Applying for a Schengen Visa to Germany (2024)

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If you’re planning a visit to Germanyfor tourism, business, or family reasons and intend to stay for up to 90 days, you may need to apply for a German Short-stay visa, known as the Germany Schengen Visa.

Our visa experts have crafted the following guide to assist you at every stage of the German Schengen visa application process. Filled with valuable insights and in-depth information based on our expertise, this comprehensive guide will aid you in thoroughly preparing for your upcoming German adventure.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany?

Here’s the step-by-step process for how to obtain a visa to visit Germany:

Check if you need a visa.
Understand the type of visa you need.
Determine where to lodge your visa application.
Complete and download the visa application form.
Schedule your German visa appointment.
Prepare the required documents.
Attend your visa appointment.
Wait for the visa to process.
Collect your passport.

Check if You Need a Visa

Not every traveller heading to Germany needs a visa. Before you travel, check the information below to determine whether you must apply for a visa or not.

Who Needs a Visa?

You will have to apply for a visa when travelling to Germany if you are:

A citizen of a non-EU country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
A citizen of a non-EU country that has reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, but you were rejected from entering Germany or any other Schengen country visa-free.

Exemptions from Visa Requirements

You are exempt from applying for a visa to enter Germany if you fall into any of the following categories:

You are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
You hold a passport from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any other country with a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
You possess a valid residence permit from any country within the Schengen area.

For those exempt from a visa, check out the required documents for entry into Germany. It’s always good to be prepared!

Germany Visa Policy: A Visual Guide

Understand the Visa Type You Need

If your plan involves a short trip to Germany, lasting up to 90 days, whether it’s for tourism, visiting friends and family, or business purposes, you should apply for a short-stay visa, commonly referred to as a C-type or Schengen Visa.

However, if your visit involves other purposes or you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa, also known as a D-type visa.

Short-Stay Visa (C) Types

Airport Transit Visa: For transiting through German airports to reach a destination outside the Schengen Area.
Tourist Visa: Designed for those wanting a vacation or sightseeing experience in Germany.
Visitor Visa: Intended for individuals with family or friends in Germany who are aiming to visit them.
Business Visa: Tailored for business professionals participating in activities related to business in Germany.
Visa for Official Visit: Applicable to delegations travelling to Germany on official visits.
Visa for Medical Reasons: For patients requiring medical care in German hospitals or clinics.
Visa for Study Purposes: For those seeking to study at an educational institution in Germany for up to three months.
Visa for Training/Internship: This type of visa is designed for individuals who wish to undergo specific training or participate in an internship in Germany.
Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: Suited for individuals attending cultural, sports, or film events in Germany.

Remember, having a visa doesn’t guarantee entry; you must meet specific entry requirements outlined by German border officials. Ensure you fulfil these requirements before planning your journey to Germany.

Long-Stay Visa (D) Types

Germany student visa.If you plan to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you’ll need a Germany long-term student visa to pursue academic studies, research, or educational programs at German universities or educational institutions.
Germany family reunion visa.This visa allows spouses, children, parents, or other relatives to reunite with their family members in Germany for an extended period.
Germany work visa.You can apply for this visa if you have a job offer or employment contract from a German employer.
Germany job seeker visa.This visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months to search for employment and attend job interviews.
Germany guest scientist visa.If you’re a researcher or scientist invited by a German research institution or organization for a specific project or collaboration, you’ll need a German guest scientist visa.
Germany freelancer visa.With this visa, you can work as a freelancer and reside in Germany.

Determine Where to Lodge Your Visa Application

The location where you should submit your German Short-Stay visa application is determined by your place of residence. See below to find out whether you need to submit your visa application directly to the German Embassy/Consulate or through the authorized visa application centers.

Finding the Right Submission Location

Individuals residing in Albania, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, or the United Kingdom are required to submit their German Schengen visa applications throughTLS Contact.
Individuals residing in Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, The United Arab Emirates, or Vietnam are required to submit their German Schengen visa applications through VFS Global.
If you are a resident of the United States, or Mexico, you are required to submit the German Schengen visa application through BLS International.
Individuals residing in Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Russia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan are required to submit their German Schengen visa applications through iData or Visametric.
Residents from countries not mentioned above have to submit their German Schengen visa applications to the German embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Ensure a smooth application process by contacting the appropriate entity based on your location. If you require clarification or have specific inquiries, please reach out to the relevant agency/consulate for guidance.

Who Should Apply for a Schengen Visa at the German Embassy/Consulate/VAC?

If Germany is the only country in the Schengen Area you plan to visit, it’s straightforward – apply at the German embassy/consulate or the authorized Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country of residence.

However, if your journey includes Germany and at least one more Schengen state, apply at the German embassy/consulate/VAC in your country of residence only if:

You will spend more days in Germany than in the other Schengen countries.
You will spend an equal amount of time in each country, but you are starting your Schengen adventure by entering through Germany.

You can’t apply for a short-stay German visa from a country where you are currently on a short-stay visa. You must hold a residence permit in the country where you are applying.

For more in-depth details, please refer to: How to Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate/VAC to Submit the Visa Application

Complete & Download the Visa Application Form

Once you know you need a short-stay visa to go to Germany and you’ve figured out the type of visa you need and where to submit your application, the next thing to do is fill out a form.

You can do this in two ways: either download the standard Schengen visa application form or visit the official Videx website of the Auswärtiges Amt and fill in all the needed details yourself.

Our visa experts have created guides to assist you in accurately completing the German Schengen visa application form, whether it’s in PDF or Videx format.

How to Fill the German Application Form - Videx Online

How to Fill the German Schengen Visa Application Form - PDF Format

Schedule Your German Schengen Visa Appointment

Once you’ve completed your German visa application form, the next step is to schedule a visa appointment. The process varies depending on your place of residence. See below to find out how to schedule your German visa appointment.

Make the Appointment

If you’re living in Albania, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, or the United Kingdom, schedule your visa appointment through TLS Contact.
If you’re living in Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, or Vietnam, schedule your visa appointment through VFS Global.
If you’re a resident of the United States or Mexico, schedule your visa appointment with BLS International.
If you reside in Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Russia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan, schedule your visa appointment with iData or Visametric.
For those living anywhere else, including countries without specific outsourcing centres, the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence is your direct point of contact. For more information, visit the official Appointment System of the German Foreign Office.

In several countries, as noted above, Germany has delegated Schengen visa applications to external centers such as TLS, VFS, BLS, or Visametric. It’s essential to note that these visa centers solely collect your application; the final decision rests with the German diplomatic mission.

When Should I Make an Appointment?

According to the new Schengen rules, you have the flexibility to initiate your German Schengen visa application up to six months ahead of your intended travel date.

Based on our experience, we recommend scheduling your German visa appointment as early as possible, preferably within one to three months before your travel date. This ensures sufficient time for a hassle-free and seamless application process.

Appointment Fee

Scheduling an appointment for a German visa application is free of charge. However, there are other fees associated with the application process, which we have outlined below in this article.

We highly advise against scheduling appointments through non-accredited third-party intermediaries, as they may add extra fees.

Can I Change or Cancel my Appointment?

You cannot change your appointment, but you can cancel the current appointment you have and then request a new one.

To cancel your appointment, you need to use the “cancellation appointment services” available on the websites of each visa application centre. Please note that cancellations are available only well in advance (a minimum of one or two days) but not on the day of the appointment itself.

Prepare the Required Documents

In order to obtain a Schengen visa, applicants need to follow a standardized set of documents specified in the Schengen visa code, though there may be some variations for each member country.

To meet the short-term stay visa requirements for Germany, applicants must submit the following documents to the German embassy or consulate:

The German Schengen visa application form.
Documents generally required for any Schengen visa application.
Schengen visa insurance. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and include repatriation in the event of death.
Declaration of Accuracy of Information.
If your visit is sponsored by a friend or family member in Germany, you must provide a letter of sponsorship from them and a Declaration of Commitment, known as “Verpflichtungserklärungen.”

Each visa application undergoes a personalized review, so the required documents may differ. The German authorities may also ask for additional documentation in some cases.

Please ensure that you have all the documents with you since you may risk getting your visa denied if something is missing from your application.

Understanding the Requirement for Travel Insurance

Travel Medical Insurance is compulsory for Schengen visas under Regulation (EU) 2009/810 of the European Parliament.

German visa applicants can obtain visa insurance from either Europ Assistance or vti.travel, a European insurance comparison website, comparing insurance policies of AXA, Allianz, Europ Assistance and Mutuaide.

These insurance providers are acknowledged and accepted by German Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Moreover, you can cancel the insurance at no cost by submitting proof of German visa rejection.

Minimum Bank Balance

To obtain a German Schengen visa, you are required to have a minimum of €45 per day to cover your expenses in Germany for the duration of your stay.

Other ways to prove financial subsistence for Schengen Visa

Attend Your Visa Appointment

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, attend it at the designated visa centre or embassy. Submit your application form, documents, and provide biometric data, including fingerprints. During this visit, you’ll have a brief visa interview to discuss your trip’s purpose and address any related questions.

Biometric Data

The biometrics you provide at the appointment are your visa biometric photo as well as fingerprints. If you have applied for any Schengen visa in the last 5 years, you might be exempt from submitting your fingerprints.

Paying the Visa Application Fee

On your appointment date, you have to pay an €80 visa application fee.

If you are applying through a visa application centre, you may also need to pay an additional service fee (about €30-€40). In most cases, visa application centers requires you to pay the fee according to the currency of the country where the application is being submitted.

Depending on the embassy/visa application centre, you can pay the fee as follows:

With a credit/debit card.
With cash.
With checks.

What Will They Ask Me?

During your appointment, you may have to answer a few short questions regarding your trip. The visa interview questions will be about what you will do in Germany, how long you plan to stay, do you know anyone there, as well as personal questions about your work, family, studies etc. The point of the interview is to determine the genuineness of your travel purpose. Answer all questions truthfully.

Can Someone Else Apply for a Schengen Visa on My Behalf?

Yes, someone else can apply for a Schengen visa on your behalf, but only if you’ve granted them authorization to do so and you’re not required to submit your fingerprints.

Top Mistakes to Avoid During a Visa Interview

Wait for the Visa to Process

After submitting your application, German authorities require a minimum of 15 working daysto complete the processing of your German Schengen visa.

Please note that this processing time can be prolonged up to 30 days or more. In spite of the official timeline set of 15 working days, travellers have reported cases when they received their answer earlier.

Track Your Application

You can track your application online, but the method may vary depending on your application centre.

You can do this either by using your account number (this is usually the case with TLS) or by using an application number code or reference number, which is usually stamped on the receipt of your visa fee (the case with VFS, BLS, iData, VisaMetric, and the German embassy).

Receiving a Positive Decision

If you receive your visa, you can travel to Germany within the dates specified in the visa sticker.

The consular authorities decide the duration of your allowed stay; visas are issued for a maximum of 90 days but may also be issued for a shorter period.

Visas can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries.

Receiving a Negative Decision

If your application is denied, you will receive a notice outlining the reasons for your visa refusal; here, you have two options:

Appeal against the denial of your visa. You must submit a written request of appeal within one month of the denial decision to the authority that has a final say in your visa application which is either a German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If, after your appeal request, your visa is still denied, you can appeal at the Administrative Court in Berlin.
Re-apply for your visa. You also have the option to re-apply for your visa, ensuring you’ve addressed all the reasons for your initial refusals. Please note that even in this case, you still need to submit a new application.

Please note that if you submit a new application while you’ve already submitted a request for an appeal, the processing of your appeal will be stopped while your new application is taken into consideration.

Can I Get a Refund of the Visa Fee If My Application Is Denied?

No, your visa fee is non-refundable as it accounts for the costs and time it takes to process your application. Please note that even if your application is denied, you won’t receive a refund.

Collect Your Passport

On the day of your appointment, you will be notified of how you can collect your passport after the visa has been processed. There are two ways:

You collect it yourself at the German embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.
The German embassy, consulate, or visa application centre will deliver the passport to you via a courier service. They will charge an extra fee for this service.

How to Enter Germany?

You have to enter Germany within the dates specified on your visa sticker. You must have the following documents with you:

Your passport with the visa sticker affixed.
Proof of travel health insurance.
Proof of accommodation.
Return flight ticket.
Proof of financial means.

Please note that even with a visa, you may be denied entry due to reasons like incomplete documentation, not meeting entry requirements or suspicion of fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the validity of a Schengen Germany visa?

A Schengen Germany visa is typically valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it can be issued for a shorter duration depending on the decision of the consular office. You can use our Schengen calculator developed by our visa experts, to correctly count your days.

Is it possible to extend my German Schengen visa?

You can request an extension of your German Schengen visa, but only for specific reasons. Please note that there is no guarantee that your visa will be extended. To request an extension, you have to contact the Foreigners Authority Office (Ausländerbehörde) in the area of Germany where you are staying.

What if I overstay my visa?

If you exceed your visa’s allowed stay in Germany, you could face serious repercussions such as fines, deportation, entry bans, or even arrest. It’s important to follow your visa’s rules to avoid these consequences.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Germany visa?

Yes, you can visit other countries within the Schengen Area with a Germany visa (unless you have a Limited Territorial Validity Visa). However, your primary destination must be Germany, and the days spent in other Schengen countries will count towards your 90-day limit.

Can I travel to non-Schengen countries with a Germany visa?

If you meet specific criteria and entry requirements, in some cases, you can visit other non-Schengen countries with a Germany Schengen visa.

How can my friends or relatives in Germany get the Verpflichtungserklärung?

They can get this document by going to the local Aliens’ office in their area of residence in Germany. It is essential to submit the original affidavit when applying for a visa for the purpose of visiting family and friends in Germany.

I plan to visit my friends and relatives in Germany, and I will cover the expenses for the trip using my own funds. What type of invitation should I provide?

Ask your friends or relatives in Germany to send you an informal invitation, including their name, address, and a copy of their German passport. If your friend or relative in Germany is not a German national, you should also include a copy of their residence permit.

Can I work in Germany with a Schengen visa?

No, you cannot take up employment in Germany with a Schengen visa. This visa is typically for short-term visits, tourism, business, or other non-employment purposes.

Other Information:

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Data Protection

Your personal data during the visa application process is protected and stored in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation).

If you have any concerns about the security of your data, you can contact the Federal Foreign Office Data Protection Commissioner as follows:

Werderscher Markt 1
10117 Berlin
Germany
Email: [emailprotected]
Tel: + 49 30 5000 2711
Fax: + 49 30 5000 51733