Visa Types
Germany Permanent Residency Steps
How you can immigrate to Germany, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Germany.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
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Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Germany PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Germany?
To visit Germany, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
German visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application form and file submission, including all needed papers, are done offline.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a German visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a German visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a permanent residency visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Germany?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
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VISA CATEGORY |
VISA FEE IN EUROS (ADULT) |
VISA FEE IN EUROS (CHILD) |
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Long Term – National Visas (More than 90 days) |
€ 75.68 |
€75.68 (Above 12 Years). |
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€37.84(For Children between 0-17 Years of age) |
To more information about visa fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to Germany as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or employment, to choose the appropriate visa type.
- Refer to the official website of the German embassy or consulate in your country to find detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to Germany.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for Germany as a Schengen State.
Get started with your visa application
Start your visa application process by filling out the application form and collecting all the required documents. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- As a visitor to the Schengen area, you are permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. You can use the Schengen Visa Calculator to determine the duration of your stay. It is important to note that you cannot take up residence or work with a Schengen visa.
- To avoid any last-minute issues, we recommend that you apply for your visa well in advance of your planned entry into the Schengen area. Please be aware that visa applications can only be processed up to 6 months prior to your intended entry.
- All applicants must schedule an appointment to submit their visa application.
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
To apply for a Schengen visa (stay in Schengen for less than 90 days) or a National visa (stay in Germany for more than 90 days), click on the "book an appointment" button to schedule your appointment.
If you have any queries related to visa application appointments or need to schedule a National visa appointment, you can get in touch with us via email by clicking here.
Find out the amount you need to pay
After submitting your visa application, the next step is to pay the visa application fee. If you have downloaded the application form, you can print it and take it to the Visa Application Centre for payment during your appointment. The fees can be paid either in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay, and Mastercard are acceptable).
To determine the exact fees applicable to your location, please refer to Step 1 and select the location that pertains to you. The fees for each location may vary.
Attend your scheduled appointment
Important Information about Jurisdiction for National Visa Applications
To apply for a National Visa, it is important to know the jurisdiction of the German Embassy and Consulate General in India.
The German Embassy in New Delhi covers Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy, and Amindive. It also represents the Federal Republic in Bhutan.
The German Consulate General in Bengaluru accepts National Visa applications only from residents of Karnataka and Kerala.
The German Consulate General in Chennai covers the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Puducherry for National Visas.
The German Consulate General in Mumbai includes Maharashtra, the Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The German Consulate General in Kolkata includes West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Appointments for National Visa applications should be scheduled at the respective Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Centre (VAC) under their jurisdiction. Please bring the completed visa application form and all required documents listed on the checklist for your visa category.
Biometric enrolment must be completed in person if the biometrics have not been given in the last 59 months for any Schengen mission.
Please note that VFS Global does not accept National Visa applications under centralization.
Stay informed about the progress of your application
You can easily track the status of your visa application online by using the Reference Number provided on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name. This service is available for your convenience.
Additionally, if you would like to receive SMS updates regarding your application status, you can opt for this service at the time of submission for an additional fee.
Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you can retrieve your documents/passport from the Visa Application Centre or have them delivered to you by courier for an additional fee.
Effective from 16th July 2014, the collection of documents or passports by a third party is no longer permitted, except in the following cases:
- Immediate family members (i.e. parents, children, siblings)
- One member of a group collecting for the entire group
- A person collecting on behalf of government officials if authorized on the government letterhead or department
- Representative of a company with an authorization letter on the letterhead of the company and the official ID card
If any of the above individuals come for passport collection, they must bring the following documents:
- Photocopy of government ID card
- Original ICR
- Authorization letter from the applicant
Applicants who do not wish to collect their documents in person and whose documents cannot be collected by one of the above should select delivery mode as courier at the time of submission.
Applicants are asked to include the complete delivery address on the cover letter. If no specific address is mentioned on the cover letter, the passport will be sent to the address mentioned on the Visa Application Form.
This procedural change ensures the safe and secure return of documents to applicants.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
1. Employment Visa:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa application form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.
- Photographs: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background.
- Employment contract or job offer letter from a German employer.
- Qualifications: Educational certificates, degrees, and transcripts relevant to your employment.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Proof of professional experience (work experience certificates, reference letters).
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany (bank statements, employment contract, etc.).
- Work permit or approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if applicable).
2. Study Visa:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa application form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.
- Photographs: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background.
- Admission letter from a German educational institution.
- Proof of previous academic qualifications (educational certificates, degrees, and transcripts).
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Germany.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Language proficiency certificate (if required for the study program).
3. Family Reunion Visa:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa application form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.
- Photographs: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background.
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.).
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Financial documents showing the ability to support yourself and your family members in Germany.
- Residence permit or proof of German citizenship of the family member in Germany.
- If joining a spouse, provide proof of their employment or sufficient financial resources to support the family.
4. Freelancer Visa:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Germany and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa application form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.
- Photographs: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background.
- Proof of professional qualifications or expertise in the chosen field.
- Business plan or description of the freelance activity.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Germany (bank statements, financial documents).
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
Please note that this is a general checklist, and additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances and the type of residence visa you are applying for. It’s important to consult the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India for detailed information and requirements specific to your visa category
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a German residence visa from India, you typically need the following applications forms and documents:
National Visa Application Form: This form is the main application for a German residence visa. It includes personal information, details of your intended stay, and your purpose for residing in Germany.
Declaration of True and Complete Information: This form requires you to declare that all the information provided in your visa application is true and complete.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of residence visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. It is recommended to check the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India or consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information for your visa application.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
After receiving PR approval in Germany, the process for applying for a German residence visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, PR approval letter, biometric photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, accommodation proof, and any other specific documents based on your circumstances.
- Complete Application Forms: Fill out the German residence visa application form, which can be obtained from the German embassy or consulate in India. Include all relevant information accurately and truthfully.
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact the German embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Appointments can usually be made online or through a visa application center.
- Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview at the German embassy or consulate. Bring all the required documents and pay the applicable visa fee.
- Submit Documents: Submit your completed application form, along with the supporting documents, during the visa interview. The embassy or consulate will review your application and verify the documents.
- Biometrics Collection: Provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and facial photograph, as part of the visa application process. This is usually done at the embassy or consulate.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee as required. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of residence visa and your nationality.
- Wait for Visa Processing: After submitting your application, the embassy or consulate will process your visa. The processing time may vary, so it is advisable to check the expected processing time on the official website.
- Collect Visa Decision: Once the visa is processed, you will be notified about the visa decision. If approved, you can collect your visa from the embassy or consulate or have it sent to you via courier service.
- Travel to Germany: After receiving your residence visa, you can make travel arrangements to move to Germany. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and comply with any additional requirements upon arrival in Germany.
It’s important to note that the process and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances, so it is recommended to consult with the German embassy or consulate in India or seek professional advice for specific guidance related to your PR approval and residence visa application.
Job Seeker Visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche): This visa allows you to search for employment opportunities in Germany for a maximum of six months. Once you find a job, you can transition to an employment visa.
Employment Visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis): If you have a job offer from a German employer, you can apply for an employment visa. The employer must prove that the position could not be filled by a German or EU citizen.
EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU): This visa is for highly skilled professionals with a university degree. It allows you to work and live in Germany, and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Self-Employment Visa (Selbständigkeit): If you wish to start your own business in Germany, you can apply for a self-employment visa. You need to present a comprehensive business plan and show that your business will benefit the German economy.
Student Visa (Studentenvisum): If you are accepted into a recognized educational institution in Germany, you can apply for a student visa. This visa allows you to study and work part-time during your studies.
Researcher Visa (Forscher Visum): Researchers and academics can apply for a researcher visa to conduct research or work at a German research institution or university.
Family Reunion Visa (Familiennachzug): If you have family members who are German residents or citizens, you may be eligible for a family reunion visa to join them in Germany.
German Language Visa (Sprachvisum): If you plan to study the German language intensively in Germany, you can apply for a German language visa.
Humanitarian Protection (Humanitäres Aufenthaltsrecht): In certain exceptional circumstances, such as seeking asylum or protection due to persecution, you can apply for humanitarian protection.
It’s important to note that each visa category has specific requirements and eligibility criteria. It is advisable to consult with the German embassy or consulate in India or seek professional immigration advice for detailed information based on your specific situation