Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Intended for ethnic Germans from the former USSR and Eastern Europe recognized in Germany as resettlers. It allows entry into the country for an extended period, after which the holder obtains further status/residence permit and, in most cases, can acquire citizenship in accordance with the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG). Before applying for a national visa as a late resettler, the applicant must obtain an admission decision from the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 6 months
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The consulate determines the visa validity period based on the applicant's personal circumstances. A national visa, in most cases, has a limited validity of 3 to 6 months. During this period, entry into the country must be completed. The visa validity period starts from the date of issuance.
to 1 month
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The national visa for late resettlers and their families allows a 30-day stay, during which registration must be completed at the Friedland Reception Center of the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Upon entry to Germany, the visa ceases to have independent validity. Upon arrival, either status confirmation leading to citizenship or interim documents (registration, resettler ID, etc.) are issued. One of these documents will govern the applicant's stay.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
This visa permits single entry.
from 20 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing typically takes 20–60 working days. Incomplete documents extend this period. The longest stage is the Aufnahmebescheid: BAMF/BVA review usually lasts 2–4 years, or over 5 years in complex cases.
Free of charge
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Processing of the late resettlement application is free of charge.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Visa application form
Official national visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Medical insurance
Proof of health insurance (original and copy) valid for all Schengen countries, covering the entire duration of the intended stay with a minimum coverage of 50,000 EUR (recommended) or at least 30,000 EUR.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Criminal record certificate
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country. If applicable.
Birth certificate
Applicant’s original birth certificate plus one copy.
Aufnahmebescheid - Admission decision on the right to resettlement
Official admission ruling for entry to Germany as a late resettler (Spätaussiedler), issued by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). The applicant must prove ethnic German origin with at least one ancestor recognized as German (German ethnicity in documents, affiliation with the German population). However, mere ancestry is insufficient - preservation of German identity must be demonstrated. Assessment covers upbringing in a German family, education in German-language settings, and cultural self-identification.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Proof of kinship
If applicable. For family members: - marriage certificates; - birth certificates; - name change documents; documents must be translated into German (and legalized/apostilled if required)
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Visa for late resettlers
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Ethnic German; descendant, spouse, family member of ethnic German
Last updated 2026-01-23