Germany visas
Germany is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. For short stays โ up to 90 days in any 180-day period โ most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays over 90 days, Germany issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both, and links to the official European Commission sources. Start your application online today โ our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.
Important information
German visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
German visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Germany Visa
If you are a citizen of a third country that has not achieved a visa liberalisation agreement with Schengen states, you will require a Germany Visa to enter Germany and any other Schengen member country.
If you want to visit Germany for a short stay (up to 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa, also known as a C-type visa, and if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for a German long-stay visa, also known as a D-type visa.
German Schengen
A Germany Schengen Visa is required if you desire to visit family or friends in Germany. A Germany Schengen Visa permits you to visit Germany for 90 days for six months. You are also free to travel to other Schengen nations if you do not exceed your 90-day restriction. You must apply for an extended stay visa if you want to stay for a prolonged time.
We strongly advise that you apply as soon as possible to get a Schengen visa for Germany in time for your trip. You will be refused entry if you do not have a valid visa.
Germany Schengen Options
When applying, you can select one of the following options:
- Single Entry Visa
- Double Entry Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
What is a German Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout the Schengen area. The Visa itself is issued by one of the Schengen nations. That is to say. You can visit any Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180 days
The Schengen Visa is the most common Visa in Europe. In order words, it entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen zone.
You may gain a Germany Schengen in order too:
- Go on holiday
- Visit family & friends
- Get medical treatment
- Travel for business meetings / conferences
- Travel for official, cultural, or athletic activities.
Supporting Documents For Germany Schengen
The following is the standard set of documents required for your submission:
- A visa application form. Fill complete the form accurately and per the information on the other documents.
- Declaration. This is a form that you must sign and return to the German authorities in your home country. By signing this document, you confirm that you have provided the
- There are two passport photos necessary. These photographs must be comparable and taken within the past three months. At least two blank pages in your passport/travel doc
- A round-trip flight itinerary. A copy of the round-trip airline reservation, with passenger details and dates proving that the stay in Schengen is no more than 90 days.
- Proof of accommodation. A document, such as a hotel reservation.
Entering Germany
You should apply for your visa as soon as possible since interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa type. Examine the appointment wait time at the location where you want to apply.
How long is a German Schengen visa valid for?
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Schengen Visa Countries
Business people, tourists, specialist employees, and students who wish to remain in Germany for a short period for particular travel objectives need Schengen visas. Applicants seeking a Schengen visa must demonstrate to the Visa Application Centre that they plan to depart the Schengen zone at the conclusion of their temporary stay.
- Austria Visa โ Belgium Visa โ Czech Republic Visa
- Denmark Visa โ Estonia Visa โ Finland Visa
- Switzerland Visa โ France Visa โ Germany Visa
- Greece Visa โ Hungary Visa โ Iceland Visa
- Italy Visa โ Latvia Visa โ Liechtenstein Visa
- Lithuania Visa โ Luxembourg Visa โ Malta Visa
- Netherlands Visa โ Norway Visa โ Poland Visa
- Portugal Visa โ Slovakia Visa โ Slovenia Visa
- Spain Visa โ Sweden Visa โ Transit Visa
How To Apply For a Germany Visa
- Fill out the application form online
- Prepare required documents
- Attend an interview with embassy or consulate
- Submit finger prints
- Pay visa application fee
Schengen Member Countries
The Schengen area is a zone in which 27 European countries have abolished their internal borders to allow for free and unrestricted movement of people, while also adhering to common rules for controlling external borders and combating criminality by bolstering the common judicial system and police cooperation.
Except for Ireland and the nations that will soon be part of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, the Schengen Area encompasses the majority of EU countries. Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are all members of the Schengen zone despite not being EU members.
You should be sure to choose the correct number of entries required when applying for a Germany Schengen visa. If you are visiting multiple countries and will be travelling in and out of the Schengen zone frequently then a multiple entry visa would be suitable for you.
Supporting Documents For Germany Visa
The following support evidence is required:
- Application Form; printed and signed.
- Your passport/travel document with at least 2 blank pages
- Itinerary for a round-trip flight. A copy of the round-trip flight reservation, with passenger information and dates demonstrating that the stay in Schengen is not more t
- Proof of lodging is required. A document that shows the German embassy/consulate where you will be staying during your visit to Germany, such as a hotel reservation.
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Germany Health Insurance for Travelers. You should secure travel health insurance for the whole area of Germany and all other Schengen nations prior to submitting your ap
Germany Visa Process
The process for applying for a Germany visa can vary depending on your country of residence and the purpose of your visit. However, the general steps involved are as follows:
The processing time for a Germany visa can vary. For short-stay visas, the processing time is typically 15 days. For long-term visas, the processing time can be up to several months.
It is important to start the visa application process well in advance of your travel date. This will give you enough time to gather the required documents and schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate.
- Check the requirements for your visa type. The German government has a website where you can find the requirements for all types of visas. You can also contact the German embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
- Complete the visa application form. The visa application form is available on this website you will need to provide your personal information, travel details, and the purpose of your visit.
- Gather the required documents. The required documents will vary depending on your visa type. A document checklist detailing what
- Schedule an appointment at the German embassy or consulate. You will need to schedule a face to face appointment to submit your Biometric information. Appointments are typically available several weeks in advance.
Entry To Germany
If you are planning to travel to Germany, you will need to meet certain entry requirements. These requirements include:
If you meet all of the entry requirements, you will be allowed to enter Germany. However, you may be subject to a visa interview, where a consular officer will ask you questions about your purpose of visit and your plans for your stay in Germany.
Here are some additional tips for entering Germany:
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of your intended stay in Germany.
- A visa: If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel to Germany.
- Proof of onward travel: You must have proof of onward travel, such as a plane ticket or a train ticket.
- Sufficient funds: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- Medical insurance: You must have medical insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Germany.
- Arrive at the airport early. This will give you plenty of time to check in for your flight and go through passport control.
- Have your passport and visa ready. You will need to present these documents when you go through passport control.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of visit. The consular officer may ask you questions about your travel plans and your reasons for wanting to visit Germany.
- Be patient. The entry process can take some time, so be patient and respectful of the officials who are processing your paperwork.
Germany Schengen Visa Purposes
There are many different reasons why you might need a Germany Schengen visa. Here are some of the most common purposes:
- Tourism: If you are planning to visit Germany for tourism, you will need a Schengen visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Business: If you are traveling to Germany for business purposes, you will also need a Schengen visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the nature of your business trip. For example, if you are attending a conference or meeting, you will need a different type of visa than if you are working in Germany.
- Study: If you are planning to study in Germany, you will need a student visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for the duration of your studies.
- Family visits: If you are visiting Germany to visit family or friends, you will need a family visit visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Work: If you are planning to work in Germany, you will need a work visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the type of work you will be doing. For example, if you are working as a skilled worker, you will need a different type of visa than if you are working as a student.
Germany โ key facts
- Short stays
- Schengen visa (Type C)
- Or ETIAS if visa-exempt โ shared across the Area
- Short-stay limit
- 90 days in any 180
- The shared Schengen short-stay rule
- Long stays
- National visa (Type D)
- Issued by Germany for stays over 90 days
- ETIAS
- Travel authorisation
- For visa-exempt short-stay travellers
- EES
- Biometric borders
- Automated entry/exit at external Schengen borders
German visas โ people also ask
Germany is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality โ some travellers are visa-exempt and use ETIAS instead. Check our Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) guide and confirm what applies to your nationality before you travel.
