Internship Legislation and Students Visa in Germany

Eligibility for doing an internship in Germany can vary depending on factors such as your nationality, visa status, educational background, and the specific requirements of the internship program or company. Here are the general criteria for eligibility:

1. Students:

   • Nationality: Internships in Germany are generally open to both German and international students.
   • Enrollment: You should be currently enrolled as a student at a university or higher education institution.
   • Study Program: The internship should be related to your field of study or academic program.
   • Duration: The duration of the internship may vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months or longer.
     
     

2. Recent Graduates:

   • Timeframe: Some internships in Germany may be open to recent graduates within a certain timeframe after completing their studies. The specific timeframe can vary depending on the company or program.
   • Graduation Requirements: You may need to have successfully completed your degree or academic program to be eligible for certain internships.
     
     

3. Non-Students:

   • Non-students who are not enrolled in a formal educational program may also be eligible for internships in Germany. However, availability and requirements may vary, and it is important to carefully review the specific internship postings and consult with the program coordinators or employers for detailed information.
     
     

4. Language Skills:

   • Language requirements can vary depending on the internship position and the language used within the company or organization. While some internships may require proficiency in the German language, others may be open to English-speaking applicants. It is important to review the language requirements specified by the employers.
     
     

5. Work Permit/Visa:

   • If you are a non-EU national, you may need to obtain a work permit or visa to do an internship in Germany. The specific requirements and procedures will depend on your country of origin and the duration of the internship. It is important to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
     
     

It’s essential to carefully review the specific eligibility requirements provided by the internship program or company you are interested in. These requirements can vary, so it is recommended to reach out to program coordinators or employers for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and application requirements.

Once you found your internship in Germany, the next step is to understand if you need a visa or not. In fact, the visa requirement depends on your nationality. Let’s split it into two parts: the foreigners that don’t need a visa and the foreigners that need it.

Foreign people who don’t need a visa

If you are an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa to come to Germany or to be able to do an internship. The same applies to the nationals of the next countries: Canada, Israel, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, the USA, and New Zealand. For the countries mentioned, it is not required an application for an internship visa, yet, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration Office, after your arrival to Germany.

Foreign people who need a visa

The rest of the nationalities that aren’t included above needs to apply for an internship visa. For this reason, if you are one of these cases, pay attention to the next sections.

• The first thing you need to fill out is the application form. You can find it here. You need to print the application form twice and sign up for both. 
• Will be necessary two passport photographs: Recent photographs up to 3 months of duration and respecting the indications of the German Immigration authorities. You can find them here.
• National Passport. Read more about the passport requirements here. 
• A copy of your passport in A4 size;
• In case you have an old passport that contains visa stamps, you might submit it as well; 
• You need a certificate of Health Insurance. You can read more about it here.
• You need proof of financial funds that shows you are able to support your expenses in Germany. It could take different forms, namely:

1. 1. Your bank account statement; 
   2. A contract of your internship that describes the payment and its amount, in case, if applicable;
   3. A letter from a sponsor that confirms will support your stay in Germany, among with three papers previously mentioned, to be possible to validate this letter. 
   4. Besides this, It is also necessary to submit other two documents: if you are employed, you need to submit the past three months payment’s proof. If you are self-employed, it is required a certificate of your ownership ( land title, income, etc); 

• Civil status proof;
• Proof of accommodation for your stay in Germany ( it could be either a rental contract, hotel/hostel booking, or a letter from a friend/family that describes your stay there);
• A proof of your flight itinerary. You can read more details here.  

Other specific requirements

• When you apply for an internship, it is the responsibility of your company to get the ZAV consent letter from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (this a permission to work in Germany). This only applies if it is not an EU-funded program, as Erasmus;
• An acceptance letter from your German company, with all details, including the payment ones;
• A certificate of your qualification (it could be an academic degree, diploma, and so on). 
• A letter from your university or local employer that proves you are from either a student or employee in their organization.

The cost of the German internship visa fee can vary depending on several factors, including your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. It’s important to note that visa fees are subject to change, so it’s recommended to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Term Internships):

   • The Schengen visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, or short-term training, including internships.
   • In September 2021, the standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults. However, reduced or waived fees may apply to certain categories such as children, students, or participants in specific programs.
   • It’s important to note that additional service charges may apply, depending on the application center or external service provider handling visa applications in your country.
     
     

2. National Visa (Long-Term Internships):

   • For internships exceeding 90 days, you will generally need to apply for a national visa or a residence permit.
   • The cost of the national visa or residence permit can vary depending on the duration of the internship and the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
   • As of my knowledge cutoff, the fee for a long-term national visa or residence permit in Germany is around €75-110. However, please note that this is a general estimate and the actual fee may vary.
     
     

It’s important to reiterate that visa fees can change, and it’s essential to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees and payment procedures. They will provide you with the specific details regarding the visa fee applicable to your situation and the type of visa you are applying for.

Keep in mind, the payment is not reimbursable, independently of any further situation (as the rejection, for instance).

The maximum period an internship visa can take is 12 months. Although, the validation of your internship visa depends on your internship duration. For instance, if the duration is 5 months, the internship visa validation will be 5 months plus a few more days reserved for the start date and end.

Here are some general guidelines regarding the validity of a German internship visa:

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Term Internships):

   • A Schengen visa allows you to stay in Germany and other Schengen Area countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
   • For short-term internships, the duration of the visa is typically aligned with the duration of the internship. It allows you to stay in Germany for the duration specified in your visa, up to a maximum of 90 days.
   • The validity of the Schengen visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on the specifics of your visa and the duration of your internship.
   • Once the 90-day limit is reached, you must leave the Schengen Area.
     
     

2. National Visa (Long-Term Internships):

   • For internships in Germany exceeding 90 days, you will generally need to apply for a national visa or a residence permit.
   • The validity of a national visa or residence permit for an internship can vary. It depends on factors such as the duration of the internship, the specific visa category, and the regulations of the German authorities.
   • In some cases, the visa or permit may be issued for the exact duration of the internship, while in other cases, it may be granted for a longer period to allow for additional flexibility.
   • Typically, national visas or residence permits for internships are issued for a period of several months to one year.
   • If your internship extends beyond the initial visa or permit validity, you may need to apply for an extension or a new visa/permit.

It’s important to note that visa and residence permit regulations can change, and the exact validity of your German internship visa will be determined by the German embassy or consulate in your home country. 

Whether or not you need to apply for a visa to do an internship in Germany depends on several factors, including your nationality, the duration of the internship, and your current visa or residence status. Here are some general guidelines:

1. EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals:

   • Citizens of EU/EEA member states and Switzerland generally do not need a visa to do an internship in Germany. They have the freedom of movement and the right to work in Germany without restrictions.
     
     

2. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals:

   • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals usually need a visa to do an internship in Germany, regardless of the duration.
   • Short-Term Internships (up to 90 days): If the internship duration is less than 90 days, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals may need to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows them to stay in Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen visa is typically suitable for short-term internships, business meetings, or training purposes.
   • Long-Term Internships (more than 90 days): For internships exceeding 90 days, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals usually need to apply for a national visa or a residence permit before entering Germany. The specific visa or permit required depends on factors such as the duration of the internship, the purpose of stay, and the regulations of the German embassy or consulate in their home country.

It’s important to note that visa regulations can change, and individual circumstances may have specific requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country or seek advice from immigration authorities to determine the exact visa requirements and application processes applicable to your specific situation and nationality. They will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and whether you need to apply for a visa for your internship in Germany.

The processing time to apply for an internship visa in Germany can vary depending on several factors, including the workload of the embassy or consulate, the time of year, and the specific circumstances of your application. It’s important to note that visa processing times are subject to change, and it’s recommended to consult the German embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information. Here are some general considerations regarding the processing time:

1. Application Submission:

   • The first step is to gather all the required documents and submit your visa application to the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
   • The time it takes to prepare your application package can vary depending on the completeness of your documents and your readiness to provide all the necessary information.
     
     

2. Appointment and Interview:

   • After submitting your application, you may need to schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate for an interview or to submit your documents in person.
   • The availability of appointment slots can affect the overall processing time. It’s advisable to book an appointment well in advance to secure a suitable date.
     
     

3. Processing Time:

   • The actual processing time for your internship visa application can vary. It typically takes several weeks for the embassy or consulate to review and process the application.
   • The processing time can be influenced by various factors, such as the complexity of your case, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional checks or verifications that may be required.
     
     

4. Notification of Decision:

   • Once your visa application is processed, you will be informed of the decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your visa or residence permit.
   • If additional documents or information are needed, you may be asked to provide them before a final decision is made.

It’s important to initiate the visa application process well in advance of your planned internship start date. The specific processing time can vary, and it’s advisable to contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country to inquire about their estimated processing times and any specific requirements for internship visas. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the expected processing time for your internship visa application.