The Schengen visa (also called tourist visa, short stay visa or Category C visa)1 lets you visit Germany and the Schengen area. They are valid for up to 90 days.
With a Schengen visa, you can:
- Visit Germany for up to 90 days in a 180 days period
- Visit other countries in the Schengen area
With a Schengen visa, you can’t:
- Work or study in Germany4
- Convert your Schengen visa to a residence permit (with rare exceptions)2
- Extend your visa to stay longer (with rare exceptions)3
People from some countries can enter Germany without a visa. They don’t need a Schengen visa because they have visa-free entry.
Who needs a visa to visit Germany?
You must apply for the Schengen visa at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also get a Schengen visa for another Schengen area country, then visit Germany.