Germany Visa for Indians: Visa Types, Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply

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If you're planning a trip to Europe, Germany should be on your itinerary. It's steeped in history, boasts magnificent castles and quaint villages, and offers plenty of reasons to visit over and over again. If you're travelling to Germany from India, this guide will show you how to obtain a German visa for Indians, making your European vacation unforgettable. Additionally, you'll learn how easy it is to get a Germany visa from ACKO. To learn about the whole process, read on until the end.

Do Indians need a visa for Germany?

A Germany visa is a must for those visiting the country from India. The visa-on-arrival process is not in place for Indian nationals who want to visit this country.

Germany is a member of the European Union (EU) and is part of the Schengen Area. So, a Schengen visa or a short-term visit visa is required. This Schengen visa is valid for 90 days and can be used to enter the country and the other 25 countries that fall under the Schengen Area.

If you plan to visit another Schengen country during your trip to Germany, you will have to mention this in your visa application form so that you can enter that country. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you would have to apply for a long-term visa. A multiple-entry visa can also be applied for, depending on your needs.

What are the different types of German visas available to Indians?

Indians can travel to Germany for tourism, business, or transiting. Through ACKO, you can apply for the below-mentioned types of German visas from India

Tourist Visa

You can apply for a single-entry tourist visa, which will let you enter the European country within 90 days, and you can stay for up to 30 days.

Business Visa

This visa applies to individuals who want to visit Germany for business purposes like attending meetings, conferences, recruiting, training, etc. It will let you stay there for 30 days and is a single-entry visa.

Transit Visa

If you are going from one airport in Germany to another airport in another country, you need to apply for a transit visa. It is a one-time-use visa that is good for 90 days.

What are the German visa eligibility criteria for Indians?

Indians who plan to visit Germany need to have a passport that was issued within the last ten years. The passport should also remain valid for three months after your trip to Germany comes to a close.

The passport must have at least two blank pages where the stamping of the visa can happen during entry and exit. It should also have a validity of six months; if not, a new passport will have to be used when you are applying for the visa.

What is the validity of a German visa for Indians?

The table below shows the validity of a German visas for Indians:

Types of German Visa	Stay-period	Validity
Single-entry Tourist Visa	15-30 days	30-90 days
Single-entry Business Visa	30 days	90 days
Single-entry Transit Visa	30 days	90 days

What is the processing time for German visas from India?

If you apply through ACKO, processing your German visa typically takes about 20 to 25 working days. To avoid any uncertainties, applying for this visa well in advance is recommended, preferably at least 1 month before your travel.

What are the German visa fees?

Below is a breakdown of the German visa fees from India.

German Visa Type	Final price (INR)
Single Entry Tourist Visa	5,174
Single Entry Business Visa	4,330
Single Entry Transit Visa	4,330

Why choose ACKO to apply for a German visa?

Worldwide Visa Assistance

We make it easy and quick to get visas for all international countries.

End-to-End Process

From submitting documents to getting your visa in your email, we assist you with everything.

Pay As You Wish

Select the desired payment method to pay for your visa fees.

Track Real-Time Progress

You can track your visas' real-time progress by downloading the application.

Pick up and Delivery at Your Door

We collect and deliver your documents to your doorstep.

What are the documents required to apply for a German visa for Indians?

Here are the documents you need to have in order to apply for a German visa from India.

A visa application form that has been filled out completely
A valid passport
At least two passport-size photo
A cover letter that includes a detailed travel itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Flight tickets
Travel medical insurance
Proof of finances to show that you can support yourself through the trip
Your sponsor’s proof of finance if your trip is sponsored

If you are employed, these documents must be gathered for your Germany visa.

Employment contract
Bank statement of the last six months
Payslip for the last six months
Leave application approval from your employer
Income Tax Return form or form 16

If you are a self-employed Indian national, the following documents are required to obtain a Germany visa for Indians.

Certificate of registration of the company, such as the company’s goods and services tax (GST) registration number
Bank statement for the last three months
Income Tax Return form or form 16

*Note: Depending on the visa type, the visa officer may ask for additional documents. We suggest you keep all the documents ready with you before you start the visa application process.

How do I apply for a Germany visa?

Acko makes it easier than ever to get a German visa. Just follow these simple steps-

Click here and select Germany as the country of visit.
Complete the online application form and upload all the required documents.
Pay the visa fee through a debit/credit card or a mobile wallet.
Once payment is made, the documents will be verified, and your German visa will be sent to your email address.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Germany?

Absolutely, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Germany. Travel insurance online can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other unexpected situations. In addition to having travel insurance, it is important to note that Germany is part of the Schengen region. This means that if you are planning to visit other countries within this area, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa for which you need travel medical insurance. By being prepared and having the appropriate documentation, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable visit to Germany and other Schengen countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs related to Germany Visa for Indians.

Do Indian tourists require a visa for Germany?

Indian tourists are required to apply for a Schengen visa or a short-term visa if they want to visit Germany. A short-term visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days.

Is it possible to extend my short-term Germany visa after it expires in Germany?

You will have to leave Germany before your Schengen visa expires. Hence, an extension will not be possible within Germany unless it is a very special and exceptional case as decided by the German authorities.

How long does it take to process a German visa for Indians?

It can take up to 20-25 days to process a Schengen visa in India. And this number can go up during the peak travel season or if your documents need more vetting. So applicants are urged to apply for their visa at the earliest.

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

If your Germany visa application is rejected, you can either re-apply with a fresh visa application, file an appeal against the rejection within 30 days of receiving the rejection and request that it be reconsidered (a remonstration), or file a case against the refusal in the Berlin Administrative Court.

You will be given the reason for the rejection of your visa application. You can re-apply anytime you want. Just ensure that all your documents are in order before you do so. The visa applications usually get rejected due to incomplete or invalid document submissions, a mismatch in travel details, or not stating the reason for travel in the right manner.

If you want to take the remonstration route, you will have to submit a remonstration letter via email to the embassy/consulate. It should be written either in English or German and submitted in PDF format.

The visa-issuing authorities can take up to three months to consider your appeal, and a new visa can’t be issued until this process comes to a close. So it may be easier and quicker to file for a re-application rather than a remonstration. If your remonstration is rejected, you can then file a case in the Berlin Administrative Court against it.

I want to travel to multiple Schengen countries. Which country should I choose for the visa application process?

If you are planning to travel to more than one Schengen country, apply for a visa with the country where you will be situated for the majority of your stay. If your trip is divided equally among all the countries, then choose the country that will be your first point of entry for your visa application.

My Schengen visa was issued by another Schengen country. Can I use it to visit Germany?

Yes, a valid Schengen visa issued by another Schengen country can be used to enter Germany. But it has to be issued by the country where you plan to stay for the majority of your trip.

Is it a sticker or an E-visa?

A German visa is a sticker visa.

Will I get a refund if my German visa application is rejected?

No, these are non-refundable.

How many months prior to the trip should I apply for a German visa?

You should apply at least 1-2 months before the date you want to travel to Germany.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.