MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Germany Visa Guide 2026: VFS / iDATA Documents & German Requirements
Complete 2026 Germany visa guide for VFS & iDATA applicants: language certificate rules (Goethe/telc/ÖSD), Sperrkonto €11,904, and visa categories.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — verified against German Foreign Office & BAMF regulations 2026
Applying for a German National Visa (Type D) in 2026 via VFS Global or iDATA requires strict compliance with language certification rules and official financial proofs. Misunderstanding accepted language certificates or submitting incorrect Sperrkonto amounts is the leading cause of visa delays and refusals.
Language Requirements by Visa Category (2026)
| Visa Category | Required Level | Accepted Certificates |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse / Family Reunification (§28) | A1 (Survival German) | Goethe Start Deutsch 1, ÖSD Grundstufe A1 (Note: iDATA Türkiye accepts ONLY Goethe and ÖSD!) |
| Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte (§20a) | A1 German OR B2 English | Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF (Points table system) |
| Ausbildung / Apprenticeship (§16a) | B1 standard (B2 for Nursing) | Goethe B1/B2, telc B1/B2, ÖSD B1/B2 |
| University Study (§16b) | B2 – C1 | TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1, telc C1 Hochschule |
Financial Proof: Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) 2026 Figures
For 2026, the official German student and job seeker blocked account requirement is €11,904 per year (€992 per month). For Chancenkarte holders, an official part-time work contract paying at least the 2026 minimum wage of €13.90/hour serves as an accepted alternative.