On the Federal Foreign Office webpage you can find out whether you need a visa for visits to Germany and the Schengen states of up to 90 days. Most non-EU-foreigners wanting to work or study in Germany or to stay longer than 90 days in Germany for other purposes, usually need a visa.
Exceptions are indicated in the relevant list of countries.
Exemptions apply to EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens and Swiss nationals.
Furthermore, citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America may obtain any residence permit that may be required after entering Germany.
National visa applications must be approved by the relevant foreigners authority in Germany, i.e. the foreigners authority in the place where the applicant intends to take up residence.
If the approval of the foreigners authority is necessary before a visa can be issued, the procedure can take up to three months, in some cases longer, since the foreigners authority will often consult other authorities (e.g. the Federal Employment Agency). The Embassy only issues national visas once it has obtained the approval of the foreigners authority.
You should arrange an appointment for interview. Please, follow the link to arrange an appointment in the Embassy:
To book an appointment in the Embassy
Some categories may apply for a national visa in the visa application centre VISAMETRIC.