studies (modules, grades, project work) in German or English. The interview is not a language test, but serves to check authenticity.
  • What language level do I need for the Blue Card? – No legal obligation, but B1 is required for the subsequent settlement permit. Employers usually expect B2 for engineers.
  • Can my family 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.
  • Can I submit an application in Chinese? – No, all forms must be filled out in German or English. Documents in Chinese must be translated into German by a sworn translator.

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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.