Germany to move visas for citizens of Afghanistan online

Germany will shift work and study visa applications for citizens of Afghanistan to an online system, aiming to improve access, speed, and transparency.

The German Embassy Islamabad announced that visa applications for Afghan citizens seeking work and study opportunities in Germany will be fully processed online through its consular services portal.

According to the statement issued on May 2, all visa applications, including student and work categories, must be submitted online starting June 1. Applicants will be able to upload documents step by step and receive immediate digital feedback on their submissions.

The embassy said that applicants who have not secured appointments through the previous waiting list system by May 1, 2026, will no longer receive in-person appointment slots under the old process. Instead, they must use the new digital system.

Once applications are completed online, individuals can independently schedule in-person appointments at the embassy’s Afghanistan visa section in Islamabad, depending on appointment availability and valid entry permits for Pakistan.

The embassy emphasized that the new system is designed to make the process faster, more transparent, and more efficient, with priority given to complete and properly submitted applications.

Restrictions on education in Afghanistan have significantly increased demand for study visas abroad, particularly among young people seeking access to universities and professional training opportunities that are currently limited domestically.

At the same time, rising unemployment and limited economic opportunities inside Afghanistan have pushed many skilled and unskilled workers to seek jobs overseas, increasing pressure on foreign visa systems and migration pathways.

Meanwhile, the shift to an online system could help reduce delays and improve access, but challenges such as internet access, documentation requirements, and travel restrictions may still affect many applicants.

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