Applying for a Visa

Applying for a visa

Applying for a visa for entry into Germany is a multi-stage process. In addition, when applying for your visa you should take care to submit all required documents and meet all requirements, in order to minimise processing time and possible delays.

Also make sure that you submit the application in good time, so that you have enough time for processing and, where necessary, for further steps such as applying for an extension.

If you have questions or concerns, you can always contact the competent German mission abroad or CareLend for support.

Here are the steps in detail:

Step 1: Check whether you need a visa

Not all nationals need a visa to enter Germany. Whether you need a visa or not depends on various factors, such as your home country, the reason for your visit and the length of your stay.

You should therefore find out in advance from the competent German mission abroad (embassy, consulate) or on the website of the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office).

Step 2: Plan your stay and the application appointment

Once you have established that you need a visa, you should carefully plan your stay in Germany and the timing of the application. Make sure that you allow enough time for submitting the application and for processing of the visa application.

Step 3: Gather all required documents

Various documents are required to apply for a visa, depending on the visa type and your individual case. Typical documents include a valid passport, biometric passport photographs, proof of the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany, proof of sufficient financial means, proof of adequate health insurance cover and, where applicable, an employment contract or admission to a German higher education institution. Find out in advance from the competent German mission abroad exactly which documents you need.

Step 4: Arrange an appointment to submit the application

You must arrange an appointment with the competent German mission abroad in order to submit your visa application. This can be done online or by telephone.

Step 5: Submit the application and pay the fee

At the agreed appointment you must appear in person at the German mission abroad and submit your visa application. Bring all required documents with you and pay the visa fee. The fee depends on the visa type and the length of stay.

Step 6: Wait for the decision

After you submit your visa application it is examined by the competent bodies. Processing times can vary in length depending on the visa type and the individual case. During this time you can track the status of your visa application online.

Step 7: Collect the visa

If your visa application has been approved, you can collect your visa from the German mission abroad at which you submitted the application. Bring your passport and, where necessary, any further required documents.

Please note that the visa is valid only for the stated period and that you may need to apply for an extension if you wish to remain in Germany longer.

Visa application forms

The visa application forms for a visa for Germany are usually found on the website of the German mission abroad in your home country or in the country in which you have your lawful residence. In many cases you can also complete and submit the application form online.

To find the application form, visit the website of the German embassy or the German consulate in your home country and look for information on applying for a visa. There you should also find instructions on how to complete and submit the application form. If you have difficulty finding or completing the application form, you can contact the competent German mission abroad.

The simplest way is to contact our CareLend country representation on site!