This was shared in a statement from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on January 1.
“The Consular Services Portal is officially launching today, January 1, 2025, allowing individuals worldwide to apply for German visas online,” the statement mentioned.
The announcement highlighted that applicants can now submit requests for 28 different types of national visas if they wish to work, study, or reunite with family in Germany.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the new online visa application system a great step forward to help the country address its need for skilled workers.
“Every year, Germany faces a shortage of at least 400,000 skilled workers. We need 400,000 bright minds and even more capable hands to keep our economy thriving – whether in skilled trades, healthcare, or tech industries. Our national economy is also competing globally to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.
“In times like these, we can’t afford to deter the best talent from coming here due to lengthy paper applications and even longer wait times. As one of the largest economies and a modern immigration country, we need a national visa process that is cutting-edge – modern, digital, and secure,” Ms. Baerbock stated.