Germany will soon introduce an online application system for work and student visas for Afghan citizens, its embassy in Pakistan said Friday, in a move aimed at streamlining and speeding up the process.
The German Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement that starting June 1, Afghan applicants will be able to submit visa applications through the German Foreign Office’s consular services portal and upload required documents online.
Under the new system, all applications for work and study visas must be submitted digitally. The embassy said the previous appointment-based system, including waiting lists for visa interviews, will no longer be available for applicants who had not secured appointments by May 1.
The embassy said the online platform is designed to make the application process simpler, faster and more transparent.
Applicants will be able to upload documents step by step and receive feedback on whether their submissions are complete before proceeding. Once all required documents are approved, applicants can independently schedule in-person appointments at the visa section handling Afghan cases in Islamabad, subject to availability.
Officials said applications that are complete at the initial stage will be prioritized for processing and may move more quickly to the interview phase.
The embassy listed several visa categories that will be available through the online system, including the EU Blue Card, work visas for university graduates, skilled workers with vocational training, and programs based on professional experience.
Other categories include job-seeker visas, opportunity cards, and visas for academic study and vocational training.
Germany has been one of the main destinations for Afghan migrants and students in recent years, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which has limited educational and employment opportunities inside Afghanistan.
The embassy urged applicants to use official government channels to access the consular portal and avoid relying on unofficial intermediaries.
