The curriculum vitae is a central document for visa application and is submitted to the German embassy. It provides a structured overview of personal data, professional experience, and qualifications. A well-structured curriculum vitae is crucial for the success of the visa application.

Language and format

For visa application, the curriculum vitae must be written in German. This shows that a certain language level already exists and facilitates review by German authorities.
The curriculum vitae should be created in tabular form. Handwritten, photographed, or curriculum vitae written in long flowing text are not accepted. The information should be presented retrospectively, i.e., in reverse chronological order – this means the last position (work or training position) should be listed at the top, older positions below.

Content and structure

Personal information

At the beginning of the curriculum vitae are personal information. This includes:

• Full name
• Date of birth and place of birth
• Address with country
• Phone number and email address
• Nationality
• Marital status

Academic education

All acquired degrees should be listed, including:

• Type and name of educational institution
• Period of education (month and year)
  
• Type of degree and grade
• Place of education
• Special focus areas or achievements during education can be added

Professional career

Professional experience is an essential component of the curriculum vitae. For each activity, the following information should be provided:

• Position title
• Name and location of employer
• Period of employment (month and year for start and end)
  
• Brief description of duties performed

All periods must be identifiable at least by indicating month and year. The entire professional career must be presented without unexplained gaps.

Further training and awards

Completed further training, academic awards, or international programs can also be listed. This is particularly relevant if they are related to the intended purpose of stay in Germany.

Language skills

Language skills are an indispensable component. The respective language level should be indicated according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), such as A1, B1, or C2. If corresponding language certificates are available, these should additionally be submitted.

Additional competencies

Special competencies or technical skills can be added, such as:

• Use of computer programs or software
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Intercultural competencies

Dealing with gaps in the curriculum vitae

Gaps in the curriculum vitae without a documented academic or professional activity can lead to inquiries at the embassy. If there are periods during which no professional activity was performed, a brief explanation should be given.
Possible explanations for gaps:

• Attendance at language courses
• Parental leave
• Military or civil service
• Family circumstances (e.g., care of relatives)
  
• Job search

These periods should also indicate month and year.

Application photo

In official procedures such as visa issuance, an application photo is generally not required. Nevertheless, it can be helpful to attach a professional photo, especially if the curriculum vitae will later also be used for applications to employers.

Currency of the curriculum vitae

The curriculum vitae must be current. A curriculum vitae that was created some time ago and has not been updated since, cannot be used for visa application. All information should correspond to the current status.

Signature and date

At the end of the curriculum vitae, location, current date, and personal signature should be placed. This makes the curriculum vitae binding and more personal.

Evidence

All information mentioned in the curriculum vitae should be substantiated by evidence. This includes:

• Employment references or employment certificates
• Graduation documents and certificates
• Language certificates
• Certificates of further training

This evidence should be submitted with the visa application.

Important notes and practical tips

A complete and gapless curriculum vitae means that all periods should be comprehensibly presented. The embassy wants to see that in every phase there was employment, training, or at least active search for work or further education. If there were periods without such activities, these should be plausibly explained. In Germany, great emphasis is placed on continuous professional development. Both embassies and employers therefore specifically ask about the reasons for interruptions in the curriculum vitae. A comprehensible and well-documented presentation of personal and professional development is crucial for the success of the visa application.
The length of the curriculum vitae should ideally be 1 to 2 pages. Curriculum vitae that are too short appear incomplete, those that are too long make it difficult to overview.
For creating a professional curriculum vitae, various online tools and templates are available in the Job Portal of the Freiburger Bund, which were specially developed for international professionals.