Germany Visa from India: Applying for a German Visa from India

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated June 2024

Obtaining a visa is a vital requirement for Indian nationals who intend to travel to Germany. Germany is renowned for its extensive history, lively culture, and promising economic prospects, making it an attractive destination for global travelers. Regardless of whether your purpose of travel is tourism, business, education, or work, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the visa prerequisites and the application procedure.

Wego has noted down everything you need to know before applying for a German visa from India. Keep reading to learn more!

Do I need a visa to Germany from India?

Yes, Indian residents intending to visit Germany are required to apply for a Germany visa to be eligible for entry into the country. Indian nationals can apply for a German visa either through the nearest German embassy in their state or the VFS Global visa application center.

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Germany visa from India types

The following are some of the types of Germany visas Indian nationals can apply from India:

Short stay visas

Schengen visa

A Germany short-stay visa, also known as, the Schengen visa can be applied by applicants who wish to visit Germany for short-term periods, that is, for up to 90 days. Presently, the Schengen Area comprises 27 member countries, including Germany. Please note that you cannot work in Germany on a Schengen visa.

Documents required

The following are some of the documents required for any short-term Schengen visa application:

• application form
• your Indian passport (original plus a copy)
• identity photographs
• civil status certificate
• proof of accommodation
• round-trip flight itinerary
• travel health insurance
• Proof of paid visa fee
• cover letter
• copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable)
• birth certificate and proof of parental consent (if applicable)
• proof of enough financial means

Please note that in addition to the aforementioned documents, Schengen embassies and the VFS Global visa application centers in India may require specific documents from visa candidates depending on the type of Schengen visa applied for. Make sure to consult the authorities before applying.

For more information, visit our dedicated article below:

 

Long-term/National visa

A national or long-term visa (D-Type visa) allows you to stay in Germany as a resident for more than 90 days, and includes the following visa categories – work permit, student, German classes, family reunion, Au pair, specialty cook, medical treatment, guest scientist and visiting scholars. You can find out the complete list of German national or long-term visas from the German Missions in India website.

Alternatively, given below are some of the Germany national or long-term visa categories that can be applied from India:

Employment visa

The Germany employment visa offers qualified individuals from foreign countries the opportunity to relocate to Germany and pursue employment in their respective industries. This visa allows individuals to enter Germany and work there for a maximum period of 2 years. There is also the option to extend the visa duration and potentially apply for an EU Blue Card or other forms of residence permits at a later stage.

Please note that according to the “Act on the Residence” that regulates the residence issue for foreigners in Germany, only the following categories eligible to apply for a German employment visa:

• highly qualified foreigners, in particular:
  • researchers with special technical knowledge
  • teaching personnel in prominent positions or scientific personnel in prominent positions
• intra-corporate transferees, in particular:
  • managers
  • specialists

Documents required

To apply for the Germany employment visa, you will need:

• valid passport, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least another year as of the date of visa application, with at least two empty pages. Please note that passports with observations regarding the front data page will not be accepted.
• filled out and duly signed application form & declaration (in accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act)
• declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
• 3 passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not older than 6 months
• copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
• annexure for employment visa (2 copies)
• employment contract with a company in Germany
• CV and job description (one page only)
• proof of qualification and experience certificates for future employment in Germany
• “Declaration regarding a contract of employment” (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) has to be filled and signed by the future employer.
• original along with 2 copies need to be submitted.
• pre-approval by the Federal Employment Agency (Pre-approval by the Federal Employment Agency is not mandatory. It can, however, shorten the time to process your application significantly (as mentioned below)
• demand draft
• certificate about compulsory health insurance (Gesetzliche oder private Krankenversicherung) from a German employer, valid from the date of employment.
• if not already included in the compulsory health insurance, a separate travel health insurance has to be presented for the time frame from arrival in Germany until the beginning of employment.

Please note that submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted. Moreover, submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a visa interview may result in the rejection of your visa application.

Germany work visa

An EU Blue Card for Germany is a German work visa or work and residence permit that allows highly skilled individuals to work in professions where there is a shortage or opportunities for advancement. The holders can use their German EU Blue Card to live and work in Germany for four (4) years. Nevertheless, they can extend the validity, provided they meet all the requirements.

However, to get a German EU Blue Card, applicants need to apply for a German employment visa or a job seeker visa from the German Embassy or Consulate. These long-stay visas cannot be used to work in Germany. They simply serve to show the Immigration Authorities that you have entered the country legally and with the intention of working.

Within three months of entering the country, applicants must mandatorily for the EU Blue Card at the German Immigration Office.

Documents required

The following are some of the documents required to apply for the German EU Blue Card:

• the Indian passport of the applicant
• a recent biometric picture of the applicant. The applicants must make sure that the biometric picture meets the requirements set out by the Federal Printing Office.
• since the EU Blue Card is a residence permit, the applicants must fill out the application for a residence permit (Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels)
• the employer of the applicant must fill out the Declaration on the Employment Relationship (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)
• the applicant must submit their original employment contract or job offer.
• proof of your residence in Germany
  • the Certificate of Registration, or
  • the lease and a written confirmation of residency from the applicant’s landlord.
• original University or college diploma
• the Certificate of Evaluation (Zeugnisbewertung), if required.
• occupation practice permit. If required.
• in case the applicant has statutory health insurance:
  • the electronic health card
  • the recent confirmation of health insurance
• in case the applicant has private health insurance:
  • a certificate from the health insurance company, stating the details of the applicant’s insurance.
  • proof that the applicant has paid their contributions.

For more information, visit our dedicated article below

Job seeker visa

The Germany job seeker visa is a type of work visa issued to applicants who wish to find work in Germany. Once granted, this visa permits applicants to stay in the country for a specific duration, typically around six (6) months, during which they can search for suitable employment.

Following successful job placement, applicants will have the option to apply for a work permit, which will enable them to stay longer in Germany and work there on a long-term basis.

To qualify for the job seeker visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

• you have a minimum of five years of experience in your related profession.
• you have enough financial resources to support your stay in Germany.
• you have proof of completed academic or vocational training.
• your qualifications are recognized in Germany or are equivalent to a diploma received in the country.

Documents required

• valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 12 months validity left at the time of submission of the application)
• 1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
• 3 passport pictures according to biometric specifications
• cover letter from applicant explaining the exact course of action to find employment in Germany as well as further career plans should stay in Germany be unsuccessful
• proof of academic qualification and work experience (from a German university or equivalent to a German academic degree) and relevant previous work experience certificates for future employment in Germany.
• personal CV containing full education and employment history
• proof of accomodation in Germany for the initial period of 30 days
• proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your stay by one of the following documents:
  • blocked account for the sum of EUR 5,604
  • “Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany
  • bank account.
• proof of personal status in India birth certificate of applicant, Aadhar card (with English translation) if applicable
• proof of health insurance. Please submit any one of the following documents:
  • proof of a private German health insurance which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date
  • proof of a public German health insurance, which consists of a letter from your German healthcare provider, as well as a travel health insurance for the first three weeks.
  • proof of a private foreign (including Indian) health insurance including the policy you choose which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date
• demand draft or cash for verification of documents unless all documents have been verified before. You can find out about the charges for the verification of all documents of Indian origin from here. The verification procedure will be initiated and carried out by the Embassy or the locally competent Consulate, taking between 8 to 12 weeks.

Please note that the German Mission reserves the right to ask for additional documents, especially for certain professions, including professional license “Berufsausübungserlaubnis” for nurses, medical doctors, pharmacists, teachers, and more.

Germany visa from India fees

Short stay visas

Schengen visa

The following is the price cap for Schengen Visa for Indian residents starting 11 June 2024:

• adults: EUR 90 (INR 8,079)
• children between 6-12 years of age: EUR 45 (INR 4,039)
• children younger than 6 years of age: Free
• holders of diplomatic and service passports: Free
• Indian pupils, graduate and postgraduate students and their children travelling for educational training and study purposes: Free
• up to 25-year-old representatives of non-profit organizations traveling as participants in seminars, sports, cultural or educational events: Free
• Indian researchers traveling to carry out scientific research: Free

Long-term/National visa

Employment visa

According to the German Missions in India website, the visa price for a Germany national or long-term visa (D-Type visa) is:

• adults – EUR 75 (INR 6,800)
• children (up to 17 years of age) – EUR 37.5 (INR 3,400)

Please make sure to consult your visa application center of Embassy regarding the accurate visa fees.

Germany work visa

The price for the Germany work visa are as follows:

• first-time issuance – EUR 100 (INR 8,900)
• extension up to three (3) months – EUR 96 (INR 8,542)
• extension for more than three months – EUR 93 (INR 8,276)

Please note that an additional fee for the employment visa, the qualification evaluation, and other administrative matters might be required.

Jobseeker visa

The cost of a German job seeker visa for Indian applicants is EUR 75 (INR 6,351). It’s important to note that the payment method, whether in cash or through demand drafts, may vary depending on the German embassy or consulate in India

How to apply for a Germany visa from India?

To apply for a Germany visa from India, follow the steps given below:

• fill out and complete your visa application form.
• make an appointment at the nearest Embassy, Consulate or visa application center. You can book your visa appointment from here.
• once you have completed your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you download the application form, print it and bring it to the visa application center where payment can be made at the time of your appointment.
• attend the appointment along with all the required documents for the visa you are applying for.
• submit your biometrics, fingerprints and a digital image.
• wait for a response, and collect your visa, if approved.

Where to apply for a Germany visa from India?

A Germany visa from India can either be applied for through the following German Embassy/Consulate or through one of the sixteen (16) VFS Global visa application centers, depending on the type of visa you are applying for, and their jurisdiction.

The following jurisdictions are covered by the Germany Embassy or Consulates:

German Embassy in New Delhi

The German Embassy in New Delhi covers the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Minicoy and Amindive. The German Embassy in New Delhi also represents the Federal Republic in Bhutan.

Address:
No. 6/50G, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.
Open: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM
You can contact the Embassy at (0091-11) 44199 199 or visit http://www.india.diplo.de

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Bengaluru

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany covers the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala.

Address:
2nd & 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building”, Corner St. Marks & Residency Road
Bangalore 560025, Karnataka
Open: Monday to Thursday from 2 PM to 3:30 PM.
You can contact the Consulate at +91 80 455 60 111 or visit http://www.bangalore.diplo.de

German Consulate General Chennai

German Consulate General Chennai covers the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana  and Union Territory of  Puducherry.

Address:
No. 9 Boat Club Road, R.A. Puram,  Chennai 600028, Tamil Nadu
Open: Thursday from 7.30 AM to 3:15 PM and Friday from 7.30 AM to 1:30 PM
You can contact the Consulate at +91 44 24 30 16 00 or visit http://www.chennai.diplo.de

German Consulate General Kolkata

German Consulate General Kolkata covers the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura belong to the consular area of the German Consulate General Kolkata.

Address:
1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, Kolkata (Calcutta) 700 027.
Open: Monday to Thursday from 2 PM to 2:30 PM.
You can contact the Consulate at +91 33 24 79 11 41/+91 33 24 79 11 42 or visit http://www.kalkutta.diplo.de

German Consulate General Mumbai

German Consulate General Mumbai covers the states of Maharashtra, the Union States of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Address:
Hoechst House, 10th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Open: Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM
You can contact the Consulate at +91 22 6940 1444 or visit http://www.mumbai.diplo.de

Germany visa from India tracking

Applicants who have applied for their Germany visa from the VFS Global visa application centres, can track the status of their visa by following the steps given below:

• visit https://www.vfsglobalservices-germany.com/Global-Passporttracking
• enter your ‘Reference number’ and ‘Last name’
• click on submit and you will be able to track the status of your visa.

Germany visa from India processing time

According to the German Missions in India website, it takes around 15 days to process the Schengen visa applications, whereas, the long-term visas might take up to 12 weeks to get processed.