Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to digitalize a significant part of the visa issuance process starting in 2025, aiming to expedite the entry of skilled workers and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles.
The move comes after a surge in visa applications, with 2.3 million processed annually. As the demand grows, the digitalization will target national visas, especially for professionals, students, and family reunifications.
Klemens Konen, special commissioner for visa digitalization, highlights that the digital portal for foreign citizens will streamline visa applications by providing a more efficient, intuitive process. The platform will guide users through questions such as “How long do you want to stay?” or “What qualifications do you have?”
With a €13.6 million investment in the portal, the ministry expects to reduce wait times and improve the planning of appointments. A priority system will be introduced for skilled workers, who will receive faster processing.
Key Aspects:
- Digital visa applications to start in 2025.
- Aimed at skilled workers and those applying for long-term stays.
- New portal to guide users through the process in German and English.
- Aimed at reducing wait times and improving the visa application experience.
