Before making any new moves, you must weigh adequately to know if you can see it through. Otherwise, you may be wasting resources. This is why it is essential to understand the Germany Visa Requirements before you make a move to apply for a German Visa.

This knowledge will help you determine whether or not you are ready, and if the latter is the case, it will help you know how to get ready. This article will discuss the general requirements and other kinds of specific requirements Germany might have for different groups. Finally, you will know how to make the application and what it will cost.

Applying for a Germany Visa

There are several reasons one would want to travel to Germany. It could be for studies, work, vacation, or joining a family member already there. You could even apply for a Germany visa because you will need to stop over in Germany and change flights before continuing the journey. However, you will only need a Germany Airport Transit Visa.

If you wish to apply for a German visa, you should do so at the German consulate or the Embassy of Germany in your country.

General Germany Visa Requirements

The visa application process is a challenging one. Therefore, ensuring you have all the requirements as you begin is essential. Some of these requirements may differ depending on the type of visa you intend to apply for. The three major kinds of visas are the Airport Transit visa, the National visa, and the Schengen Visa.

However, some general Germany visa requirements are common to all three German visas. They are;

#1. Application Form

Of course, the application form is the primary requirement for a German visa. It contains fill-out spaces where you need to enter your direct details. The application form you pick depends on whether you intend to stay long (National Visa Application form) or just a short while (Schengen Visa Application form).

The application form is best filled with block letters to keep them legible. Ensure you enter all your details correctly and honestly; otherwise, your application could be rejected. If the applicant is a minor, both parents must sign the form.

#2. Passport Photograph

One of the visa application requirements is that you provide two passport-sized photographs. Be sure to confirm with the embassy what specifications they need for your passport. Such specs could include size, color, dimensions, background, recency, etc.

#3. National Passport (Identity Document)

This is not only a Germany visa requirement but a requirement for visa applications in general. In addition, as a foreign national visiting another country, you must provide an identity document (National Passport). This document proves you’re a citizen of the country you’re visiting from.

Your national passport must be valid for at least six months before the due visa due date and at least three months beyond the visa expiry date. It must also have at least one free page to contain the visa stamp, preferably two blank pages. Furthermore, you should note that the passport will remain at the German embassy in your country for the entire processing period.

#4. Proof of Accommodation

The next on the requirements list is the Proof of Accommodation. As a foreign national seeking to enter Germany, you must prove that you will have a place to stay. It could be a hotel, anAirbnb, your house, or any other accommodation. First, you need to prove that you have it settled.

If you are staying with a relative, you must provide their ID and verification that they’re willing to let you stay with them.

#5. Proof of Funds

Proof of Funds is another thing you need to consider when applying for a German visa. The German authorities need to know for sure that you have the means to support yourself while staying in Germany. Conversely, they need to know that their partner or parent/guardian (if they’re a dependent spouse/child) can support them while they’re there.

The minimum amount you need to present could differ depending on your purpose of visit (i.e., study, business, etc.). Generally, you need a bank statement to prove that you can access 45 EUR per day or 835 EUR per month for your stay in Germany.

#6. Itinerary

Next comes the itinerary. Before your German visa can be approved, another requirement you must provide is the complete itinerary of your trip; how long you wish to stay in Germany, when you will be, and when you intend to return. Sometimes, you may need to present a return ticket as well. This is especially important if you’re getting a tourist visa.

#7. Proof of Health Insurance

Here, you will need proof that you have purchased a valid health insurance plan covering your stay in Germany. The plan you are buying should ordinarily depend on how long you wish to stay and what kind of visa you purchase.

Some travel health insurance plans cover just Germany and are sufficient to meet your Germany Visa requirements. However, some others cover the whole Schengen area. So it all depends on you.

Additional Germany Visa Requirements

In addition to the general Germany Visa requirements, specific demographics still need to bring extra documents. These documents are necessary for them to have their visas approved. Some of the extra requirements for a German visa include the following;

For Minors

• The child’s original birth certificate.
• Certified IDs or passports for both parents.
• Consent form signed by both parents (if the child is traveling alone) or the non-traveling parent (if the child is traveling with one of the parents).
• If the parents are separated, the approving parent must present a court order showing approved custody of the child.

Based on Employment Status

There are student major employment statuses the German government recognizes;

1. Employed: You shall present a bank statement for the previous six months, your employment contract, official permission from your employer to embark on that official journey or to go on leave, and your income tax return (ITR)
2. Self-Employed: You shall present a bank statement for the previous six months, your ITR, and a copy of your business license.
3. Student: The most important Germany visa requirement for students is proof of enrollment into an institution of higher learning in Germany. Conversely, if you’re a student in your home country, you must present proof from your school authorities that you are permitted to be on that trip.

German Schengen Visa and Short-Stay Visa

The Germany Schengen Visa allows you to visit Germany and other countries within the Schengen area. However, you can apply for a Germany Schengen visa if at least one of the following is true;

• You will spend a relatively short time in Germany and almost equal time in other Schengen countries, but you will stop at Germany first.
• You intend to spend more days in Germany than in other Schengen Area countries.

Processing time for this visa usually takes around 15 days or thereabouts. The visa is valid for 90 days.

Who Needs a Germany Visa?

Finally, all foreign nationals who wish to enter Germany must first obtain meet all the Germany visa requirements and get a visa from their local German embassies, consulates, and visa application centers. However, the exceptions are foreign nationals from Schengen area countries, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, etc., who wish to enter Germany and spend less than 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bank balance is required for Germany Student Visa?

To approve your Germany student visa, you must provide proof that you can access around 10,350 EUR per year.

How much does German visa cost?

The base price for the Germany visa application form is 80 EUR. However, some of the processes could incur extra costs depending on what requirements you still need and what kind of visa you wish to apply for.

Is getting a German visa easy?

Securing your visa to Germany is not always an easy ride. It can get tough along the way, considering how strict the embassy is with the Germany visa requirements. Therefore, you must get all documents correctly and be ready to report to the embassy whenever your presence is needed.

How long does it take to process Germany Visa?

The Germany visa processing time usually depends on what kind of visa you’re applying for. However, the average processing time is around 6 – 12 weeks. Therefore, starting your application procedure 4 – 6 months before your proposed travel date is usually advisable to allow for delays or unforeseen circumstances.

How long can visitors stay in Germany?

Those considered visitors in Germany, including members of Schengen Area countries, UK, USA, etc., and holders of tourist visas, are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within six months (180 days).