How to Apply for German Visa

Did you know that before Berlin, Germany had five other capitals? Not only does Germany reportedly have the highest population of any country in the European Union, but its capital also boasted 12.7 million tourists and 31 million overnight stays in 2016 alone, according to an article on Visit Berlin. Germany is home to some of the finest cathedrals, museums, galleries, Christmas markets, medieval old towns, villages and a lot more. Apart from these, the nation is home to around 700 wildlife parks and reserves, that house more than 1,500 animal species!

Given all of this, there is no denying that Germany is an attractive holiday destination. But, to be able to enter the country, you will need a visa, depending on your nationality. 

What is a German Visa?

Germany is a part of the Schengen Agreement. All international travelers looking to visit this nation need to apply for a German Schengen Visa. This is mandatory, since Germany is not just a member of the European Union, but also a member of the Schengen Area. Germany issued a total of 1,857,770 visas from consulates all across the world in 2017. The rejection rate was a mere 7.63%.

There are various types of visas from which you will need to choose, based on the purpose of your visit.

1. Short Stay Visa:
   With this, you are eligible to stay in Europe for 3 months.
2. Long Stay Visa:
   For a stay period longer than 90 days, you will need a Long Stay Visa. This is usually the National Visa of Category D, which allows you to study, reside or work in the country.
3. Single Entry Visa:
   This allows you to enter each Schengen region only once during the period of time mentioned in your passport.
4. Double Entry Visa:
   The only way this is different from a Single Entry Visa is that it allows you two visits to each Schengen country.
5. Multiple Entry Visa:
   You can visit Germany as many times as you want with this visa. You can choose between 1, 3 and 5 year multiple entry visas. 

Read: Types of German Visas

The visas are issued based on the purpose of your travel: 

1. Business Visa for the business-related trips
2. Tourist Visa for travel and leisure
3. Visitor Visa for reunion with friends and family
4. Transit Visa for changing means of transport
5. Employment Visa for people who choose to work in Germany
6. Study Visa for students accepted in a State University
7. Job Seekers Visa for those looking for a job in the country
8. Medical Visa for people seeking medical treatment in Germany

Also read: Documents Required for German Visa

How to Apply for German Visa

The first step to applying for a visa is filling up the German Schengen Visa Application Form. A visa fee of €60 will need to be paid online via credit/debit card or net banking. If you are a first-time applicant, you need to be present personally at your nearest German embassy, with a prior appointment, to submit the form. You can start applying for the visa 90 days prior to your intended date of visit.

Read: German Visa Fees & Cost

For more details on the German visa, you can always refer to their official website.

All the best!