Applying for a visa can be initiated at visa centers. Certain centers do not require prior appointments, however, others make it compulsory. If there's a need for immediate document registration, it's advisable to schedule an appointment for submission.
You can submit your application at a visa center up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Nonetheless, the minimum processing time for a visa is 3 working days.
The visa's validity is 90 days within a 6-month period.
The Schengen area includes all Schengen States, namely Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, Finland, Slovenia, Sweden, France, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Norway, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Italy, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Belgium, Hungary, Austria, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, and Estonia.
Entry in the Schengen area can be single or multiple.
The standard visa fee is 60 €, while for children between 6 and 12 years old, the fee is reduced to 35 €.
Documents required for visa registration:
The Schengen visa application form should be filled out in German and submitted in one copy with the standard list of supporting documents. The German embassy retains the right to request additional information if needed during the application consideration.
The general documents required for a German Schengen Visa Application include:
- A visa application form, properly completed and signed three times. For minors, the form should be signed by their parents or guardians.
- A passport with at least 2 blank pages that is valid for at least 90 days beyond your expected departure date from the Schengen area.
- 2 color photographs that meet ICAO requirements.
- Receipt of visa fee payment.
- A private medical insurance policy valid in the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage amount of 30,000 euros.
- A national passport with copies of all filled pages.
For a minor applicant, the following additional documents are required:
- Birth certificate (copy).
- A copy of the parent or accompanying person's current Schengen visa, along with proof of joint travel.
- Notarized consent of parents or legal guardians if the child is traveling with only one of them.
Additional documents required for third-country citizens includes:
- Documents verifying legal residence in the country, which should be valid for at least 3 months after returning from the Schengen area.
- For non-permanent residents, a confirmation of lawful stay and an explanation for submitting documents in the country of stay rather than the country of residence are required.
The list of additional documents varies according to the trip's purpose. For tourism, a document verifying accommodation, confirmation of travel program and financial status, and intent to return to the home country are required.
For private visits (excluding family visits), proof of accommodation, travel program, financial solvency, and intent to return to the home country are needed. For those visiting relatives (friends), non-residents will need proof of their lawful stay in Germany.
