INTRODUCTION:
The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind after listening to the word “Germany” is Hitler, The Berlin Wall, and Beer but you must know Germany is not only about that. It has a more rich culture, vast infrastructural glory, generous history, with an important frugality. Germany is not only the heart of Europe but is also one of the largest tourist countries.
Apart from this, Germany incorporates a huge population with enormous respect and affection towards their history. Surrounded by magnificent castles, architectural churches, landscapes, and mountains, accompanied by delicious food, and not to forget beer, Germany always paved the way for millions of tourists around the world.
Being located in the heart of Central Europe, Germany constitutes of 16 states from the Baltic and North seas to the north and the Alps to the south. This second largest country in Europe has tonnes of attractions for every nature lover, adventure enthusiast, and traveller to have a breath of fun in Germany. So, quickly apply for Germany Visa and get ready to create a memorable journey.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- For Indian Citizens: Indian nationals wishing to visit Germany for tourism or any other purpose must apply for a German Visa, where they are allowed to stay for up to 90 days. As Germany falls under both EU and Schengen Zones, the single Schengen Visa Indians are permitted to enter all 26 Schengen countries provided a valid passport having at least 03 months of validity after arriving in Germany.
- For Non-Indian Citizens: The EU & EFTA state (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) nationals are freely allowed without Visa and residence permit to enter Germany. The third-country i.e. non-EU, & non-EFTA nationals require only a residence permit and not Visa to visit Germany for a short trip. Long-trip applicants must have a Visa to enter Germany. Other than these must provide their Visa at the respective consulate before visiting Germany.
TYPES OF VISAS:
Depending on the duration and purpose of the applicant’s visit the Germany Visas are broadly classified as below;
- Short-stay Visa: – This Visa is applicable for short trips such as family visits, get-togethers, tourism purposes, exploring, sightseeing, business meetings, medical aid, etc.
- Long-term Visa:- As the title suggests, this is for long-trip passengers who wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days regarding their education, business, career builders, job seekers, etc.
- Business Visa: – Business professionals having their meetings, agreements, work proposals, etc., in Germany are eligible for this type of Visa.
- Visitor Visa: – Visitor Visa is issued to any traveller wishing to travel to Germany to meet their family or friends, have gatherings, pals hangout, leisure or relaxation, etc.
- Study Visa: – Students wanting to seek education in Germany are required to take Study Visa.
INFORMATION ON THE GERMAN CONSULATES/EMBASSIES IN INDIA
The list of the German embassies/consulates in India is as follows along with their detailed information on where you can go and apply for your Germany Visa.
1. Germany Embassy in New Delhi
Address: No 6, Block 50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
PO Box 613, 110021, New Delhi, India.
Phone: 0091 1144 199199
Website: http://www.new-delhi.diplo.de
Email: info@new-delhi.diplo.de
Hours:
Monday 8 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 8 am – 5 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 5 pm
Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Friday 8 am – 2 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
2. Germany Consulate in Calcutta
Address: 1 Hastings Park Road, Alipore, PO Box 16711, Calcutta, India.
Phone: 91 33 2479 1141
91 33 2479 1142
91 33 2439 8906
Website: http://www.kalkutta.diplo.de
Email: info@kalkutta.diplo.de
Hours:
Monday 8 am – 4 pm
Tuesday 8 am – 4 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 4 pm
Thursday 8 am – 4 pm
Friday 8 am –1 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
3. Germany Consulate in Chennai
Address: 9, Boat Club Road, RA Puram, 600 028, Chennai, India.
Phone: 0091 4424 301600
Website: http://www.chennai.diplo.de
Email: info@chennai.diplo.de
Hours:
Monday 7:30 am – 3:15 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am – 3:15 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am – 3:15 pm
Thursday 7:30 am – 3:15 pm
Friday 7:30 am–1:30 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
4. Germany Consulate in Goa
Address: Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt. Ltd., Rua de Ourem, Panaji, 403 001, Goa, India.
Phone: 0091 832 243 0793
Email: goa@hk-diplo.de
5. Germany Consulate in Mumbai
Address: Hoechst House””, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, 193 Backbay Reclamation, 400 021, Mumbai, India.
Phone: 91 22 2283 2422
91 22 2283 2661
Website: http://www.mumbai.diplo.de
Email: info@mumbai.diplo.de
Hours:
Tuesday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 7:45 am – 3:15 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
6. Germany Consulate in Bangalore
Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building” Corner St. Marks & Residency Road, 560025, Bangalore, India.
Phone: 0091 8033 470000
Website: http://www.bangalore.diplo.de
Email: info@bangalore.diplo.de
Hours:
Tuesday 8 am – 4 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 4 pm
Thursday 8 am – 4 pm
Friday 8 am – 3 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Monday 8 am – 4 pm
THE GENERAL DOCUMENTS LIST MANDATORY IN APPLYING FOR A GERMAN VISA FROM INDIA ARE AS FOLLOWS:
To apply for German Visa from India, the applicants need to submit several essential documents listed below;
- The Visa Application form with correctly filled out and signed.
- 02 recently clicked passport style, neat photographs of the applicants.
- A lawful passport, having at least two blank pages for Visa affix. Also, it should have three months validity and not be older than ten years.
- Flight Itinerary or travel booking evidence
- Hotel Confirmation or Accommodation evidence.
- Travel Insurance policy covering a minimum of 30,000€ as per the Schengen specifications
EXTRA DOCUMENTS OTHER THAN GENERAL REQUIRED FOR A GERMAN VISA
Applicants with particular occupational statuses require additional documents other than the general list of documents as per the German Visa policy listed below;
1. For Employees:-
- Employment agreement.
- Last 03 months’ payslips.
- Bank statements for the last 03 months.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR).
2. For Self-employees:-
- Proof of ownership.
- Proprietorship certificate.
- Bank statements for the last 03 months.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR).
3. For Retirees:-
- Last 06 months’ pension statement.
- Property income proofs.
4. For Students:-
- Academic admission letter.
- Indian school/university NOC- No-Objection Letter.
5. Financial assistance proofs:-
- Economic support proofs for your whole German visit.
- Income Tax Returns/ITR.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A GERMAN VISA?
Applicants need to follow the below steps in applying for the German Visa from India;
- Initially, decide the type of Visa you want for your Germany trip and reach out to the nearest VAC to acquire the details for the application process.
- Then fill out the Germany Visa application form properly, and do the essential paperwork as demanded.
- Afterward, schedule an interview appointment at the respective embassy near you.
- And without fail, attend the interview and submit all the documents with the application form at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC near you.
- Be patient till your Visa is processed.
- At last, collect your German Visa via email or courier after 15 days of the process.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
To begin the Visa application for a Germany visit, you need to apply online via the VFS Global Website because the German officials have outsourced their visa application to VFS Global for the initial steps of the process. You are required to attend a scheduled Visa interview at the following VFS centres; Mumbai, Pune, Puducherry, Chennai, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi, Kochi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Gurugram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Bengaluru. Generally, the application process takes 15 days duration, but in rare cases, it may extend to 60 days.
WHAT TO DO? IF YOUR GERMAN VISA IS APPROVED/REJECTED?
- If your Visa is approved: The processing time for German Visa is 15 days which may tend to extend in rare cases. And once your Visa is approved, you are good to go and enjoy your fun-filled Germany trip.
- If your Visa gets rejected: Insufficient documents, inaccurate forms, criminal activities, etc. can cause rejection of your Visa. In that case, you need to apply again with pertinent details and a valid application.