Documents to apply for a visa to Germany: complete guide 2025
Preparing to study or work in Germany is an exciting journey, but one that requires special attention to the documentation required to obtain a visa. With the right process and the right documents, your chances of approval increase significantly. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information for you to prepare your German visa application with peace of mind and efficiency.
Basic documents for all types of visas
The German visa application process requires thorough documentation regardless of the purpose of your trip. Knowing the requirements in advance is essential to avoid delays or refusals. The basic documents form the foundation of your visa application and demonstrate to the German authorities that you meet the essential criteria for entering the country.
For those who wish to take advantage of the opportunity to Study and Work in Germany, proper documentation preparation can make all the difference. The German government is known for its efficiency, but also for its rigor in the analysis of the processes. Incomplete or incorrect documents are the main cause of visa refusals, so it is essential to dedicate special attention to this stage of planning.
As a Brazilian, you have a unique advantage: you don't necessarily have to apply for a visa before traveling. Brazilian citizens can enter the country without a visa and apply for a residence permit directly in Germany, within 90 days of arrival, at the Department of Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) of the city where they will study.
Specific documents for study and work visas
Study and work visas require additional documentation that proves your eligibility for the specific program you intend to pursue in Germany. These documents are crucial to demonstrate to the German authorities that you have a clear purpose in the country and the means to achieve it.
To apply for a student or work visa, you will need to present:
- Official acceptance letter from the German educational institution
- Proof of language proficiency (usually German level B1 or English B2)
- Curriculum Vitae in European format
- Motivation letter explaining your educational or professional goals
- Diplomas and previous school transcripts translated and apostilled
- International health insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros
- Proof of accommodation in Germany (if you already have one)
- Study plan or work contract, depending on the type of visa
With the growing recognition of Brazilian professionals in Germany, who are among the 10 nationalities with Highest salaries in the country, investing in a German education can be an excellent path to a promising international career.
The importance of a blocked account (Sperrkonto)
A Blocked account, known as Sperrkonto, is a crucial element for obtaining a German visa, especially for students and young professionals. This financial requirement demonstrates to immigration authorities that you have sufficient resources to support yourself during your initial stay in Germany, without relying on social assistance from the German government or having to work beyond what your visa allows.
For the year 2025, the minimum amount required for the blocked account is approximately 11,904 euros (about 992 euros per month for one year). This amount is deposited with a recognized German financial institution, such as Deutsche Bank or Fintiba, and is blocked and released monthly in installments. The proof of this deposit is one of the most important documents in your application, and a lack of it may result in an immediate denial of a visa, regardless of the quality of the rest of your documentation.
Considering the German minimum wage From €12.82 per hour in 2025, students who can work legally while studying are able to supplement this amount with part-time work.
Translation and legalization of documents
The correct translation and legalization of documents is a fundamental step that many candidates underestimate, resulting in unnecessary delays or even visa refusals. The German authorities require that all documents not issued in German or English be officially translated and legalized according to specific regulations.
The complete document preparation process for the German visa involves the following steps:
- Obtaining the original documents in good condition (without erasures or damage)
- Legalization by Hague Apostille at an authorized registry office in Brazil
- Certified translation by a translator recognized by the German authorities
- Organization of documents in the order required by the consulate
- Copy of all original documents (digital version is also recommended)
- Final check with checklist provided by the German consulate
The certified translation must be carried out by accredited professionals, and the costs vary according to the type and quantity of documents. Investing in quality translations avoids future problems and demonstrates professionalism in your application.
To make the entire process easier, consider Learn German online even before starting your international journey, which will make your communication with the authorities much more fluid.
Deadlines and documentation planning
Proper planning is essential to avoid rush and stress during the German visa application process. Ideally, you should begin gathering your documentation at least three months before your planned travel date. Some documents, such as the apostilled transcript, the opening of the blocked account, and the certified translation may take weeks to complete.
If you choose to apply for your visa in Brazil, scheduling at the German consulate requires advance, with waits that can reach two months during periods of high demand, such as the beginning of academic semesters in March/April and September/October.
If you decide to apply for a residence permit after arriving in Germany, remember that you must complete this process within 90 days of stay as a tourist, including registration of residence (Anmeldung) and scheduling at the Department of Foreigners.
For students interested in the German dual training system, the program Ausbildung offers an excellent alternative to the traditional university, combining theory and practice.
Consular interview and presentation of documents
For Brazilians, there are two options for the documentation process: through a consular interview in Brazil or directly at the Department of Foreigners (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany.
Option 1: Interview at the Brazilian Consulate
If you choose to apply for a visa before traveling, the consular interview represents the decisive moment in the process. You will physically present all documents and answer questions from immigration officers. Success in this step depends not only on complete documentation, but also on how you present yourself and communicate your plans and objectives.
Option 2: Request in Germany
As a Brazilian, you have the privilege of being able to enter Germany without a prior visa and apply for your residence permit directly at the local Foreign Office, within 90 days of your arrival. In this case, you will first need to register your residence (Anmeldung) and then schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde, where you will submit all your documentation. The process tends to be more administrative and less focused on a formal interview.
In either case, it's essential to demonstrate clarity about your educational or professional goals. The authorities seek to assess your genuine intention to study or work temporarily, and not to immigrate permanently at this first moment. Get ready to present knowledge about Germany, your educational institution, and how you plan to adapt to life in the country.
For professionals in specific areas such as physicians and nurses, or engineers who seek opportunities in Germany, there are additional professional recognition processes that must be considered regardless of the option chosen to obtain a residence permit.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many candidates compromise their visa processes because of avoidable errors in preparing documentation. Among the most frequent misconceptions are the submission of bank statements without official authentication, generic motivation letters that do not clearly connect your objectives with the experience in Germany, and documents translated by professionals not accredited by the consulate.
Another critical mistake is underestimating the time required for the complete process, starting preparation late and facing tight deadlines that increase the risk of failures. Also avoid presenting inconsistent information between different documents, such as personal data with different spellings or contradictory dates, as this raises suspicions about the authenticity of your application.
Remember that your student permit can be the gateway to opportunities across the European Union through the Blue Card EU, after the completion of the studies.
Be Easy
A Be Easy transforms your journey to obtain a German visa into a smooth and successful experience. Our specialized team offers personalized support at every stage of the process, from organizing documentation to preparing for the consular interview. We help with opening the blocked account, certified translations, and full verification of documents, eliminating common errors that could compromise your approval. Get in touch today and discover how we can facilitate your entry into Germany safely and efficiently.
