In 2022, around 76,519 people from India applied for a visa to visit Germany, covering various reasons like tourism or work-related trips. The process of getting this visa can be a bit tricky, so it’s important to understand what’s expected from you as an applicant. Keep in mind that if you already have a Schengen visa from another country, it might work for your visit to Germany, but we’ll cover all the details to make it easy for you.

If you want to visit Germany, you need to apply for a German Schengen visa. Here’s when you should apply:

• Visiting Germany in the Schengen Area:

  If Germany is your main destination in the Schengen zone, you can apply for a visa. For example, if you’re planning to visit Belgium only, you can’t apply for a German visa.

• Spending Most of Your Time in Germany:

  If you’re touring Europe and will stay in multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you’ll spend the most time. For instance, if you are in Germany for five days, Belgium for four days, and the Netherlands for three days, apply for a visa in Germany. But if you stay longer in another country, use there instead.

This blog will help break down what you need for a visa for Germany and guide you through the steps to apply from India.

Types of visa to visit Germany

If you plan to enter Germany, the type of visa you apply for depends on your purpose. Here are various visa types:

• Tourist and Visitor Visa:

  • For individuals planning to visit Germany for tourism or to meet friends and family.

• Business Visa:

  • Intended for those travelling to Germany for business-related purposes such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations.

• Airport Transit Visa:

  • Required for passengers who have a layover in a German airport and must pass through the international transit area.

• Training/Internship Visa:

  • Designed for individuals participating in training programs or internships in Germany.

• Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events:

  • Issued to those attending cultural, sports, or religious events in Germany.

• Trade Fair and Exhibition Visa:

  • Specifically for individuals participating in or attending trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany.

• Visa for Medical Treatment:

  • Necessary for those seeking medical treatment in Germany.

Remember, if your stay in Germany exceeds 90 days, you should apply for a national D visa. Choose the visa type that aligns with your specific purpose for entering the country.

How do you apply for a German visa?

To apply for a German tourist visa from India, you’ll work with VFS Global Visa Application Center, the official processing company authorized by the German Embassy. Here’s a simplified guide:

• Choose the Correct Visa Type:

  • Identify the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.) to determine the appropriate visa type.

• Find the Nearest VFS Global Center:

  • Locate the VFS Global Visa Application Center closest to your area of residence in India.

• Schedule an Appointment:

  • Visit the VFS Global website, create an account, and select Germany as your visiting country. Choose the correct visa category and schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Centre.

• Prepare Required Documents:

  • Gather necessary documents, including your passport, photos, and completed application form. Ensure you have all required documents before your appointment.

• Pay Visa Fee:

  • Pay the visa fee, either before or after your interview, depending on the specific instructions from the Embassy or consulate.

• Submit Your Application:

  • Bring all your documents to the VFS Global Visa Application Center on the scheduled day. Be prepared for a possible visa interview, where you’ll answer questions about your trip.

Remember, even though you submit your application to the VFS Global Visa Application Center, the final decision-making rests with the Embassy or consulate, which may take a few days.

Following are the VFS Global Visa Application Center in India

Important documents needed to apply for a German visa

To apply for a German visa in India, you’ll need the following documents:

• Application Form:

  • Fill out and sign the application form available on the embassy website.

• Declaration of Accuracy:

  • Sign a the declaration of the information provided.

• Passport:

  • Provide a valid passport with at least three months’ validity after your planned departure from Germany.

• Identification Photographs:

  • Include one recent passport-sized photograph meeting Schengen visa photo guidelines.

• Proof of Residency:

  • Submit proof of residency in India, such as a utility bill (original + copy).

• Residence Permit:

  • Include a copy of your valid residence permit.

• Schengen Travel Health Insurance:

  • Show proof of valid travel health insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 (INR 2,678,473.72) coverage.

• Proof of Accommodation:

  • Provide evidence of where you’ll stay, such as a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter.

• Travel Itinerary:

  • Include a travel itinerary and proof of a reserved flight ticket.

• Proof of Sufficient Funds:

  • Submit recent bank statements from the last three months indicating enough funds for your trip.

• Declaration Form for Additional Contact and Legal Representation Information:

  • Complete and sign two copies of this declaration form.

• Letter of Invitation:

  • If visiting family or friends, include an invitation letter with details of the relationship and the purpose of the visit.

• Documentation for Minor Applicants:

  • Include additional documents for minors, such as a signed application form by both parents, proof of custody, parents’ original passports, children’s birth certificates, and a notarized travel consent letter if both parents cannot visit the embassy.

• Additional Documents Based on Employment Status:

  • Provide specific documents depending on your employment status, such as work contract, employer letter, business license, recent bank statements, income tax returns, proof of student status, proof of pension for the last three months if retired, or proof of relationship, passport copy, and bank statements of the sponsor if someone else is sponsoring you.

Remember, the embassy may request additional documents not listed, so be prepared for possible other requirements. 

How much does a German Visa cost?

The cost of a German visa application from India depends on the category:

• • Application Fee for Adults: EUR 80 (Approximately INR 7,142.60)

• • Fee for Minor Applicants (6-12 years): EUR 40 (Approximately INR 3,571.30)

• • Fee for Children under 6: Free of charge

In addition, there’s a service fee charged by the VFS Global Visa Application Center:

• • VFS Global Visa Application Center Service Fee: INR 1,720

Make sure to check the current exchange rates for precise amounts.

 Conclusion

Planning a trip to Germany from India is exciting, and the process for applying for a Visa might seem intricate, but once you know your visa type and how to partner with VFS Global Visa Application Center, you are just a few days away from receiving your German Visa.

Do not forget to keep your documents handy, as well as the associated fees. Moreover, before applying for a Visa, check for various destinations and make the major booking in order to keep away from the moment hustle and extra fees.

Looking for a tourist visa for Germany? Feel free to contact us!