Visa Types
Germany Work Visa Process
Apply to work in Germany, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
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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 Work 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 work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment
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
Here’s a document checklist for different categories of German work visas from India:
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and intention to seek employment in Germany
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Proof of academic qualifications and professional experience
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during the job search period
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German)
- Valid travel health insurance
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Cover letter from the employer in Germany offering the job
- Employment contract or job offer letter
- Proof of academic qualifications and professional experience relevant to the job
- Proof of financial means to support yourself in Germany
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (if required for the job)
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Job contract or binding job offer with a minimum salary requirement
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Proof of relevant work experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German)
- Valid travel health insurance
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Letter of assignment from the sending company in India
- Employment contract with the German company
- Proof of employment in the sending company for a minimum period
- Proof of academic qualifications and professional experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (if required)
- Valid travel health insurance
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Business plan detailing the nature of the self-employed activity
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the business
- Proof of professional qualifications and experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German)
- Valid travel health insurance
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Letter of acceptance or contract from the research institution or university in Germany
- Proof of academic qualifications and research experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Language proficiency certificate (usually German or English)
- Valid travel health insurance
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed application form
- Proof of eligibility (age, nationality, etc.)
- Detailed travel itinerary or purpose of stay
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the stay
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Germany
- Valid travel health insurance
Please note that this is a general document checklist and specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the visa category. It is recommended to consult the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documents for each visa category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a Germany work visa from India, you typically need to submit the following application forms:
Application for National Visa: This form is the main application form for a long-term national visa, including the work visa. It requires personal information, employment details, and the purpose of your stay in Germany.
Declaration of Accuracy of Information: This form confirms that the information provided in your visa application is true and accurate.
Declaration of Accuracy of Information: This form confirms that the information provided in your visa application is true and accurate.
Questionnaire for Employment: This form collects additional information about your employment history, skills, and qualifications.
Please note that the specific forms and requirements may vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, your individual circumstances, and the German embassy or consulate where you submit your application. It is recommended to visit the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the application forms and requirements.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Germany visitor visa from India typically involves the following steps:
After receiving a job approval in Germany, the process for applying for a German work permit from India typically involves the following steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your job contract, educational certificates, proof of professional qualifications, valid passport, and other supporting documents.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form for a German work permit, providing accurate information about your employment, personal details, and purpose of stay.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Compile supporting documents such as a cover letter explaining your job offer, curriculum vitae, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial resources.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in India for submitting your work permit application. Make sure to check their specific requirements and procedures beforehand.
- Attend the Appointment: Visit the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date and submit your completed application form along with the supporting documents. Pay the required visa fee, if applicable.
- Attend an Interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate to further discuss your job offer and intentions in Germany.
- Await the Decision: The embassy or consulate will process your work permit application. The processing time may vary, so be patient and wait for the decision.
- Collect Your Work Permit: If your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your work permit. Visit the embassy or consulate to receive your work permit, which will allow you to legally work in Germany.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a German work permit may vary based on your individual circumstances, the type of job, and the local regulations. It is recommended to consult the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India for detailed and up-to-date information on the application process.
Job Seeker Visa: This visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months to search for employment opportunities. To be eligible, you must have a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification and sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. Once you find a job, you can switch to a work permit.
Employment Offer: Secure a job offer from a German employer who is willing to sponsor your work permit. The employer must prove that there are no suitable candidates from the EU available for the position. They will need to provide necessary documents, such as a job contract and proof of company registration, and apply for the work permit on your behalf.
EU Blue Card: If you have a university degree or professional qualification and a job offer with a minimum salary threshold, you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card. The minimum salary requirement varies depending on the occupation. The Blue Card allows highly skilled workers to live and work in Germany and provides a faster path to permanent residency.
Intra-Company Transfer: If you are currently employed by a multinational company with operations in Germany, you may be able to transfer to the German branch under the Intra-Company Transfer program. The company must demonstrate that you have been employed for a certain period and possess specialized knowledge or managerial skills.
Self-Employment: Start your own business or work as a freelancer in Germany. You will need to provide a comprehensive business plan, demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself, and prove that your business will have a positive impact on the German economy.
Research or Academic Work: If you are a researcher, scientist, or academic professional, you can explore opportunities to work at German universities, research institutions, or academic organizations. You may need to secure a research or employment contract and fulfill specific academic requirements.
Working Holiday Visa: If you are a young individual between the ages of 18 and 30, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows you to work and travel in Germany for a specific period, typically up to one year. The number of available visas and eligibility criteria vary based on bilateral agreements between Germany and specific countries.
It is important to note that each pathway has specific requirements, application processes, and documentation. It is recommended to consult the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India or seek professional advice to determine the most suitable option based on your qualifications and circumstances.
Application form https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start
Click here for the Application process for a Germany Work visa