3.1 General Information and Jurisdiction
Anyone who wishes to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, or who wishes to live, study, work, or bring family members to Germany, requires a National Visa (Category D). This visa is generally issued for 90 days up to a maximum of one year and serves as an entry permit; upon arrival in Germany, an application for a residence permit (residence permit, EU Blue Card, settlement permit, etc.) must be submitted to the competent immigration office.
The Embassy in Accra accepts national visa applications from citizens and residents of Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Many categories (study, skilled workers, Blue Card, Opportunity Card) can be prepared online via the Consular Services Portal; there, the documents are uploaded and pre-screened before an appointment is scheduled at the Embassy.
3.2 General Document Structure for National Visas
The Embassy lists the following as standard:
- National visa application form (online via the Foreign Affairs Portal or paper form) + signed “Declaration in accordance with § 54 of the Residence Act” .
- Biometric passport (valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages) + copy.
- 1–3 recent biometric passport photos (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm).
- Original birth certificate (first registration) + copy.
- Resume (CV) and letter of motivation, depending on the purpose of stay.
- Proof of the purpose of stay (e.g., university admission, employment contract, apprenticeship contract, marriage/birth certificates).
- Proof of financial means (blocked account, employment contract, scholarship notification, letter of financial support, bank statements).
- Proof of health insurance coverage starting from the date of entry.
- Visa fee €75 (€37.50 for minors), payable in GHS or by credit card.
Documents that are not in German or English must be submitted with a certified translation; all documents must be submitted in original plus copy, complete and in the order specified in the information sheets.
3.3 Appointment Scheduling for National Visas
Appointments are scheduled:
- For skilled workers, Blue Card, study, vocational training, continuing education, and Opportunity Card applicants via the Auslandsportal/Consular Services Portal (digital registration, document upload, followed by appointment booking).,
- For language courses, qualification programs, recognition partnerships, research/science, au pair, volunteer service, re-entry, and family reunification via the Federal Foreign Office’s online appointment scheduling system (specific categories).