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Last Update: 04-09-2024
Going to Germany? As an Indian citizen you need to get a visa before you travel. Germany is a popular destination, rich in history, cities and landscapes but understanding the visa process is key to a smooth journey. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, study or to meet family and friends there are specific visa types for your needs. The process may seem daunting but with the right information it’s manageable. In this post I will walk you through the Germany visa requirements for Indians, including the different types of visas, application process, documents required, fees and processing times. By the end of this you will have a clear idea of what it takes to get a Germany visa from India and be well prepared for your next adventure in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
⚡Quick Summary
 Germany visa fees |
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 How to apply for a Germany visa? |
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 Documents required for Germany visa |
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Yes, Indian nationals need a visa to visit Germany. Depending on your purpose of travel—tourism, business, study, or other activities—you'll need to apply for the appropriate type of Germany visa.
Schengen visa(Type C): 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(Type D): 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.
Airport Transit Visa (Type A): 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:
Following are the documents required for a Germany visa from India:
Visa Application Form | Complete the Germany visa application 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 |
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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 |
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 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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Following are the Germany visa fees from India:
| Visa Type | Fee Category | Amount |
Type C (Short-stay visas) | Appointment Fees | Euro 18 |
Embassy Fees (0-6 years) | Free of cost | |
Embassy Fees (6-11 years) | Euro 45 | |
Embassy Fees (12+ years) | Euro 80 (INR 7,100/-) | |
Type D (Long-stay visas) | Appointment Fees | Euro 9 |
Embassy Fees (18+ years) | Euro 75 | |
Embassy Fees (Under 18 years) | Euro 37.5 |
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.
For short-stay Germany visa applications (including tourist, business or transit visas), the processing time typically takes up to 15 working days. However, if you are applying for long-term residence permits, work visa or student visa in Germany, the processing period can extend to several months. The exact time may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of applications being processed at the consulate or visa center. It’s important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for any potential delays and ensure your visa is approved in time for your trip.
Apply for your German visa as early as possible to ensure a smooth process. For short-stay visas like the Schengen (Tourist) or Business Visa, aim to apply at least 30 days before your travel date. For long-term visas, such as Student, Job Seeker, or Family Reunion Visas, start your application 3 months before your planned stay. Begin your application as soon as you receive formal admission or a job offer, and for work or research permits, apply once you have your contract or research plan.
Germany Visa Validity
| Visa Type | Validity |
Airport Transit Visa | 24 hours |
Tourist Visa | 90 days within a 180-day period |
Business Visa | 90 days within a 180-day period |
Student Visa | More than 3 months (depending on study program) |
Job Seeker Visa | 6 months |
Freelancer Entry Visa | 3 months |
Temporary Work Permit | 1 to 3 years (depends on the contract) |
Family Reunion Visa | 1 year |
EU Blue Card | 4 years |
In conclusion, applying for a Germany visa from India involves understanding the type of visa you need, gathering the necessary documents, and applying well in advance. Whether you're planning a short visit, a business trip, or a long-term stay, making sure you meet all requirements and follow the application process carefully will help ensure a smooth experience. With the right preparation, you can look forward to a successful journey to Germany. Safe travels!
Visa processing times can vary based on factors such as the type of visa, volume of applications, and individual circumstances. Delays may occur due to additional document verification or administrative processes.
Early appointment scheduling depends on availability. To secure an early slot, it's advisable to plan ahead and book your appointment as soon as you start your visa application process.
A recommended budget of 65 Euros per person per day of the trip is advisable. Ensure your bank statement reflects this amount, and it should be no more than 15 days old on the appointment day.
Indian nationals can apply for various types of visas to visit Germany, including a Schengen Tourist Visa (short-term visa for up to 90 days), Business Visa, Student Visa, Job Seeker Visa, and Family Reunion Visa. Each visa type has specific requirements and purposes, so it's important to choose the one that fits your travel plans.
Generally, you will need a completed visa application form, a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial statements, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the issues mentioned in the rejection notice. It’s important to review and correct any deficiencies in your application before reapplying.
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