Visa application in Cairo

Where to apply, TLScontact or direct booking, fees, documents and what happens after.

Most routes need a national visa (Visum) for stays over 90 days, applied for before you travel. The competent mission for Egypt is the German Embassy in Cairo. The Embassy's page for your visa type is binding; check it before every step.

Steps

1. Find your visa type on the Embassy pages (study, skilled worker, Blue Card, Opportunity Card, Ausbildung, family) and print its checklist.
2. Book an appointment. Study, employment, Opportunity Card, Ausbildung, recognition, research and accompanying family go through TLScontact. Family reunification, self-employment, au pair/volunteer service and other purposes use the Embassy's own free appointment system. Since 1 Oct 2026 the Opportunity Card is applied for only through the online portal. No official waiting-time figure was found.
3. Collect documents: passport, application form, photos, proof of purpose (admission, contract, Chancenkarte points evidence, marriage certificate), proof of funds, proof of German level, legalised and translated certificates (Documents).
4. Appear in person and give fingerprints (taken from age 6 since 1 Sep 2026); pay the fee.
5. Wait. For skilled-worker and recognition cases the Berlin Foreigners' Authority (LEA) or the Federal Employment Agency may be involved first; processing time varies.

Fee

National visa: 75 €, minors 37,50 € (§ 46 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 in conjunction with § 50 Abs. 1 AufenthV). Exempt in certain cases under § 52 Abs. 1 AufenthV, including spouses and partners of German citizens. The Embassy takes the fee in Egyptian pounds at its own rate; check the current amount on its page. The fee is not refunded if the visa is refused.

Alexandria

Alexandria has an honorary consulate that accepts legalisation documents only for the districts Alexandria, Beheira, Dakahliya, Damietta, Gharbiya and Kafr El Sheikh (see Documents). Whether it accepts visa applications was not confirmed; apply in Cairo.

After arrival

The visa is converted into a residence permit (eAT, 100 €; extension 93 €) at the LEA Berlin: After arrival.

If the visa is refused you receive a written decision with reasons. The remonstration procedure was abolished on 1 July 2025; action goes directly to the Administrative Court Berlin (VG Berlin), within one month if the notice has instructions on remedies, otherwise one year (§§ 74, 58 VwGO). See a lawyer for migration law.