Going to Germany for leisure or visiting family or frineds and need to know the latest German tourist visa requirements, German tourist visa processing time or need to make a Germany visa appointment? Browse this Germany visa website to learn more.
Germany Visa Types
There are several types of German visas available and the visa type for Germany you need to apply depends on the purpose of your trip to Germany.
Finding out what type of Germany visa you need to apply for is actually a pretty easy process. You can apply for German visa if you are traveling for one of the following purposes:
- German Tourist Visa - Germany visa is issued to foreigners that wish to visit Germany, for a shorter period like 30 days within a 3-month period
- German Visitor Visa - Make it possible for non-German family members and friends that live outside of Germany to come to Germany and meet their parents, children, spouse or friends.
- German Business Visa - To participate in business related activities including attending or conducting meetings or conferences or training, installing equipment or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate or branch office in Germany.
- German Transit Visa - To transit through the airport or port in Germany
Other German Visa Types
There are other types of German visas available for non-German citizens to apply:
- Student Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Permantent Resident Visa
- Work Visa
- Official Visit Visa
- Cultural, Film Crew & Sports Visa
- Merchant Seaman Visa
German Entry Visa Types
Single Entry visa for Germany: A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter Germany only once, within the given period of time, as mentioned in the visa sticker affixed to their passport. Once the visa holder exits the territory of Germany or visa region associated with Germany, he or she can no longer go back, even if they have not spend in Germany the number of days as permitted by the embassy that issued them the visa.
Double Entry visa for Germany: In general, a double-entry visa applies the same way as the single-entry visa explained above. The sole difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the second gives you the chance to go once more back to Germany
Multiple Entry visa for Germany: This type of visa allows the holder of the visa to enter Germany mutiple times with visa validity period.
Steps to Applying for German visa To apply for a German visa follow the steps given below:
- Check if you need to apply for a German Visa.
- Know when is the right time to apply!
- Figure out what type of German visa you need.
- Find out where you should lodge your application.
- Fill in the right German visa form.
- Collect the documents required for German visa.
- Make a visa appointment.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Submit your biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee.
Please Note: Please consult German embassy in your country as visa regulations for Germany can and often change overnight. In individual cases, additional documents required for German visa. We accept no responsibility as we have no affiliation with the embassy of Germany or their visa section.
Going for a visa interview at the embassy? The visa officer at the German consulate will look over your application and ask you questions if they wish to clarify anything. It is best to answer these questions honestly.
Typical questions asked at the Germany visa interview include:
- What is your purpose of your trip to Germany?
- Do you know anyone living in Germany?
- What is your current occupation?
- How long have you been in your current occupation?
- If you are a student, when will the studies finsh?
- How will you suuport yourself whilst in Germany?
- Have you ever travelled to other countries?
- Who will pay for your trip to Germany?
- What are your plans when you return from your trip?
- What will you do if your visa application is rejected?
- What is your marital status?
- Will you be involved in business in Germany?
Common reasons why your German visa application got rejected include:
- Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip Germany and you must provide documents to show that you can.
- Proof of accommodation not provided – you must be able to show where you will be staying in Germany and you can easily do this by providing a hotel reservation in Germany.
- The visa officer thinks you will not return to your home country – you must make it clear that you intend to leave Germany and return to your home country before the expiry of your visa. You can do this by providing documents that show you have ties where you live, such as an employment letter or proof that you own your home etc.
- No proof of residence – you must be able to prove that you can live in the country of your residence legally, so you must provide proof of residence.