Short trips to Gemany (up to 90 days)

It is not required for Icelandic citizens to get a visa for a business or tourist trip to Germany. The same applies to citizens of EU member states as well as to citizens of Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, all these citizens must at all times during their stay in Germany be able to identify themselves with a valid passport or a national ID-card.

If you are a third-country national (= non EU/EFTA country) who is in possession of an Icelandic residence permit you are also allowed to travel to Germany for up to 90 days per 180-day period, as long as the duration of the stay does not exceed the residence permit’s validity period. This rule also applies to the holders of a national visa (category „D“ visa).

If your residence permit for Iceland has expired, you have to apply for an extension with the Icelandic immigration authority „Útlendingastofnun“. Until a decision regarding the extension has been made, you are unfortunately not allowed to travel to Germany.

Kindly take note that you need to bring your residence card with you when travelling to Germany as well as your valid passport.

Stays in Germany longer than 90 days

As a rule, all foreigners require visas for stays of more than 90 days or stays leading to gainful employment.

Exemptions apply to EU and EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) citizens and Swiss nationals: If citizens of Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland and citizens of EU member states move to Germany to work, study or live there for more than 90 days they are required to register with the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt/Bürgerbüro) in the town/city they move to. It is also necessary to have health insurance coverage and sufficient funds to finance your stay.

Furthermore, citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America may obtain any residence permit that may be required after entering Germany. Please note that these citizens may only take up employment once they have been issued a residence permit by the foreigner’s authority explicitly authorizing such employment.

Citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino may also obtain a required residence permit after entering Germany for all purposes except for employment.

Citizens of all other countries planning a longer stay in Germany must apply for visa before moving to Germany. National visas for long-term stays are issued for a particular purpose. Usually issued for 90 days, such visas may be issued for up to a year in certain cases. After entering Germany, visa holders must apply for a residence permit as a general rule.

Consular Services Portal for visa applications

The Consular Services Portal provides an easy and secure online application procedure for visas to enter and stay in Germany. Complete your application online and have it checked in advance by the German mission to ensure that it is complete. This way you will be well prepared for the in-person appointment at the German mission where you will provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo). Please find the link to the Consular Services Portal here: https://digital.diplo.de/visa

You can apply for the following types of visas online:

• Studying
• Family reunion
• Opportunity Card
• Blue Card (EU)
• Taking up employment as an academic
• Taking up employment as a skilled worker with professional training
• Taking up employment with work experience
• Conducting a qualification analysis
• Taking up employment as part of a placement agreement