Immigration

Germany | Germany abolishes visa remonstration procedure effective July 1, 2025

Summary

Effective July 1, 2025, the German Federal Foreign Office will abolish the remonstration procedure for visa rejections worldwide. This administrative appeal process previously allowed applicants to request an internal review of visa denials. The decision follows a successful pilot program aimed at streamlining visa processing and reducing waiting times.

The detail

The remonstration procedure was a voluntary, non-statutory legal remedy that permitted visa applicants to challenge rejections by submitting a written objection to the respective German mission. This process enabled applicants to present additional information or clarify misunderstandings without resorting to formal legal action.

A pilot project conducted since June 2023 in various German visa sections tested the suspension of remonstrations for both Schengen and national visas. The evaluation revealed that eliminating the remonstration process freed significant staff capacity, allowing for the processing of more visa applications and a reduction in waiting times compared to the previous year.

With the abolition of the remonstration procedure, applicants whose visa applications are rejected will have two options:

1. Reapplication: Submit a new visa application at any time.
2. Judicial Appeal: Pursue a formal legal challenge through the administrative courts.

Notably, the removal of the remonstration process does not affect the statutory right to judicial review, ensuring that legal protections remain intact.

Challenges and opportunities for businesses

Challenges:

• Increased Legal Complexity: Without the remonstration option, applicants may need to engage in formal legal proceedings to challenge visa denials, potentially increasing legal costs and complexity.
• Time Sensitivity: Judicial appeals are time-consuming, which may impact project timelines and staffing plans, especially for roles requiring urgent placement.
• Application Precision: The necessity for accurate and complete initial applications becomes paramount, as errors or omissions may lead to rejections without the opportunity for informal correction.

Opportunities:

• Streamlined Processing: The elimination of the remonstration step is expected to expedite overall visa processing times, benefiting applicants and employers alike.
• Digital Application System: Since January 1, 2025, national visas for skilled workers, apprentices, students, and family reunification can be applied for online via the Consular Services Portal. While this option is not yet available at all German missions, it is being rolled out more broadly. The system provides better guidance, reducing the likelihood of incomplete applications and associated delays.

How we can help

As a specialist in corporate immigration law, the firm is well-equipped to assist businesses and applicants in addressing and adapting to these developments.

• Application Preparation: We ensure that visa applications are meticulously prepared, minimizing the risk of rejection due to errors or omissions.
• Legal Representation: In cases of visa denial, we provide expert legal counsel and representation in judicial appeals, safeguarding our clients’ interests.
• Strategic Planning: We offer strategic advice to businesses on workforce planning and immigration compliance in light of the new visa processing procedures.

Vialto will continue to provide updates and guidance on corporate immigration strategy under the new government and new laws.

In addition, we are available as your point of contact to clarify open questions and develop tailored solutions. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can support you in navigating skilled immigration effectively.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Mostafa Massoud
Partner

Eva Witt
Manager

Want to know when a Regional Alert is posted?

Simply follow our Vialto Alerts page on LinkedIn and posts will be displayed on your feed. To ensure you don’t miss one, once you’re on our LinkedIn page, click on the bell icon under the banner image to manage your notifications.

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

© 2025 Vialto Partners. All rights reserved.