Welcome to Germany VISA Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Germany, as part of the Schengen Area, has specific visa requirements for travelers depending on their nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need to successfully apply for a German visa.
Note: Citizens of EU countries, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), and several other countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Germany. Check the official German Federal Foreign Office website for the most current information.
Determine What Visa You Need
- Short‑stay (Schengen C‑visa) for tourism, business, or family visits—allows stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Fee: €90 (adults), €45 (children aged 6–12).
- National long‑stay visa (Type D) for study, work, family reunion, freelance/self‑employment. Valid for 90 days; transition to a residence permit within Germany.
- Airport transit visa (Type A) needed for some nationalities during an airport layover. Processing time: ~5 days.
Check Your Eligibility & Exemptions
- Citizens of ~60 countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) don’t need a visa for short visits up to 90 days.
- Starting mid‑2025, travelers from visa‑exempt countries must apply for ETIAS—a digital travel authorization (€7 for 18–70-year-olds), valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. Full enforcement begins once EES starts around Oct 2025/early 2026
Prepare Documentation & Financial Proof
For Schengen C-visas:
- Completed form & cover letter
- Valid passport (≥6 months validity + ≥2 blank pages)
- 2 biometric photos
- Travel health insurance (€30 000 coverage)
- Proof of accommodation & round‑trip booking
- Evidence of financial means (~€45/day)
- Proof of employment or studies (if applicable)
For National (D) visas:
- All above, plus: admission letter (students), job contract or freelance plan, blocked account or sponsor proof, educational and language credentials
- Health insurance valid in Germany until residence permit is issued
Submit Online via Portal + Book Appointment
- Use Germany’s Consular Services Portal to complete most applications digitally, select visa type, and upload documents (Expatrio).
- Biometric data (fingerprints) required every 5 years (How-to-Germany.com).
- Book your in‑person appointment (embassy/consulate or BLS visa center) well in advance—ideally 30–60 days before travel (How-to-Germany.com).
Visa Fees
The following fees apply for German visa applications (subject to change):
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Adults) | €80 | Standard short-stay visa |
| Schengen Visa (Children 6-12) | €40 | Reduced fee for children |
| Schengen Visa (Children under 6) | Free | No fee for young children |
| National Long-Stay Visa | €75 | For stays longer than 90 days |
| Student Visa | €75 | For study purposes |
| Employment Visa | €75 | For work purposes |
Note: Some categories may be exempt from visa fees, including family members of EU/EEA citizens, researchers, and participants in certain educational programs. Check with the embassy for specific exemptions.
Attend Appointment & Pay Fees
At the appointment you’ll:
- Submit original documents + photocopies
- Sign the application digitally
- Provide biometric data
- Pay visa fee:
- Schengen: €90 adult, €45 child
- National: typically €75 adult, €37.50 minor
- Possibly undergo a short interview
Processing & Aftermath
- Short-stay (C): ~14 calendar days.
- Long-stay (D): up to 3 months, possibly longer for some categories.
- You’ll receive a written decision. As of July 2025, Germany has abolished the informal “remonstration” appeal process worldwide—rejections must be appealed formally through courts or by reapplication
Arrival & Travel Entry Checks
- ETIAS + EES: Beginning late 2025, entry into Germany requires an approved ETIAS and an EES biometric border check—you’ll no longer get a passport stamp
- Passport validity: at least 3 months beyond your intended departure; ideally 6 months. Must have ≥2 blank pages
Important Travel Policies
Schengen Area Regulations
Germany is part of the Schengen Area, which allows free movement between 27 European countries. A Schengen visa issued by Germany permits travel to all Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Registration Requirement
If you’re staying in Germany for more than 3 months, you must register your address at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 14 days of arrival.
Work Restrictions
Tourist visas do not permit employment in Germany. If you wish to work, you must apply for the appropriate work visa before your arrival.
Visa Extensions
Schengen visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons.
Travel Insurance Requirement
All visa applicants must have travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Declare ≥€10 000 (or foreign currency equivalent) on entry/exit.
- No vaccination requirements (as of May 2025).
- Border guards may deny entry even with valid visa/ETIAS—final decision lies with they, not consulates.
📝 Summary Table
| Stage | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose visa | C (≤90 days), D (>90 days), A (airport layover) |
| 2. Check ETIAS need | Apply from mid‑2025 if visa‑exempt country (fee €7) |
| 3. Prepare docs | Passport, form, photos, insurance, funds, purpose‑specific evidence |
| 4. Submit online & book | Use portal, upload docs, book at embassy/BLS |
| 5. Appointment | Pay fees (€90/€75), biometrics, interview |
| 6. Processing | 14 days for C, up to 3 months for D; no informal appeal now |
| 7. Arrival | ETIAS + EES checks, declare cash, show passport |
🔎 Pro Tips
- Apply 30–60 days in advance—embassies may request interviews or extra documents.
- Ensure complete & consistent documentation—visa approval depends on clarity and consistency.
- For long-stay visas, organize your blocked account or sponsorship proof early.
- Use the Consular Services Portal’s Visa Navigator to choose the correct visa type.
Germany Visa – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visit, medical or short study (up to 90 days).
- National Visa (Type D): Work, study, job seeker, family reunion (over 90 days).
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For airport transit only.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond stay)
- Two recent biometric photos
- Completed Schengen application form
- Confirmed flight reservation
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment or business proof
- €80 – Adults
- €40 – Children (6–12 years)
- Free – Children under 6
- Standard: 15 calendar days
- Extended: 30–45 days in special cases
Yes. Fingerprints and a digital photo are required and stored in the Schengen VIS system for up to 5 years.
You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Yes, a Germany-issued Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen states, provided Germany is your main destination.
Extensions are rare and allowed only for humanitarian or force-majeure situations.
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Unclear travel purpose
- Weak travel history
- Incomplete or false documents
- Lack of strong ties to home country
No. Employment requires a Germany National Visa (Type D) and a valid work permit.
Note: Visa requirements may change. Always verify information with official German authorities.