How to apply and obtain Germany Visa: Procedures, Documents required? 1

About Germany

From the northernmost Alps to the diversified Central German terrain, Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, German Deutschland or Bundesrepublik Deutschland, is a country in north-central Europe. To put it another way, Germany is one of the continent’s largest countries; it contains a vast range of landscapes: from lofty, sheer mountains to sandy rolling plains to forested hills, the country has it all.

Germany has a total area of 357,022 km2, making it the seventh-largest country in Europe, or slightly smaller than the state of Montana in the United States.

The population of Germany is expected to reach 83,2 million by the year 2020, with 3.3 million people living in Berlin, the country’s capital and largest metropolis. Germany’s official language is Standard German (German: Hochdeutsch), but varieties of German can be heard in certain locations of the country.

Why Germany is famous?

• After the Czechs, Germans are Europe’s second-largest beer drinkers. Germans are said to drink 140 liters of beer on average per year. In Germany, beer isn’t just a beverage, it’s an art form.
• There are almost 12,200 beautiful lakes in the country, many of which are open to the public all year round.
• The average annual bread consumption in Germany is 87 kilograms, and there is a bakery for every 2,100 residents.
• When the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, it marked a turning point in Europe’s Cold War history.
• Germany may not be the best spot to sample new foods if you are a vegan or vegetarian, as Germans are known for their love of meat.

EU nationals

EU nationals do not require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.

Non-EU nationals

All other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.

Germany does not require a visa for citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. A residency permit application is required before they may begin working. The Foreigners’ Authority of these nations can be contacted by citizens of these countries.

How to apply for a visa

1. Check the requirement of a Visa. You can check the application form here.
2. It’s important to gather all of your required paperwork for your visa application if you are eligible. On the website of the German embassy or consulate in your country of residency, you should be able to find a list of required documents.
3. Should have a photo as per Biometric Specification.
4. Send your visa application to the German Embassy in your home country. Make certain that the visa you seek is appropriate for your intended purpose of visit to Germany.
5. for your visa interview at a German Embassy or application facility of your choice. Don’t miss your appointment by arriving late or not having all of your paperwork in order.

Types of Visa

1. Short Stay Visa

Under EU legislation, all Schengen states are required to issue visas for transit through the Schengen area or for short-term stays in the Schengen region not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period based on a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).

A Schengen visa is not automatically granted to everyone who applies.

The mission must ensure that each unique instance meets the following requirements:

• The travel to Germany must have a logical and understandable goal.
• As a condition of acceptance, the candidate must be able to pay for his/her own lodging and transportation charges.
• It is imperative that the visa holder be prepared to exit the Schengen area prior to the expiration of the visa.
• A valid passport
• It is necessary to show proof of Schengen-wide travel health insurance with a minimum of 30,000 euros in coverage.
• According to the above-mentioned criteria, a visa cannot be issued to anyone who would jeopardize security or order in the Schengen states, as well as those who don’t meet one or more of them.

Countries in the Schengen Area

2. Longer Stay Visa

• For visits longer than three months or for stays that result in a source of income, all visitors from outside the country require a visa. EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens, as well as Swiss nationals, are eligible for exemptions.
• As a further benefit for nationals of the following countries: Australia; Canada; Israel; Japan; New Zealand; the Republic of Korea; the United Kingdom; and the United States of America.
• Before arriving in Germany, citizens of all other countries must apply for visas at the responsible mission.
• Visas can only be issued with the consent of the foreign authority, which can take three months or longer in some circumstances because the foreign authority frequently consults with other authorities.
• To expedite the process of obtaining a visa that allows the bearer to work, several countries do not require the approval of the foreign authority.
• The form can be obtained free of cost.

3. Airport Transit Visa

• If your end destination is outside the Schengen region, you will need an airport transit visa (category A visa) to enter Germany.
• You are not allowed to leave the airport with the airport transit visa. A Schengen visa is required if you need to leave the airport to retrieve your luggage, check-in again, or continue your travel by another mode of transportation.
• You check here if you need a Transit visa.

Visa Fees of Germany

You can check here.

Visa Processing Time for Germany

• Missions often need two to ten working days to make a decision on a short-term visa application. Applicants for visas that allow them to extend their stay or start a new job may have to wait months for their applications to be processed.
• An application to the German Embassy may take a while during the high travel season. As a result, anyone who needs a visa to enter Germany should apply for one as soon as possible.

What is the validity of the German Visa?

According to the type of visa requested, German visas have a validity of three to twelve months.

Best Place to visit in Germany

1. Berlin

Unquestionably one of Europe’s most active and exciting towns, the capital is known for its world-class food and shopping as well.

Berlin

2. Munich

In addition to being the capital of the state of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest towns, Munich is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to the magnificent Bavarian Alps.

Munich

3. Cologne

One of Germany’s best-preserved historic cities, Cologne is a treasure for future generations. Cologne, which was founded by the Romans, has long served as a religious hotspot and a popular destination for those seeking spiritual solace.

Cologne

4. Koblenz

You’ll be docked at the lovely city of Koblenz at some time. Be sure to check out the lovely Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, no matter how you get there.

Koblenz

5. Baden-Baden

The spa town of Baden-Baden is a popular tourist destination in Germany. Warm temperatures and natural hot springs have long drawn royalty and the well-to-do to this picturesque Black Forest town, which has long been a popular tourist attraction in the region.

Baden-Baden