<aside> 🚨 How to use this FAQ more efficiently? Simply use the search function and find what you’re looking for.

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<aside> ❓ VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT TYPES

• VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT - is there a difference?
• FAMILY REUNION - What type of visa and residence permit do my family members get, and what may be required?
• BLUE CARD - What is the difference between a Blue Card (a type of residence permit) and a “normal” residence permit?
• JOB SEEKER VISA - Germany only: Is German required for the Job seeker visa? If not, should I have an English language certificate?
• SPONSORSHIP VISA - Companies often refer to the Sponsorship visa, and that they are not offering it. What is this all about?
• SHORT-TERM-VISAS - e.g., Schengen visa and specific requirements:
• Is there anything like an entrepreneur visa?
• Can I apply for a residence permit if I am already in the EU?
• VISA - What is the difference between public/private (also called statutory) health insurance and travel insurance? Which do I need for the visa appointment?
• I have a temporary residence permit in an EU country. I finished my Bachelor’s there and now want to relocate to Germany to do my Master’s. Would I also need the blocked bank account? </aside>

<aside> ❓ GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - UNIVERSITY, FINANCES & WORKING REMOTELY

• UNIVERSITY DEGREE - I do not have a university degree. Do I still have the chance to come to Europe?
• MINIMUM SALARY REQUIREMENTS - for Blue Card & other visa types
• What happens if I would like to work remotely? Is it possible to start working before I enter the EU? In other words, if I work remotely outside the EU, do I need a work permit?
• What if my university is listed in Anabin (German database for accreditation and acceptance of foreign degrees) but not my degree?
• Almost every European country requires a flight ticket, a 6-month accommodation proof, insurance, and some other documents, which will cost us plenty if our visa gets rejected. How to deal with that?
• Do I need to get my foreign degree recognized before finding a job using it? </aside>

<aside> ❓ DURATION OF PROCESSES

• How long does it take to obtain the visa and, afterwards the residence permit? </aside>

<aside> ❓ 🇩🇪 OPPORTUNITY CARD 2026

• What can I do with the German Opportunity Card?
• How long will it be valid?
• POINT SYSTEM - What factors matter for the opportunity card, and how many points do I get for each?
• Do I qualify for the German Opportunity Card?
• Will I be able to work directly in Germany with an obtained Opportunity Card?
• How much money do I have to present for the Opportunity Card?
• Are scholarships considered proof of financial resources?
• What are the alternative visa options available right now?
• Can I come with my family? </aside>

<aside> ❓ UNEMPLOYMENT

• UNEMPLOYMENT - I have lost my job in Europe. What happens now?
• UNEMPLOYMENT SUPPORT - If I get money from the state, does that affect my residence permit process? </aside>

<aside> ❓ STUDYING

• WORK AFTER STUDY - What can I work in when I graduate from a university in the EU to extend my stay?
• RESIDENCE - Do most EU countries give a student residence permit according to how long the study program will last?
• FINANCIAL MEANS - Do I need to prove my financial means every time I apply for an extension on my student visa in the EU?
• STUDIENKOLLEG - What is Studienkolleg in Germany?
• PHD - What are the requirements to apply for PhD programs in the EU as a non-EU applicant?
• MASTER’S - As a non-EU citizen, can I apply to any master’s programs, even if not in my field, and get the visa? </aside>