Long term visas Long-term visas apply to stays in Germany of more than 90 days and are typically issued for purposes such as work or study. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Germany. After arrival, you must apply for your residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. Your first point of reference is always the official channels: German Embassy in South Africa, long-term visas  Federal Foreign Office Consular Portal Make it in Germany Website Disclaimer – The legal references and section numbers of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) provided on this page are intended for general information and orientation only. Immigration law is complex, subject to change, and often applied differently depending on individual circumstances, federal state practices, and the discretion of the competent authorities. In some cases, residence permits may be issued under multiple legal provisions or in conjunction with additional regulations, such as the Employment Regulation (BeschV). This information does not constitute legal advice and should not replace guidance from the German authorities, an immigration lawyer, or an official advisory service. Always consult the responsible German mission or local foreigners authority for binding and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation. Application Your first long-stay German visa must always be applied for through the German Embassy in South Africa. This also applies if you later change your purpose of stay, for example, from studying to working. The German Embassy operates from Cape Town and Pretoria. Many long-term visa applications can now be started online via the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. The portal provides a secure and structured application process, enabling you to complete your visa application online and have it reviewed in advance by the German mission. This helps ensure your application is complete and prepares you for your in-person appointment, where your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected. Germany differentiates between academic degrees and vocational or professional qualifications. Degrees from traditional universities (Universität) are generally treated as academic, while qualifications from Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschule/Fachhochschule) focus on applied, career-specific training. South African degrees that are considered university-level may, in some cases, be classified as vocational or professional in Germany, which can influence qualification recognition, visa options, and employment eligibility. List of long-term (Type D) Visas 👪 Family reunification Family reunification visas allow close family members of people legally living in Germany to join them for a long-term stay. This category covers spouses or registered life partners, minor children joining a parent, and, in more limited cases, parents joining their children in Germany. Each pathway has its own legal requirements, documentation standards, and eligibility criteria, which are strictly assessed by the German authorities. While the underlying principle is to protect family unity, these visas are not automatic and require careful preparation.Legal basis: This residence permit is issued in accordance with Sections 27–36 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), which governs family reunification for spouses, children, and other eligible family members.  💼 Employment Visas Employment visas allow non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany on a long-term basis, provided specific legal and professional requirements are met. These visas are tied to the type of work you intend to do, your qualifications, and in many cases, a concrete job offer or recognised professional background. Germany offers several employment-related visa pathways, ranging from highly qualified roles to skilled trades, creative professions, and regulated occupations. Applications for employment visas are submitted through the official Consular Services Portal, which guides you through the process, outlines eligibility criteria, and helps ensure your application is complete before your embassy appointment. 💼 Blue Card The Blue Card is designed for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries who wish to live and work in Germany. It is primarily aimed at applicants with a recognised university degree and a job offer in Germany that meets the required minimum salary threshold. The Blue Card offers a clear pathway to long-term residence and, in many cases, faster access to a permanent settlement permit. Legal basis: The EU Blue Card is issued in accordance with Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), regulating residence for highly qualified employment.Additional background information is available on Make it in Germany.  💼 General Employment Visas If you do not meet the requirements for an EU Blue Card, Germany offers a range of general employment visas for qualified professionals. These visas cover skilled workers with university degrees or vocational qualifications, IT specialists, researchers, and specific employment situations such as partial recognition of qualifications or intra-company transfers. The exact visa type depends on your qualifications, professional experience, and the nature of the job offer in Germany. The main entry point for this category is the Employment Visa, under which the following subcategories fall: 💼 Highly Skilled worker holding a university degree This visa category is intended for highly skilled workers with a recognised university degree who wish to take up employment in Germany. Skilled workers from non-EU countries may qualify if their academic qualification is recognised in Germany or considered comparable to a German degree, and if they have a concrete job offer or employment contract with a German employer. Legal basis: This residence permit is issued under Section 18b (1) of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) for skilled workers holding a recognised university degree. 💼 Skilled Worker with relevant experience This visa category is designed for skilled workers with relevant professional experience who wish to take up employment in Germany, even if they do not hold a formal German-recognised vocational qualification. Applicants from non-EU countries may qualify if they can demonstrate a recognised foreign degree or at least two years of formal training (this requirement does not apply to IT professionals), as well as at least two years of relevant work experience gained within the last five years. A binding job offer from a German employer is required, with a minimum annual gross salary threshold that must be met.  💼 Partial recognition of vocational training Work visa in the case of partial recognition of vocational training. This visa category is intended