The German government launched a new Consular Services Portal, allowing foreign nationals to apply for 28 national visa categories online.

• The new Consular Services Portal provides digital services at all 167 of Germany’s visa sections worldwide for employment, studies, training and family reunification visa applications.
• Following a four-cycle pilot phase, the Federal Foreign Office linked certain visa sections to the new portal, eliminating the need for in-person visits to consular offices.
• The new portal is designed to cut out postal deliveries and reduce long waits for appointments.