Looking to obtain a Germany visa for Indians? Understand the types, process, fees, and required documents for your visa application with our comprehensive guide. From identifying the right visa type to preparing for your visa interview, find all the essential information in one place.
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All Indian citizens need to apply for a visa before coming to Germany - either for traveling, studying or working.
Depending on the purpose of their trip and the duration of their planned stay in Germany, Indians can apply for:
Here are some common visa categories:
It's essential to carefully gather all required documents specific to your visa type and submit them to the appropriate German consulate or embassy, as any discrepancies can delay or affect the visa application process.
The EU Blue Card is a document providing proof of legal residence for third-country nationals for the purpose of gainful employment. The temporary residence permit that is issued for a maximum of four years in the case of permanent employment. If the duration of the employment relationship is less than four years, the EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment relationship plus three months.
More informationUnderstanding the key steps in the visa application process significantly simplifies applying for a German visa for Indian citizens. Familiarizing yourself with each stage of the application, from gathering the necessary documents to submitting your application at the consulate, can demystify the process and make it more manageable.
Additionally, considering the support of relocation agencies might be beneficial as they can provide comprehensive assistance throughout the relocation process, ensuring a smoother transition.
Identifying the right visa type is crucial and should be your initial step, with the choice hinging on the visit's purpose, be it for tourism, study, or work. This determination is essential as it directly influences the success of your application; a mismatch between your purpose and visa type could result in rejection.
Utilize the support offered by VFS visa application centres to navigate this process effectively, as they provide valuable assistance in selecting the appropriate visa, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors in your application.
The nearest German Embassy or Consulate in India can be found in New Delhi, with additional consulates located in Kolkata and Bengaluru. Identifying the location of your nearest German diplomatic mission is essential, as it is where you will submit your visa application and possibly attend an interview, depending on the type of visa.
For detailed information on the addresses, contact details, and specific services offered, it's advisable to visit the official website of the respective German Embassy or Consulate.
To schedule your visa appointment at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate, you can use either the online booking system or contact them by phone.
Securing an appointment is a crucial step in the visa application process, and doing so ensures you have a designated time to present your documents and complete necessary formalities.
It's important to be punctual and arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time to avoid any complications. Being late may require you to reschedule.
Learn how to get your visa and what you need to know about your move to Germany with our fact sheet.
With your appointment scheduled, the next step is to compile your necessary documents. The required documents may vary depending on your visa type, but there are few essentials that all applicants need:
Your passport holds a paramount importance in your visa application. It should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, have at least two blank pages, and be issued within the last ten years.
Next, you’ll need to provide two identical photographs. The photos must be recent (no older than six months), measure 35×45 mm or 1.37×1.77 inches, and your head should take up 70-80% of the photo frame.
As evidence that you can sustain your living expenses during your stay in Germany, proof of financial resources, or ‘Finanzierungsnachweis’, is mandatory. This typically means showing that you have around 11,208 euros for one year.
This proof can be provided in several ways. You might show payslips, bank account statements, or sponsorship letters. Many international students in Germany prove their financial resources by opening a blocked bank account. This blocked account blocks - the name ays it all - a certain amount of money.
Note: For your Germany visa application, it’s obligatory to have travel and health insurance. You will need health insurance in Germany from the first day of your stay. Proof of insurance will be required at the latest when you collect your visa from the German embassy.
Your insurance policy must offer a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR and must cover all Schengen states, including the Schengen country of Germany.
Your domestic health insurance policy won’t suffice. Instead, you’ll need to secure a medical travel insurance policy from a recognized provider that covers your entire stay in Europe.
There are two insurance systems in Germany: public and private health insurance. A private health insurance offers a number of advantages over public health insurance, including:
Indian nationals are eligibile for private health insurance in Germany if they meet one of the following criteria:
ottonova is a fully licensed German health insurance and fulfills all regulatory requirements, unlike other providers such as Mawista, Cigna or Allianz Worldwide Care.
We are regulated in § 257 SGB V, which is necessary for your visa applications. This also includes the Expat tariff.
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The fee for all national visa types issued for a long-term stay in Germany is €75 (€37,50 for underaged people). A Schengen visa costs €80 and €40 (Children under the age of 6 are exempt from fees). You can usually pay this at the German embassy or consulate in your local currency.
In the event of a negative visa decision, the fee will not be refunded. Therefore, always make sure that your application is complete!
In certain circumstances, the visa fee may be waived, particularly for individuals under 25 years old participating in certain events.
After submitting your application, the next phase is to wait for its processing. The processing time for a German Schengen Visa application from India is typically around 15 days.
For a student visa, the processing time is usually between 15 to 30 days. If you’re applying for a national visa e.g. work visa, the processing period can take up to 1-3 months.
A visa interview may be necessary if you’re applying for a visa. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with a little preparation, you can ace your interview.
Prepare for common questions asked during a visa interview, such as questions about your travel plans, educational background, and reasons for choosing Germany. On the day of the interview, dress in business casual attire and bring all the required documents. Most importantly, be honest and concise in your answers.
Congratulations on your visa approval! Next, we will discuss what steps you should take following the receipt of your German visa.
Upon arrival in Germany, you’ll need to register your place of residence if you’re staying for more than three months. This can be done at the local citizens’ office, or Bürgeramt. Once registered, you can activate your blocked account if you’ve opened one.
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, so make sure you're covered. Additionally, depending on the nature and duration of your stay, you may need to apply for a residence permit.
As a rule, your visa is valid for up to twelve months. Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit if you play stay in Germany for longer.
Contact the foreigners authority responsible for you and find out about the documents required for the application. Then make an appointment to obtain the residence permit corresponding to your visa.
Note: Only if you have the right visa can you apply for a residence permit from the relevant immigration authority after your arrival in Germany.
Germany attracts a large number of Indian students and job seekers. The country’s excellent educational institutions and robust job market make it an attractive place to study and work.
You can also enter Germany with a visa for the purpose of seeking a place to study up to nine months under certain circumstances:
The residence permit for the purpose of studying is usually issued for two years when it is first issued. If you have not yet obtained a degree within this period, the residence permit can be extended for a further two years on application.
As a student in Germany, you’re permitted to work part-time. This can help support your studies and give you valuable work experience. During your studies, you may work up to 140 full or 280 half days per year or up to 20 hours per week.
After successfully completing your studies, you can apply for a residence permit for the purpose of finding a job in Germany. The residence permit with purpose of finding a job is issued for up to 18 months in order to find qualified employment in Germany. As long as you are looking for a job, you may pursue any occupation. If you have a job offer you can have your residence permit for studying converted into a residence permit for skilled workers or an EU Blue Card.
As soon as you have a job offer and signed contract, you can apply for a work visa which allows you to reside and work in the country.
Under certain circumstances you can come to Germany for up to six month to seek for a job (you are not allowed to pursue paid employment during this time):
Once you have found a job that matches your qualifications, you don't have to leave. You can directly apply for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for skilled workers from the relevant immigration authority in Germany. If you weren't successful, the visa can't be extended and you have to leave Germany again.
For those planning a long-term stay in Germany, bringing your family along could be on your agenda. Family members, including spouses and dependent children, can join you in Germany through a family reunification visa.
Applying for this visa involves completing various forms and submitting necessary documents, including passport copies, birth certificates, and proof of income and housing. The processing time can take up to three months or more, depending on various factors. Once in Germany, family members are typically allowed to work, subject to certain conditions.
Navigating the German visa process for Indians can seem overwhelming, but with the right information, it becomes much simpler. From identifying the correct visa type to acing the visa interview, understanding each step in the process is key. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long-term stay, being well-prepared will help ensure your journey to Germany is a successful one.
Indian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Germany. They need to apply for a pre-approved Schengen Visa in advance to visit Germany.
Yes, Indian citizens are required to apply for a visa, even for short-term stays in Germany, such as tourism or visiting friends and family. You may apply for a Schengen visa through German diplomatic offices in India.
The fee for a Schengen visa in Indian rupees is approximately INR 7,200 for adults and approximately INR 3,600 for children aged 6-12. For a national visa it's around INR 6,800 for adults and 3,400 for underaged.
Please verify the current fees on the official website of the German embassy or consulate.
Getting a German visa can be a time-consuming process, with processing times ranging from 15 days (Schengen visa) to 3 months (national visa), depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. It involves a thorough application procedure that must be followed diligently.
Indian citizens have the option to apply for different types of German visas, such as the Schengen visa (up to 90 days) or a German national visa (stays over 90 days, e.g. Student Visa, German Job Seeker or work visa, German Family Reunion Visa). These visas cater to diverse purposes and requirements.
To extend your visa, you’ll need to submit an application to the foreigners authority in Germany. Remember, extensions are only granted in specific exceptional circumstances.
If you wish to change your visa status, you’ll need to apply for a change of purpose of stay. This process involves as well submitting an application to the immigration authorities in Germany.
Marie-Theres is online editor for health and insurance topics at ottonova. She researches and writes mainly about private health insurance, (e-)health and digital innovation that make life better.
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