It's been a long time coming, but Germany has finally passed a major milestone in its digitalisation efforts: rolling out an online portal that will enable people to submit visa applications and documents entirely online.
For more than two years, the Foreign Affairs Office (BAA) has been working on developing and testing the new online tool, including a pilot project at three visa application spots.
On January 1st, they finally put the platform online, allowing applications at 167 German embassies and consulates worldwide.
According to Foreign Minister Annalena Bearbock, the portal marks a "revolution" in Germany's administration and will help the country attract more of the some 400,000 skilled workers it needs to enter the country every year.
Where can I find this new portal?
The portal can be found on the Foreign Office website or by searching for the 'German Consular Services Portal' online.
On the landing page, you can find detailed information on a range of different visas in both German and English, as well as links for submitting applications for various types of permit.
READ ALSO: Germany launches new online portal for visa applications from abroad
Do I have to use the online application form?
No - you can still apply via your local consulate instead. However, the Foreign Office advises applicants to opt for the digital application in order to save work for both themselves and staff at the embassies.
Who needs a visa to enter Germany?
If you're not from an EU member state, or a country that has a visa waiver deal with Germany, you will likely need a visa in order to enter the country - even for short tourist trips.
Citizens of some countries, such as the UK, USA, Australia, Israel, Japan and Korea, can enter Germany without applying for a visa first. These citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days, but need to apply for their visa before taking up work or starting a university course.
You can check if your country requires a visa by reviewing the comprehensive list on the Foreign office website here.
Which visas can I apply for online?
Twenty eight different types of visa can be applied for using the new portal, including the new points-based Opportunity Card, the EU Blue Card, skilled worker visas, student and trainee visas, and family reunification visas for spouses, parents and children.
Are there restrictions on who can use it?
Not really. Anyone who is allowed to submit a visa application - in most cases all people over 18 - can use the online portal.
Thanks to the new online system, this can be done from anywhere in the world where an internet connection is available, though applicants will need to select a consulate or embassy that will be responsible for processing the application.
What if I don't know what visa I need?
If you're unsure of which visa to apply for, you can use the new Visa Navigator tool on the Consular Services Portal website.
This short quiz will help you ascertain whether you need a visa in the first place and, if so, which of the visa categories is best for you.
If you're still unsure, it's best to speak to an immigration lawyer or seek out further professional advice beforehand.
READ ALSO: Where to get free immigration advice in Germany
How can I submit an application?
To file an application, simply find the visa you need on the consular services website and select the country you live in and your nearest German consulate or embassy.
Once you've done this, you will be informed of current processing times at the consulate you've chosen and will be asked to consent to your personal data being collected by the Foreign Office.
You'll then be asked to register and confirm your email address, before being directed to an online application form. After you've filled in the form, you will need to upload supporting documents such as passport scans and proof of qualifications.
If you aren't able to complete the application in one go, you can save your progress to log back in at a later date. Once you're finished, simply submit your application and sit back and relax.
Can I submit an application in my native language?
Currently, the portal is only available in English and German, though the Foreign Office say they are working on offering additional languages.
READ ALSO: How Germany is making it easier for skilled workers to get an EU Blue Card
What happens after I submit an application?
Once you've submitted your application, embassy staff will conduct a preliminary check to ensure that all the information is complete and that no extra info or documents are required.
If there is something missing, the consulate will contact you via the Consular Services Portal and ask you to submit this information.
Once the application is complete, you will be invited to an in-person appointment at your nearest embassy or consulate and given a list of original documents you need to bring with you.
Depending on how busy your consulate is, this could take a matter of weeks or months. While you wait for news, you can check the status of your application in the portal at any time.
Why do I need to visit the consulate in person?
The main purpose of the in-person visit is to confirm your identity and record biometric information such as photos and fingerprints.
You will also need to bring original documents such as passports to help rule out the possibility of fraud.
Though the Foreign Office is aiming to introduce online payment of the application fee, there are still some legal and technical hurdles they need to clear, so the fee still has to be paid during your visit to the consulate as well.
Will I get my visa more quickly if I apply online?
That's highly likely. One of the main aims of the portal is to cut waiting times for visa applications, for example by saving time that was previously spend packaging documents and waiting for the post to arrive.
READ ALSO: How do I get a student visa for Germany and what does it let me do?
Another benefit of the new portal is that applications can be checked from anywhere in the world, meaning additional staff in Germany could also help conduct preliminary checks.
Embassy staff can also contact applicants directly through the portal, meaning that issues can be solved much more quickly than before.
Can I submit an application with my spouse or family members?
Not yet. Currently, only individuals can apply for a visa using the online portal. That said, the Foreign Ministry are aiming to expand this soon to allow families and other groups to submit a joint application online.
Paul Krantz, Editor, The Local Germany
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