The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) is responsible for forwarding visa applications to the visa section of the embassy or consulate. To ensure timely receipt of your visa, you should submit your application at least 6 weeks before the start date of your enrollment. The processing time for the embassy or consulate after receiving the application is at least 4 weeks, and in some cases, it may take longer. Typically, German embassies and consulates will issue a visa valid for 3 or 6 months. You must report to the Foreigners' Registration Office immediately upon arrival to obtain a valid residence permit.
Documents Required for a German Visa
Unless otherwise specified, submitted documents must be in triplicate (original plus two copies), meaning two identical sets of documents are required. Each set should be arranged in the following order:
1. 1 printout of the last page (page 7) of the Videx form generated as a PDF file. Please visit: https://videx.diplo.de/. For details, please visit: https://www.aps.org.cn/verfahren-und-servicesdeutschland/visum-fur-deutschland
2. 2 copies of the residence permit application form, fully completed in German and signed by hand, along with 3 identical recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
3. A passport signed by hand, with 2 copies of the passport photo page. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiration date of the visa.
4. a) Letter of admission from a German university and proof of the language proficiency required by the admission letter, with a German translation if necessary.
Or
b) Proof of enrollment in an intensive university preparatory language course at a German language school (at least 18 hours per week), original receipt of payment for at least 3 months of tuition, and subsequent documents related to university studies (conditional university admission letter, notification from the uni-assist service, university application certificate, correspondence with the university indicating a clear intention to study, etc.)
5. Proof of financial resources for the duration of stay, in one of the following forms:
a) Proof of a blocked bank account in Germany with a deposit of at least 8,640 euros for one year, allowing a monthly withdrawal of 720 euros.
b) A formal letter of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) meeting the requirements of Section 68 of the Residence Act (issued no more than 6 months prior to application).
c) Proof of an irrevocable bank guarantee from a bank in Germany for at least 8,640 euros for one year.
d) Proof of a scholarship award.
6. Higher education or vocational education diplomas (graduation certificates and degree certificates), or proof of current enrollment/student status, or proof of suspension of studies, with German translations.
7. A complete, gapless curriculum vitae (CV) in German, presented in table format, up to the date of application.
8. A statement of purpose for studying abroad in German, detailing the reasons for studying abroad and the impact on future career development.
9. Proof of health insurance: valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry into Germany.
10. For those who have previously resided in Germany and held a valid long-term visa/residence permit, or whose long-term visa/residence permit expired less than 6 months ago: proof of de-registration from the German residents' registration office.
11. The APS verification certificate/certificate/fax. In individual cases, additional documents may be requested, and an interview at the visa section may be required.
