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BERLIN — In a sweeping procedural change, the German Federal Foreign Office has officially ended the long-standing remonstration process for visa rejections effective July 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration framework. The move affects all long-term visa applicants globally and replaces the appeal option with a more rigid process.
Until now, rejected applicants could challenge the decision by submitting a written request to the same consulate or embassy for reconsideration — a process known as remonstration. Under the new policy, this will no longer be possible.
Instead, applicants will receive a formal rejection notice outlining the reason for denial and will be left with only two options:
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Submit a new visa application, possibly with corrected or improved documentation.
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Pursue legal action through the German court system.
Clarity for Long-Term Stays and Employment Visas
Alongside the abolition of remonstrations, the Foreign Office reiterated visa obligations for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizensintending to stay in Germany for more than 90 days.
Key guidelines include:
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Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, and the US may enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from within the country.
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All other nationalities must apply for a long-stay visa (also called a D visa) before arrival via a German diplomatic mission.
Processing times for long-term visas — especially those not directly tied to employment — may extend up to three months or more due to additional approvals by immigration authorities and the Federal Employment Agency. However, employment-related visas are typically processed faster and with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.
Visa Application Forms and Language Requirements
Visa application forms for long-term stays remain free of charge and are available in German, English, French, and Italian. However, applicants must use the version required by their local consulate. Failure to do so may result in delays or outright rejection.
Who Handles Visa Extensions in Germany?
Once inside Germany, local immigration offices — not the Federal Foreign Office — hold the authority to:
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Extend existing visas
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Convert temporary visas to residence permits
These immigration offices operate under state-level interior ministries, and their decisions are autonomous, with the Foreign Office holding no sway over outcomes.
Travel Perks with the National D Visa
Holders of a D visa also enjoy Schengen Zone travel privileges, allowing them to move freely across other member countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies even before receiving a residence permit, offering additional mobility for students, workers, and researchers.
End of Remonstration: A Move Toward Efficiency or Exclusion?
While German authorities suggest this reform simplifies and accelerates visa processing, critics argue that removing the appeal window increases barriers for applicants — particularly students, skilled workers, and families.
Legal experts warn that the lack of an informal challenge mechanism may drive more rejected applicants toward costly and time-consuming legal proceedings, potentially burdening both individuals and the judiciary.
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| End of remonstration procedure | No informal appeal; only reapplication or court action |
| Visa rules clarified | Visa must be obtained before entry (except select countries) |
| Longer processing for some visas | Non-employment visas may take over 90 days |
| Forms and language requirements | Use embassy-specific versions only |
| Travel rights under D visa | 90-day Schengen access within 180-day period |
