Migrating to Germany from Latin America is a goal for many people seeking better job opportunities, education, or simply a fresh start. However, one of the most important and complex aspects of the process is understanding which type of visa you need and how to apply correctly. In this clear and practical guide, we explain the main types of visas that may interest you, their general requirements, and the estimated processing times so you can plan your process with confidence.
Why do you need a visa to live in Germany?
Citizens of most Latin American countries need a visa to enter and settle in Germany if their stay exceeds 90 days. There are different types of visas, and each one corresponds to a specific purpose: working, studying, family reunification, among others.
⚠️ It is essential to apply for the correct type of visa from your country of origin. In most cases, you cannot change your immigration status once you are in Germany as a tourist. Applying for the correct visa from the start is key to avoiding rejections, delays, or complications upon arrival.
- Work visa
This is one of the most direct pathways for those who already have a job offer in Germany. It is ideal for professionals in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, services, or technology.
To obtain it, you need a formal job offer letter from a German company, a valid passport, proven work experience or a recognized university degree, and to meet the minimum salary requirements that ensure financial self-sufficiency. Depending on the type of job, you may be required to have a basic level of German or English.
The process usually takes between 6 and 12 weeks from the moment you submit all documentation at the German embassy in your country.
- EU Blue Card
The Blue Card is aimed at highly qualified professionals with a job offer in Germany that meets certain salary requirements (for 2025, approximately at least €45,300 per year).
In addition to the employment contract, a recognized university degree and health insurance are required. This visa offers advantages such as faster immigration processes, easier family reunification, and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after just 33 months (or 21 months if you speak German).
This visa also allows greater mobility within the European Union after certain years of residence.
- Student visa
Germany is one of the most attractive academic destinations in the world thanks to its wide range of university programs—many of them tuition-free—and its strong connection between academia and the labor market.
To obtain a student visa, you need an admission letter from a German university, health insurance, proof of sufficient financial resources (at least €11,208 per year deposited in a blocked account), a valid passport, and a clear study plan. It is also recommended to have at least an A2 or B1 level of German or English, depending on the program.
With this visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term.
- Visa for study preparation
If you do not yet have a university admission letter but want to travel to Germany to prepare, you can apply for this special visa, which allows you to improve your language skills, take preparatory courses, or apply directly to universities within the country.
This visa is granted for up to 9 months and does not allow you to work, but it can later be converted into a student visa. You must prove sufficient financial resources, basic knowledge of German (minimum A2), and a clear preparation plan.
- Chance Card (Opportunity Visa)
Since 2024, Germany has offered a new alternative for those who want to look for a job in the country without a prior offer. The “Chance Card“ is based on a points system that considers your academic background, work experience, language skills, age, and ties to Germany (such as having studied there previously).
To apply, you must prove sufficient financial means to support yourself during the first year, have at least A1 level German or B2 level English, and meet the minimum required score.
With this visa, you can search for a job for up to 12 months and take on part-time jobs or internships during that period. This option replaces the former “classic job-seeker visa,” which did not allow working while looking for opportunities.
- Family reunification visa
If you have an immediate family member (spouse or minor child) who already legally resides in Germany, you can apply for this visa to reunite with them. This type of visa aims to preserve family unity and applies to both heterosexual and same-sex couples, as long as they are legally married.
Requirements vary depending on your situation: typically, proof of family relationship, proof of financial means of the family member in Germany, and in some cases an A1 level of German are required.
The process can take between 8 and 14 weeks, and once granted, you may access other rights such as working or studying, depending on your family member’s status.
- Other lesser-known but possible visas
In addition to the most popular visas for working, studying, or family reunification, there are other legal pathways to migrate to Germany that, although less well known, may be ideal for specific profiles. Here are some additional options that may apply to your situation:
Self-employment or entrepreneurship visa: If you have a viable business idea and want to start a business in Germany, you can apply for a visa as a freelancer or entrepreneur. You must demonstrate that your activity has economic or regional interest and that you can finance it.
Visa for researchers or scientists: Professionals in academia or research can obtain a specific residence permit if invited by a research institution in Germany.
Vocational training visa (Ausbildung): Germany offers a wide range of dual vocational training programs (theory + practice), especially in technical fields, healthcare, or services. If you meet the academic requirements and have the required language level (minimum B1), you can migrate to Germany to complete a paid vocational training program, which also provides a pathway into the labor market.
Internship or traineeship visa: University students from Latin America can also apply for a visa to complete a professional internship at a German company, as long as the internship is related to their studies and properly documented. This visa is temporary but can serve as an entry point or preparation for long-term options.
Visa for cultural activities, exchange, or volunteering: There are residence permits for people who wish to carry out volunteer projects, participate in cultural exchange programs, work as au pairs, or even engage in religious activities. These visas are aimed at young people or adults seeking a formative or integration experience in Germany, although they do not always allow paid employment.
These routes may not be widely known, but they represent viable and legal alternatives to enter Germany, especially if your profile fits them. In many cases, they can also be a strategic first step toward a more stable residence or work permit.
How important is the German language depending on the type of visa?
German proficiency is not mandatory in all cases, but having at least a basic level (A1–B1) significantly increases your chances of obtaining a visa and integrating more easily.
- For work visas and the Blue Card, some companies accept English as the working language, especially in technology or research.
- For student visas, many universities offer programs in English, but you will need to learn German for daily life.
- For the Chance Card or family reunification, A1 level German is a formal requirement.
In short: the more German you speak, the more options you will have and the easier your integration process will be.
💡 Migropa Tip
✅ Get information from official sources such as Make it in Germany or the DAAD portals.
✅ Consider seeking specialized advice if your case is complex or you are unsure which visa is best for you. Applying for the correct visa from your country of origin is essential, as in most cases, immigration status cannot be changed once you are in Germany.
✅ Start the process early, ideally 6 to 12 months before your desired travel date. Passing the German exam—depending on your initial level and visa requirements—can add an additional 6 to 12 months to your process.
Comparative summary of the main visa types
|
Visa type |
Ideal for… |
Requires prior offer |
Language required |
Allows work |
|
Work visa |
Hired professionals |
Yes |
Depends on the role |
Yes |
|
Blue Card |
Highly qualified professionals |
Yes |
Not mandatory (depending on job) |
Yes |
|
Student visa |
Those studying at a German university |
No |
A2–B1 recommended |
Partial |
|
Study preparation visa |
Those without an admission letter yet |
No |
Yes (minimum A2) |
No |
|
Chance Card |
Those looking for work in Germany |
No |
A1 German or B2 English |
Yes (part-time) |
|
Family reunification visa |
Family members of legal residents |
No |
A1 German |
Possible, depending on conditions |
|
Other visas |
Entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, interns, etc. |
Yes |
Depends on the role |
Yes (part-time or full-time depending on the case) |
Do you need help choosing the right visa?
At MIGROPA, we support Latin American migrants in their journey to Europe. From choosing the right visa type and preparing your CV for the European market, to finding real opportunities or adapting to your new country, we help you build your path with clarity and realism.
Contact us if you want personalized guidance based on your profile.