How to check your Germany visa status online
After submitting your German visa application, you will likely want to keep track of its progress. Checking your visa status online is straightforward and lets you stay updated without visiting the consulate in person.
The method you use depends on the type of visa and where you applied. The options below cover the main routes for applicants, with a focus on those applying from India.
Via the VFS Global portal
In India, VFS Global is the sole authorised partner of the German missions, so most short-stay (Schengen) applicants track their application through the VFS Global portal. Follow the steps below to check your Germany visa status.
- Visit the VFS Global tracking portal.
- Enter your reference number, which appears on the invoice or receipt you received after submitting your application.
- Enter your last name and fill in the captcha.
- Click the submit button to view your current Germany visa status.
You can also opt in to SMS and email notifications during the application process, so VFS Global alerts you whenever your status changes. If you are planning the rest of your trip while you wait, you can compare cheap flights to Germany and hotels in Berlin on Wego.
Via the Consular Services Portal (national visas)
If you applied for a national (long-stay, type D) visa, you most likely used Germany’s Consular Services Portal, which went live worldwide on 1 January 2025. The portal lets you submit applications online and track their status at any time.
- Log in to the Consular Services Portal using the account you created when applying.
- Open your application to view its current status and any messages from the mission.
- If a document is missing or incorrect, you will be notified through the portal and can upload corrections there.
The portal now covers most national visa categories, including work, study, the Opportunity Card, and family reunification. It replaces much of the postal back-and-forth that used to slow these applications down.
Via e-mail
You can also write to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) at its official email address, [email protected], to enquire about your application. The BVA supports the German missions by checking applicant data, so it can be a useful point of contact for status questions.
In practice, the German mission (embassy or consulate) handling your application is the primary authority for status updates. Contact the BVA only if you cannot get an answer through the VFS portal, the Consular Services Portal, or the mission itself.
How long does a Germany visa take to process?
For a Schengen short-stay visa, the German Federal Foreign Office states that processing usually takes up to 15 calendar days from the date of application. In more complex cases it can be extended to 45 calendar days, plus extra time for the return of your documents.
National (long-stay, type D) visas generally take longer, often several weeks to a few months, depending on the visa type and additional checks. Processing times also vary with your country of origin and how busy the relevant mission is, so apply well ahead of your travel date.
Once a decision is made, you are typically notified by SMS or email, after which you can collect your passport or track its return through the application centre.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Germany visa?
A Schengen short-stay visa usually takes up to 15 calendar days. It can be extended to 45 calendar days in complex cases, while national long-stay visas can take several weeks to a few months.
What is the reference number used to track my application?
It is the unique number assigned to your application by VFS Global. You can find it on the invoice or receipt issued after you submit your documents, and you need it together with your last name to track your status online.
Do Indian applicants use VFS Global or iDATA for Germany visas?
In India, VFS Global is the official partner for German visa applications. iDATA handles German visa services in some other countries, such as Turkey, but applicants in India should use VFS Global.
What should I do if my Germany visa is delayed?
First check your status on the VFS Global portal or the Consular Services Portal. If it remains pending well beyond the standard window, contact the German mission handling your application, or email the BVA at [email protected].
More Germany and Schengen travel guides on Wego
- Cheap flights to Germany
- Hotels in Berlin
- Hotels in Munich
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) flight tracking
- Book flights on Wego
Sources
- German Federal Foreign Office — Visas for Germany
- German Federal Foreign Office — Digitalisation of the national visa procedure from 1 January 2025
- German Federal Foreign Office — Consular Services Portal (visa)
- German Missions in India — Appointment booking and visa services
- VFS Global — Online application tracking
- Federal Office of Administration (BVA) — Visa issues
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
