The Schengen visa enables short-term stays in the Schengen area for tourist travel, business trips, family visits, or participation in events. It is also suitable for international professionals who wish to get to know Germany in advance before applying for a national visa for a long-term stay.

Duration of stay

The Schengen visa entitles the holder to a stay of maximum 90 days within a period of 180 days. It is valid for the entire Schengen area, which comprises 27 European countries. An extension of the visa is generally not possible. Those who wish to re-enter after expiration must apply for a new Schengen Visa or a National Visa. Application for a residence title after entry into Germany is not provided for with this visa.

Employment

Employment in Germany is not permitted with the Schengen Visa – not even in the form of a side job.

Requirements for issuance

The German mission abroad examines whether the following requirements are met as part of the visa procedure:

• The reason for travel must be comprehensible and substantiated credibly.
• Sufficient financial means must be available to finance accommodation, meals, and return travel.
• It must be evident that a return to the home country before visa expiration is intended.
• Health insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage must be valid for the entire travel period in the Schengen area.

Application submission

Usually, the application must be submitted in person at the German embassy or consulate. An exception applies if biometric data (fingerprints) have already been collected for a Schengen visa within the past 59 months – in this case, the on-site appointment may be waived. Further information on scheduling and attending the on-site appointment at a German embassy is available here.

Application form

The visa application form can be filled out online and brought along in print to the on-site appointment. The application form C is available for download here.

A detailed guide for correct completion of the form can be found here.

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted for the application. To avoid additional requests and delays, all required documents should be checked for completeness:

• Completed and signed application form C
• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the expiry of the visa)
  
• Biometric, recent passport photo
• Proof of purpose of travel (e.g. invitation letter, hotel bookings, registration for events)
  
• Proof of financial means
• Travel health insurance (minimum coverage of 30,000 euros)
  
• Evidence of ties to home country

Detailed information on proof of financial means and choosing the right health insurance.

Plausibility, practical tips, and time frame for application

When submitting the application, it is important to present a comprehensible travel plan. The specific reason for travel should be substantiated by supporting documents – such as invitation letters, hotel bookings, or registration confirmations for events. The travel plan must show a clear time frame with entry and exit dates and may not exceed 90 days.
A booked return flight ticket and evidence of ties to the home country (such as employment contract or family obligations) underscore the intention to return. Sufficient financial means for the entire trip as well as travel health insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage are also crucial.
The application can be submitted at the earliest six months before the planned travel date but should be submitted at the latest 15 days before departure. Scheduling an appointment is often possible even earlier. Since longer waiting times can occur during peak travel seasons, early planning is recommended.

Processing time and fees

Processing typically takes up to 14 working days. In individual cases, it may be extended, for example when additional reviews are necessary. The visa fee is currently 90 euros. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the procedure. More information on processing times of the visa application can be found here.