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of documents you’ll need for your Germany pathway.
The Germany document checklist generates the exact list of documents you need for student visa, Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa, Opportunity Card, Job Seeker Visa, or Ausbildung applications in 2026. Core documents include valid passport, biometric photos, proof of finance (€11,904 blocked account for students), health insurance, university admission or job offer, APS certificate (India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan), translated transcripts, and the completed Auswaertiges Amt VIDEX form.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a German student visa?
You need a valid passport (2 blank pages, valid 12 months past arrival), 2 biometric photos, university admission letter, blocked account confirmation (€11,904 for 12 months), health insurance, APS certificate (if from India, China, Vietnam, or Pakistan), translated transcripts and degree certificates, motivation letter, CV, and the printed VIDEX application form. Bring two complete sets to the embassy.
Do I need to translate documents into German?
Most German embassies accept English documents for visa applications, but universities and uni-assist often require notarised German translations of transcripts and degree certificates. Use a sworn translator (vereidigter Uebersetzer) listed on justiz-dolmetscher.de. Apostille and double-attestation requirements depend on your home country; India needs MEA apostille on educational documents.
How long should my passport be valid for a German visa?
Schengen rules require your passport to be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Germany. For long-stay D-visas (student, work, family reunification) most embassies require validity covering the full duration of your intended stay plus three months. Renew early; embassies routinely refuse passports with under 12 months remaining.
What documents do I need for the EU Blue Card?
You need a valid passport, biometric photos, signed employment contract (matching the €50,700 or €45,934.20 threshold), university degree certificate plus Anabin proof of recognition, CV, professional licences if applicable, biometric data, completed visa application form, and medical insurance covering Germany. The Federal Employment Agency must approve the contract before the embassy issues the visa.
How many copies of each document should I bring?
Bring two complete sets of all documents to your embassy appointment, in addition to the originals. Embassies retain one set; the second is your reserve in case of damage or addendum requests. Carry both sets in a simple folder, in the order listed on the embassy's checklist; this speeds up the appointment significantly.