Two application forms are available for a long-term stay in Germany: Application form C for a Schengen visa (short stays up to a maximum of 90 days) and application form D for a national visa (stay exceeding 90 days). Filling out the forms correctly and completely is crucial for the success of the application.

The respective forms can be downloaded as PDF files, filled out on the computer, printed and signed. The completed, signed form must be brought to the on-site appointment at the German embassy or consulate.
The application form C is available for download here.

The application form D is available for download here.

The most common method for completing the application form is the Federal Foreign Office's online system VIDEX. After answering all questions, a receipt with a barcode is generated, which must be brought to the in-person appointment. Since the content in the manually fillable PDF and the VIDEX system is identical, this article provides helpful explanations and tips on the individual points of the application form.

Application form C: Schengen visa

Application form C is required for short stays in the Schengen area of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The following information is requested in this form:

Personal data: Information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and marital status must be entered exactly as they appear in the passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned end of travel.

Contact information: Complete address, phone number, and email address in the home country.

Purpose of travel: The exact reason for travel must be stated precisely and must match the submitted evidence.

Travel dates: Planned entry and exit dates as well as main travel destination in the Schengen area.

Accommodation: Information on planned accommodation with address; for private stays, name and contact details of the host.

Financing: Proof of who will bear the costs of the stay. Additionally, travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage for the entire Schengen area is required.

Previous stays: Information about previous Schengen visas or stays in recent years.

Security questions: Information on criminal records, refusals of entry, or deportations.

Application form D: National visa

Form D is used for long-term stays exceeding 90 days – for example, for professional recognition, employment, studies, a language course, or family reunification. Some form sections regularly cause uncertainty among many applicants. The most important sections are explained below, each with reference to the corresponding item numbers in the form.

Section 1: Personal information and contact details

Basic personal information and contact details are recorded here. Under the information on the travel document, attention should be paid to ensure that the passport is valid until the end of the planned stay.

Sections 2 – 4: Information on family members

These pages relate to current and possibly accompanying family members. If family members are also to enter Germany, a separate visa application is required for each person.

Section 6: Intended place of residence in Germany

The planned accommodation is indicated here – including complete address and type of accommodation (room, apartment, dormitory, etc.). Additionally, it is asked whether a "permanent residence outside the Federal Republic of Germany" will be maintained. If it is planned to permanently relocate one's center of life to Germany, "no" should be selected here.

Section 9: Purpose of stay

This section is particularly important, as an incorrect or imprecise statement can lead to application rejection. The purpose must correspond exactly to the planned undertaking, e.g., "Employment," "Study," "Language course," "Au pair," or "Family reunion."
The purpose of professional recognition is not separately listed in the form. In this case, "Other" is checked and the entry "Professional recognition" is added in the free field. The same applies to applications for an Opportunity Card, which is also entered under "Other."

If employment is planned during the stay (e.g., side job during a language course), this should be briefly described in the form.
The field "I intend to stay no longer than twelve months in the Federal territory" should generally not be checked, as stays for recognition, studies, or employment usually last longer.

Section 10: References in Germany

Persons or institutions to which there is a connection during the stay are indicated here – for example, a future employer, an educational institution, a language institute, or family members.

Section 12: Intended duration of stay

The planned start date is to be indicated. For recognition measures or qualifications, the start date can be indicated and the end date left open, for example, as the exact period is often not yet determined.

Section 13: Financing of stay

This explains how livelihood in Germany is secured. A summary of the possible types of proof of financing is available here.

Important notes when filling out

All information must be complete and truthful. The form must be signed by hand in the designated places. Incomplete or contradictory information frequently leads to follow-up questions or delays.