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Did you know that with a Schengen Visa, you can visit all the countries in the Schengen area? Yes, you most certainly can. The Schengen area is a group of 27 countries under the European Union. The countries listed under the Schengen area are called the Schengen States. This visa offers you streamlined entry into the countries in the Schengen area with just one visa. This visa serves as a way for people from non-European countries to visit multiple countries in Europe with just one visa. You can also travel seamlessly between countries in the Schengen Area as border control between these countries has been abolished. With this visa, you can even stay up to 90 days in a 180-day timeframe. So, if you are planning a trip to Germany, a German Schengen Visa can be your gateway to Germany and the other 26 Schengen states in the Schengen area.
This blog serves as a roadmap for all the steps you need to follow while you apply for a Germany Schengen visa. You will also learn about the key documents like your passport, travel insurance and the eligibility criteria. You will learn who can apply and how to apply, the documents required and the processing time for a German Schengen Visa.
So how about we get relaxed and start reading? By the end of this blog, you will feel prepared to navigate the visa application process successfully.
Table of Content
1Germany Schengen Visa2Who Can Apply for German Schengen Visa in India3What Documents are required to Apply for German Schengen Visa from India4How to Apply for German Schengen Visa5How long does it take a German Schengen Visa from India6Conclusion7Frequently Asked Questions
Germany Schengen Visa
With a German Schengen visa, you can stay in Germany for a period of 90 days and visit other countries in the Schengen Area. Germany is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen area with no border controls between the countries. Sometimes, this visa is referred to as a ‘Short-term visa’ or ‘C visa’. You cannot apply for German Schengen Visa if you only visit and stay longer in any other Schengen state besides Germany. Verifying your eligibility, identifying the right visa type, gathering all the documents required and attending the interview on the visa appointment day are the crucial steps in getting a German Schengen visa.
Who Can Apply for German Schengen Visa in India
Anyone from a non-Eurpean country with a passport issued in the last 10 years who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for this visa. This visa is suitable for those who wish to travel to Germany for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, for business enquiries, or to attend meetings and conferences. Make sure that you meet all the requirements before you apply for the visa to avoid any delays.
What Documents are required to Apply for German Schengen Visa from India
Applying for a German Schengen Visa from India requires a list of essential documents.
Make sure that you do not apply for the visa with incorrect or fake information as it can cause your visa to be delayed or rejected.
Let’s take a look at all the documents you require to apply.
1. Completed Application Form with Signature
First off, you need to fill out and sign a German Schengen Visa application form. Make sure that all the details are correct and consistent to avoid any delays or rejections.
2. Valid Passport
A valid passport is necessary and it should have been issued in the last 10 years. It should at least contain two blank pages to affix the visa and remain valid for at least three months after your intended date.
3. Passport Size Photos
In addition, you will require two recent passport-size photos no older than 6 months and should comply with ICAO standards. Religious head coverings are permitted for those who wear them.
4. Flight Tickets to Germany and Return Flights Back
You must submit confirmed flight tickets to Germany and return flights. Suppose you are travelling back home from another Schengen State, like France or Italy, a corresponding flight confirmation has to be submitted.
5. Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance is equally important, with a minimum coverage of 30000 EUR and must be valid across all Schengen countries, for as long as you stay in the Schengen area. This insurance must be able to cover the cost of emergent repatriation, hospital visits or hospitalisation. Do make sure that you choose an insurance provider that is approved by Germany.
6. Accommodation Proof
If you are staying at a hotel, rental property, or with a host, appropriate proof of accommodation is to be provided. For private stays with a family or friend, your host must provide a sponsorship confirmation letter, proof of their address, and a copy of their passport or German ID. If you do plan on visiting multiple Schengen countries, proof of accommodation at each destination also has to be submitted.
7. Proof of Employment, Studies or Retirement Status
- Employed individuals have to submit their leave approval from their employer, pay slips for the last three months, and income tax returns for the past two assessment years.
- If you are self-employed, submit a registration certificate of the company if applicable, a GST number if it applies, along with your tax returns or a Form 16.
- Students must present proof of where they are currently enrolled in and bank statements for the last three months.
- Retirees have to submit their pension statements or a proof of income from assets.
- Unemployed applicants have to submit a sponsorship letter from someone who is funding their trip, along with their proof of finance.
8. Proof of Funds or Sponsorship
If you are travelling on your own money, a bank account statement for the past three months. If not, a sponsorship letter which confirms you will be financially supported by an individual on your trip to Germany, including their bank statement for the past three months, a proof of kinship if it applies.
9. Civil Status Proof
Civil status proof includes an original Birth Certificate, joint household certificate, and marriage certificate if it applies are proof of your civil status.
10. Biometrics
It’s a standard part of any visa application procedure for identification and security purposes. Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application at the Embassy, Consulate or at a VFS Application Center. Biometrics can be used to verify one’s identity across all the Schengen countries.
11. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
This certificate indicates that there are no objections to the applicant travelling to the Schengen area during their travel. It can obtained from your employer or the educational institution you are currently enrolled in. You can get this document by officially putting in a request to the respective authorities.
12. Proof of Transport
Provide evidence of your intended transportation between countries within the Schengen Area, such as proof of intra-Schengen flights (if applicable), train travel, or car rental arrangements.
13. Cover Letter Explaining Purpose of Travel
This is a letter where you explain the purpose of your visit to Germany in detail.
14. Other Supporting Documents
For each person, document requirements may vary. Always check for the latest information and updates from the German Embassy or any of its Consulate. If your application is incomplete or contains false information, it is likely that your visa may get rejected.
How to Apply for German Schengen Visa
Applying for this visa might seem like a hectic process, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow to apply for German Schengen Visa from India:
1. First off, if you are planning to visit Germany for a fun trip or to visit your family and friends, the first thing to make sure of is whether you require a Schengen Visa.2. Make sure that you are a citizen of a non-European country.
3. You can apply for a C-type visa, also known as a short-stay visa if you plan a short trip to Germany for 90 days or less and will require a long-stay visa if your trip is for more than 90 days, for which you can apply for the D-Type visa also known as the National Visa. You also need to consider the number of times you wish to enter the Schengen Area, this helps you decide whether you should apply for a single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa. If you are just transiting through a Schengen country, you only need to apply for a Transit Visa.
4. Collect all the documents that apply to you. The Consulate has the right to request further documentation if necessary.
5. Fill out the visa application form either handwritten or printed, with a signature. Make sure to fill out the latest version of the application form as that version will only be considered acceptable. So, you must fill out the details accurately without making any fake or incorrect information and ensure the documents are up to mark.
6. You can lodge your application at the Embassy, the nearest Consulate of Germany in India or at a Germany-authorised VFS Visa Application Centre. You can search for the nearest VFS Application Centre to lodge your application.
7. Once you have booked your appointment at the VFS Application Centre, visit the designated centre with the application form and the required documents.
8. Pay your fees. An additional charge may apply if you are applying for a visa via an application centre which collects applications on behalf of the Consulate.
9. You can submit your completed application form and the required documents by hand at the Embassy, Consulate or the designated application centre.
10. After applying, you can track the status of your application with the provided tracking number.
If your visa is rejected, you will be notified of the reasons for the refusal and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal. Suppose your visa is refused, your visa fee will not be refunded as the fee covers the examination of your application. You are free to reapply, but make sure to note the reasons why your earlier application was refused and make necessary changes wherever applicable.
How long does it take a German Schengen Visa from India
The normal processing time for this visa is 15 days. When you submit your application via the VFS application centre it will take a minimum of two working days to reach the visa section. After the application arrives at the visa section, it will take approximately 15 days for the visa application to be processed. Sometimes an incomplete application or because of high application volume can affect the processing time beyond the usual 15-day period. It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa at least 15 days before your intended journey but no earlier than 6 months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a German Schengen Visa unlocks the door to Europe. Moreover, this visa opens up a lot of opportunities and serves as a getaway to Europe. Whether you’re planning a short vacation, a business trip, or visiting friends and family, this visa grants you access to not just Germany, but to the entire Schengen Area, making your journey even more exciting. It is always advised to stay informed and updated on the travel restrictions and requirements, and the latest regulations set by Germany, the Schengen Area and the European Union. By ensuring you meet all requirements of the visa application procedure, and submitting the proper documents, you can significantly increase your chances of approval. This will help you to avoid unnecessary delays and complications and allow for a smooth and hassle-free visa application experience.
We all know that a visa application can be a long and overwhelming procedure. However, with the proper guidance and documentation, and the right steps, this can be a pretty straightforward process. For that, contact CanApprove today for easy-peasy visa processing and to increase your chances of getting visa approval. Let us handle all the paperwork so you can focus on planning your itinerary for Germany. With our guidance and support, we ensure you will get your Schengen Visa in no time and soon you will be off to enjoy all that Europe has to offer.
For more information on the German Schengen Visa, refer to this website.
