Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
If you are a citizen of a third country that has not achieved a visa liberalisation agreement with Schengen states, you will require a Germany Visa to enter Germany and any other Schengen member country.
If you want to visit Germany for a short stay (up to 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa, also known as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for a German long-stay visa, also known as a D-type visa.
Germany Visa Types
How To Apply For a Germany Visa
You are required to submit at the representative office of the country you are visiting for the longest. The case worker on your application will determine the correct location for you.
- Fill out the application form online
- Prepare required documents
- Attend an interview with embassy or consulate
- Submit finger prints
- Pay visa application fee
Schengen Member Countries
The Schengen area is a zone in which 27 European countries have abolished their internal borders to allow for free and unrestricted movement of people, while also adhering to common rules for controlling external borders and combating criminality by bolstering the common judicial system and police cooperation.
Except for Ireland and the nations that will soon be part of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, the Schengen Area encompasses the majority of EU countries. Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are all members of the Schengen zone despite not being EU members.
You should be sure to choose the correct number of entries required when applying for a Germany Schengen visa. If you are visiting multiple countries and will be travelling in and out of the Schengen zone frequently then a multiple entry visa would be suitable for you.
Supporting Documents For Germany Visa
The following support evidence is required:
Application Form; printed and signed.
Your passport/travel document with at least 2 blank pages
Itinerary for a round-trip flight. A copy of the round-trip flight reservation, with passenger information and dates demonstrating that the stay in Schengen is not more t
Proof of lodging is required. A document that shows the German embassy/consulate where you will be staying during your visit to Germany, such as a hotel reservation.
Proof of sufficient financial means
Germany Health Insurance for Travelers. You should secure travel health insurance for the whole area of Germany and all other Schengen nations prior to submitting your ap
Germany Visa Process
The process for applying for a Germany visa can vary depending on your country of residence and the purpose of your visit. However, the general steps involved are as follows:
- Check the requirements for your visa type. The German government has a website where you can find the requirements for all types of visas. You can also contact the German embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
- Complete the visa application form. The visa application form is available on this website you will need to provide your personal information, travel details, and the purpose of your visit.
- Gather the required documents. The required documents will vary depending on your visa type. A document checklist detailing what
- Schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. You will need to schedule a face to face appointment to submit your Biometric information. Appointments are typically available several weeks in advance.
- Attend your appointment and submit your application. When you attend your appointment, you will need to submit your visa application form, the required documents, and the visa application fee. You will also need to have an interview with a consular officer.
The processing time for a Germany visa can vary. For short-stay visas, the processing time is typically 15 days. For long-term visas, the processing time can be up to several months.
It is important to start the visa application process well in advance of your travel date. This will give you enough time to gather the required documents and schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate.
Entry To Germany
If you are planning to travel to Germany, you will need to meet certain entry requirements. These requirements include:
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of your intended stay in Germany.
- A visa: If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel to Germany.
- Proof of onward travel: You must have proof of onward travel, such as a plane ticket or a train ticket.
- Sufficient funds: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- Medical insurance: You must have medical insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Germany.
If you meet all of the entry requirements, you will be allowed to enter Germany. However, you may be subject to a visa interview, where a consular officer will ask you questions about your purpose of visit and your plans for your stay in Germany.
Here are some additional tips for entering Germany:
- Arrive at the airport early. This will give you plenty of time to check in for your flight and go through passport control.
- Have your passport and visa ready. You will need to present these documents when you go through passport control.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of visit. The consular officer may ask you questions about your travel plans and your reasons for wanting to visit Germany.
- Be patient. The entry process can take some time, so be patient and respectful of the officials who are processing your paperwork.
Germany Schengen Visa Purposes
There are many different reasons why you might need a Germany Schengen visa. Here are some of the most common purposes:
- Tourism: If you are planning to visit Germany for tourism, you will need a Schengen visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Business: If you are traveling to Germany for business purposes, you will also need a Schengen visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the nature of your business trip. For example, if you are attending a conference or meeting, you will need a different type of visa than if you are working in Germany.
- Study: If you are planning to study in Germany, you will need a student visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for the duration of your studies.
- Family visits: If you are visiting Germany to visit family or friends, you will need a family visit visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Work: If you are planning to work in Germany, you will need a work visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the type of work you will be doing. For example, if you are working as a skilled worker, you will need a different type of visa than if you are working as a student.
Other EU Visa Types
If you are third-country national, you will need a visa to enter Germany. In fact, you will need a visa to enter any other Schengen country. Short-stay Schengen C-visas permit stays of up to 90 days. While a national D-visa/residence permit is for more extended stays in the country.
Schengen visas are utilised by business persons, tourists, speciality workers, and students who want to stay in Germany for a limited time for specific travel purposes. Those who apply for a Schengen visa must show the Visa Application Centre that they intend to leave the Schengen zone at the end of their temporary stay.
Once you submit an application, it will go through our 8 point check to ensure there will be no issues with your authorization. Sometimes it can take up to 72 hours to schedule your consultation call with the attorney but you will be kept up to date from the moment your application is submitted.
You will receive all updates to the email address you present on your application and our phone lines are open 9am-5pm (GMT+0) if you have any queries.
People Also Asked...
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
Germany are a member of the Schengen Area. There are 27 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone in the table on this page.
You can expect an update on Visa Applications within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.
You will get a letter stating the reason for rejection. You may appeal the decision by writing a letter. The rejection letter will outline this in more detail.
It takes up to 15 business days to process your visa application. This time frame can change based on multiple factors, such as: staff available, applying in busier times, whether the application was completed correctly.
You can extend if you have good reason, such as natural disasters, personal reasons, humanitarian reasons, or late entry into Germany than when your visa was issued.
You will have to apply for your visa extension at the Foreigner’s Office in Berlin, Keplerstr. You will need your valid passport, valid visa, Germany extension form, proof of income, health insurance and any other documents related to your visa type.
You will need to make this appointment by email with the Foreigner’s Office, if successful, it will be extended on the same day. If your reason for extending is due to personal reasons or late entry, you will need to pay 30 Euros.
Yes, it can be taken away from you if your circumstances have changed from when you applied. It can also be cancelled if you provided false information when you applied for your visa, or committed a crime.