General information

A visa for an intended marriage with subsequent stay in Germany can be applied for if the future spouse is resident in Germany or if the future spouses wish to move to Germany together and intend to live together.

A visa for an intended marriage in Germany can only be granted if a certificate of intended marriage (“Anmeldung zur Eheschließung”) has been issued by the competent German Civil Registrar, stating that a date for the wedding has been scheduled. It is therefore vital to check with the German Registrar’s Office in the town where you want to get married, which documents have to be submitted in Germany in order to obtain this certificate. For more information also see “Getting married in Germany”.

Australian citizens as well as citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand.

Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.

Necessary documents

Please do not staple the documents!

• Completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Only if the online application form is not available, you can print out this application form and fill it out by hand.
• Recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• Your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• Proof of visa status in Australia (VEVO) (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• Passport of your future spouse (if applicable: including his/her German residence permit) - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Evidence of registration of your future spouse (“Meldebescheinigung”), if applicable
• Certificate of intended marriage from the German registrar's office (“Anmeldung zur Eheschließung”) - original plus 1 copy or 1 certified copy
• Proof of basic German language skills
  • e.g. standard language test “Deutsch A1” of the Goethe Institut.
  • This is also applicable for applicants who intend to marry a German national.
  • There are some exemptions for the proof of basic German language skills. For more information see the flyer from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
• Evidence of health/travel insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) - including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• Prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• Visa fee: 75 EUR by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AUD). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) are not accepted.

Please note that all documents other than in German or English must be translated into German language.

Please note that we can process only complete applications. If you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.

Please note that you may be asked to present additional documents.

Additional information

• Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
• Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
• Your entry visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen area. However please be aware that you will be still subject to the 90 days within 180 days rule outside of Germany.

Appointment booking

Residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to apply at the Consulate General in Sydney in person. You will have to prepare all the necessary documents (see above) and book an appointment online.