This checklist is also available in Somali and Tigrinya.

To apply for a national visa, the following documents have to be provided by the applicant. Documents that are not presented either in German or English have to be submitted together with a translation into German or English by an in the European Union sworn translator plus one copy of the translation.
Laminated documents are not accepted.
You are required to submit a copy of every original document provided. Incomplete applications may be denied.

General documents:

1. Two completely filled and signed application forms per applicant. Please use the VIDEX long term application form in order to speed up the application process and to reduce your waiting time. 
2. Two signed security declarations
3. Two recent biometrical passport photographs with a bright background (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm). The photos have to show the facial features from the chin to the hairline as well as the left and right half of the face: sample chart for passport photos
4. A valid passport plus two copies of the ID pages
   >Notice: Submitting a national passport shortens the processing time by several weeks/months
5. Only ERI: Eritrean ID card plus two copies of both the front and the reverse, ERI proof of residence (is not replacing an identity document)
6. Proof of habitual abode in Ethiopia (Proof of Registration (PoR) from UNHCR or Ethiopian residence permit which has been valid for at least six months) in the original plus two copies
   >PLEASE NOTE: To ensure that applicants may leave Ethiopia after obtaining a visa, their residence in Ethiopia must be legal. It is thus strongly recommended that applicants ensure their residence is legal before applying for a visa, either by applying for a residence permit or registering as a refugee. This is the only way to ensure that departure is not delayed after the visa has been issued.
7. Birth certificate; original plus two copies, authenticated*
8. Proof that the application process was started before the deadline – two copies (if an initial application was made to meet the deadline)
9. Passport of the family member in Germany; two copies
10. Residence permit of the family member in Germany; two copies
11. Current residence registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung); two copies
12. Notification of recognition from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) for the family member in Germany, including incontestability notice; two copies
13. If represented by someone else, e.g. a lawyer or helper: original power of attorney 
14. EUR 75 (EUR 37,50 for children) (fee payable in ETB; converted at the current exchange rate used by the Embassy cash office)

*Only ERI: Authenticated by Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Subsequent immigration of spouses

1. If married at a registry office: original authenticated* marriage certificate plus two copies
2. If married in a religious ceremony or under customary law: proof of religious/customary marriage; original with two copies
   AND original authenticated* civil marriage certificate (Issuance of the civil marriage certificate takes place after registration of the religious marriage or after registration of a marriage under customary law) with two copies.
3. If marriage took place after arrival of sponsor in Germany: Proof of German language skills at level A1. It has to be proven by a recognised language certificate of level A1 German (Goethe-Institut, Telc, ÖSD or TestDaF), not older than six months.  This certificate can currently be obtained at the Goethe-Institut in Addis Ababa.  Other examination bodies in Ethiopia are not known to the Embassy.  Further details can be found on the information sheet of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees available at the Embassy or the website www.integration-in-deutschland.de (original and two copies).
4. If marriage took place outside of Eritrea: All documents which serve as proof of a valid marriage according to the applicable local law
5. If available: (is not replacing the obligatory supplying of civil certificates)

• Images of the marriage ceremony
• Testimonials/university degree/work contract/employment reference
• Proof of financial support by the family member living in Germany
• Chat/E-Mail correspondence across the period of separation
• Detailed proof of telephone calls
• Proof of visits by the family member living in Germany

*Only ERI: by Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Subsequent immigration of children

1. If the parents were married at a registry office: original authenticated* marriage certificate plus two copies
2. If the parents were married in a religious ceremony or under customary law: proof of religious/customary marriage; original with two copies
   AND original authenticated* civil marriage certificate (Issuance of the civil marriage certificate takes place after registration of the religious marriage or after registration of a marriage under customary law) with two copies
3. In cases where the parents are not married to each other or one of the parents will not travel to Germany or is deceased: Proof of legal custody of the child (e.g. authenticated court order), original and two (2) copies; if applicable, consent of the parent who is not travelling to Germany for the child to permanently stay in Germany / authenticated death certificate, in each case the original and two (2) copies
4. School testimonials
5. Children health and growth card
6. Vaccination card

All documents/texts must be translated into German or English language by an in the European Union sworn translator.

Subsequent immigration to join a recognized minor refugee

1. If the parents were married at a registry office: original authenticated* marriage certificate plus two copies
2. If the parents were married in a religious ceremony or under customary law: proof of religious/customary marriage; original with two copies
   AND original authenticated* civil marriage certificate (Issuance of the civil marriage certificate takes place after registration of the religious marriage or after registration of a marriage under customary law) with two copies
3. In cases where the parents are not married to each other or one of the parents will not travel to Germany or is deceased: Proof of legal custody of the child (e.g. authenticated court order), original and two (2) copies;
4. if applicable, consent of the parent who is not travelling to Germany for the child to permanently stay in Germany / authenticated death certificate, in each case the original and two (2) copies
5. If available:

• Images of the marriage ceremony of the parents
• Testimonials/university degree/work contract/employment reference
• Chat/E-Mail correspondence across the period of separation

All documents/texts must be translated into German or English language by an in the European Union sworn translator.

*Only ERI: Authenticated by Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Please find the Embassy's address here.

For questions beyond the detailed information provided on the website, please contact the visa section via the contact form.