Germany, renowned as one of the most developed countries in Europe, is a must-visit destination for travelers. In this article, let’s explore the steps to apply for a German tourist visa.
1 What documents are required for a German tourist visa?
What documents are needed for a German tourist visa application?
The documents required for a German tourist visa are similar to those needed for other countries and include the following:
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Original passport
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Visa application form
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2 passport-size photographs
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Residence registration book
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Birth certificate
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National ID card
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Employment contract
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Leave approval document for the trip
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Pay slips for the last 3 months
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For business owners: Business registration, tax payment confirmation, and the latest 3-month bank statement of the company
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For retirees: Pension book
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For students: Leave approval letter from the school
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Other supporting documents (if any): fund transfer confirmation, credit card, regular income from assets, etc.
2 Tourist visa fees for Germany
Visa fees are mandatory when applying for a German visa.
The visa fee is mandatory as per the requirement of the German Embassy when submitting the visa application. Additionally, you may incur other expenses when applying for a German visa, such as document translation fees, certification fees, service fees, or other incidental charges.
Here is the visa fee schedule for Germany:
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Under 6 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
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From 6 to 12 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
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From 13 to 18 years old: 37.50 Euros, equivalent to 1,020,000 VND
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From 18 years old and above: 75 Euros, equivalent to 2,004,500 VND
3 Where to submit the German tourist visa application?
You can submit your complete German tourist visa application along with the appointment letter to one of the following addresses:
German Embassy in Hanoi
German Embassy in Hanoi
Address: 29 Tran Phu, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Phone: 02438453836
German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 33 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 02838288100
VFS Global Visa Application Center
VFS Global Visa Application Center
Address: 96 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 1900565639
4 Processing time for a German tourist visa
The processing time for a German tourist visa is 10 to 15 days.
According to the regulations of the German Embassy, the processing time for a German tourist visa is 10 to 15 days. Although this expected processing time is not too long, the number of Vietnamese applicants for a German visa is also large (especially from May to September); therefore, you should schedule an appointment 2 to 3 months in advance.
Note: The time for the German Embassy to return the visa application results is on Tuesday and Thursday every week from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
5 Validity of a German tourist visa
The German tourist visa is valid for 90 days.
The German tourist visa is intended for those traveling to Germany for tourism purposes, and the maximum validity for this type of visa is 90 days per visit.
6 Frequently asked questions about the German tourist visa
Frequently asked questions about the German tourist visa.
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What is a German visa?
Answer: A German visa is a type of visa issued to foreign citizens who wish to enter Germany.
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How many types of German visas are there?
Answer: Depending on the purpose of your trip to Germany, the German Immigration Office categorizes visas into various types, such as tourist, business, visiting relatives, immigration, student, official, transit, etc.
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How long does it take to process a German visa and get a result?
Answer: After submitting your application to the German Embassy, it will take approximately 7 to 15 days to receive your visa result for a short-stay visa.
For long-term visas, the processing time is usually 8 to 12 weeks.
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Can minors under 18 years old apply for a German visa?
Answer: Minors under 18 years old can apply for a German visa with the consent of their parents or guardians.
The above information provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a German tourist visa. Hopefully, it will help you obtain your visa and explore the beautiful country of Germany.