3.1 Basic Principles of National Visas
National visas (D visas) are issued for stays of more than 90 days for a specific purpose (study, work, family reunification, volunteer service, etc.) and are generally valid initially for 90 days up to a maximum of 1 year. After entry, holders must apply for a residence permit at the competent immigration office in Germany (residence permit, Blue Card, or, if applicable, settlement permit at a later date).
3.2 Categories with Applications Submitted via TLScontact
The following national visa categories for Kenya are fully outsourced to TLScontact:
- Vocational training (Section 16a of the Residence Act).
- Advanced vocational training.
- Internships and training programs.
- University studies (Section 16b).
- Measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications (Section 16d).
- Skilled workers with vocational training (Section 18a).
- Skilled workers with a university degree (Section 18b).
- Research and science (Section 18d, Section 19c of the Residence Regulation).
- EU Blue Card (Section 18g).
- Crew members on passenger ships.
- Short-term quota-based employment (Section 19c in conjunction with the Residence Regulation).
Applications are prepared via the Consular Services Portal, documents are uploaded, and a preliminary review is conducted online; an appointment is then scheduled with TLScontact to submit the originals.
3.3 Categories Requiring an Embassy Appointment (Waiting lists)
Other national visas are processed via embassy waiting lists (appointment booking via the online system):
- Family reunification (including spouses, children, marriage in Germany) – separate waiting list.
- Standalone language course (not preparatory for studies).
- Au pair visas.
- Voluntary service (BFD, FSJ, FÖJ, European Voluntary Service).
- Employment for religious/charitable reasons.
- “Other employment,” professional drivers, re-entry, school attendance, etc.
3.4 Fees and Processing Times (National)
Standard fee for national visas: €75 (€37.50 for minors), payable in KES at the embassy’s exchange rate; certain family reunifications may be fee-exempt (e.g., spouses/children of German nationals). Processing times: generally 1–2 months, often longer due to involvement of immigration authorities/Federal Employment Agency; waiting lists indicate waiting times for appointment scheduling (e.g., 6 months for family reunification, 7 months for isolated language courses, 1 year for au pair/volunteer service).