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How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany
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Traveling to Germany is definitely an exciting prospect. BUT applying for a Schengen Visa to Germany can be confusing. Fear not! Understanding how to secure a Schengen Visa to Germany is a pivotal step towards making your travel dreams a reality. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of the application process, offering tips, insights, and essential information to help you successfully obtain your visa. Whether you’re planning a holiday, business trip, or an adventure across this diverse and captivating country, this guide aims to simplify the process, empowering you to confidently pursue your German travel aspirations.
Curious about what you need to prepare for your Schengen Visa to Germany? I’ve gathered all the necessary requirements for you below. You can easily access and download these requirements from both the Germany Embassy webpage and the VFS Global website, which acts as the authorized visa application center for Germany in the Philippines. For the visa application in your respective countries, visit the German Embassy website in your country of residence.
If you prefer a visual guide, you can also check out my YouTube video linked below for a comprehensive walk-through.
Here’s what’s INCLUDED in this post
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- Where to apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany?
- When can I submit my Schengen Visa Application to Germany?
- What are the Visa Requirements?
- How much do I need for my trip?
- How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany
- WATCH: Video Tutorial
- How long is the the processing time for Schengen Visa Application to Germany?
- Schengen Visa Application FAQs
Where to apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany?
If you meet the following criteria, you can submit your application through the German Embassy, provided you are a legal resident in the country.
- You will ONLY visit Germany
- You will visit two or more countries in the Schengen Area and your LONGEST STAY will be in Germany
- You will stay in several countries with the SAME NUMBER of DAYS (nights) and your FIRST ENTRY is Germany.
For applicants in the Philippines, your application must be submitted personally at VFS Global in Manila or Cebu
When can I submit my Schengen Visa Application to Germany?
You can only submit your Schengen Visa Application a maximum of 180 days before your departure date.
If your date of departure is May 15, 2024, you can submit your application from November 15, 2023 and no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit.
What are the Visa Requirements?
Open the tab that corresponds to your travel purpose to read the visa requirements for your Schengen Visa to Germany. Please take note that incomplete applications will be decided by the Embassy based on the submitted documents and may face rejection. Moreover, submitting complete documents with your application will result in a shorter processing time for your visa application.
Tourism
Visit
Tourism (with Sponsor NOT in Germany)
If your main travel purpose is tourism, these are the requirements you will need to provide. Make sure to provide one original with one copy of each original in paper format A4
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return from Germany.
2. Application Form
3. Passport Photo
Two biometric passport photos, with one glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
4. Visa Fee
Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP (40 Euro for applicants from 6-12 years; no fees for applicants under 6 years and for spouses or minor children of German or EU nationals).
The following table of fees is in effect from 30 November 2023. The Visa Fee may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
5.Itinerary and Hotel Reservations
Itinerary, preferably handwritten, stating only the places and durations of stay (i.e. Berlin 28.10. – 05.11.2023; Amsterdam 05.11. – 08.11.2023) and corresponding hotel reservations.
The itinerary and the hotel reservations must be consistent with your actual travel plan.
You can refer to this travel itinerary template OR if you’re having some difficulty making one yourself, commission me to create your unique travel itinerary.
It is best to choose hotels that offer free cancellation like the ones available in booking.com
6. Proof of the financial coverage of the cost of your stay
Your original bank certificate and bank statements for the last six months
7. Evidence of Rootedness
Submit the original land title, if you own a property.
If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates.
If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.
a. If EMPLOYED
Work contract and bank account statements showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries
b. If SELF-EMPLOYED or COMPANY OWNER
Proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months
c. If STUDENT
school certificate or proof of enrollment
8. Informal Declaration (for First Time travellers to Germany ONLY)
Submit an informal declaration explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?
9. Travel Insurance
- The travel insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation (including in
case of death). The minimum amount of coverage per person must be EUR 30’000.00 or the equivalent
value. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay. - The Embassy does not accept insurance policies with sub-limits, exclusions and conditions.
- Here’s the latest list from the embassy.
- You can also check out these travel insurance: Safetywing and Axa-Schengen
Additional documents for children who are less than 18 years old
- Personal appearance of the parent(s) having the legal custody, with their passports or identity cards.
- If a parent with legal custody lives abroad and cannot appear at the Embassy: Written declaration of consent from that parent, with an authentication of his signature by the German Embassy competent for his residence or by a local German authority.
- If the child’s parents were married and one parent is deceased: PSA death certificate
- If the child’s parents were married and if one parent has the sole custody: Divorce or Annulment court order stating the court’s decision concerning the legal custody
- PSA birth certificate of the child
Supplementary Documents (not in the official checklist)
The following list of documents are NOT found in the official requirements from the embassy, but I find them helpful for some people
- Flight Reservation and Inter-Schengen Transportation: Gives the visa officer an idea of the different modes of transportation you plan to take and if the approximate fares coincide with your financial capacity
- Copy of all your previous and current visas and passport stamps: Your travel history or previous visas and stamps in your passport showcase your travel history and adherence to visa conditions in other countries. This can exhibit your compliance with immigration regulations and your intent to abide by the rules during your visit to the new country.
- Copy of your investment portfolio:Although this aren’t liquid assets, this shows the embassy that you have other forms savings aside from your savings account. A diverse and healthy investment portfolio might indicate a stable financial standing, which could contribute positively to your visa application by showcasing your ability to support yourself during the visit.
DISCLAIMER: The requirements listed above are from the December 2023 checklist of the German Embassy in Manila
If your main travel purpose is visit (family, romantic partner, or friend/s), these are the requirements you will need to provide. Make sure to provide one original with one copy of each original in paper format A4
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return from Germany.
2. Application Form
3. Passport Photo
Two biometric passport photos, with one glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
4. Visa Fee
Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP (40 Euro for applicants from 6-12 years; no fees for applicants under 6 years and for spouses or minor children of German or EU nationals).
The following table of fees is in effect from 30 November 2023. The Visa Fee may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
5. Invitation letter
6. Proof of the financial coverage of the cost of your stay
Your original bank certificate and bank statements for the last six months OR
Your host’s formal obligation (original) according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG by the local immigration authority = (“Ausländerbehörde”).
Note that some Ausländerbehörde process the formal obligation or Verpflichtungserklärung longer than others so I would suggest that your host get this at least 2 months before your appointment. You must submit the original formal obligation document during your appointment.
7. Evidence of Rootedness
Submit the original land title, if you own a property.
If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates.
If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.
a. If EMPLOYED
Work contract and bank account statements showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries
b. If SELF-EMPLOYED or COMPANY OWNER
Proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months
c. If STUDENT
school certificate or proof of enrollment
8. Travel History
If you already travelled to a Schengen country, submit a copy of your Schengen visas.
9. Informal Declaration (for First Time travellers to Germany ONLY)
Submit an informal declaration explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?
10. Travel Insurance
- The travel insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation (including in
case of death). The minimum amount of coverage per person must be EUR 30’000.00 or the equivalent
value. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay. - The Embassy does not accept insurance policies with sub-limits, exclusions and conditions.
- Here’s the latest list from the embassy.
- You can also check out these travel insurance: Safetywing and Axa-Schengen
Additional documents for children who are less than 18 years old
- Personal appearance of the parent(s) having the legal custody, with their passports or identity cards.
- If a parent with legal custody lives abroad and cannot appear at the Embassy: Written declaration of consent from that parent, with an authentication of his signature by the German Embassy competent for his residence or by a local German authority.
- If the child’s parents were married and one parent is deceased: PSA death certificate
- If the child’s parents were married and if one parent has the sole custody: Divorce or Annulment court order stating the court’s decision concerning the legal custody
- PSA birth certificate of the child
The following list of documents are NOT found in the official requirements from the embassy, but I find them helpful for some people
- Flight Reservation and Inter-Schengen Transportation: Gives the visa officer an idea of the different modes of transportation you plan to take and if the approximate fares coincide with your financial capacity
- Copy of all your previous and current visas and passport stamps: Your travel history or previous visas and stamps in your passport showcase your travel history and adherence to visa conditions in other countries. This can exhibit your compliance with immigration regulations and your intent to abide by the rules during your visit to the new country.
- Copy of your investment portfolio:Although this aren’t liquid assets, this shows the embassy that you have other forms savings aside from your savings account. A diverse and healthy investment portfolio might indicate a stable financial standing, which could contribute positively to your visa application by showcasing your ability to support yourself during the visit.
- Proof of Relationship (Romantic Partners and/or Friends): These can be photos of travels together, copy of flight itinerary and/or travel stamps. You can download this paid template to give you an idea of how to organize these documents.
DISCLAIMER: The requirements listed above are from the December 2023 checklist of the German Embassy in Manila
If you are traveling for tourism AND you have a sponsor who is not a resident in Germany, you have to provide the following documentation printed on A4 paper.
1. Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return from Germany.
2. Application Form
3. Passport Photo
Two biometric passport photos, with one glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
4. Visa Fee
Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP (40 Euro for applicants from 6-12 years; no fees for applicants under 6 years and for spouses or minor children of German or EU nationals).
The following table of fees is in effect from 30 November 2023. The Visa Fee may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
5.Itinerary and Hotel Reservations
Itinerary, preferably handwritten, stating only the places and durations of stay (i.e. Berlin 28.10. – 05.11.2023; Amsterdam 05.11. – 08.11.2023) and corresponding hotel reservations.
The itinerary and the hotel reservations must be consistent with your actual travel plan.
You can refer to this travel itinerary template OR if you’re having some difficulty making one yourself, commission me to create your unique travel itinerary.
It is best to choose hotels that offer free cancellation like the ones available in booking.com
6. Proof of the financial coverage of the cost of your stay
Your original bank certificate and bank statements for the last six months
7. Evidence of Rootedness
Submit the original land title, if you own a property.
If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates.
If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.
a. If EMPLOYED
Work contract and bank account statements showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries
b. If SELF-EMPLOYED or COMPANY OWNER
Proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months
c. If STUDENT
school certificate or proof of enrollment
8. Informal Declaration (for First Time travellers to Germany ONLY)
Submit an informal declaration explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?
9. Travel Insurance
- The travel insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation (including in
case of death). The minimum amount of coverage per person must be EUR 30’000.00 or the equivalent
value. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and for the entire duration of the stay. - The Embassy does not accept insurance policies with sub-limits, exclusions and conditions.
- Here’s the latest list from the embassy.
- You can also check out these travel insurance: Safetywing and Axa-Schengen
Additional documents for children who are less than 18 years old
- Personal appearance of the parent(s) having the legal custody, with their passports or identity cards.
- If a parent with legal custody lives abroad and cannot appear at the Embassy: Written declaration of consent from that parent, with an authentication of his signature by the German Embassy competent for his residence or by a local German authority.
- If the child’s parents were married and one parent is deceased: PSA death certificate
- If the child’s parents were married and if one parent has the sole custody: Divorce or Annulment court order stating the court’s decision concerning the legal custody
- PSA birth certificate of the child
Documents from your Sponsor (not in the checklist)
Here’s a list of documents your sponsor has to provide for your application:
- Sponsorship Letter: Signed sponsorship letter indicating specific coverage of travel costs and reason for covering the costs.
- Financial Statements: Bank Certificate and Bank Statements for the last 6 months
- Proof of Employment: If employed, certificate of employment with compensation
- Proof of Relationship: If family member, birth certificate and/or marriage certificate. If romantic partner or friend, specify reasons for covering costs and relationship in the sponsorship letter
- Flight Reservations, if traveling together
Supplementary Documents (not in the official checklist)
The following list of documents are NOT found in the official requirements from the embassy, but I find them helpful for some people
- Flight Reservation and Inter-Schengen Transportation: Gives the visa officer an idea of the different modes of transportation you plan to take and if the approximate fares coincide with your financial capacity
- Copy of all your previous and current visas and passport stamps: Your travel history or previous visas and stamps in your passport showcase your travel history and adherence to visa conditions in other countries. This can exhibit your compliance with immigration regulations and your intent to abide by the rules during your visit to the new country.
- Copy of your investment portfolio:Although this aren’t liquid assets, this shows the embassy that you have other forms savings aside from your savings account. A diverse and healthy investment portfolio might indicate a stable financial standing, which could contribute positively to your visa application by showcasing your ability to support yourself during the visit.
DISCLAIMER: The requirements listed above are from the December 2023 checklist of the German Embassy in Manila
How much do I need for my trip?
The cost of a 15-day trip to Germany can vary widely based on your travel style, preferences, and the cities you plan to visit. Here’s a rough breakdown of potential expenses:
- Accommodation: Budget accommodations like hostels or guesthouses can range from €20-50 per night, while mid-range hotels might cost €80-150 per night or more depending on the city.
- Food: Budget around €20-40 per day for meals if you’re eating at inexpensive local eateries. This can vary significantly depending on your dining choices.
- Transportation: The cost will vary based on whether you plan to use public transportation or rent a car. Public transport passes in cities might cost around €7-10 per day. If you plan to travel between cities, train tickets can range widely in price depending on the distance.
- Activities: Entrance fees to attractions and activities can add up. Budget extra for museum entry fees, tours, and other activities you plan to do.
- Miscellaneous: Factor in additional costs for souvenirs, shopping, and unexpected expenses.
Consider making a detailed itinerary to estimate costs more accurately. It’s also wise to have a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Remember, these estimates are rough and actual costs can vary significantly based on your preferences and travel style.
How much do I need for my visa application?
According to Article 15(2) of the Residence Act of 30 July 2004, “an alien may be refused entry at the border if he does not fulfil the conditions for entry into the territory of the Member States in accordance with Article 5 of the Schengen Convention.”
You, as the applicant, should have at least 45 Euros per day at your disposal. Please note that this specific amount was given in 2004 (2 decades ago!!!!) and I THINK this amount is not sufficient anymore. So I would suggest to have at least 100 Euros per day + Flight Tickets
For a 15-day visit with stays in budget accommodations, you’d need at least 1500 Euros + cost of return flight tickets. If flying from the Philippines, the average cost of a return flight is around 1000 Euros. That’s a total of 2500 Euros or roughly PHP 153,870 (Oanda)
How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Germany
Here’s the step-by-step process on how you can apply for your Schengen Visa to Germany
Step 1: Identify your visa type/purpose
Your visa type or purpose will determine the requirements you will need to provide.
The purpose can be either for tourism, visit, business, etc.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Next, gather your documents based on your visa type or purpose.
Print out your documents on A4-size paper.
Step 3: Set an Appointment
Then, book your appointment through the visa application center or directly with the embassy (only for EU, EEA, EFTA family members).
Step 4: Attend your Appointment
Afterwards, make sure to be at the visa application center at least 15 minutes before your appointed time and make sure to bring your COMPLETE set of documentation.
Step 5: Track your Application
Use the visa tracker on the visa application website or the reference number on your receipt to track your application. If you have paid for SMS updates, you will receive the updates via SMS and/or email.
Step 6: Collect your Passport
Lastly, if you have chosen to pick up your passport, collect your passport from the visa application center . Otherwise, wait for your passport to be delivered if you have paid for this option.
Result
Hooray! You have your visa!
In the event that your application is refused, you can either appeal the decision or re-apply.
WATCH: Video Tutorial
Are the steps mentioned above too long for you? Then, you can watch this video.
DISCLAIMER: The video was uploaded in 2022 and there may be slight differences with the requirements set by the embassy.
How long is the the processing time for Schengen Visa Application to Germany?
As per the VFS website, the Consulate makes a decision within 2-3 days. However, there might be extensions in specific cases. Certain Schengen States mandate consultation on visa applications from citizens of certain countries submitted to other Schengen States.The consultation process may take up to seven calendar days. Here is the list of said countries.
Schengen Visa Application FAQs
These frequently asked questions cover the Schengen Visa Application.
How do I submit the Schengen Visa Application?
To submit your application, you must book an appointment with the responsible visa application center in the country. In the Philippines, VFS Global accepts the Schengen Visa Application on behalf of the German Embassy.
You may include additional services for your own convenience.
For my first Schengen Visa Application (via the Swiss Embassy), I paid for the Premium Lounge (PHP 2500) because I was late for my initial application. Yup, early-bird me was late on an important appointment. So I called the VFS hotline and scheduled for a premium appointment while seated in a taxi in the heavy Makati traffic. Based on my experience, they ushered me immediately into their lounge room and swiftly assessed my documents. It took me roughly 30 minutes to finish the application including the biometrics that’s 4x less than the amount I spend in the 9 AM Makati rush.
How do I track my application?
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email notification (or an SMS update if you have paid for the service) of the updates on your application. You can track the application thourgh the updates or online with the Reference Number (DEU/XXXXXX/XXXX/XX) present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access the online tracker.
What is my visa validity and duration?
You got your visa!
Congratulations! Now, you must understand the difference between your visa validity and duration of stay to avoid unnecessary complications such as overstaying your visa.
The visa duration determines the TOTAL number of days you can stay in the Schengen Area. Make sure you do not go beyond that number.
The visa vignette on the left permits a total stay of 90 days.
The visa validity determines the start and end date of your visa. You can travel and stay in the Schengen Area within the validity period provided.
In the visa vignette at the left, you can travel from 13 April 2021 to 01 August 2021 for 90 days.
My visa is refused. How do I file an appeal?
Upon refusal of your visa, you will receive a standard form indicating the reasons. Within 30 days of receiving the refusal, you have the right to appeal. The refusal notification is conveyed via a standard visa refusal form. The appeal, accompanied by a statement of grounds, must be submitted in writing to the German mission.
As an alternative and if your appeal was not approved by the German mission, you can file a court case to the Federal Republic of Germany with the Administrative Court in Berlin in writing (in German) within 30 days.
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