What are the major types of German Visas?

The two major types of German visas are Schengen Visa and National Visa.

Can I apply for a student visa?

Yes, you can apply for a German student visa and submit support documents like an enrollment letter from German University.

Do I need to apply for a transit visa if I have a layover at the German airport?

Yes, you need to apply for a Transit Visa even if you just have a layover at the German airport.

Do I need to have travel insurance if I am applying for a German Visa?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory if you are applying for any type of German Visa.

Can I track the application status of my German visa application form?

Yes, you can track the application status of your German visa application by visiting the official website of VFS Global for Germany and scrolling down to view your application form tab.

Germany Visa

Drenched in history and dotted with a number of historical places, Germany is a must-visit place in Western Europe. From ancient castles to historical churches to renowned universities, the place has a lot to offer. Many people also visit Germany for their higher education or for other purposes. However, it is important to keep in mind that whatever may be the travel objective, it is very important to first apply for a Germany Visa in order to legally enter the country. A Germany Visa allows non-Germans to temporarily visit Germany and accomplish their motive of travel. Generally, Indians are given Schengen visas to enter Germany. Take a look at all the other information you need to know about German visas.

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Features Of Germany Visa

Some of the features of the Germany Visa are listed below:

The Germany Visa must be applied for at least 15 days before the scheduled departure date to Germany.
The processing time for a Germany Visa is about 2 weeks (working days only).
One should also buy Travel Insurance while applying for a German Visa.
The German Visas are of varied types, and depending on the purpose, individuals can apply for the apt visa type.

Types Of Germany Visa

As different individuals travel to Germany for different reasons, the type of German Visa also accordingly varies. Listed below are the major types of German Visa:

Schengen Visa: This is issued to Indians who are visiting Germany for a short duration of time. It is issued to those who are either transiting in Germany or are staying in Germany for a period that is less than 90 days. Based on this, the Schengen Visa is of further two types as follows:

Short Visa Stay: With a Short Visa Stay, foreigners can stay in Germany for up to 90 days. Based on the requirement, you can either apply for this visa that offers entry to only Germany or otherwise apply for a Uniform Schengen Visa that provides entry to 26 other countries.
Airport Transit Visa: This is issued to those who have a layover at the German Airport or are travelling to another country via Germany.

German National Visa: This is another type of German Visa that is applied by those who are planning a long stay in Germany. So, all those visiting Germany for educational purposes, business needs, or meeting their family members can apply for this visa. The German National Visa is further classified into the following categories:
Student Visa: As the name itself implies, a Student Visa is issued to those who are planning to go to Germany for educational purposes.
Employment Visa: The Employment Visa is issued to those going to Germany to work or carry out business activities.
Family Reunion Visa: This visa type is meant for those who have a family or spouse living in Germany. It is also issued to those who are marrying German citizens.
Specialty Cook Visa: This is issued to those who are professional cooks and are going to Germany for working as the same.
Job-seeker Visa: This is issued to foreigners who go to Germany in search of jobs.
Au Pair Visa: This type of visa is issued to those who are going to Germany for working as a house help for a family residing in Germany.
Research Visa: This is issued to those who visit Germany for conducting research for a specified period of time.
Self-employment Visa: This is applicable to those who are going to Germany to start a new business.

Germany Visa Application Process

The process of applying for a German Visa can be extremely easy if you know how to do the same. So, here are the steps to apply for a German Visa:

Click on the official website VFS Global for Germany and select the German embassy or Consulate.
Then, click on the apply for visa application tab.
Next, choose the visa type you want to apply for.
Fill out the German visa application form and cross-check the details entered by you.
On the website, schedule a visa appointment and submit the form and document as per the schedule.
Then, pay the German Visa fees.
Once your visa is issued, collect it.

Documents Required For Germany Visa Application

Listed below are the essential documents that are required for filling out the German Visa application form:

A valid passport
A duly-filled visa application form
Coloured passport size photographs
Travel booking details
A copy of travel insurance policy

Furthermore, depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may also need supporting documents like university enrollment documents, proof of accommodation in Germany, employment contract papers, and others.

Germany Visa Fees

All those who are applying for German Visa are required to pay German Visa Application Fees. Here is a table that details German Visa Fees:

Type of German Visa	Adults	Children (6-12 years)
Schengen Visa	80 EURO	40 EURO
National Visa	75 EURO	37.50 EURO

However, please note that individuals who are less than 6 years old need not pay visa application fees. Also, apart from the above-mentioned fees, German visa applicants also need to pay a service fee.

Process To Check Germany Visa

It is important to track the status of your German visa application form, so here are the steps you need to follow for the same:

First, visit the official website of VFS Global for Germany.
Then, click on the Germany Embassy where you applied for the visa.
Click on the ‘book an appointment’ tab and scroll down to track your application.
Enter your application number and fill in the other information required.
You will then be able to view the status of your application form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the major types of German Visas?

The two major types of German visas are Schengen Visa and National Visa.
Can I apply for a student visa?
Yes, you can apply for a German student visa and submit support documents like an enrollment letter from German University.
Do I need to apply for a transit visa if I have a layover at the German airport?
Yes, you need to apply for a Transit Visa even if you just have a layover at the German airport.
Do I need to have travel insurance if I am applying for a German Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory if you are applying for any type of German Visa.
Can I track the application status of my German visa application form?
Yes, you can track the application status of your German visa application by visiting the official website of VFS Global for Germany and scrolling down to view your application form tab.