General Information

− Please also refer to the relevant notes in the FAQ section “Frequently Asked Questions on Long‑Term Residence” on the website of the German Embassy and Consulates in China as a supplement to this information sheet.
− Applicants must book an interview appointment in advance via this website and submit the visa application in person. − Documents that are neither in German nor English must be submitted together with certified translations.
− Original documents, certificates, diplomas and other papers relating to your personal circumstances must be presented at the time of application. Originals will be returned to you after submission.
− The Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents from the applicant.
− The visa generally requires prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency of Germany and, where applicable, the competent local Foreigners’ Authority in Germany. The visa can only be issued once such approvals have been received.
− To streamline the visa process, your employer may apply for pre‑approval directly with the Federal Employment Agency of Germany in advance. For details, please visit www.arbeitsagentur.de. Your employer may also contact the responsible Foreigners’ Authority to initiate the accelerated procedure for skilled worker entry visas.
− The standard processing time is approximately 4 weeks; processing may take longer in individual cases. We recommend applying early. Applications can be submitted up to six months before the planned travel date.
− Please refrain from enquiring about the status of your application within the standard processing period. Such enquiries create extra workload for the visa section and will not be answered.