Visa Requirements for Germany

For all visa applications certain requirements must be fulfilled. In this article we’ll explain to you the most important ones which are required for most of the visa types. No matter if you are applying for a Schengen or a German National visa, this checklist of requirements will help you get the basics of the application right! 

Check out the different types of visas for Germany here! 

Application Form

A duly filled application form is the first step in the visa application process. All information filled in should be correct and can be compiled with other relevant documents. The German missions recommend filling out the application form online and bringing a printout for the appointment.

Additionally, you should fill out a form of declaration of true and complete information and a form in which you state your legal representation. 

Passport   

A valid passport is required. It should fulfil the necessary criteria. Firstly, it should be issued within the last 10 years. Secondly, it should contain two blank pages for the visa to get affixed. 

The requirement regarding validity depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For a Schengen visa (for a short stay) your passport has to be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from one of the Schengen area countries. For a German National visa your passport has to be valid at least one more year from the date of visa application. 

For the application for a Schengen visa you usually need one copy of the data page of your passport (in DIN A4 format). For the German National visa you need two copies. 

Biometric Photographs

At least two photographs according to the set standard by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) must be presented. Check out the details of that standard here. These photos should not be older than 6 months. In some cases you need 3 to 4 biometric photographs. 

Proof of Health Insurance 

When applying for a Schengen visa you need a travel health insurance that covers the whole period of stay. For the German National Visa the requirements regarding the health insurance vary depending on the type of visa. If you’re planning to work in Germany you usually need to be legally insured with a health insurance company in Germany itself (statutory health insurance or private health insurance). 

Check out all you need to know about health insurance in Germany here! 

Proof of Financial Status 

This document is usually required to apply for a Schengen visa to show that you can provide for yourself during the stay in Germany. If you are employed, an employment contract, ITR files, and current bank account statements of at least the last 6 months are required to prove your source of income. If you are self-employed, a copy of your Indian business license, your ITR files and company bank statement of the last six months are required. If you are retired your pension statement of the last 6 months is required. 

If you come to Germany for the purpose of working you need to provide the contract which states your income and contribution to the German pension scheme. 

Additional documents for Minors

There are certain additional documents required applicable to minors such as the birth certificate, a notarised parental authorisation and certified copies of IDs or passports of both parents. It is mandatory for the guardian or the parent to accompany their minor children to the German embassy or consulate. 

These are the documents which are required for every visa application. Additional documents can be proof of accommodation, flight tickets, cover letter, CV or specific documents supporting the purpose of your stay. Please refer to the official website of the German missions for checklists for Schengen visas and checklists for German National visas!

Note: You should submit the documents in the order of the checklists! It makes it easier for the people who check your application. Often the application is rejected right away if the documents are not in the right order and the amount of copies is not right. Make sure you read the checklists thoroughly before compiling all the required documents. 

If you have any questions regarding the requirements please comment below or use our FORUM to connect with others who have been through the application process already! 

Last Update: 26 Jan 2022 

Written by: Sanchari Banerjee and Tanja Holbe 

Cover Photo illustrated by Ananya Singh 

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