Posted on October 04 2018

Know all about applying for a German Visa in India

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated November 19 2024

Indians are among the most frequent visitors to the Schengen states especially Germany. Around 1 million Indians visited the Schengen area in 2017 and out of those 153,961 people applied for German Visas.

Very often Indian Visa applicants face difficulties in obtaining the right information for German Visa. Here is a guideline on applying for German Visas in India:

1. Visa Types:

Depending on the purpose, German Visas can be categorized in the following categories:

Tourist/Visitor Visas: This is for Indians who wish to visit Germany for vacations or to visit their friends and family based in Germany.
Language Course Visa: This is for Indians who wish to learn the German language in Germany.
Student Applicant Visa: This is for students who wish to study in Germany but have not yet received the Letter of Acceptance from the University.
Student Visa: This is for students who have received the Letter of Acceptance from a German University.
Job Seeker Visa: This is for skilled Indian workers who wish to enter Germany to look for employment.
Business Visa: This is for Indian entrepreneurs who wish to enter the country to do business.
Airport Transit Visa: This is for Indian travelers who need to change flights in a German airport to their destination country.
Working Visa: This is for Indians who want to work in Germany.
Guest Scientist Visa: This is for Indian scholars and scientists who have been invited by a credible German Institute for research.
Training/Internship Visa: For Indians travelling to Germany as part of an internship or to participate in training.
Medical Treatment Visa: This is for Indians seeking medical treatment in Germany.
Trade Fair and Exhibitions Visa: This is for Indians participating in exhibitions and trade fairs in their line of business.

2. Visa Requirements:

The documents required may be as below, depending on the visa type:

Completed application form with correct and honest information
Valid passport covering your length of stay in Germany with at least one vacant page to affix the Visa
Photographs as per ICAO standards, as quoted by Germany-Visa
Accommodation proof like hotel booking, an invitation letter from a friend or relative or rent contract to show where you will be living during your stay
Return ticket with the date of entry and exit from Germany
Travel Health Insurance covering your length of stay in Germany
Itinerary of your travel plans
Invitation letter, wherever required
Proof of funds to show that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Germany
If you are employed, you would need your job contract, 6 months bank statements, leave acceptance letter from employer, and Income tax documents
If you are self-employed you would need a copy of your business registration in India, 6 months bank statements of the company, and income tax documents
If you are a student, you need proof of acceptance in an educational institute and a no objection certificate issued by the school or University
If you are retired, you would need the last 6 months pension statements

3. Visa application process:

To obtain a German visa you need to:

Submit your Visa application after making an appointment at the consulate, embassy or application center
Carry all the required documents while attending the appointment
Submit your fingerprints, biometrics, and digital photo
Wait for a response before collecting your Visa outcome

4. Visa Fee:

German Visa fee is 60 Euros for all categories of Visas.

5. Processing time:

The German Embassy in New Delhi, India takes around 10 to 15 business days for Visa processing. However, there may be delays in exceptional cases.

6. Where to apply in India:

German Visas may be applied at: