To visit Germany, many world nationals may need a visa. Since 1995 when Germany, as an EU Member State, also became a member state of the Schengen Area, travellers can enter Germany with a Schengen Visa.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Germany?
You will need a short-stay visa to enter Germany and any other member country of the Schengen zoneif you are a:
- Passport holders of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states
- Passport holder of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Germany or any other Schengen country.
What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Germany?
If you are planning to visit Germany for a short stay trip (up to 90 days), then you have to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa to Germany, also known as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a German long-stay visa, also known a D-type visa.
Depending on your purpose of entry to Germany, you can apply for one of the following short-stay visa types for Germany:
- Germany Airport Transit Visa. Apply for this visa if you need to land at one of the German airports to take a flight to your non-Schengen destination.
- Germany Transit Visa. Apply for this visa if you need to embark on one of the German harbours, to take a vessel that will take you to your non-Schengen destination
- Germany Tourist Visa. Apply for this visa if you wish to visit Germany for vacations, sightseeing, exploring or similar.
- Visa for Visiting Family or Friends in Germany. Apply for this visa if you wish to visit relatives or friends living in Germany.
- Germany Business Visa. Apply for this visa if you need to enter Germany to take part in activities related to business.
- Visa for Official Visit in Germany. Apply for this visa if you must enter Germany for an official visit.
- Germany Medical Visa. Apply for this visa if you need to receive medical care in Germany.
- Germany Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews. Apply for this visa if you need to attend an activity related to culture, sport, religion, or as a part of a film crew.
- . Apply for this visa if you are planning to participate in a trade fair or exhibition taking place in Germany.
- Germany Training/Internship Visa. Apply for this visa if you want to attend training or do an internship in Germany.
What Documents are Required when Applying for a German Visa?
The following list of documents are required for any short-term German Schengen visa application:
- A visa application form. Complete the form with correct information in compliance with the information in the rest of the documents. Here you can easily learn how to fulfil the German visa form without any mistakes!
- Declaration. Which is a form issued by the German authorities in your country of residence that you need to sign. Through this paper, you confirm that you have provided all required information to the best of your knowledge and belief.
- Two passport photos. These photos must be identical and taken within the last three months.
- Your passport/Travel document:
- Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Germany.
- No older than 10 years.
- And it should contain at least two blank pages.
- Copies of your previous visas (if you have any).
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A copy of the round-trip airline reservation with passenger details and dates that prove the stay in Schengen does not exceed 90 days.
- Proof of accommodation. A document through which you prove to the German embassy/consulate where you will be staying during your trip in Germany, i.e. A hotel booking. (Check Booking.com or HotelsCombined to find cheap hotels in Germany!)
- Proof of financial funds for your trip to Germany. According to the European Commission information, a foreign applicant applying for a German visa must be able to attest possessing 45€/day to the German Embassy or Consulate for the period of stay in German territory.
- A cover letter. Explain in this letter the reason why you are applying to visit Germany, how long you wish to stay, and other details regarding your trip.
- Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
- Germany Travel Health Insurance. Prior to your application, you should obtain travel health insurance for the whole territory of Germany and all the other Schengen states. Your insurance must cover medical emergencies with a minimum of 30,000€.
Travel health insurance policies for foreigners visiting Germany that fulfil Germany Visa requirements can be purchased online from Europ Assistanceor DR-WALTER. Travel insurance policies issued by all of these companies are accepted by German authorities worldwide
Additional German Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status
The additional Germany visa requirements depending on your working status:
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
- Proof of enrolment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
- Advertisements
If retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
- Proof of regular income generated by the property, for the last 6 months
>>NOC letter for visa application from school or university.
Additional Germany Visa Requirements for Minors
The additional Germany visa requirements for children applying to get a short-stay visa are as follows:
- Birth certificate of the minor travelling to Germany.
- German application form signed by both parents.
- Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
- Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
- A notarized parental authorization to travel to Germany, signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be travelling alone.
*Note: When applying at the German embassy/consulate, the guardian or parent should accompany their underage children.
Required Documents for a German Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a German Citizen
When applying to get a German visa as the spouse of a German national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:
- Proof of German citizenship of your spouse (ID card or consular card or certification of German nationality or naturalization order).
- German marriage certificate.
- German family record book.
German Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations
When applying to get a German visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:
- The official invitation copy.
- Evidence about the purpose of the journey (negotiations, meetings, events by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).
How to Apply for a German Short-Stay Visa?
In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Germany, you must follow these steps:
- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. Do not forget to:
- Get travel health insurance (You can get it online from Europ Assistanceor DR-WALTER).
- Book a flight.
- Arrange your accommodation.
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
- Wait for a response to your application.
Where to Apply for a German Short-Stay Visa?
Submit your German visa application to visit Germany at the competent German representative body in your country of residence. This representative body could be as follows:
- The German Embassy
- A German Consulate
- A Visa Application Center to which Germany has outsourced visa submission
- The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Germany has outsourced visa submission
Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the German Embassy/Consulate/VAC?
If you are planning to visit only the Federal Republic of Germany, and no other Schengen country during this trip, submit your Schengen visa application at the German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
On the other hand, the Schengen states have created rules on where to apply in case you are planning to visit more than one country. If Germany is not your only destination in the Schengen territory, submit your application at the German Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if:
- You will be spending more days in Germany than in other countries.
- You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Germany.
Please note that you cannot apply for a short-stay German visa from a country where you are currently on a visa. You need to be a citizen of that country or on a residence permit there in order to be eligible to file your Germany Visa application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a German Visa?
The processing time for your Germany short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. If you file your visa application during peak seasons when the German embassies receive too many applications, you may have to wait up to 30 days to process your visa, or even up to 60 days in extraordinary cases.
That is why you should submit your application for a German visa as soon as possible in order to avoid any delay in the issuance of your German short-stay visa. The earliest you can apply is three months before your trip, and the latest is 15 days.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a German Visa?
The German Schengen Visa fees are as follows:
- €80 for adults applying for a short-stay visa
- €75 for adults applying for a long-stay visa
- €40 for children under the age of 12
- Free of charge for children under 6
In addition, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.
Check the list of the German Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!
How Long Can We Stay in Germany Without a Visa?
All nationals of the EU / EEA member countries can enter and remain in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If they wish to stay longer, they must register with the relevant German authorities.
Passport holders of Germany visa-exempt countries are allowed to remain in Germany and the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, within a six-month period. If they wish to stay longer, again depending on their nationality, they will need to take some further steps, as follows:
- Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea and the United States of America need to obtain a residence permit from the relevant German authorities within three months of arrival in Germany.
- Nationals of the rest of the German visa-exempt countries will have to apply for a Germany National visa for long stays from their country of residence.
Whereas the nationals of countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with Germany and the other Schengen members must obtain a visa before heading to Germany or any other Schengen member country.
Make sure you are familiar with the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not break this rule, not even for a day, or you might pay the price. The consequences of overstaying in the Schengen zone are shown here.
Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Germany?
Yes, you can extend your German Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Germany, i.e. Humanitarian reasons or force majeure. You should submit your extension at the Foreigners Authority (BAMF).
Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Germany to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your German Schengen Visa.
Can My German Schengen Visa Be Revoked?
Yes, your German visa can be revokedin case the competent German authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.
If the decision on the revocation of your visa happens while you are still in the German territory or in another Schengen member state, you will be given a deadline to leave. If you do not leave the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident.
Please note that the failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer with the entry requirements may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.
Long-Term Stays in Germany
If you want to stay in Germany for more than 3 months, then you have to apply for a “Long stay visa”, also known as a “D-Visa”:
- Visa to Study in Germany. Apply for this visa if you wish to attend a course of study at a German university.
- Germany Family Reunion Visa. Avisa for family members of German residents who wish to join them in Germany.
- Germany Employment Visa. This visa is issued to persons that have a job offer in Germany.
- Germany Job Seeker Visa. Apply for this visa if you want to visit Germany for the purpose of seeking a job.
- . Scientists or researchers who have been invited by a German institution to carry out a study or research must apply for this visa.
Health Insurance for Long-Term Stays in Germany
Persons with a mandatory visa requirement to enter the Schengen area must take out statutory or private health insurance if they plan to reside in Germany. Health insurance regulations are very different for students, guest workers and immigrants. For more information about health insurance in Germany read:
- Health Insurance for International Students in Germany
- Health Insurance in Germany – The German Healthcare System
Fun fact about Germany: Its capital Berlin is nine times bigger than Paris and has more bridges than Venice.
Read also:
- How to Get a Germany Permanent Residence Permit
- Applying for a German visa from the United Kingdom
- Applying for a German visa from the United States
- Applying for a German visa from Canada
- Travel Insurance for Foreigners Travelling to Germany
- German visa for Indian passport holders
- Best places to see in Berlin
- ETIAS Visa Waiver for Germany
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FAQs
What type of visa do I need for Germany? ›
Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany you can either apply for a Schengen visa for short term stays or a National visa for long term stays (> 90 days).
What are the 4 types of visa application? ›Which type of visa do you need? Probably 1 of the 4 main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
What is Type C or Type D Germany visa? ›If you are planning to visit Germany for a short stay trip (up to 90 days), then you have to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa to Germany, also known as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay in Germany longer than 90 days, you will have to apply for a German long-stay visa, also known a D-type visa.
How to get a German visa from USA? ›- Application form completed and signed. Application must be filled in with a blue pen. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Two photographs. ...
- Proof of residency. ...
- Proof of travel arrangements. ...
- Travel medical insurance document. ...
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Cover letter.
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, if you plan to live in Germany (or stay longer than 90 days), you can apply for a residence permit at the German Immigration Authorities after you enter.
How long can a US citizen stay in Germany without a visa? ›A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
Is German visa easy to get? ›Applying for a Schengen Visa to travel to Germany is a relatively simple process.
How long does a German visa take to process? ›How long does a German visa take? German visas take around 6–12 weeks to be processed from the time of an interview with the German consulate. This means you should start the process of your visa application around 4–5 months before your trip to Germany.
Which type of visa should I apply? ›| Purpose of Travel | Visa Category | Required: Before applying for visa* |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor | B-2 | (NA) |
| Training in a program not primarily for employment | H-3 | USCIS |
| Treaty trader/treaty investor | E | (NA) |
| Transiting the United States | C | (NA) |
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A | Foreign government officials and diplomats |
| A1, G-1, NATO1-6 | Visa renewals |
| A-2, NATO1-6 | Military personnel of a foreign country stationed in the U.S. |
| B-1 | Amateur and professional athletes who are competing for prize money Business visitors Nannies or domestic employees |
Which type of visa is required? ›
| S. No. | Type of Visa | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Business Visa | Visiting India for a business purpose |
| 3 | Project Visa | For executing projects in the Power and Steel sectors |
| 4 | “X”/ Entry visa | For accompanying families of foreign nationals |
| 5 | Tourist Visa | Visiting India for tourism |
A D-visa for employment enables you to travel to Germany and apply for a residence permit with the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or pursue an economic activity during the validity of the visa.
What is the difference between Type C and Type F in Germany? ›For Germany there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
What does D mean in visa? ›Long-stay national visas (D visas)/ residence permits for more than 90 days. Article. A national visa (D visa) can be used to obtain a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days.
Can a US citizen travel to Germany right now? ›All other U.S. citizens can enter Germany for all purposes, including tourism. Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
How much is Germany visa fee in USA? ›The visa fee for a German Schengen visa is around €60. Also, there is a processing fee involved in your application. That can vary from USD $170.49 to USD $175.49 depending on how fast you need the application reviewed by experts. You can start the application process online and then go for your interview later.
How long does it take to get German visa in USA? ›Please note processing time of minimum 2 weeks.
In some cases processing time may take up to 4 weeks plus additional business days for mailing your documents. Therefore make sure to schedule an appointment as early as possible before your intended trip to Germany.
With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Germany? ›When living abroad in Germany, many American expats wonder whether they should file taxes with the US government, Germany, or both. In most cases, the answer is both, as virtually all US citizens are required to file a US Federal Tax Return, and most expats in Germany will also need to file a German tax return.
What are the requirements to enter Germany? ›All COVID‑19 entry restrictions to Germany are lifted for the time being. Entry to Germany is permitted for all travel purposes (including tourism and visits). It is no longer necessary to present proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result for entry to Germany.
Will I lose my American citizenship if I move to Germany? ›
A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so.
How much money should I have for German visa? ›In most cases, applicants have to prove that they have around 11.208 euros at their disposal for one year.
Who can sponsor me in Germany? ›First of all, this person should be residing in Germany. Second, s/he needs to be a citizen of Germany or the EU or to have an appropriate residence permit (e.g., valid for the duration of the student's stay). Third, the sponsor needs to have sufficient creditworthiness.
How to get a German visa step by step? ›- Step 1: Checking the requirements. ...
- Step 2: Making an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. ...
- Step 3: Applying for a visa in your country of residence. ...
- Step 4: Coming to Germany. ...
- Step 5: Applying for your residence title.
German Embassy in New Delhi – up to 10 weeks. German Consulate General in Kolkata – up to 1 week.
How does German embassy verify documents? ›The consular officer will then witness his signature and certify it on the original document. We can certify copies as true copies of originals/certified copies (by German authority) upon presentation of the original/certified document. A copy of a non-authenticated document cannot be certified.
How do I know if my German visa is approved? ›Email: Email Now. Helpline Number: +4921173714828. Visit the Visa Application Centre to track your application.
What is the most easiest visa to get? ›- Estonia.
- Lithuania.
- Iceland.
- Latvia.
- Slovakia.
- Luxembourg.
- Czechia.
- Germany.
Americans can travel to most European, Caribbean, and Central and South American countries without a visa, along with many other popular tourism destinations. Countries that U.S. passport holders need visas to enter include Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and more, and others require e-visas to visit.
What is easiest visa to get? ›A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must, in most cases, first obtain a visa to do so. This can be either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get.
What is the most common visa type? ›
US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)
What Schengen visa means? ›2 What is a Schengen visa? • A visa allowing for an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a. duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 day period ("short stay visa"), • A visa allowing for transit through the international transit areas of airports of. the Schengen States ("airport transit visa").
Do U.S. citizens have visas? ›The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.
How much does a visa application cost? ›...
US Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees.
| Visa type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-petition Based Visas | $160 |
| Petition Based Visas | $190 |
| E Visas | $205 |
| K Visas | $265 |
5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 27 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
How long is Schengen visa valid for? ›The Schengen visa is a short stay visa and takes the form of a sticker affixed to the travel document. The definition of “short stay” is a stay of "90 days in any 180 days period". This means that the total duration of stay is of maximum 90 days, in any period of 180 days.
What is the new visa policy in Germany? ›Tourist Visa Policy for Germany
Nevertheless, in 2024, all visa-free citizens for Germany from outside Schengen will be required to pre-register with the ETIAS visa waiver program in order to travel to the country for tourism.
Type B Visa For Transit
The B Visa is also another visa for transit. This transit visa is required for those international travelers who wish to travel through the German territory en-route to their next destination. The maximum validity of this visa is 5 days.
Visa - long term (National visa) The national visa allows the holder to enter Germany for a long term stay with a specific purpose - for example to take up an employment or to study. Usually the visa will be issued for 90 days.
Are Type F and C the same? ›A type C plug is slightly thinner than F, so it will fit in both C and F. A type F is slightly thicker than C, so it will only fit in F.
What is the difference between SS and ß in German? ›
How do you know when it is ß and when double ss? Quite simple: when there is a short vowel before a sharp s-sound, there is a double S. If the vowel is long or there's a diphthong, then there is an ß.
Are Type E and F plugs the same? ›The Type F plug and outlet is much like the Type E, except it has two earth clips on the side rather than a female earth contact. It is commonly known as a “Schuko” plug, from the invented German word “Schukostecker” which means “protective contact plug.
What are the 4 types of visas? ›| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type #1: | Tourist visa (pleasure travel visas) |
| Type #2: | Immigration and naturalization visas (including by marriage) |
| Type #3: | Student visas (for studying abroad) |
| Type #4: | Business or work visas (for working, which include both non-immigrant and immigrant types) |
A Visa C permits you to enter all Schengen countries and to stay in those countries for a total period of 90 days within 180 days provided that you fulfil the general entry conditions. A Visa D entitles you to enter and stay in Austria. It can be granted for a duration of 91 days up to 6 months.
What is C visa Germany? ›A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Schengen visas (type C) can only be applied for through our external service provider TLScontact.
How to fill German visa application form at videx? ›- Section 1: Information on the applicant. ...
- Section 2: Information on the applicant's parents. ...
- Section 3: Occupational Information. ...
- Section 4: Contact Information. ...
- Section 5: Passport Information. ...
- Section 6: Travel Information. ...
- Section 7: Reference Information.
- Passport Details Section.
- Address Details Section.
- Section on Family Details.
- Section on Occupation/Profession Details.
- Details of Visa that is being procured.
Entry Requirements in Germany for US Citizens
As a US citizen, you will only need to apply for a Germany visa in case: You were refused entry to Germany without a visa before. You want to visit Germany for reasons other than tourism, business trips, and airport transit.
The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
How do I fill out a Videx? ›- Filling up your VIDEX Form.
- Personal Details –
- * Family Name -Applicant's surname as per passport bio details.
- (NOTE: In case there is only Given Name in the passport, same needs to be entered in both. ...
- Name at birth - Do not write anything here. ...
- and full stop(.) ...
- *Country of birth - Depends on place of birth of applicant.
What is Videx form Germany? ›
VIDEX is designed for applications for a short-term visa for a stay of up to 90 days in the Schengen states (Schengen visa) and long-term stay (National visa).
How can I get German visa appointment fast? ›For submission of your Schengen visa application at your nearest Visa Application Centre, please schedule an appointment at VFS Global by telephone (022-67866013) or online.
How to answer visa application questions? ›While answering the questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant needs to answer directly with confidence and also reassure his/her ties to the native country. The applicant needs to stress his/her intentions of coming back to the native country after the completion of the trip.
What is reference in German visa application? ›References in the Federal Republic of Germany
If you don't have any personal references in Germany, then provide the details of your university. If you do, please provide the details of your references in Germany.
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for a [tourist/business/student] visa for [country]. I plan to travel to [destination city/cities] from [start date] to [end date] and would like to request a visa for the duration of my stay. My purpose of travel is [provide a brief description of the reason for your visit].
Can a US citizen fly to Germany right now? ›All travelers, including children under the age of 12, who have spent time in a virus-variant area in the last 10 days must quarantine for 14 days, even if they have been vaccinated. There is no possibility of ending quarantine early. All other travelers are NOT required to quarantine.
Can a US green card holder travel to Germany without visa? ›Foreigners in US with a residence permit (US Green card holders) with validity shorter than three months beyond their planned date of leaving Germany will have to obtain a visa in order to be permitted to enter Germany.
What are the requirements to Germany? ›- Visa application form. ...
- Two recent photos. ...
- Valid passport. ...
- Roundtrip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Letter of tour organizer. ...
- Proof of financial means.
The application process is pretty simple if you have all the required documents. However, you should make sure to go prepared. Here's how to apply for the Germany Student Visa: Go to the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.
How much is Germany visa fee? ›This means when a person or institution located in one of these states has to be verified, the fee applies to this case. For verifications in all other locations, the new fee will now be 180,000 Naira. The implementation of the new fees of N180,000 and N250,000 Naira respectively will take effect from 15.03. 2023.