A German visa is necessary for many individuals willing to live, work, or study in Germany. There are different types of Germany visas, and it’s important to apply for the correct one that suits your purpose. Members of Schengen zones can travel visa-free throughout the country. Presently, citizens of 62 countries can enter Germany visa-free for a short stay of 90 days within a 180-day period for the purpose of tourism or business.
* Willing to know more about German visas? Begin with a guide to Migrate to Germany Flipbook.
A German visa is an official permit that allows people from outside Germany to enter the country for a specified period of time. Foreigners can also pass through Germany's international airport while moving to other countries. The German Embassy offers Schengen Visa to Indian citizens who want to visit Germany for a short stay.
German officials in India, including German embassies, issue German visas to Indians. The German embassy has designated VFS Global Services as the official partner for accepting German visa applications in India. VFS Global Services manages German visa applications across India and assists applicants in completing the application form. It also collects required visa fees and biometric data on behalf of German embassies.
The list of German Visas for Indians is listed below:
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
Main Eligibility Criteria |
When to Apply |
Who It Is Suitable For |
Tourism, family visit, business |
Up to 6 months per visit |
Sufficient funds to support yourself |
Well in advance before your travel date |
Tourists, people visiting family |
|
Business meetings and conferences |
Up to 6 months per visit |
Intention to conduct business in Germany |
Can apply anytime |
Business owners |
|
Study |
2 years |
Acceptance by a designated institution, proof of funds |
3 months before your course starts |
International students |
|
Employment |
2 to 4 years |
Job offer from German employer meets eligibility criteria |
After receiving a job offer 3 months before you begin working |
Skilled workers, caregivers, and others depending on the job offer |
|
To meet family members |
2 years |
Should be dependents of Germany citizen |
Before 3 months |
Spouse, Children’s, parents |
If you wish to stay in Germany for a short period, you will need a 90-day short-term visa. German tourist visas are also known as Short-Stay Visas or Schengen Visas.
The Short Stay Visa is issued to anyone intending to travel to Germany for the following purposes:
A German Business Visa is a short-stay visa that allows individuals to travel to Germany for business-related activities. With this business visa, individuals can enter Germany for business purposes such as partnership meetings, employment, or corporate meetings.
Individuals can apply for short-term visas, also known as Schengen visas, for up to 90 days. This visa may be issued for single entry or multiple entries.
The main benefit of a German business visa is that it allows the applicants to visit all Schengen countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland).
Germany is considered the best place for higher education in terms of quality of education, teaching methodology, research infrastructure, low-cost studies, and career advancement. Many international students believe Germany is the best place for higher education. (Read more…)
Indian students willing to study in Germany must apply for a German student Visa. They can apply at a German Embassy or Consulate in their home state. Once they have entered the country, they should apply for a student residence permit at the Foreigner's Authority.
Germany offers 3 different study visas.
Germany is one of the most popular study and work-abroad destinations for people from all across the world. It is a leading economy, not just in Europe but in the world.
Germany is a leading destination for migration for many reasons, including its many job vacancies, good pay scale, and higher quality of life.
This Visa allows foreigners to work in their fields and settle in Germany. It gives its visa holder the chance to stay and work in Germany for up to two years, with the chance of extending the visa. Later, individuals can apply for an EU Blue Card or other types of residence permits.
Also read…
New Skilled Workers Immigration law now applicable in Germany from 1st March
You will need a Temporary or Permanent Resident Permit to take your dependents to Germany. One of the main criteria for applying for a Germany Dependent Visa is having an EU Blue Card. Individuals who want to bring their dependents should have enough Health Insurance coverage and funds to care for them.
The dependent accompanying you should have basic German language skills. The score certificate is necessary. The dependent can get an exemption if the sponsor has an EU Blue card.
If the principal applicant currently lives in Germany, they should submit proof of residence. The rental agreements are very important. This procedure is for getting dependents for a family reunion in Germany. The stay permit for dependent visa holders depends on the residency status of the sponsor.
Germany Visa applications can be filled out online through the VFS Global Services website. Here, you must fill in your detailed and accurate information and the purpose of your travel in the application form. If the applicant is applying for the first time, he/she must complete the application form, complete all the required documents, and then make an appointment at the Embassy.
When you apply for a visa to Germany, you will have to submit the following documents:
Visa Type |
Passport |
Visa Form |
Visa Fee |
Identity Picture |
National Identity Card |
Police Certificate |
Proof of funds |
Health Insurance |
Employer Permission Letter |
Visit Visa/ Tourist Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
Business Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
Student Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
Work Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
Dependant Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
The eligibility requirements for a German visa are listed below:
Visa Type |
Age |
Germany points grid |
Skills assessment |
Education |
IELTS Score |
PCC |
Health insurance |
Visit Visa/ Tourist Visa |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Business Visa |
NA |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Student Visa |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Work Visa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Dependant Visa |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
The steps to apply for a German visa are as follows:
The steps to fill out a German visa Application are given below:
Germany visa login can be done through the VFS Global Visa Application Centre, which is the German Embassy in India, where you can apply for German visas. The application must be handed into the application center to process the visa. The staff will take your biometric information, including fingerprints and your photograph. Once all this information is entered into VFS Global Visa Application Centre’s system, it will be stored there, and you can use the same information for the next five years.
You can also track your Germany visa status online through the VFS Global service centre. To access this service, use the Reference Number given in your invoice or issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name.
The Germany visa fees for different types of visas are listed below:
Visa Type |
Visa fee |
Visit Visa/ Tourist Visa |
€80 |
Business Visa |
€80 |
Student Visa |
€80 - €120 |
Work Visa |
€75 |
Dependant Visa |
€75 |
The Germany visa processing time varies from 15 days to 3 months depending on the type of visa you require.
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
Visit Visa/ Tourist Visa |
15 days |
Business Visa |
10-15 days |
Student Visa |
6-12 Weeks |
Work visa |
1-3 months |
Dependant Visa |
3 months |
The latest information about German visas and migration is listed in our Schengen news. This provides the latest developments in German immigration that will help you better understand the country and prepare for your move to Germany. Our news page will help you stay updated on the news about German visas happening every day.
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