Germany Travel FAQs: Comprehensive Guide

Foreigners who wish to study or work in Germany must obtain a visa before entering the country. For additional information, please refer to the relevant authorities or visa offices.

How can I apply for a student visa?

How can I apply for a work visa ?

How can I apply for a job seeker visa ?

 

You can get the visa application form from our website by clicking on the right sidebar or from the website of the German embassy where you plan to submit your application.

To apply for a German Tourist/Visitor visa, you need to follow these steps:

Gather all the necessary documents. You can find a list of required documents on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Determine where you need to apply. This will usually be the German embassy or consulate in your home country or a visa center authorized by the German embassy or consulate.

Schedule an appointment for an interview. You can usually do this online or in person at the embassy or consulate. Make sure to choose a date that allows you enough time to gather all the required documents.

Pay the visa fee. You can pay this fee online or in person at the embassy or consulate. The amount of the fee will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality.

Attend the interview. During the interview, the visa consular will ask you questions about your trip and require your documents. The interview usually lasts around 20 minutes.

Wait for a response on your application. The processing time for a German Tourist/Visitor visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate, but it typically takes around two to four weeks. You will be notified if your visa is approved or denied.

For a German tourist visa, the following documentation is needed:

filled out an application in either German or English. The form must be filled completely, accurately, and honestly before being printed and signed.

Information Accuracy Declaration.

passport-size images. Please be aware that these images must match exactly and meet the standards set by the Schengen nations for visa photos.

a valid passport of the country. The passport must meet all other standards for a valid passport, be no more than ten years old, and have at least one vacant page on which to place the visa sticker.

the previous three months' worth of personal bank statements.

Travel Insurance for Schengen.

evidence of accommodations. This can be a hotel reservation for the duration of your visit to the Schengen area or a letter of invitation from a relative or friend who lives in one of the Schengen nations.

Reservation confirmation. You may utilise firms like this one that offer visa consultations or search online for one.

evidence of financial capability. A recent bank statement (less than three months old) or

a sponsorship letter from another individual - a "Verpflichtungserklärungen".

 

To apply for a Schengen visa, you have to pay a fee of €80. However, certain categories of applicants may not have to pay or may have to pay a reduced fee. It is important to check if you fall under any of those categories before making the payment. Please note that the visa fee will not be refunded in case your visa application is rejected, and the cost of the visa may change at any time.

To put it simply, if you have a Schengen visa and want to stay in Germany for a longer period of time, you can convert your visa into a residence permit, but only if you meet certain requirements while you are in Germany

The Schengen agreement allows you to visit all the countries in the Schengen area, which includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. However, you must apply for the visa at the consulate of the country you are visiting, or if you are visiting multiple countries, at the consulate of the first country you plan to enter.

Only those who wait for their next flight in the airport's international transit area are eligible for an airport transit visa. Since there are no hotels inside the airport, you must obtain a regular visa if you need to stay over night. In order to prevent any trip delays, kindly apply well in advance.

In general, you can travel within the Schengen area with a Schengen visa. However, it's important to carefully check the details on the visa sticker, such as the duration of the visa, the number of entries it allows (such as one, two, or multiple entries), and the duration of your stay. The words "Schengener Staaten" will be mentioned on the visa sticker if it is valid for travel within the Schengen area.

Correct! You can use a Schengen visa that was issued by another Schengen country to travel to Germany. The visa should indicate that it is valid for the Schengen area or "valid for the Schengen states."

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days for travel purposes only. If you plan to work or study in Germany, you will need to apply for a work visa or a student visa, respectively.

The type of visa you receive depends on the purpose of your travel and other relevant circumstances. In many cases, a multiple entry visa is the norm and the most likely one you will receive. However, it's important to check the details on the visa sticker to confirm the number of entries allowed.

You can apply for a German visa up to 90 days before your planned travel date. However, it’s advisable to apply at least 3-6 weeks before your travel date to allow sufficient time for visa processing and to avoid any potential delays that could disrupt your travel plans.

If your visa application is refused, you are generally not charged any fees. The refusal letter should contain information on how you can appeal the decision if you choose to do so.

To apply for a Schengen visa, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date your visa expires. For further information on passport requirements, you can refer to the website of the relevant consulate or embassy where you plan to apply for the visa.

That's correct! When applying for any type of German visa, except for the airport transit visa, you need to provide proof of travel health insurance that covers your entire stay in the Schengen area.

If you want to apply for a tourist/visit, business, study, or work visa to Germany, you need to apply at the German consulate or embassy in the country where you currently reside. The application process may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances and the consulate’s requirements, so it’s important to check their website for detailed instructions and any additional documentation you may need to provide.

Citizens of some countries who have been residing in the UK for at least three months may require a German visa to enter Germany. It's best to check with the German embassy or consulate in the UK to determine if you need a visa and what the specific requirements are. You can find more information on the website of the German embassy or consulate in the UK, including the application process, required documentation, and any fees that may apply.

Your friends can get the "Verpflichtungserklärung" (formal obligation letter) at the local Aliens' office (Ausländerbehörde) at their place of residence in Germany. Please note that this document is only necessary if your friends plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days or if they need it to support their visa application. They will need to bring the original of this affidavit when applying for their visa.

To add on, the informal invitation should also include details such as the purpose of your visit, duration of your stay, and accommodation arrangements during your stay in Germany. It is recommended that your friends/relatives also provide their contact details so that the German embassy can verify the invitation if necessary.

Yes, providing your business registration, tax returns, and latest bank statement can be helpful in supporting your visa application, especially for a business or work visa. These documents can show that you have a legitimate business or employment and can financially support yourself during your stay in Germany.

Please note that if you are applying for a work visa, you do not need to apply for a separate residence permit as it will be included in your work visa. However, if you are applying for a student or other type of visa, you will need to apply for a separate residence permit after your arrival in Germany.

Additionally, it's important to note that if the child is travelling alone or only with one parent, a written consent from the other parent or legal guardian is required. This consent must be notarized and presented during the visa application process. If the other parent is deceased, a death certificate must be submitted. If one parent has sole custody, a court order indicating this must be submitted as well. It is important to check with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence for specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa for a minor.

A Schengen visa is a short stay visa that allows its holder to travel within the Schengen area, which covers 26 countries in Europe. The Schengen area includes Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It does not cover EU member states Ireland, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, and separate visas may be required to travel to these countries.

It's important to note that the Schengen visa must be applied for at the embassy or consulate of the country that is the primary destination of the trip, even if the traveler intends to visit multiple Schengen area countries.

The EU Schengen States are the same as the Schengen States, which are:

Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

These countries have implemented the Schengen Agreement, which allows for free movement of people across their borders without the need for passport or other types of border control.

Three simple stages make up the application procedure.

- Decide if you are visiting for work, pleasure, or another reason (see question 17). Our information pamphlets include details on the necessary paperwork.

- Register at the centre for visa applications. There is also current, authoritative information there on the application procedure.

- Schedule an appointment online with the application centre (see question 18), then bring your application and biometric information with you to the appointment.

It is important to note that a Schengen visa holder is not allowed to work in the Schengen area during their stay. If the purpose of your visit to Germany is work-related, you should clarify with the Embassy/Consulate whether you need a work permit or if the work is permitted without approval. Certain activities such as training, interpreting, researching, setting up and looking after exhibition stands, or warranty work after delivery of machines/equipment are permitted without approval for up to 90 days a year. However, in some cases, the Federal Employment Agency must be involved before applying for a visa, such as for a specialist internship or personnel exchange. Your German business partner/inviter can obtain information on any work permit that may be required from the Federal Employment Agency.

It is important to file your Schengen visa application with the Embassy/Consulate of the country which is your primary destination. If your only destination is Germany, you should submit your application with the responsible German Embassy or Consulate. If you are travelling through different Schengen States, you should file your application with the Embassy/Consulate of the member state in which you will be spending the majority of your stay. If no main destination can be determined, you should apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the country in which you enter the Schengen area (port of arrival).

Indian nationals and nationals of other countries who are legally residing in India can apply for a Schengen visa through the German Embassy/Consulate in India. However, people who do not reside in India can also apply for a Schengen visa in India only if they are legally present in India and can provide a valid justification for lodging their application in India instead of their country of residence.

The Schengen visa application fee is 80 Euros for adults and 40 Euros for children between 6 and 12 years of age. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from paying the fee. In addition to the visa fee, a service fee for VFS Global also applies and must be paid in Indian rupees. The application and service fees are non-refundable in case of a visa refusal. An additional fee for postage may also apply if you choose to have your passport and documents returned to you by post instead of collecting them in person.

The Visa Code sets out the standard assessment steps that must be followed in the visa procedure, and the applicant must meet all the conditions for obtaining a visa, including having a plausible and traceable purpose for the journey, adequate financing for living and travel costs, a willingness to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires, and valid travel health insurance for the entire Schengen area and duration of the stay. All information provided in the application and documents must be true. If the applicant's entry into the Schengen area would endanger security or public order, or if they do not fulfil one or more of the conditions, a visa cannot be issued. If a visa application is rejected, the applicant will be informed about the reasons for the rejection and has the right to appeal the decision within 30 days.

It is important to note that the application form must be filled out completely and truthfully, and any false information can result in the rejection of the application. In addition to the application form, the applicant must provide all required supporting documents to prove the purpose of their trip, financial means, health insurance coverage, and intent to return to their home country after the trip. These documents may include a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements, employment letters, and more. It is recommended to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the German Embassy/Consulate where you plan to apply to ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application.

To schedule an appointment for the visa application, you can visit the website of VFS - Global and follow the instructions provided there.

A valid travel health insurance meeting the Schengen requirements is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. The insurance must cover the entire duration of stay and be valid for the entire Schengen region. The sum insured must be totaling a minimum of 30,000 EUR for all risks including medical cost for outpatient and inpatient illness, repatriation in case of illness, and repatriation in the event of death. It is important to check that all the above points are expressly mentioned in the insurance policy and to carry a printout of the policy in English while traveling. Additionally, travelers over 70 years of age should be aware that travel health insurance policies issued in India often apply restrictions that do not meet the Schengen specifications and therefore cannot be accepted.

It is important to ensure that your passport meets the validity and other requirements before applying for a Schengen visa. If your passport is not valid for at least three months after the end of your Schengen travel, you may be denied entry into the Schengen area. Additionally, if your passport is damaged, it may not be accepted for visa application. It is always advisable to apply for a new passport well in advance of your travel, especially if your passport is due to expire soon.

The invitation letter should include all the necessary information about the trip and the inviting party. It is important that the invitation letter is signed and dated by the inviting party, and that the original letter is sent to the invitee, not directly to the Embassy.

In case the inviting party is willing to cover the cost of the invitee's travel and stay, they can submit a declaration of commitment along with the invitation letter. This is a document that confirms the financial responsibility of the inviting party and their ability to provide financial support to the invitee during their stay in the Schengen area.

A birth certificate can be used to demonstrate the parent-child connection. A translation must be included with the birth certificate. Other formal requirements (such as an apostille for certificates from the USA or Hong Kong) are applicable for other civil status documents that were not issued in Germany or India. Without any additional formal criteria, international civil status certificates from other EU nations are typically recognised.

The exact additional documents required for minors can vary depending on the circumstances of the trip. For example, if a minor is traveling alone, additional documents such as a notarized parental consent form and proof of accommodation and financial support may be required. If the minor is traveling with only one parent or legal guardian, additional documents such as a court order or notarized letter of authorization from the other parent may be required. It's important to carefully review the visa requirements and contact the embassy or consulate for guidance if you're unsure about which documents are needed for a minor's visa application.

It takes about 15 days to process a Schengen visa application. During busy travel times, there may be a delay in submitting the application to the Embassy/Consulate. Indians should apply early to avoid any problems. If you apply through VFS Global, it may take an extra 1-2 days to transfer your application to the Embassy. You can track your application using the VFS Global internet portal. Make sure your documents are complete and accurate to avoid processing delays. If the Embassy needs to do more research, it may take longer to process your application. It's best to work together to make sure everything is in order to speed up the process. You don't need to use a commercial visa agency.

After receiving your visa sticker, check the information immediately for any errors, such as incorrect spelling of your name or passport number, and report any errors to the issuing visa office. Note that ink stains may appear on the photograph area of the visa sticker, but this does not affect its validity.

Your visa contains important information such as your full name, passport number, current photo, approved number of days of stay, and period of validity. Make sure to adhere to the approved number of days of stay and not enter or leave the country before or after the period of validity.

If there are any special features to be taken into account for your stay, such as permission for employment, they will be noted in the bottom information line of your visa sticker. Note that once a visa has been issued, it cannot be changed, and any changes require a new application and fee.

Ensure that you state the correct arrival and departure dates on your application form and that they are covered by your travel health insurance.

If you have a valid Schengen visa for multiple entries in your old passport, you can use it along with your new, valid passport for future travels. Additionally, you may also request to transfer the visa from your old passport to your new one. To do this, you should contact the German mission that is responsible for your place of residence via email.

Once your Schengen visa expires, you are required to leave the Schengen area. Therefore, it is not common to have a Schengen visa extension in Germany, except in very special cases such as unforeseen travel obstacles. The competent alien authority at your German place of residence is solely responsible for making the decision about extending your stay in Germany.

Yes, that's correct. Schengen visa holders are allowed to stay up to 90 days within a period of 180 days in the entire Schengen area, including Germany, as long as it falls within the permitted period of use of the visa. The important thing to note is that the visa must have been issued by the Embassy/Consulate of the country where your main destination is located, and where you intend to stay for the majority of your trip. The specific entry and exit points within the Schengen area are not crucial, as long as you comply with the overall 90/180 rule.

your biometric data, which includes your fingerprints and passport photo, are stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) when you apply for a Schengen visa. Applicants older than 12 years of age are required to have their fingerprints electronically captured as part of the application process. The fingerprints and other biometric data are stored in the VIS database for five years, and if you reapply for a Schengen visa within 59 months, the fingerprints can be copied from the database for the subsequent application, making a personal interview unnecessary.

The protection of your data in the VIS is subject to strict data protection regulations of the European Union and Germany. As a visa applicant, you have the right to request information about which data on your person has been stored in the VIS by which Schengen country at any time. Information on this can be found on the Schengen visa application form or on the website of the European Commission.

The border crossing certificate is an important document that proves to the German immigration authorities that you have left the Schengen area before your visa expired. To obtain this certificate, you should have it stamped by the border authorities when leaving the Schengen area. If you forgot to do so, you can bring the certificate and your passport to the Embassy/Consulate responsible for you in India during their office hours without an appointment. They will certify your departure free of charge and return the letter to the Foreigners' Registration Office.

When someone is rejected for a visa, they have a few options to try again. They can submit a new application with complete and convincing documentation, or they can appeal the rejection within one month and ask for a reconsideration. They can also file a lawsuit against the rejection in court.

If they choose to reapply, they need to make sure they have all the necessary documents and that everything is accurate. If they choose to appeal, they need to write a letter in German or English that explains the purpose of their trip and provides any additional documentation or support from third parties. This process can take up to three months and it's not possible to get a new visa while it's ongoing. If the appeal is successful, they will be contacted. If it's not, they will receive a detailed explanation of why. If they still disagree, they can file a lawsuit within one month.

If you are a Bachelor student with a conditional admission letter from a German university or you do not have a TestAS certificate with a score of 100 points or higher in the core test, or you do not have an aggregate score of 90% in 12th Standard (CBSE or Regional Board), then you must apply at the consulate. However, if you do not fall under any of these categories, you are free to apply at VFS.

The format is not mentioned in the checklist.

A cover letter for a German university application does not have a set format. The important thing is to express your motivation for studying in Germany. Whether you choose to write it by hand or on a computer is not important. It is crucial that you write the letter yourself and not have a third party draft it for you.

Yes, you can book an appointment for a visa application shortly after your marriage. However, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents required for your visa application ready by the time of your appointment. This will help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and without any delays.

The answer depends on various factors. If your spouse is highly skilled and holds an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, or is a scientist, then you are considered a "dependent" if you apply along with your spouse or follow him/her within six months of his/her relocation to Germany. However, if your spouse holds another type of residence permit or you plan to relocate more than six months after their arrival in Germany, then you would need to apply under the "family reunion" category. It is best to check with the relevant authorities or consulate to determine the appropriate category for your situation.