What lies behind Germany’s move to digitalise its visa application?

Previously, the visa application process in Germany was heavily paper-based, requiring applicants to fill out extensive forms and submit physical documents at consulates, often involving long wait times and limited transparency on application statuses.

The Consular Services Portal eliminates the need for physical visits, guiding applicants step-by-step with clear instructions and providing real-time updates, ultimately reducing processing times and administrative burdens.

Why this shift?

This transformation is driven largely by Germany’s growing labour shortage and the need to attract skilled professionals and students. By modernising the visa process, Germany aims to enhance efficiency and position itself as a more accessible destination for global talent.

Indian professionals are significant in addressing Germany’s skill shortages, particularly in the IT, engineering, and healthcare sectors. With Germany facing a shortage of at least 4 lakh skilled workers annually, Indian nationals have become a crucial part of the workforce, with their numbers in skilled roles surging from 23,000 in 2015 to 137,000 by February 2024.

The move comes when Germany’s popularity among international students is consistently rising. According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the winter semester of 2024/25 is projected to host nearly 405,000 international students, reflecting a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.

With its student-friendly policies like the 18-month job seeker visa, which allows graduates to seek employment after completing their studies, and the potential for EU Blue Card eligibility, which streamlines residency options for skilled workers, Germany has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional study abroad destinations.

Additionally, recent expansions in part-time work allowances during studies, allowing non-EU students to work up to 20 hours per week make it easier for students to support themselves financially, enhancing Germany’s appeal. This trend underscores Germany’s expanding role as a hub for higher education, particularly for master’s programmes, where many universities report significant enrollment growth.

However, despite this upward trend, as per the DAAD survey, one of the key challenges faced by international students was visa allocation delays. The Consular Services Portal is meant to address this issue by creating a streamlined, centralised application process with better tracking, and improving accessibility for prospective students.

Germany is focused on making the application process increasingly immigrant-friendly, reflecting the nation’s welcoming attitude. While digitalisation marks significant progress in enhancing its appeal, expanding Germany’s global talent pool will require a more comprehensive approach, particularly to reach untapped student markets.

One critical area for improvement lies in increasing the capacity and diversity of English-taught programs (ETPs) in fields such as Technology, Business, and Sustainability. Expanding these programmes can cater to a broader international audience, especially from non-German-speaking regions while aligning with global education trends and labour market demands.

Additionally, enhancing the support system for international students through structured integration initiatives can play a pivotal role in retention and workforce absorption. This includes mentoring programmes, career counselling, language training tailored to professional environments, and work-study opportunities that provide hands-on industry exposure.

Moreover, expanding institutional representation and outreach in newer markets may help German universities attract a broader international audience and maintain their momentum.

–Iyer is the Chief Operating Office at OneStep Global