Visa

German Visa Application Process

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

Almost all nations in the world require a visa from intending migrants before they’re able to gain access into the country. Only a few countries have lifted their visa requirements for certain countries due to political and business relationships with them. Similarly, Germany follows suit, making it imperative to secure a visa prior to moving into the country, especially for people outside the European Union. This rule applies to non-citizens and some countries in the Schengen area. For those contemplating a relocation to Germany, it’s essential to know the application process and required documents needed before applying for a German visa.

What You Should Know Before Applying For a German Visa

Knowing the type of visa needed for the purpose of your travel is first and foremost in your German visa application process. The next is the required documents needed to support your visa application. There are different types of German visas which include:

  • Germany Student visa: This visa is for students who have received admission offers from German universities or students who already reside in Germany.
  • German student internship visa: A visa that accommodates students who want to partake in training programs and internships that would last beyond 90 days.
  • German Schengen visa: This visa accommodates visitation, tourism, official and cultural visits.
  • Germany business visa: This visa is open for those who have business related purposes in Germany.
  • Germany Researcher visa: This visa is for international scholars and researchers who have scientific events in Germany.
  • Germany work visa: This is for those who have received Job offers.
  • Germany family reunion visa: This visa is for bringing in family members of people who have settled in Germany.
  • Medical treatment visa: This visa is issued for foreigners who wish to be treated in Germany.

Therefore, it is important to note the purpose of your travel and settle for the visa that suits you. Your entry type also determines the type of visa you should apply for. A single entry visa will allow you once into the country. A multiple entry visa will let you come into the country more than once.

Please note that, if you’re applying for a short stay visa, you’d require a Schengen visa application form. Two completed National visa application forms would be required for a Long stay visa.

Here are the German visa application process in steps …

#1. Prepare Your Application Form

The form needed would depend on the purpose of your travel, ensure you use the right application form. Please ensure that you complete the form in full, print, sign and bring the form along when attending for your Visa appointment. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

Note: All documents required for presentation at the embassy upon invitation in #3 should be printed and made ready in copies.

#2. Book An Appointment

It is mandatory to book an appointment before going to the embassy. Visa applications are only accepted if there was a prior appointment.

#3. Go To The Embassy

Your appointment letter will be verified when you arrive at the embassy. you would also receive a token at the embassy. Please ensure you don’t miss your appointment by any minute. You may not proceed with your visa request if you are late for more than ten minutes.

Submit Your Visa Application

This takes about ten minutes, your documents and visa application will be checked and verified. Please ensure that your application form is signed and completed and your documents are arranged in the required order.

If your application isn’t complete, arranged in the required order or your photocopies are incomplete, you would receive another token. Subsequently, if your application is complete, your form, documents and passport will be held temporarily by the embassy.

Filling Of Application Information

After the verification of your application, all the application form information will be entered into the online system of the German embassy and you will receive a printed copy of your application. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you receive the printed form please ensure you verify all the details in the form before signing.

Please note that forms for minors (up to 18 years) have to be signed by both parents.

After you pay the visa fee, you will be issued a receipt which you have to keep in order to collect your processed application.

Biometrics Data Collection

Once the application has been completed, biometrics will be collected using a quick process that captures a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner. This takes about 7-8 minutes per applicant. After this, your application would be sent for processing at the Consulate the next working day.

Required Documents For German Visa Application (Adults)

Documents Required for German Visa Application (Minors)

  • Original birth certificate.
  • Application form signed by both parents.
  • Consent of both parents.
  • Consent of one parent.
  • Custody court order.
  • Certified copies of Passports of both parents.

Documents Required For German Visa On Employment Status Basis

  • Employment contract (If employed)
  • Bank statement of the last 6 months.
  • Leave permission from employer where applicable
  • Income tax return form
  • Business license (If self employed)
  • Spouse valid passport (If unemployed and married to an EU citizen)
  • Official marriage certificate 
  • Pension statement of last six months (If retired)
  • Proof of enrollment (For students)
  • No objection letter from school or university

How To Prepare For a German Visa Interview

The aim for a visa interview is to confirm that you’re in the right state of mind to reside in the country. It’s usually tough for students but you shouldn’t be scared. Preparing for a German visa interview can be quite intense regarding the strictness of the country in admitting migrants. Thus, it is important to put checks on necessary areas before your appointment. 

Categories Of Questions Asked By The German Embassy

  • Questions about Germany.
  • Questions that test intentions.
  • Questions that access financial situation.
  • Questions about seriousness as a student.

Questions About Germany

This question is posed to determine if you are really determined to live, work or study in Germany. Consequently, you would need a motivation letter and must gather enough information about Germany to be able to prove to your interviewer that you are ready to live in the country.

Common questions in this category:

  • How many borders does Germany have and with which countries?
  • Who is the president of Germany?
  • Who is the chancellor of Germany?
  • What is the population of Germany?
  • How have you prepared yourself to live in Germany?
  • Where will you stay in Germany? 

Questions That Test Your Intentions 

These sets of questions are quite tricky because the interviewer wishes to know the main purpose of your relocation.

Common questions in this category:

  • What would you be doing during your stay?
  • Do you have relatives in Germany?
  • Do you plan to work in Germany?

Questions That Access Financial Situation

The German Embassy places great importance on being able to cater for yourself as a migrant, unless you have a sponsor. It doesn’t want migrants to get stranded as this can result in dubious means for survival.

Common questions in this category: 

  • How will you fund your expenses?
  • Who is sponsoring you?
  • What type of job does your sponsor do?
  • What is the annual salary of your sponsor?
  • Where does your sponsor live?
  • What are the living expenses in your city for one year?
  • What plans have you made when the money in your blocked account is exhausted after one year?

Questions About Seriousness As a Student 

If your main purpose of relocating to Germany is for study then you have to be fully prepared to answer tough questions because you need to convince the consular officer on your intentions as a student in need of a study visa.

Common questions in this category:

  • What program did you apply for?
  • Why do you not wish to study this program in your country?
  • What is the name of your university?
  • How many universities did you apply to?
  • What are notable facts about your university?
  • What is the duration of your program?
  • How would you fund your expenses?(For self funded study)
  • How relevant is this program to you?
  • What would you be doing during your semester breaks?
  • Is your course taught in German or English?
  • What is your IELTS score?