Visa Regulations

Source German Federal Foreign Office

EU and EEA (European Economic Area) nationals

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

 

Non-EU and non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals

Generally speaking, all other foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for semi-annual visits of up to three months for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.

List of countries whose citizens require/do not require visas to enter Germany

(source German Federal Foreign Office)

Visa fees

The fee for a so-called national visa (person plans to stay within Germany for more than three months, e.g. for a course of study) is 30 euro.

Applicants wishing to stay in Germany for a period of more than 90 days but needing to travel to another Schengen country within the first three months of their stay (e.g. scientists) may obtain a so-called national "hybrid visa". The fee for a hybrid visa is 60 euro.

The fee for a Schengen visa (valid for travel to 15 Schengen countries, stay of up to 90 days) is 60 euro.

Exemptions may be possible. Please see our fees page for information.

Time required to process a visa application

As a rule, missions require between two and ten working days to decide on an application for a short stay visa. Applications for visas entitling the holder to a longer stay or to take up gainful employment may take several months to process.

During the peak travel season there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. Persons requiring a visa to enter Germany should therefore submit their applications in good time.

Application procedure

As a rule, applicants must submit visa applications, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German mission responsible for their place of residence. In order to avoid time-consuming requests for additional information or documentation, applicants should contact the respective mission well in advance of their departure date to enquire about any special local requirements pertaining to visa formalities.

Visa application forms can be obtained from the mission free of charge (in the local language). Applicants may also download the forms here (see right). The forms submitted must be original versions (at least one set) in the appropriate language of the mission in question. Please contact the mission beforehand to find out exactly which forms are required.

Requirements for the issue of short stay (Schengen) visas

In issuing visitors' visas, missions are bound by the relevant provisions of Community law and German aliens law (the Residence Act and its implementing ordinances).

The Residence Act does not grant the right to a visitor's or tourist visa. A visa may be granted provided that the applicant's presence does not prejudice or endanger the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Applicants must prove that they have adequate funds for the intended stay and may not claim any public funds in this connection. Should an applicant be unable to finance the journey and stay from his/her own funds, a host resident in Germany may pledge to cover all costs associated with the trip, including the cost of any medical treatment. Under sections 66 ff. of the Residence Act, such a pledge is normally to be made to the aliens authority in the host's place of residence in Germany.

In accordance with a European Council decision, visa holders are as a rule required to have travel health insurance valid for the entire Schengen area (with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000). Where possible, this should be taken out in the applicant's own country, although it may also be purchased by the host.

In deciding on an application, the mission will take into account the applicant's personal interests and any relevant humanitarian concerns, as well as the security interests of Germany and its Schengen partners. It will also assess the applicant’s willingness and ability to return. Every application must therefore be considered on its individual merits.

If the applicant does not fulfil the above-mentioned criteria, the visa application must be refused. The same applies should it emerge during the assessment process that the applicant's purpose for coming to Germany is different from that stated.

In accordance with section 77 (2) of the Residence Act and with international practice, no reason need be given for refusing a visa application nor any information provided on legal remedies. Pursuant to section 83 of the Residence Act, applicants may not appeal a refusal of their application for a tourist visa.