German Embassy in Islamabad Simplifies Work Visa Application Process

Key Highlights

1. Work visa procedures for Pakistani nationals have become simpler.

2. The German Embassy in Islamabad now processes work visa applications more efficiently.

3. Recent updates aim to significantly cut waiting times.

German Embassy in Islamabad Streamlines Work Visa Process for Pakistanis
The German Embassy in Islamabad has announced improvements to its work visa processing system, making it easier and faster for Pakistani nationals to apply.

In a recent social media update, the Embassy confirmed that it will now handle a larger volume of work visa applications, helping to speed up processing and reduce delays.

“Waiting lists are now closed. If you haven’t received an appointment, please initiate your application through the portal. More visa categories will be transferred to the Consular Services Portal, improving our processing efficiency.”
— German Embassy Islamabad

Online Applications Now Available for All Work Visa Types
Pakistani applicants can now apply online for a range of work visa categories, including:

• Highly skilled employment

• EU Blue Card

• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

• Self-employment

• Qualification recognition visas

The Embassy emphasizes that the digital portal digital.diplo.de/visa will streamline the process by guiding users through each step, including a tailored questionnaire and document checklist. This helps ensure applications are complete before the in-person appointment.

Applicants will still need to visit the Embassy to:

• Confirm identity

• Submit biometric data

• Pay visa fees

Goal: Eliminate Waiting Lists Entirely
By shifting more categories to the online platform, the Embassy hopes to do away with traditional waiting lists. Except for the Opportunity Card, all Schengen and long-term visa categories are now included in the updated booking system.

Germany Issued Over 80,000 Work Visas in Early 2024
Germany granted more than 80,000 employment-related visas in the first half of 2024—up 3,000 from the same period in 2023. Around 40,000 of these were issued to skilled workers, according to data from the German Federal Foreign Office.

This rise in work visas is crucial, as Germany continues to face severe labor shortages. The German Economic Institute (IW) estimates there are 570,000 vacant positions, especially in:

• Transportation

• Construction

• Healthcare

• Manufacturing

• Engineering

• IT sectors

“Companies are unable to meet production potential due to staff shortages.”
— German Economic Institute (IW)

These changes to the visa system are part of Germany’s broader strategy to attract skilled professionals and address ongoing labor market gaps.