It is always best to know the Germany visa processing time and how long it takes to get a visa before you start the application process. The registration process for German visas is not complex, but the processing timeline is different for each visa. While some visas take longer processing times, others come out in a little over a week or less. If you don’t want to delay your trip, it’s best to apply for a visa weeks before your planned trip. This page contains valuable information about the German visa processing timeline, the application process, and the duration.
Who Needs To Apply For A German Visa?
German visas are not for everyone but a selected group of travelers. Citizens of European Union countries and other visa exempt countries don’t need a German visa to enter Germany. All they need is a passport, and they are good to go. However, citizens of non-EU and non-visa-exempt countries require a visa before they can travel to Germany.
Type Of Germany Visa
The visa issued by the German Immigration authorities is two broad types: the C Type visa (Short stay visa) and the D Type visa (Long Stay Visa). Both visas serve a similar but different purpose. While the C-type visa allows the holder to remain in Germany for up to 90 days, the long stay D Type visa is for extended stays. Here are the different visas you may apply for.
Airport Transit visa: An airport transit visa is for visitors making brief stops at any of Germany’s airports before continuing their trip to their final destination. This visa is only used within the confines of an airport
Transit visa: The transit visa is another type of visa for brief stops, but it is not limited to airports alone. It can be used to enter Germany for a few days before the visitor continues their trip to their final destination.
Tourist Visa: This is one of the most popular visas issued by the German authorities. It is meant for tourists coming to Germany to spend their holidays or for sightseeing. Tourists can stay for up to 90 days on this visa which is valid for 180 days.
Visitor Visa: A visitor visa is for foreign nationals who wish to visit their family or friends in Germany. The family or friend may be a German citizen or a permanent resident.
Business Visa: Business visas are for those coming for business-related activities.
Medical Visa: A Medical visa is for those seeking medical care in any German hospital or medical center. They must secure admission into the hospital before applying for the visa.
Official Visa: This one is for visits by government officials or envoys of top international organizations.
Other visas include
Training and internship visa
Cultural/Sports & Religious visas
Work visas
Study visas
Germany Visa Document Requirements
Here are the documents required to process a visa application.
Application Form: Applicants must fill out and submit a visa application form. The form must contain correct details about the applicant, and the information they provide must match what is on their document.
Passport: A valid passport is required to apply for a German visa. The passport must have at least 6 months of validity left and must not be older than 10 years. It must also have nothing less than two blank pages for visa stickers.
Copies of expired Visas: Applicants who have been issued visas before should include copies of the expired visa in their application.
Passport photographs: 2 recent passport photographs in colored form and taken on a white background. The photos should show your face clearly.
Round Trip flight ticket: A copy of a round trip flight ticket back to their home countries at the end of their stay in Germany
Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip and how long the applicant plans to stay in Germany
Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage.
Proof of funds: Statement of account for the last 6 months containing sufficient funds to cover their expenses
Proof of accommodation: A copy of the hotel reservation
Germany Visa Processing Time?
The average processing time for a visa is 15 working days, but the process may drag on for a few more days or weeks. However, for online visas, you may get yours in a few days. That is why it is advisable to apply for a visa as soon as possible.
How To Apply For a German Visa?
For D Type visas like work and study visas, you will have to visit the German consulate but for short-term C Type visas, do the following.
Visit VisaHQ
Select Germany as your destination
Select Your country
Choose your preferred visa
Complete the application form
Scan and attach your documents
Pay the Schengen visa fee
Submit the application for review
To hasten the Germany visa processing time, you should consider applying for an online visa on VisaHQ if you are eligible for it.