Germany Visa Requirements

Indian citizens travelling to Germany need to obtain a Schengen visa before their trip. The Schengen visa allows travellers to visit Schengen Area countries, including Germany, for tourism, business, or other non-immigrant purposes. The Federal Republic of Germany, located in Central Europe, is a pivotal hub due to its borders with nine other countries. Known for its rich history, Germany’s cultural, economic, and political influence is significant both within Europe and globally.

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Types of Germany Visa for Indians

Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) is granted for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or attending conferences. The short-stay visa is valid for both single and multiple entries. Indian nationals must confirm the most recent visa laws and rules well in advance of the dates they plan to travel, since visa conditions are subject to change. To check the visa criteria and application processes, you can go through the official website of the German embassy or consulate in India.

Visa type

Documents required

Germany business visa

  • Duly filled application form signed by the applicant (use the VIDEX website to fill out the application online and print all pages, including barcodes).
  • Signed declaration of true and complete information.
  • Two recent photos in the size of 35 mm x 45 mm with white background. The face must take up 80% of the photo.
  • Original passport valid for at least 3 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages (issued less than 10 years ago).
  • Copies of all previous Schengen visas with stamps, if any.
  • Original covering letter on company letterhead signed and stamped with purpose of travel, designation, passport details, and date of travel.
  • Certificate of GST registration and proof of company registration.
  • In case of self-employed: Certificate of incorporation.
  • Invitation letter from the invitee company on letterhead in German or English, signed and stamped with purpose of travel, passport details, designation, invitee name, and date of travel.
  • NOC from company.
  • Financial documents: Last 3 months' salary slips, Income Tax Acknowledgement for the last 3 years, Last 6 months bank statements with stamp and signature.
  • Travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000.
  • Signed declaration of travel with valid medical insurance.
  • Confirmed hotel voucher and airline return tickets.

Germany tourist visa

  • Duly filled application form signed by the applicant (use the VIDEX website to fill out the application online and print all pages, including barcodes).
  • Signed declaration of true and complete information.
  • Two recent photos in the size of 35 mm X 45 mm with white background. The face must take up 80% of the photo.
  • Original passport valid for at least 3 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages (issued less than 10 years ago).
  • Copies of all previous Schengen visas with stamps, if any.
  • Original covering letter signed by the applicant with purpose of travel, designation, passport details, and date of travel.
  • Certificate of GST registration and proof of company registration.
  • In case of self-employed: Certificate of incorporation.
  • NOC from company.
  • Financial documents: Last 3 months salary slips, Income Tax Acknowledgement for the last 3 years, last 6 months bank statements with stamp and signature.
  • Travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000.
  • Signed declaration of travel with valid medical insurance.
  • Confirmed hotel voucher and airline return tickets.
  • For sponsor: Proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor, financial documents, as well as a copy of the sponsor’s photo ID (e.g., passport, Aadhaar card, or driver’s license).
  • In case of retired: Pension statements for the last 3 months or proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
  • For minor applicants
    • NOC from school/university.
    • Copy of birth certificate.
    • Sponsorship letter and expenses, parent’s marriage certificate.
    • Parental authorisation (if minor is travelling alone).

Please note:

Any applicant may be asked to provide additional documents at the embassy’s discretion. Processing days will be calculated once all documents have been submitted in accordance with embassy requirements.

Is there a Visa-on-arrival in Germany for Indians?

No, Germany does not offer a visa on arrival for Indian citizens. Indian citizens travelling to Germany for short-term visits must obtain a Schengen visa before their arrival. This visa allows entry into Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.

How to apply for Germany Visa online through Air India?

Please follow the below steps to apply for a Germany Visa:

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website.
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout.
  3. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will get in touch to assist you further and ensure a smooth process.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by our visa experts’ team, your Germany Visa application will be submitted for approval.
  5. Once approved, the Visas will be shared with you on your registered email address.

Germany Visa Processing time:

The processing time for a Germany visa for Indians is generally 15 working days post submission. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific circumstances of each case. During peak travel seasons or holidays, processing times may be longer due to higher volumes of applications. Additional checks or verifications may also extend the processing time.

How to track the Germany Visa application

You can track your application by visiting the Visa Tracking website. For any assistance, you can also reach out to your OneVasco travel consultant for real-time updates.

What are the Germany Visa fees and charges?

Below are the Germany visa fees and charges associated:

Short-stay Schengen visa (Type C, for stays up to 90 days):

Adults: EUR 90

Children aged 6 to 12: EUR 45

Children under 6: No visa fee

VFS service fees: INR 1722

The applicable visa fee in Indian rupees is as per the exchange rate of the consulate. Visa fees, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are applicable per customer and are non-refundable once paid.

Payment methods may vary depending on the visa application centre but typically include cash, bank transfer, or debit/credit card. The use of optional services will not affect the decision or turnaround time during the visa procedure.

In addition to the visa application fee, there may be a service fee charged by the visa application centre where you submit your application. This fee covers administrative costs and the facilitation of the visa application process.

Frequently asked Questions

Yes, you need to obtain a Germany visa before travelling for short-term visits. Indian citizens typically require a Schengen visa to enter Germany and other Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  1. Click here to visit the AirIndia OneVasco website.
  2. Add and review the applicants’ details before proceeding to checkout.
  3. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation of your visa application. The OneVasco visa concierge team will get in touch to assist you further and ensure a smooth process.
  4. Once the required documents are submitted and verified by our visa experts’ team, your Germany Visa application will be submitted for approval.
  5. Once approved, the Visas will be shared with you on your registered email address.

No, you must apply for a Germany visa in advance. Visas on arrival are not granted by Germany to visitors from most nations, including India. For short-term visits (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) to Germany, Indian nationals usually need to apply for a Schengen visa.

You can typically stay in Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period on a short-term stay visa. This applies to purposes such as tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, or medical treatment.

The short-stay Schengen visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The validity period may range from a few days to several months, depending on your travel itinerary and the duration of your intended stay. Regardless of the validity period, you must adhere to the 90/180-day rule for stays in the Schengen Area.

No, you do not require a second visa to enter Germany if you currently possess a Schengen visa granted by another Schengen Area member nation. Travel inside the Schengen Area, which includes Germany, is unrestricted for holders of a valid Schengen visa.

No, you are required to provide a flight reservation or provisional booking as proof of your intended travel dates and itinerary. This helps demonstrate your travel plans and intended dates of entry and exit from the Schengen Area.

Yes, when applying for a Germany visa, there are specific criteria for the type of photo you must submit. As per the guidelines, the photos must be in the size of 35 mm x 45 mm with white background. The face must take up 80% of the photo.

Yes, documents can be uploaded in either PDF or JPG format. Ensure that your documents are saved in one of these formats when submitting them for your Germany visa application.

The processing time for a Germany Schengen visa is typically around 15 working days from the date of your visa application submission. This may vary based on the time of year, the country where you apply, and specific circumstances.

The Schengen Visa Application form needs to be filled online and given for submission at the visa application centre with the required documents. Once the visa application is approved, a sticker visa will be affixed to one of the pages of your passport.

Yes, Indian nationals require a Germany visa to enter for business, tourism, or any other non-immigrant purpose. Visa requirements may vary based on the reason for the trip and the length of stay, so it’s recommended to check with our travel partner OneVasco for the most recent information.

Whether you can cancel your Germany visa depends on the specific circumstances and the type of visa you have obtained. Typically, once a Schengen visa is issued, you cannot cancel it. However, if you no longer intend to travel, you can simply choose not to use the visa.

No, visa application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is approved or denied. This is because the fee covers administrative costs associated with processing the visa application.

Unfortunately, refunds are not available for visa rejections. The visa application fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.

Our partner, OneVasco, can assist you with reapplying for your Germany visa if your application is rejected. They will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation required to address the reasons for rejection before submitting a fresh application.