Germany
Living or working in Germany: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a long‑stay (National) visa if you plan to stay over 90 days for work, study or freelance; a digital‑nomad visa (if launched) is for remote‑employee stays up to 12 months, and a Working‑Holiday visa (for eligible 18‑30 yr citizens) allows up to 12 months of work and travel. Plan ahead: start the application 3 months before departure, and check eligibility criteria for each scheme.
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Key facts
- Visa types
- National (90+ days), Digital Nomad (up to 12 months), Working Holiday (18‑30 yr, up to 12 months)
- Application lead time
- Start 3 months before travel
- Processing time
- 4–12 weeks (varies by consulate)
- Fee (National)
- ≈ €100 (check)
- Fee (Digital Nomad)check
- ≈ €100 (check)
- Fee (Working Holiday)check
- ≈ €75 (check)
- Maximum stay per visacheck
- National: up to 1 year, extendable; Digital Nomad: 12 months, non‑extendable; Working Holiday: 12 months, can change employer
Quick answer
If you intend to work or live in Germany for more than 90 days, you need a National (long‑stay) visa. Remote‑workers may apply for the new Digital Nomad visa (if your country is eligible). Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea aged 18‑30 can use the Working‑Holiday scheme. All require proof of health insurance, sufficient funds and a clean criminal record.
Visa types and eligibility
National visa (Category D) covers employment, self‑employment, study and family reunification. Applicants must have a German employer or university admission, and a residence permit will be issued after arrival.
Digital Nomad visa (pilot program, 2025‑2026) is for remote employees of non‑German companies earning at least €3,500/month. No German employer required, but health insurance and proof of income are mandatory.
Working‑Holiday visa is a bilateral agreement for young adults (18‑30) from selected countries. It allows short‑term work (up to 6 months with a single employer) and travel throughout Germany.
- National visa – work, study, family – up to 1 year, extendable
- Digital Nomad – remote‑employee – 12 months, non‑extendable
- Working Holiday – 18‑30 yr citizens of partner countries – 12 months
Application process and timeline
1. Gather documents: passport (valid 6 months), recent photo, proof of health insurance, financial means (bank statements or contract), employment or university letter, and criminal‑record check.
2. Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. Some locations allow online submission for the Digital Nomad visa.
3. Pay the visa fee (≈ €100 for National/Digital Nomad, €75 for Working Holiday).
4. Attend the interview; biometric data are taken.
5. Wait 4–12 weeks for a decision. Processing time varies by consulate and visa type.
After you arrive
Register your address at the local Bürgeramt within two weeks. Then apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the Ausländerbehörde. Bring your visa, passport, registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) and proof of health insurance.
Digital Nomad holders receive a residence permit valid for the visa duration; extensions are not permitted.
Working‑Holiday participants must also register and can change employers without a new permit, but total work time cannot exceed 12 months.
Costs and budgeting
Visa fees range from €75‑€100. Health insurance for non‑EU nationals costs €50‑€100 per month. Proof of sufficient funds is required: €720 per month for National visa, €3,500 monthly income for Digital Nomad, or €2,100 total for Working Holiday (check).
Living costs vary by city: Berlin ≈ €1,200/month, Munich ≈ €1,500/month, smaller towns ≈ €900‑€1,100/month.
| Item | Estimated cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| National visa fee | €100 |
| Digital Nomad visa fee | €100 |
| Working Holiday fee | €75 |
| Monthly health insurance | €70 |
| Required monthly funds (National) | €720 |
| Required monthly income (Digital Nomad) | €3,500 |
Important notes
Eligibility criteria can change; always verify on the German Federal Foreign Office website before applying.
The Digital Nomad visa is still limited to certain professions and income thresholds; check the latest list of eligible countries.
Working‑Holiday visas are only available to citizens of partner countries; if you are not eligible, consider a National visa with a job offer.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Germany?
You need a National (Category D) visa for stays over 90 days if you’ll work, study or join family. Remote workers may use the Digital Nomad visa, and young travellers from partner countries can apply for a Working‑Holiday visa.
How much does it cost?
Visa fees are about €100 for National and Digital Nomad visas and €75 for a Working‑Holiday visa. Add monthly health‑insurance costs of €50‑€100 and proof‑of‑funds requirements (€720/month for National, €3,500/month for Digital Nomad).
When should I plan for it?
Start the application at least three months before your intended travel date. Processing can take 4‑12 weeks, so allow extra time if you need to start work or studies promptly.
Can I extend a Digital Nomad visa?
No, the Digital Nomad visa is issued for a maximum of 12 months and cannot be extended. You would need to switch to a different residence permit if you wish to stay longer.
Do I need German health insurance?
Yes, all long‑stay visa holders must have valid health insurance that covers Germany. Private or travel insurance meeting the required coverage is acceptable.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
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