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How to Obtain a German Visa: Tips for Indian Travel Enthusiasts

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 Visa Cost for Indians

  1. VFS Appointment fees: Euro 18 (INR 1,683/-)
  2. Embassy fees: Euro 80 (INR 7,100/-)

How to apply for a Germany visa for Indian citizens

  1. Apply through Teleport in under 2 minutes.
  2. Apply through VFS Global website.

Documents required for Germany visa for Indian citizens

  1. Original Passport 
  2. Copy of Passport Pages
  3. Visa Application Form
  4. Passport-sized Photograph
  5. Cover Letter 
  6. Travel Medical Insurance - Euro 30,000
  7. Appointment Slip
  8. Flight tickets and Hotel Bookings
  9. Bank Statement (last 3 months)
  10. Income tax return (last 2 years)

Types of Germany Visa for Indians

  1. Schengen Visa(Short stay)
  2. National Visa(Long term visa): Work Visa, Student Visa, Research Visa, Family Reunion Visa
  3. Airport Transit Visa

Do Indians Need A Visa To Visit Germany?

Yes, a Schengen visa is generally necessary for Indian citizens planning a tourist visit to Germany. The visa is affixed to your passport and grants a stay of 90 days or beyond, depending on the specific visa category you've chosen.

Table of Contents


  1. Introduction
  2. Types Of German Visa For Indians
  3. What Documents Are Necessary To Apply For A German Visa For Indians?
  4. How To Apply For A German Visa From India Via VFS Global?
  5. Fees for Germany Visa for Indians
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

Introduction

Planning on a journey to Germany? Navigating the intricacies of visa applications can be daunting, especially for Indian travellers. Whether you're planning a short-term visit or an extended stay, our comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the types of visas, application procedures, and essential documents. 

From the intricacies of Schengen and National visas to specialised categories like Work, Student, and Research visas, we've got you covered. Additionally, we address common queries, such as processing times, appointment scheduling, and financial prerequisites. 

Contact us at +91 73148 52914 or reach us on WhatsApp

Prepare for a smooth journey to Germany – Safe Travels!✈️"

Types Of German Visa For Indians

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 allows skilled foreign workers with vocational training or a recognized university degree to visit Germany for up to six months. This period allows them to search for a job aligned with their qualifications. If successful in securing employment within six months, there's no need to leave; instead, they can apply for the required residence permit at the Immigration Office. While actively seeking employment, individuals are restricted from engaging in regular employment, with the exception of a trial period of up to 10 hours per week.

Student Visa: If you've been 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 recommended to secure your admission from the university at the earliest. While studying, you have the option to take up part-time student jobs, allowing you to work for up to 20 hours per week to support your expenses.

Research Visa: Researchers, who can be individuals from non-EU countries, should meet the following criteria to apply for a Research visa:

  • Hold a doctoral degree or possess a relevant degree from a German or foreign university that grants access to doctoral programs.
  • Have been chosen by a research institution and granted entry into a Member State.
  • Engage in a research activity typically requiring such an advanced degree.

This category also encompasses 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:

  • If you're marrying or planning to marry a German citizen.
  • If you're a parent of a German minor child and seeking permanent residency in Germany.

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.

Airport Transit Visa: 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:

  • Individuals holding valid visas and national residence permits from EU and Schengen countries.
  • Individuals with certain national residence permits from specific countries, including Andorra, Japan, Canada, San Marino, and the United States of America.
  • Those in possession of valid visas from the EEA countries (the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), as well as visas issued by Japan, Canada, and the United States of America.

What Documents Are Necessary To Apply For A German Visa For Indians?

Mandatory Documents

Schengen Visa Application Form

  • Complete the form online, print it, and
  • Ensure it's fully filled out and signed.

Original Passport

  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • 3 months' validity beyond your return date.
  • At least two empty pages to affix visa. 
  • No observations on the front page.

Passport Copy

  • Copy of the biometric and address page of your passport.

Photograph

  • Not older than 6 months
  • Dimensions: 35X45mm 
  • 70 to 80% face coverage
  • White background

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

  • 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

  • Recommended budget of 65 Euros per person per day of the trip. 
  • The statement should be no more than 15 days old on the appointment day.

Income Tax Return

  • Personal Income Tax Returns for the previous 2 financial years

Supporting Documents

If Your Trip is Sponsored

  • Sponsored by an Indian resident: Submit sponsor letter, sponsor's passport copy, and their last 3 months' bank statements.
  • Sponsored by a German/EU resident: Provide sponsor letter, sponsor's passport copy, German residence permit (if applicable), and Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) if available.
  • If the sponsor is your spouse: Include your marriage certificate.
  • Note: Make sure your name remains the same on all documents issued after a name change, like marriage.
  • If the sponsor is your parent: Provide a birth certificate
  • Sponsored by an Indian company: Submit acknowledgment of the company's ITR Returns for the last three years (latest first).
  • Sponsored by a German company: Include sponsor letter, sponsor's passport copy, and German residence permit (if not a German Citizen).

If Employed

  • Provide pay slips, employment contract, and an employer's statement (leave sanction letter).
  • Include your last 3 months' bank statements, Indian income tax return (ITR) acknowledgment, or Form 16.

If Self-Employed or a Company Owner

  • Submit the company's certificate of registration and GST registration number.
  • Include Indian income tax return (ITR) acknowledgment for the last two assessment years or Form 16 and last 3 months' bank statements stamped by the bank.

If Retired

  • Pension statements for the last three months and/or proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
  • Last 3 months' bank statements stamped by the bank.

If a Student

  • Certificates from your educational institution and a no objection certificate from your school/university.
  • For university students, include your last 3 months' bank statements stamped by the bank.

If Unemployed

  • Last 3 months' bank statements stamped by the bank.

If a Minor

  • Sign the application form and declarations with both parents.
  • Minor's birth certificate. Note: If the Germany tourist visa checklist specifies a birth certificate, it is a must-have document. If you don't have one, you can apply for late registration of birth at the appropriate registrar's office.
  • Passport copies of both parents with custody/guardianship.
  • If one parent is submitting the application, show proof of single custody or provide written authorization from the absent parent, certified by a public notary.
  • If the minor is travelling alone, submit written consent from both parents or guardians with custody or guardianship, certified by a public notary.

How To Apply For A German Visa From India Via VFS Global?

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type: Start by determining the suitable visa for your Germany trip, ensuring you meet eligibility criteria. Familiarise yourself with required documents, processing times, and fees.

Step 2: Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents for your visa application. Ensure photos meet biometric standards, available at Visa Application Centres.

Step 3: Fill Application Form: Complete the online form, print, sign, and gather required documents. Use the VIDEX format, ensuring a high-quality printout of the barcode. If unable to complete online, print and fill by hand. Authorise someone if fingerprints were taken within 59 months.

Step 4: Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment for application submission and biometric data collection. Confirmation email includes your appointment letter.

Step 5: Pay Fees: Pay visa application fee in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay, Mastercard) at the Visa Application Centre. 

Step 6: Visit Visa Application Centre: For Schengen visa processing in Mumbai, book and submit applications at any VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India. Ensure you bring the application form and required documents as per the checklist.

Step 7: Track Application: Use the VFS online tracking tool, providing reference number and date of birth, to monitor application status.

Step 8: Collect Visa: After processing, retrieve documents and passport from the Visa Application Centre or opt for courier service (additional fee). 

Fees for Germany Visa for Indians

Visa TypeFee TypeAmount

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/-)

Note

If you prefer to have your passport mailed back to you, please be aware of an additional fee of up to 35 USD. Additionally, if copies of the supporting documents need to be made by the German Mission, an extra fee may apply.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a German visa for Indian travellers involves a straightforward process, provided applicants adhere to the specific requirements for their intended purpose. From Schengen visas for short-term stays to national visas for longer durations, each category has its prerequisites. 

Thorough documentation, timely application submission, and adherence to appointment procedures are key to a successful visa process. With these insights, Indian travel enthusiasts can embark on their German journey well-prepared and equipped for a seamless visa application process.

For a smooth Germany visa appointment, 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 +91 73148 52914 or contact us on WhatsApp.

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