Make It in Germany

This is the official online platform for qualified professionals, students and academics wanting to live and work in Germany.

General information, e.g. on the recognition of foreign qualifications, on employment opportunities in Germany or on social security issues, can also be found on the website of the Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung (ZAV), at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and on the EURES portal (European Employment Services).

Speciality Cooks

Please note that every visa application for specility cooks is now preceded by a so-called document verification process. The checklist in the download section contains updated information about the process, the fee as well as processing time.

Job Search Opportunity Card

For more information about the new Job Search Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) please have a look here.

In order to apply please download the checklist in the Download Section.

Blue Card EU

For academics with a recognized university degree who wish to take up employment in Germany corresponding to their qualifications, there is easier access to the labor market via the “Blue Card EU”. In addition to the respective degree, an issuance of a Blue Card EU requires proof of a specific job offer with a specific annual gross salary.

For specialists in mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology, as well as physicians, a Blue Card EU can also be issued if they reach an annual salary.

Potential applicants can check the web Portal ANABIN to find out if their foreign university degree is recognized or seen as equivalent.

Detailed information as well as the requirements can be found as follows:

- Explanation Video

- Leaflet

​​​​​​​Blocked Accounts

Some types of visas (e.g. study and vocational trainings) require a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Detailed information as well as the current amounts can be found here. Please note that this amount is changing yearly.

Furthermore, please understand that neither the German embassy nor the German Foreign Office will recommend a provider of blocked accounts.

Proof of Sufficient German Knowledge

Sufficient German language skills are necessary for some types of visas e. g. family reunification, studying and employment. There are, however, exceptions. Detailed information about the required language skills can be found here. You can also check our information sheet about simple German language skills.

Questions and Answers

Any questions? Please check the general FAQs or the FAQs for skilled workers to see if you can find the answer.

If you still cannot find the answer please do not hesitate to contact us.

You should start preparing your application as soon as you have plans to stay long term in Germany. The entire visa application process can take several months.

You can now apply for certain visas online. You will receive feedback in advance as to whether your documents are complete. Your appointment at the German Embassy in Manama will then be quickly and efficiently. You show your original documents, hand in your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and pay the fee.

The online service applies for the following visa categories:

• Study purposes and seeking a university place (mandatory)
• Basic or advanced training and search for a training place
• Family Reunification* (NOT reunification with beneficiaries of subsidiary protection)
• Blue Card (EU) for professionals with a university degree
• Blue Card (EU) for skilled workers with a tertiary education qualification
• Blue Card (EU) for IT specialists
• Taking up employment as a highly skilled worker with university degree
• Taking up employment as a skilled worker with professional training
• Taking up employement wit work experience
• Opportunity Card

More categories will follow soon.

*Please note: Each applying family member needs their own user account.

To apply and to arrange your appointment please follow the link to our Auslandsportal.

You should start preparing your application as soon as you have plans to stay long term in Germany. The entire visa application process can take several months.

• Please fill in your application electronically beforehand. Print out the application form AND the barcode that is automatically generated and bring it with you when you come to the Embassy: Videx
• Each visa application requires a biometric passport picture. Please see the leaflet for specific requirements in the Download section.
• Prepare your documents according to the relevant checklist. The relevant checklist is available in the Download section. On your appointment day you have to submit 1 (one) set of originals and 1 (one) set of copies. Please consider that the embassy does not make copies.

You need to book an appointment at the Visa Section of the German Embassy Manama to submit your application under the following link. You can submit your application not earlier than six months before the start of the planned trip.

Appointment Booking System

For your appointment you have to appear in person at the embassy. The embassy will accept your complete application documents including the visa fee. Our visa team will conduct a short interview with you and register your biometric data.

Important information
Please do not send the Visa Section any documents unless requested to do so. We are not able to store such documents and will not know to which application they belong. Please always bring the complete documentation with you to your appointment.

Foreign public documents need to be duly legalized by the competent German Mission in the issuing country, or, if applicable, provided with an Apostille. For documents from some countries, individual document verification might be necessary, that process would require more time and an additional fee.

The processing of the visa application usually takes up to 12 weeks, occasionally longer.

The embassy decides on your application based on the provided documents. You will be contacted as soon as the application has been decided. Please note that questions regarding the status of your visa application cannot be answered. Due to data protection regulation, no status updates can be given via phone.

As soon as the Embassy has reached a decision on your application, we will contact you. If your application has been granted, we will inform you when to hand in your passport for the visa to be issued.

You should collect your passport in person. If you are not able to collect it yourself, you can authorise another person to collect it for you. To do so, please write a short note who will pick up your passport. This person has to provide us with a copy of his/her ID in order to make sure that we hand out the passport to the authorized person only.

There are various reasons why your visa application may be rejected. The reasons will be stated in the letter notifying you that your application has been rejected. You will also be informed about your options.
You are welcome to submit a new application at any time with complete, informative and verifiable documentation.

If all the information on your visa label is correct, you are free to travel. Please check the information on the label as soon as your passport is returned to you. You should let us know immediately if there are any mistakes so that we can issue you a new visa.

Your visa will state your full name and passport number and include your photo. It will also state the number of days you can stay and the period of validity, that is, the time by which you must have received your residence permit for Germany.

Therefore, please do not forget to register at the residents registration office shortly after you arrive in Germany and to make an appointment with the foreigners authority. Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area.