All about the German visa application process

Indians are among the highest number of visitors to Germany. If you are planning to visit Germany, you must know about the visa types and the application process and where to apply before planning your visit.

Whether you are planning to visit Germany for study or work or to do business, the visa you will require is categorized based on the purpose of your visit and the time period you wish to stay in the country. The categories of German visas are:

• Tourist/Visitor Visas: This visa is for those who wish to visit Germany for vacations or to visit their friends and family in that country.
• Language Course Visa: This is for individuals who wish to learn the German language in Germany.
• Student Applicant Visa: This is for students who want 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 and have to go to Germany.
• Job Seeker Visa: This is for skilled individuals who wish to stay in Germany for a specific period to look for employment.
• Business Visa: This is for entrepreneurs who wish to start or expand their business.
• Airport Transit Visa: This is for Indian travelers who are required to change flights in a German airport to their destination country.
• Working Visa: This is for individuals who wish to work in Germany.
• Guest Scientist Visa: This visa is for Indian scholars and scientists who have been invited to Germany to do research by a credible institute.
• Training/Internship Visa: This visa is for Indians who are travelling to Germany to do an internship or take part in the training.
• Medical Treatment Visa: This visa is for individuals who are planning for medical treatment in Germany.
• Trade Fair and Exhibitions Visa: This visa is for individuals participating in exhibitions and trade fairs in Germany.

Documents required for visa application (they may vary based on the visa type)

• Completed visa application form with correct information

Valid passport with validity period covering your length of stay in Germany

Photographs as per ICAO standards, as quoted by Germany-Visa

• Accommodation proof such as 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 a retired individual, you would need the last 6 months pension statements

Visa application process

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

Where do you apply for a German visa in India?

Before you start the application process, you will have to find out where to apply for a Germany visa. In India, the German Embassy is located in New Delhi and there are four consulates spread across the country. They are:

• German Embassy in New Delhi
• German Consulate in Bengaluru
• German Consulate Chennai
• German Consulate Kolkata
• German Consulate Mumbai

Jurisdiction of the consulates

When making your visa application ensure that you apply at the embassy or consulate whose jurisdiction covers the area where you are presently staying. The German embassy or consulate in that part of India will be responsible to process your visa application for all categories. Here are the jurisdiction areas of the German consulates in India:

• German Consulate General New Delhi – Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Union Territories of Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep including Minicoy and Amini
• German Consulate Bengaluru – Karnataka, Kerala
• German Consulate Chennai – Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Pondicherry,
• German Consulate Kolkata – West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura
• German Consulate Mumbai – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu

Getting a visa to visit Germany is not a complicated process provided you apply for the right visa, follow the application process and submit the documents at the German consulate whose jurisdiction covers your place of stay.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Germany, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Consultants.

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