Planning to work in Germany or another European country? Calculate costs before applying and distinguish official fees from intermediary services.
Applying for a work visa involves more than the consular fee. You should also plan for additional expenses: insurance, document preparation, language learning, travel and the first weeks of living abroad. This guide explains how to budget for visa and related costs. Obtain written quotes for private services and accommodation. Germany’s standard adult national visa fee is €75; a Schengen visa normally costs €90, with possible exceptions. For other countries, check the specific permit category: there is no single European work visa fee.
💰 1. Visa fees and related charges
| Expense | How to budget |
|---|---|
| German national visa, adult | Normally €75. Check exemptions and payment currency with the mission. |
| Short-stay Schengen visa, adult | Normally €90. Reductions may apply; this visa does not replace work authorisation. |
| Other European national visas | Fees depend on the country and category. Use the destination consulate’s current schedule. |
| Visa application centre | Any applicable service charge is separate from the consular fee. |
| Translation, certification and delivery | Request a quote for your document list. These are not government visa fees. |
📌 2. Health insurance: what the price covers
Appropriate health insurance is an important visa and residence requirement. For a short Schengen stay, minimum travel medical coverage is €30,000, but this is not a universal rule for a national employment visa.
| Situation | What to check before paying |
|---|---|
| Short Schengen visit | Emergency care, hospital treatment and repatriation cover of at least €30,000. Price depends on duration, age and policy terms. |
| Entry with a national visa | A policy suitable for your purpose and length of stay. Confirm when your main insurance begins and cover any gap after arrival. |
| Starting employment | The insurance required for your status and its start date. Travel insurance is not a universal substitute. |
📜 3. Preparing documents: Translation, certification, exams and other services
📌 Translation of diplomas and certificates — prices depend on length, language and translator requirements
📌 Certified copies and notarial services — obtain only the required form; confirm the number of documents and fee
📌 Language examination, if required — level and price depend on the occupation, visa route and exam centre; A2/B1 is not required for every work visa
📌 Biometric photographs — according to the mission’s current requirements and the photographer’s price
📌 CV and cover letter — you can prepare these yourself; professional assistance is priced by agreement
🌍 4. A blocked account or other proof of funds
When planning your trip, check whether your particular route requires a blocked account (Sperrkonto). There is no universal amount for “any job in Germany”. For example, the Opportunity Card in 2026 normally requires evidence of €1,091 per month in available funds; the evidence method and duration depend on the application. Money in a blocked account is your living-cost reserve, not a visa fee.
❗ If you have an employment contract: An adequate salary may demonstrate secured living costs. Check the first payday and expenses before employment starts; do not open a blocked account based solely on generic advice without checking the requirements.
📍 5. Relocation and the first weeks: Travel, housing and everyday expenses
Alongside visa and document costs, budget for travel and the period before your first salary. Consider the city, family size and the employer’s arrangements:
| Expense | How to calculate |
|---|---|
| Travel from Uzbekistan to Germany | Use the current route price, including baggage and change conditions |
| Initial rent and deposit are separate amounts | Use the contract: initial rent, utilities and deposit. For standard residential tenancies in Germany, the cash deposit is capped at three months’ net basic rent; it is not necessarily one month |
| Food and local transport | Calculate the period until your first salary using local prices |
| SIM card and connectivity | Use the chosen tariff; check contract length and activation |
💡 6. An illustrative start-up budget
The following is an illustrative example for one person, not an average price or service offer. Replace each figure with your verified costs; emergency savings and any required blocked account are separate:
- German national visa: €75 at the standard adult rate
- Initial insurance: an illustrative €60; duration and coverage must be checked
- Document preparation: an illustrative €150
- Travel, initial housing, deposit and everyday expenses: an illustrative €2,700
Total in this example: €2,985; this is not a universally sufficient relocation budget
🤝 Alman Visum: help with visas and document preparation
If you are planning to work in Germany and need help preparing, Alman Visum can assist within an agreed scope of services:
✅ Job search assistance
✅ Document preparation and arranging translations
✅ Practical insurance and financial evidence arrangements
✅ Visa procedure and interview preparation
📞 Contact:
🌐 Send an enquiry: https://almanvisum.com
📧 Email: info@almanvisum.com
📱 Phone: +49 176 64335685
✅ Conclusion
A realistic budget includes official fees, documents, insurance, travel, accommodation and reserves until your first salary. Check the specific country and visa route. Paying for services and having funds do not, by themselves, guarantee approval. Alman Visum can help you build a clear preparation plan and agree the support you need.
