Germany Visa for Indians for Indian Passport Holders

Germany, a part of the Schengen Area, offers various visa types catering to different purposes and durations of stay. For Indians, understanding the correct visa type and requirements is crucial for a successful application.

• Schengen Visa (C-Visa): For stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Visiting Family/Friends Visa
• Transit Visa

• National Visa (D-Visa): For stays over 90 days.
• Study Visa
• Work Visa
• Family Reunification Visa
• Retirement Visa

Applicable to Most Visa Types

Valid Indian Passport

• At least 2 blank pages
• Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay

Filled and Signed Application Form

• Download from the German Embassy/Consulate website or VFS Global

Recent Photos

• 2, biometric compatible, 35x45 mm

Flight Itinerary or Proof of Onward Travel (for Schengen Visas)

Travel Health Insurance

• Covering at least €30,000 (for Schengen Visas)
• Valid in all Schengen states

Proof of Financial Means

• Approximately €45 per day for the entire stay (Schengen Visas)
• Bank statements, traveler's cheques, etc.

Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation (for Schengen Visas)

Employment Certificate (if employed) or Student ID (if a student)

Cover Letter explaining the purpose and duration of the visit

Schengen Visa (Up to 90 Days)

Tourist/Business/Visiting Family/Friends/Transit Visa

All general requirements

• • Invitation Letter (for visiting family/friends)
  • Business Invitation Letter (for business purposes)
  • Conference/Event Ticket (if applicable)

National Visa (Over 90 Days)

Study Visa

All general requirements

• University Admission Letter
• Proof of Language Proficiency (A1 or higher, depending on the course)
• Proof of Financial Support (approximately €8,640 per year)
• Health Insurance (full coverage, not just emergency)

Work Visa

All general requirements

• Job Offer or Employment Contract
• Proof of Qualifications (recognized by the relevant German authorities)
• Health Insurance (full coverage)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India and any other country of residence in the last 5 years

Family Reunification Visa

All general requirements

• Proof of Family Relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
• Proof of Language Proficiency (A1 or higher)
• Health Insurance (full coverage)
• Accommodation in Germany (proof of shared living space)

Retirement Visa

All general requirements

• Proof of Retirement (pension documents, etc.)
• Proof of Financial Means (sufficient for living in Germany without working)
• Health Insurance (full coverage)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India and any other country of residence in the last 5 years

Step 1: Check the German Embassy/Consulate Website

• Why: Ensure you have the most current information regarding visa requirements, processing times, and application procedures.
• How:
1. Visit the official website of the German Embassy in New Delhi or the respective German Consulate in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, or Mumbai.
2. Navigate to the "Visa" or "Entry Requirements" section.
3. Review the information carefully, noting any recent updates or changes.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Visa Type

• Why: Selecting the right visa type is crucial for a successful application. The wrong choice can lead to rejection.
• How:
1. Reflect on Your Travel Purpose:
• Tourism, visiting family/friends, business, study, work, family reunification, retirement, or other.
2. Match Your Purpose with a Visa Type:
• Schengen Visa (C-Visa): For stays up to 90 days for tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or transit.
• National Visa (D-Visa): For stays over 90 days for study, work, family reunification, retirement, or other long-stay purposes.
3. Check Visa-Specific Requirements:
• Each visa type has unique requirements and eligibility criteria.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

• Why: Ensure you have all necessary documents to avoid delays or rejections.
• How:
1. Review the Checklist:
• Based on your chosen visa type, gather all required documents from the embassy/consulate website.
2. Common Documents:
• Passport
• Application Form
• Photos
• Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of Financial Means
• Accommodation Proof
• Employment/Student Status Proof
3. Visatype-Specific Documents:
• Study Visa: Admission Letter, Language Proficiency, etc.
• Work Visa: Job Offer, Qualification Recognition, etc.
4. Ensure Document Accuracy:
• All documents should be in English/German or translated.
• Ensure all documents are up-to-date and as specified.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

• Why: Accurate and complete application forms are crucial.
• How:
1. Download the Form:
• From the German Embassy/Consulate website or VFS Global.
2. Fill Accurately:
• Ensure all information is correct and complete.
3. Required Information:
• Personal Details
• Travel Plans
• Purpose of Stay
4. Sign the Form:
• Ensure it's signed and dated as required.

Step 5: Book an Appointment

• Why: Ensure a smooth submission process.
• How:
1. Check if Required:
• Appointments might be necessary for biometric data collection.
2. Book Through:
• German Embassy/Consulate Website
• VFS Global (if applicable)
3. Choose a Time Slot:
• Based on availability and your schedule.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

• Why: Ensure all is in order for processing.
• How:
1. Attend the Appointment:
• Bring all required documents and the filled application form.
2. Submit Biometric Data:
• If required, provide fingerprints, etc.
3. Application Review:
• Ensure all is complete and accurate.

Step 7: Pay the Visa Fee

• Why: Fees are mandatory for application processing.
• How:
1. Check the Fee:
• Schengen Visa: Currently €60 (approx. ₹5,000)
• National Visa: Currently €75 (approx. ₹6,300)
2. Payment Methods:
• Cash
• Credit/Debit Card
• Bank Transfer (if available)

Step 8: Wait for the Decision

• Why: Processing times can vary.
• How:
1. Track Your Application:
• If possible, through the application center's website.
2. Wait Periods:
• Schengen Visas: Typically up to 15 days.
• National Visas: Up to 3 months or more, depending on the type.

Step 9: Collect Your Passport

• Why: Once approved, collect your visa.
• How:
1. Notification:
• You'll be informed once your visa is processed.
2. Collection:
• Collect your passport with the visa at the specified application center.

• German Embassy in New Delhi
• German Consulates in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai
• VFS Global: Authorized service provider for visa applications in various cities across India.

• Schengen Visa: Currently €60 (approximately ₹5,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations)
• National Visa: Currently €75 (approximately ₹6,300, subject to exchange rate fluctuations)
• Payment Methods: Usually in local currency (INR), through bank transfer, credit/debit cards, or cash at the application center.

• Schengen Visas: Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary.
• National Visas: Up to 3 months or more, depending on the type and complexity.
• Status Tracking: Usually through the application center's website or by contacting the embassy/consulate directly.

• Requirement: Not always necessary but may be requested.
• Preparation: Ensure you can clearly explain your travel purpose, have all documents, and demonstrate knowledge about your host/institution in Germany.
• Conduct: Be honest, clear, and respectful during the interview.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Incomplete or inaccurate application
• Insufficient financial means
• Unclear or unconvincing travel purpose
• Health insurance not meeting requirements

Tips for Approval

• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
• Provide clear and convincing explanations for your travel purpose
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means
• Choose the right visa type for your purpose

• Registration in Germany: Mandatory within a week of arrival.
• Health Insurance: Ensure continuous coverage.
• Integration Courses: Recommended for better social integration.
• Employment/Study: Begin your intended activities as per your visa type.
• Residence Permit: For National Visa holders, to be applied for after entering Germany.