Germany Visa
An increasing number of tourists visit Germany every year, with many expressing a desire to make the country their permanent home. Nevertheless, a valid visa is necessary for the majority of individuals to enter the nation. Foreign people were granted 1,959,401 short-term visas and 324,636 long-term visas by German consulates and embassies in 2019.
Who Needs a Visa for Germany?
Citizens of the 62 nations that are exempt from the visa requirement are not required to obtain a short-stay visa in order to visit Germany for touristic purposes. The maximum duration of stay for a German tourist visa is 90 days out of a 180-day period. Guests of Germany and any of the other 27 Schengen nations can travel freely with a valid visa.
Types of Visas for Germany
Given the various reasons for entry into Germany, the German Immigration Authorities have established several visa categories. These include:
- Germany Airport Transit visa – for transit through a German airport.
- Germany Schengen visa – for tourism, visiting family and friends, medical treatment, official, cultural, or sports visits.
- Germany Business visa – for attending meetings and other business-related events.
- Germany Student Visa – for prospective or admitted students in a German university.
- Germany Language Course Visa – for prospective students required to attend a language course before full university admission.
- Germany Student Internship Visa – for students participating in training programs or internships lasting over 90 days.
- Germany Researcher visa – for international scholars and researchers participating in scientific events.
- Germany Employment Visa – for individuals with a job offer in Germany.
- Germany Job Seeker Visa – for those seeking job opportunities in Germany without a job offer.
- Germany Freelancer Visa – for foreign freelancers working in Germany.
- Germany Family Reunion Visa – for spouses and children of individuals already settled in Germany.
- Medical Treatment Visa – for individuals seeking medical treatment in Germany.
Staying in Germany for Longer Than 90 Days
German long-stay visas are required for stays longer than 90 days, unless you are a citizen of one of the excluded nations. These visas are not the same as short-stay visas; they are provided for specific travel purposes. People from the following countries are exempt from this rule: the United States, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia, Israel, Japan, and the European Union/Eurasian Economic Area/EFTA. A German residence permit must be obtained upon arrival in Germany after a visa has been approved.
How to Apply for a Germany Visa?
Finding the German mission in your country is the first step in applying for a German visa. Here are the steps to apply:
- Completing the online visa application form.
- Preparing the necessary documents.
- Scheduling an interview at the embassy/consulate.
- Attending the visa interview.
- Submitting fingerprints.
- Paying the visa application fee.
- Traveling to Germany.
Application procedures may vary depending on the country of application.
Where to Apply for a Germany Visa?
You can apply for a short-stay visa at the German embassy or consulate in your native country. You need to apply for a long-stay visa at the Foreigner’s Office when you enter Germany, as well as at a German mission.
What If My Application Is Rejected?
In case of visa application rejection, the reason for refusal will be provided. Applicants have the option to appeal the decision by writing an appeal letter.
Processing Time and Cost
Visa applications to Germany can take up to 15 business days to process. Application fees are age and visa type dependent. Even in the event of rejection, visa payments cannot be refunded.
Duration of Stay in Germany
The duration of stay permitted with a German visa depends on the visa type applied for, ranging from 24 hours to several years.
Germany Visa Extension
Extending a visa might be approved in extreme cases, such as when there is a personal, humanitarian, or force majeure crisis. Submitting the necessary paperwork to the Foreigner’s Office is part of the extension application procedure.
Germany Visa Revocation
A German visa may be withdrawn if the circumstances behind its granting are no longer met, if the applicant has given fraudulent information, or if they have participated in illegal actions. Following a visa revocation, reapplying could be difficult.