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Germany Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa is a short-term visa for non-European citizens that allows entry into the 27 countries in the Schengen area. The countries included in the Schengen area are called the Schengen states and border controls between the countries have been abolished. This visa permits the holder to travel freely and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. The first day you enter a country is considered the first day of the validity of your Schengen visa.
If the reason for travel is the same for two or more countries you will be visiting, you can apply for a Schengen Visa for the country you plan to stay the longest. If the duration is the same for all the countries you are visiting, apply for the visa at the consulate of the country that you will be visiting first.
For a list of all the countries included in the Schengen area, refer to this website.
What are the different types of Schengen Visas
Based on the purpose of travel, the visa may be issued as follows:
Type A – A transit visa for airport transit
This visa allows you to go through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flight but does not allow you to leave the airport.
Type B – A transit visa valid for 5 days
This visa enables the visa holder to pass through the Schengen Area on the way to their ultimate destination outside of it.
Type C – Allows a short stay in the Schengen Area countries
This is the most common visa type, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen Area in a 180-day timeframe. Depending upon the number of times you will be visiting a country in the Schengen area, this visa can be issued as follows:
1.Single Entry
This visa allows you to enter the Schengen area once.
2.Double Entry
The validity of this visa grants the bearer two entries into the Schengen Area. Even if the visa is still valid, re-entry is prohibited after your second exit from a Schengen country.
3.Multiple Entry
This multiple-entry visa permits you to visit several countries in the Schengen area as long as your visa is valid.
Germany Schengen Visa
A German Schengen Visa can be applied if you wish to travel to Germany for sightseeing, to visit your family and friends, for business enquiries, or to attend meetings and conferences. With this visa, you can stay in Germany for a period of 90 days. This visa is sometimes referred to as the ‘Short-term visa’ or ‘C visa’. Germany is one of the 27 countries in which there are no border controls between the countries listed under the Schengen area.
Benefits of Germany Schengen Visa
There are multiple benefits to getting a German Schengen Visa.
A Single Visa for Multiple Countries
Travel across multiple countries in the Schengen area without needing individual visas for each country.
No Border Delays
Once you are within the Schengen Area, move seamlessly between countries.
Ideal for Business Travellers
Attend meetings to conferences in multiple countries on a single trip.
Versatile Travel Options
Whether you are a tourist, business traveller, or visiting family and friends, this visa offers flexibility.
Experience Diverse Cultures
Experience the diverse cultures, stunning landscapes and historical sites of Germany and other countries in the Schengen area.
Germany Schengen Visa Eligibility
The eligibility criteria you must meet to apply for a German Schengen visa are:
- You must be a citizen of a country that is not included in the European Union.
- You should hold a passport that has been issued in the last 10 years with at least 3 months of validity after your intended return.
- You need to show financial means to support yourself during your stay in Germany.
- You must provide documents that show ties to your home country like employment or property ownership.
- You need a travel insurance of a minimum of 30000 EUR.
- You must show proof of accommodation in Germany.
- You must submit a detailed travel itinerary.
- A confirmed flight ticket to Germany and back to India must be provided.
Required Documents for German Schengen Visa
You must be a citizen of a country not included in the European Union.
These are the following documents required for the German Schengen Visa:
1.A completed visa application form
- Duly filled visa application form with signature without any false information.
2.Confirmed Flight ticket to Germany and return flights home
- For instance, if you are travelling back home from France, flight tickets from France are required.
3.Valid Passport
- Issued within the past 10 years
- A minimum of two blank pages to affix the visa
- At least valid for three months after the scheduled return
4.Two passport-size photos
- No older than 6 months
- Plain white background
- Head coverings worn for religious reasons are acceptable.
- Should comply with ICAO standards.
5.Valid travel medical insurance
- A minimum coverage of 30000 EUR, if you ever require emergent medical attention, hospitalisation or repatriation.
- It should be valid throughout the entire duration of the visa and in every Schengen country territory.
- The country only accepts Indian Travel Medical Insurance from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies, refer to this website.
6.Proof of accommodation
- This includes hotel reservations, rental of a holiday home or a campus residence reservation.
- If the applicant intends to stay with a family member, friend, or private residence from the host, proof of sponsorship, confirmation of the third person with signature, proof of address and copy of passport or German ID card.
- If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen countries, proof of accommodation in each of them.
7.Proof of Employment or Studies
No matter the status of employment, you must provide
- Bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank
If you are employed :
- Applicant’s bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank
- Employers’ statement on approval for holidays (Leave Sanction letter from applicant’s company)
- Pay slips for the past three months
- Indian income tax return (ITR) acknowledgement for the last two assessment years
If you are self-employed :
- Certificate of registration of the company, including its goods and services tax (GST) registration number for companies based in India
- Income tax return (ITR) acknowledgement for the last two assessment years or a Form 16 (Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary)
- Applicant’s bank statements for the past 3 months stamped by the bank
If you are a student :
- Certificates of the educational institution at which you are enrolled
- For university students: Applicant’s bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank
If you are retired :
- Pension statements for the last three months or
- Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business
- Applicant’s bank statements for the past 3 months stamped by the bank
If you are unemployed :
- Applicant’s bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank
8.Proof of Financial means
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.
9.Proof of Civil Status
Original birth certificate, joint household certificate, and marriage certificate if it applies are all proof of your civil status.
10.Biometrics
Biometrics is a standard part of the visa application procedure for identification and security purposes so that it can be verified across all the Schengen countries. Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application.
11.No-objection certificate
This certificate can be 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. This document indicates no objections to the applicant travelling to the Schengen area during their travel.
12.A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Germany
This is a letter in which you explain in detail the purpose of your visit to Germany.
13.Proof of intended means of transport and travel itinerary
A detailed explanation of what cities you intend to visit and how you plan to travel between the countries in the Schengen area. Proof of intra-Schengen flights if applicable, train travel or car rental.
14.Other supporting documents
Document requirements may vary for each person. It is always advisable to check for the latest information and updates from the German Embassy or its Consulate. If your application is incomplete or contains false information, your visa might likely get rejected.
Germany Schengen Visa processing time
The normal processing time for Germany Schengen Visa is 15 days. After you submit your application via the VFS application centre it will take up to two working days to reach the visa section. After the application arrives at the visa section, it will take approximately 15 days to be processed.
Sometimes an incomplete application or because of high application volume can affect the processing time beyond the usual 15-day period. You must apply for the visa at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months.
How to Apply for a Germany Schengen Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide to consider when you apply for a Germany Schengen Visa.
1. Ensure that you are eligible
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. First off, make sure that you are a citizen of a non-European country.
2. Identify the right visa type
If you plan a short trip to Germany for 90 days or less, you can apply for a C-type visa, also known as a short-stay visa. If your trip is for more than 90 days you will require a long-stay visa, for which you can apply for the D-Type visa also known as the National Visa. If you are just transiting through a Schengen country, you can apply for a Transit Visa. Additionally, consider the number of times you wish to enter the Schengen Area.
3. Gather the required documents
Collect all the documents that apply to you. The Consulate has the right to request further documentation if necessary.
4. Fill your application
A duly filled visa application form either handwritten or printed with signature, without any false information. Fill out the latest version of the application form as that version will only be considered acceptable.
5. Determine where to lodge your application
You can lodge your application at the Embassy, any of the Consulate of Germany in India or a Germany-authorised VFS Visa Application Centre.
6. Book an Appointment
You can search for the nearest VFS Application Centre to lodge your application.
7. Visit your allocated Application Center
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
Pay your fees. An additional charge may apply if you apply for a visa via an application centre which collects applications on behalf of the Consulate.
9. Submit your Application
You can submit your completed application form and the required documents by hand at the Embassy, Consulate or the designated application centre.
10. Track your application
You can track the status of your application with the provided tracking number.
11. Collect your Passport
If your visa is rejected, you will be notified of the reasons for the refusal and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal. If 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.
Refer to this website for more detailed information on how to apply for a German Schengen Visa. To apply for a Schengen Visa, contact CanApprove for easy visa processing.
How can CanApprove help you get a Schengen Visa
CanApprove can help you by simplifying the visa application process. Our experts at CanApprove can guide you through the entire process from free counselling to document preparation till you receive your visa. We offer expert guidance and support, high success rates and timely processing.
Contact CanApprove today to apply for a Schengen Visa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a visit visa for non-European individuals that permits them to travel freely with one visa between the countries in the Schengen area without the hassle of going through border controls. The Schengen area is a group of European countries that operates like a single state where people can travel internationally with one common visa and external border controls.
What is a German Schengen Visa?
The German Schengen Visa is a Visit visa you apply for at the Consulate of Germany to visit the country first or where you will stay for the longest in the list of Schengen countries you will be visiting.
What is the minimum bank balance for Schengen Visa Germany?
The minimum bank balance required for a Germany Schengen Visa can vary, it is usually suggested to have more than €45 per day of your stay in the country or a total amount to show sufficient financial funds for the entire journey.
How do you get a Schengen Visa for Germany?
Contact CanApprove today to apply for a Schengen Visa for Germany. Get complete visa assistance until you receive your visa in your hands.
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