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Last Update: 09-02-2024
⚡Quick Summary
Germany Tourist Visa for Indians
Is a visa required for Germany? | Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit Germany. |
Germany Tourist Visa Processing time | 15 to 21 Working Days |
Germany Tourist Visa Fees |
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Germany Visa Validity | 180 Days |
Germany Visa Stay Duration | 90 Days |
How to apply for a Germany visa |
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Documents required for Germany visa |
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Does Germany offer visas on arrival? | Germany does not offer visas on arrival to Indians. You need to have an approved visa prior to your departure. |
Is my German visa a Schengen visa? | Yes, your Germany visa is a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to and within all 27 Schengen countries, including Germany. |
Yes, Indian citizens typically need a Schengen visa to visit Germany for tourism. The German visa is stamped on your passport and allows you to stay in Germany for 90 days or more depending on the visa type you have applied for.
Exploring the vibrant culture of Germany requires careful planning, and obtaining a tourist visa is a key step for Indian travellers. Our guide simplifies the process, covering essential details such as Germany tourist visa requirements, application procedures through Teleport or VFS Global, and necessary documents.
Whether you're applying for a short-stay, or long-stay visa, we break down the steps for a hassle-free experience. If you have questions or need assistance, our dedicated team is ready to help.
Contact us at 073148 52914 or reach us on WhatsApp.
Prepare for a smooth journey to Germany – Safe Travels!✈️
Germany does not offer visas on arrival for Indian citizens. To visit Germany, Indian citizens must apply for and obtain a visa in advance through a pre-approval process.
Applying for a Schengen Visa at a Germany Diplomatic Mission:
Teleport’s Expert Tip
For a hassle-free processing experience, it's recommended to begin your application at least 45 working days before your planned departure. It's wise to start the process well in advance but no more than 6 months before your intended entry into the Schengen states to avoid any issues with your travel dates.
Schengen visa: If your stay in Germany is up to 90 days, apply for a Schengen visa, often called "short-term visas". Issued as a "C" visa for various purposes including tourism, medical treatment, business, culture, sports, visits, official or political matters, study, internship, scientific research, employment, seasonal employment, training, and more.
National Visa: If your intended stay in Germany exceeds 90 days, apply for a German National visa, commonly known as "long-term visas" or "D visas. The national visa is designed for individuals planning a long-term stay in Germany, exceeding 90 days, for a specific legally-defined purpose. Typically, it is granted for a specified duration, which may extend up to one year in certain situations. After arriving in Germany, you will need to apply for a residence permit, which corresponds to the purpose of your stay.
Work Visa: This visa enables skilled foreign individuals with vocational training or a recognized university degree to visit Germany for a maximum of six months. During this period, they can search for employment matching their qualifications. If successful in securing a job within six months, there's no need to leave; they can apply for the necessary residence permit at the Immigration Office. While actively seeking employment, individuals are restricted from regular employment, except for a trial period of up to 10 hours per week.
Student Visa: If accepted by a German university (including a preparatory language course) or a preparatory college (Studienkolleg), you can apply for a study visa in Germany. It's advisable to secure admission from the university at the earliest. While studying, you can take up part-time student jobs, allowing you to work for up to 20 hours per week to support your expenses.
Research Visa: For researchers from non-EU countries, the following criteria apply:
This category also includes doctoral students enrolled at a foreign university who wish to visit Germany for research purposes.
Family Reunion Visa: You need this visa, specifically a residence permit, in the following cases:
After submitting all required documents, your application goes to the Immigration Office at your intended residence in Germany. Processing usually takes up to 12 weeks, but additional documents can affect this time. Once approved, the Embassy/Consulate issues a national visa for the first 90 days. The Immigration Office grants a final residence permit upon arrival for a more extended stay. The family reunion visa also provides entitlement.
Airport Transit Visa: If you stay within the international airport during your layover in Germany and your final destination is not in a Schengen country, you won't need a transit visa.
But, if you have to go into the Schengen area for any reason, like changing terminals or if your destination is in a Schengen country, you might need a visa. Be sure to plan for this situation.
There are, however, exceptions to this requirement:
Getting your Germany visa for Indians is now easy and hassle-free with Teleport. Follow these simple steps for a smooth tourist visa application:
The documents are sent from VFS to the consulate for review. Once the consulate makes a decision, they send the documents back to VFS.
Afterward, you can choose to have your passport delivered to your location or pick it up in person from the VFS visa centre.
✅ Teleport’s relationship manager is ready to assist you throughout the entire process for comprehensive support.
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type
Start by identifying the appropriate visa type for your trip to Germany and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Familiarise yourself with the necessary documents, estimated processing times, and relevant fees.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Collect the required documents for your visa application, which vary based on your visa category. Ensure that any photos meet biometric requirements. You can usually get these photos at Visa Application Centres, among other places.
Step 3: Fill out Application Form
Step 4: Schedule Appointment Book an appointment for submitting your visa application and for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprinting and a photograph. Upon booking, you will receive a confirmation email containing your appointment letter.
Visa Application Centre | Location |
New Delhi | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, including Minicoy and Amini. |
Mumbai | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu. |
Kolkata | West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. |
Bangalore | Karnataka and Kerala. |
Chennai | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Pondicherry. |
Step 5: Pay Your Fees
Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the application form, print it and bring it to the Visa Application Centre where payment can be made at the time of your appointment. Fees can be paid in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay and Mastercard are acceptable)
Step 6: Visit the Visa Application Centre
For Schengen visa (short-term visa) processing at the German Consulate Mumbai, you have the flexibility to book appointments and submit your Schengen visa applications at any Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global across India, irrespective of your place of residence.
Please remember to ensure that you bring your visa application form and the necessary documents as outlined in the Germany tourist visa checklist for your specific visa category.
You must personally submit your fully completed visa application form and documents at one of the designated Visa Application Centres, unless otherwise instructed.
Step 7: Track Your Application
If you submitted your application at a VFS Visa Application Centre, you can use the VFS online application tracking tool to check the status of your application. Simply provide the following details:
Step 8: Collect Your Visa
After your visa application has been processed, you have the option to get your documents and passport from the Visa Application Centre. Alternatively, you can opt for a courier service, which involves an additional fee.
Note: Collection of documents or passports by third parties is generally not allowed, with some exceptions:
Teleport’ s Expert Tip
If you've had a Germany visa in the past 5 years, you can have someone else submit the application on your behalf, as biometrics are not required in this case.
Schengen Visa Application Form | Complete the form online, print it, and ensure it's fully filled out and signed. |
Original Passport |
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Passport Copy | Copy of the biometric and address page of your passport. |
Photograph |
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Cover Letter | Stating your travel purpose and duration |
Travel Itinerary | Your intended travel details, either through a travel agency certificate or a detailed itinerary. |
Proof of Accommodation | Proof of your accommodation, hotel reservations, a rental agreement, or sponsorship from a family member or friend. |
Flight Reservation | Proof of your accommodation, hotel reservations, a rental agreement, or sponsorship from a family member or friend. |
Flight Reservation | Provide proof of your flight reservation. |
Travel Medical Insurance | Coverage of a minimum of EUR 30,000 in medical expenses. |
3 Months Bank Statement Copy |
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Income Tax Return | Personal Income Tax Returns for the previous 2 financial years |
Teleport’s Expert Tip
For a smoother Germany visa application, make sure your bank statement is signed and stamped by your bank, and has a minimum balance of INR 3,00,000.
If Your Trip is Sponsored |
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If Employed |
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If Self-Employed or a Company Owner |
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If Self-Employed or a Company Owner |
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If Retired |
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If a Student |
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If Unemployed | Last 3 months' bank statements stamped by the bank. |
If a Minor |
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Photo requirements for a Germany visa as an Indian citizen includes:
Recent Photo: Your visa photo must be no older than 6 months.
Size and Dimensions: Your visa photo should measure 35mm x 45mm (width x height) with a 70 to 80% face coverage.
Head Position: Ensure your head is fully visible and centred in the photo.
Eyeglasses and Headgear: If wearing eyeglasses, no glare should obscure your eyes. Religious headgear is allowed, but your entire face (from chin to forehead, including cheeks and ears) must be fully visible.
Quality: The photo should be in colour, high-resolution, and well-lit, with no shadows, red-eye, or reflections.
Teleport’s Expert Tip
Ensure that the photo in your passport matches the one you submitted with your application. To avoid rejection, include a new photo that meets the specifications. If your visa is rejected, provide a new photo to prevent rejection again.
Germany tourist visa processing time is 15 to 21 working days after your appointment at the visa application centre is completed.
Visa Type | Fee Type | Amount |
Schengen Visa (including Airport Transit Visa) | VFS Appointment Fees | Euro 18 (INR 1,683/-) |
- | Embassy Fees (0-6 years) | No Fee |
- | Embassy Fees (6-11 years) | Euro 40 (INR 3,600/-) |
- | Embassy Fees (12+ years) | Euro 80 (INR 7,100/-) |
National Visa(Long term visas) | VFS Appointment Fees | Euro 9 (INR 894/-) |
- | Embassy Fees (18+ years) | Euro 75 (INR 6,700/-) |
- | Embassy Fees (Under 18 years) | Euro 37.5 (3,350/-) |
Both Germany tourist and business visas let you stay in Germany for 90 days within a 180-days time frame.
The actual validity may vary, as it is subject to the discretion of the embassy. While they can issue it for up to 6 months (180 days), it's not guaranteed in every case.
Stay informed about the status of your Germany visa application with Teleport. If you've applied through Teleport, receive real-time updates via WhatsApp, email, or directly on the Teleport Dashboard. To check your application status:
Alternatively, you can track your Germany visa application status through VFS Global:
Indian nationals, in general, are not granted transit privileges and thus need to obtain an airport transit visa (Category A) for transiting through a German airport.
There are, however, exceptions to this requirement:
Teleport Expert's Tip
Lots of visa rejections occur due to financial problems, such as issues with bank statements and tax returns. Make sure you show enough evidence of your finances, aiming for a minimum bank balance of INR 3,00,000 per applicant.
After receiving an official visa rejection letter, the applicant has three options:
Teleport’s Expert Tip
Consider reapplying instead of appealing, as the appeal process tends to take longer with no guaranteed timeline.
Yes, when applying for a Germany visa, it is mandatory to have minimum travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros. It's strongly advisable for travellers to consider acquiring health insurance coverage from reputable providers such as Tata AIG, Digit Insurance, HDFC Ergo, and others.
When arriving at a German airport, it's essential to follow these steps to ensure a seamless and trouble-free exit:
In conclusion, using the information provided in this guide, obtaining a Germany visa can be a straightforward process. Ensure you fulfil the specific requirements for your travel purpose, and get ready to explore Germany's rich culture and breath taking landscapes.
Wishing you safe travels and an enjoyable journey in Germany!
For a smooth Germany visa application experience, consider applying with Teleport. Our user-friendly platform simplifies the application process, ensuring your submission meets all necessary criteria.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is prepared to offer guidance and support.
You can reach us at 073148 52914 or contact us on WhatsApp.