German Visa for Indians
Germany is one of the most sought-after nations to visit either to work, to study, or for leisure. The German embassy or consulate offer several types of visas for Indians depending upon their purpose of visit.
Whether to visit tourist destinations or study in renowned educational institutions, Indian nationals need to initiate the visa procedure at least 15 days before their scheduled travel.
On this page you will find detailed information about the German visa application including visa procedure, application process and visa cost.
Do Indian Citizens need Visa to Visit Germany?
Yes, Indian citizens are required to have a visa to enter Germany. The interested individuals are required to apply for a visa Germany either for work, study, or travel.
However, if you have a valid Schengen Visa issued by another country you can use that visa to enter Germany for a short visit.
German visa for Indians is granted by German representatives in German embassies in India. The German embassy has a designated VFS Global Services as the official partner for accepting German visa applications in India. The organisation manages visa applications from India on behalf of German embassy and consulates.
Types of German Visas for Indian Citizens
The types of visas approved for Indian citizens are as follows:
Type of Visa | Details | Validity |
German Schengen (tourist) visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany for a short time | 90 days out of a 180 days period |
Germany Business Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany for business-related work | 90 days out of a 180 days period |
Airport Transit Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals who need to transit through Germany to reach their destination. The transit visa only grants access to Germany’s International transit area | 24 hours |
German National Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany either for studying, employment, to visit family, spouse reunification or volunteer work | Long-term visa (more than three months) |
Germany Student Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany to study | More than 3 months (depends on the study programme) |
Employment Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany for work | Depends on the employment type |
Germany Guest and Research Scientist Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany for research work | 3-6 months (depending upon the research work) |
Germany Freelancer Entry Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany either to launch a business or thinking of working as a freelancer in the country | 3 months – 3 years (depending upon the purpose of visit) |
Germany Temporary Work Permit | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany on a temporary work contract | 1-3 years (depending upon the work) |
Germany Job Seeker Visa | This visa is issued for Indian nationals visiting Germany in search of jobs | 6 months |
Note : Apart from the above-mentioned visa types, Germany also issues several other kinds of visas such as Germany language course visa, Germany family union visa, and specialty cook visa. The country issues several kinds of visas with varying validity period depending upon the purpose of your visit.
How to Apply for a German Visa from India
Indian citizens must apply for a German visa at least 15 days prior to their scheduled travel.
The following are step-by-step guidelines on how to apply for a German visa from India:
- Open the VFS Global Service official website online
- Select the German Embassy/ consulate option falling under their Union Territory or State
- Next, click on ‘Apply for Visa’
- Under the ‘Identify visa type’ list, select the option containing ‘view more’ and choose you preferred city
- Next, choose the visa type you are applying for
- Upon selection, fill in the visa application form with relevant information and documents
- Schedule an online visa appointment at the website
- Upon scheduling an appointment, submit the visa application form and visa appointment form
- Next, pay the fees and give the details of biometric
- After verification from the authorities, your visa will be issued
Documents Required for German Visa Application for Indian
The following are the required documents for visa application:
- A certified passport having at least two pages empty and a validity of three months
- A4 size photocopy of the passport data page
- Visa application form and declaration
- Colour passport size photographs
- Travel insurance policy
- Flight booking details
German Visa Fees for Indians
The cost for German Visas for Indians is as follows:
Age Group | Visa Fee |
Above 12 years | Rs. 8,400 |
Between 6 and 12 years | Rs. 4,200 |
Below 6 years | No fee |
German Visa Processing Time
The German Visa in India normally takes around 15 days for processing. If the application is submitted at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre, the processing time may be increased by several days.
However, visa processing time may be extended during peak tourist seasons.
FAQs on German Visa for Indians
- Can Indians live and work in Germany?
Yes, Indians can live and work in Germany with valid resident permit or a work visa to stay in the country for more than 90 days. For Indian nationals to work or to live in Germany, they need to apply for a long-term visa.
- How should I pay the Germany visa fee from India?
The German embassy in India asks the applicants to pay the visa fee either in cash, credit card, or with a Demand Draft. The visa fee must be paid in Indian Rupees and the fee is non-refundable.
- How much bank balance is required for a German Schengen visa?
The applicants must have a minimum of EUR 45 (Rs.4,075) to spend every day during your stay in Germany. The representatives will check your bank statements before approving your visa to make sure that you won’t face any financial trouble.
- How far in advance can I apply for a German visa?
You can apply for a German visa a maximum of six months before your scheduled travel but no later than 15 days before your travel. The processing time may take six to 15 days or even longer to approve your visa.
- How much does Germany visa cost?
The visa application fee for adults' costs Rs.8,150 while for minors between 6 and 12 years of age costs Rs.4,075. The visa application fee is free for children under the age of six.
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