Guide for Germany Visa Requirements

Author: Zeke

Published: September 1, 2023

If you plan to visit Germany, you will most likely need to apply for the Schengen Visa for Germany. This short-term visa allows you to explore Germany and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.

The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality. Whether you’re arriving by land, sea, or air, you’ll need to present certain documents to the border police. But don’t worry, at Luma, we’re here to lend a helping hand!

The Schengen Tourism/Visitor Visa for Germany permits travel within all 27 Schengen countries and is granted in the form of a passport sticker. This visa is designed to facilitate visits to Germany and the other member states in the Schengen area.

Applications for Schengen visa (short-term stay of a max. of 90 days) can be submitted at the earliest 6 months before and at the latest 15 calendar days before travelling.

Germany Visa Requirements for Thai Citizens

Documents required for Thai Citizens

Application form: This must be completed in full online with all sections completed.
Passport: This needs to have at least 2 free pages, have 3 months’ validity, and be not older than 10 years.
Copies of your previous Schengen visa, if applicable.
2 recent passport photographs: According to biometric specifications, this must be no older than 3 months.
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.

If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

A flight reservation or printout of your round-trip flight itinerary
Cover Letter (in English/German or along with English/German translation) (Original): Explaining the detailed purpose of travel and including your travel itinerary (e.g. inter-city and long-distance trains, inter-city bus, domestic flights or flights inside the Schengen Area) planned for the entire duration of your stay; along with proof wherever applicable.
Declaration of accuracy of information
Proof of your financial circumstances: these may include the following

Detailed bank statements of the last 3 months with bank letterhead and the account holder’s name, ensuring all pages are included.
signed sponsor letter, passport copy, sponsor account document, and relationship proof. OR
a formal letter of obligation, according to paragraph §§66,68 of the Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung”)
If you are a student, your school or university should issue this certificate.
If you are an employee, your employer or company should issue this letter.
This certificate is not required if you are not a student and do not work.
When proving your means of funding for your Germany Schengen Visa, you need to show that you have €45 per day to spend during your trip

Proof of your status: letter of employment/proof of self-employment and tax return/student status/unemployment document/retirement statement.

Invitation letter from your host in Germany with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Germany and proof of relationship with the host residing in Germany (if applicable).
Funding of the trip (only required, if costs aren’t born solely by the applicant).
Proof of marital status/family status (Original) to be shown at VFS + 1 copy) This can include a birth certificate, marriage certificate or a notarized consent letter for parental guardianship.
Contact consent form
Visa Appointment: Residents of Thailand who wish to apply for a visa for Germany, whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, have to make a Germany visa application at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications under the authority of the Embassy of Germany. VFS Global operates visa centres in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Document checklist: Please refer to the guidelines before submitting your Germany visa application.

Germany Visa Requirements for Indonesian Citizens

Documents required for Indonesian Citizens

Application form: This must be completed in full online with all sections completed.
Passport: This needs to have at least 2 free pages, have 3 months’ validity, and be not older than 10 years.
Copies of your previous Schengen visa, if applicable.
2 recent passport photographs: According to biometric specifications, this must be no older than 3 months.
Contact consent form
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.

A flight reservation or printout of your round-trip flight itinerary
Cover Letter (in English/German or along with English/German translation) (Original): Explaining the detailed purpose of travel and including your travel itinerary (e.g. inter-city and long-distance trains, inter-city bus, domestic flights or flights inside the Schengen Area) planned for the entire duration of your stay; along with proof wherever applicable.
Declaration of accuracy of information
Proof of your financial circumstances: these may include the following

Detailed bank statements of the last 3 months with bank letterhead and the account holder’s name, ensuring all pages are included.
signed sponsor letter, passport copy, sponsor account document, and relationship proof. OR
a formal letter of obligation, according to paragraph §§66,68 of the Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung”)
If you are a student, your school or university should issue this certificate.
If you are an employee, your employer or company should issue this letter.
This certificate is not required if you are not a student and do not work.
When proving your means of funding for your Germany Schengen Visa, you need to show that you have €45 per day to spend during your trip.

Proof of your status: letter of employment/proof of self-employment and tax return/student status/unemployment document/retirement statement.

Funding of the trip (only required, if costs aren’t born solely by the applicant)

Invitation letter from your host in Germany with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Germany and proof of relationship with the host residing in Germany (if applicable).
Proof of marital status/family status (Original) to be shown at VFS + 1 copy) This can include a birth certificate, marriage certificate or a notarized consent letter for parental guardianship.
Visa Appointment: Residents of Indonesia who wish to apply for a visa for Germany, whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a Germany visa application at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications under the authority of the Embassy of Germany. VFS Global operates visa centres in Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya.

Document checklist: Please refer to the guidelines before submitting your Germany visa application.

Germany Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens

Documents required for Vietnamese Citizens

Application form: This must be completed in full online with all sections completed.
Passport: This needs to have at least 2 free pages, have 3 months’ validity, and be not older than 10 years.
Copies of your previous Schengen visa, if applicable.
2 recent passport photographs: According to biometric specifications, this must be no older than 3 months.
Contact consent form
Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.

A flight reservation or printout of your round-trip flight itinerary
Cover Letter (in English/German or along with English/German translation) (Original): Explaining the detailed purpose of travel and including your travel itinerary (e.g. inter-city and long-distance trains, inter-city bus, domestic flights or flights inside the Schengen Area) planned for the entire duration of your stay; along with proof wherever applicable.
Declaration of accuracy of information
Proof of your financial circumstances: these may include the following

Detailed bank statements of the last 3 months with bank letterhead and the account holder’s name, ensuring all pages are included.
signed sponsor letter, passport copy, sponsor account document, and relationship proof. OR
a formal letter of obligation, according to paragraph §§66,68 of the Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung”)
If you are a student, your school or university should issue this certificate.
If you are an employee, your employer or company should issue this letter.
This certificate is not required if you are not a student and do not work.
When proving your means of funding for your Germany Schengen Visa, you need to show that you have €45 per day to spend during your trip.

Proof of your status: letter of employment/proof of self-employment and tax return/student status/unemployment document/retirement statement.

Funding of the trip (only required if costs aren’t born solely by the applicant)

Invitation letter from your host in Germany with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Germany and proof of relationship with the host residing in Germany (if applicable).
Proof of marital status/family status (Original) to be shown at VFS + 1 copy) This can include a birth certificate, marriage certificate or a notarized consent letter for parental guardianship.
Visa Appointment: Residents of Vietnam who wish to apply for a visa for Germany, whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a Germany visa application at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications under the authority of the Embassy of Germany. VFS Global operates visa application centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minch City.
Document checklist: Please refer to the guidelines before submitting your Germany visa application.

Germany Visa Requirements for Malaysian Citizens

Malaysians have a Visa Exemption: As of the current regulations, Malaysian citizens do not need a visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Germany, as tourists or business travellers, if their stay is not longer than 90 days within 6 months. It is recommended to verify this on the official German visa application requirements before traveling.

Germany Visa Requirements for Philippine Citizens

Documents required for Philippine Citizens

1. Application form: This must be completed in full online with all sections completed.
2. Passport: This needs to have at least 2 free pages, have 3 months’ validity, and be not older than 10 years.
3. Copies of your previous Schengen visa, if applicable.
4. 2 recent passport photographs: According to biometric specifications, this must be no older than 3 months.
5. Travel insurance: The insurance must cover:
  1. Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
  2. Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
  3. Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
  4. Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
    1. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The Luma Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
  5. A flight reservation or printout of your round-trip flight itinerary
  6. Cover Letter (in English/German or along with English/German translation) (Original): Explaining the detailed purpose of travel and including your travel itinerary (e.g. inter-city and long-distance trains, inter-city bus, domestic flights or flights inside the Schengen Area) planned for the entire duration of your stay; along with proof wherever applicable.
  7. Declaration of accuracy of information
  8. Proof of your financial circumstances: these may include the following
    - Detailed bank statements of the last 3 months with bank letterhead and the account holder’s name, ensuring all pages are included.
    - signed sponsor letter, passport copy, sponsor account document, and relationship proof. OR
    - a formal letter of obligation, according to paragraph §§66,68 of the Aliens Act, from a resident of Germany and for the duration of the applicant’s stay in Germany (“Verpflichtungserklärung”)
    - If you are a student, your school or university should issue this certificate.
    - If you are an employee, your employer or company should issue this letter.
    - This certificate is not required if you are not a student and do not work.
    - When proving your means of funding for your Germany Schengen Visa, you need to show that you have €45 per day to spend during your trip.
Proof of your status: letter of employment/proof of self-employment and tax return/student status/unemployment document/retirement statement.

Funding of the trip (only required if costs aren’t born solely by the applicant)
1. Invitation letter from your host in Germany with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Germany and proof of relationship with the host residing in Germany (if applicable).
2. Proof of marital status/family status (Original) to be shown at VFS + 1 copy) This can include a birth certificate, marriage certificate or a notarized consent letter for parental guardianship.
3. Prepare the visa fees for your Germany visa application.
4. Visa Appointment: Residents of The Philippines who wish to apply for a visa for Germany, whether as the principal destination or as their only destination, need to make a Germany visa application at VFS Global, the agency responsible for accepting visa applications under the authority of the Embassy of Germany. VFS Global operates visa application centres in Manila and Cebu.
5. Document checklist: Please refer to the guidelines before submitting your Germany visa application and what to bring with you.

Is travel insurance mandatory for German visas?

Yes. To obtain your Germany Schengen Visa, your travel and medical insurance must be valid for all 27 countries in the Schengen Area, even those you have no plans to visit, and cover accidents and illnesses, covering costs up to a minimum of EUR30,000.

The Luma Schengen Pass travel insurance comprehensively covers all the requirements for travel to Germany – we’ve got you covered!

Here are some reasons why you should consider choosing Luma for your Schengen travel insurance needs:

Extensive coverage: With coverage starting at EUR30,000 Luma offers comprehensive protection throughout your trip, giving you peace of mind as you explore Europe.
Flexible options: Whether you’re planning an individual trip or multiple trips within a year, Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance has got you covered.
Wide range of eligibility: Luma is designed to accommodate travellers of various age groups, from 1 year old to 85 years old.
Perfect for South East Asian travellers: If you’re departing from South East Asia, Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance is specifically tailored to meet your needs.

But that’s not all! Here are some additional benefits you can enjoy with Luma:

Easy application process: Applying for Luma insurance is a breeze – do it online and receive your insurance certificate via email.
Trustworthy and reliable: Join over 60,000 fellow travellers who have trusted Luma. With a proven track record, Luma is a name you can rely on.
Globally recognized: embassies worldwide widely accept Luma insurance, making your visa application process smoother and hassle-free.

So why compromise on your travel insurance? Choose Luma Schengen Pass Travel Insurance and experience the peace of mind you deserve while exploring Europe.

Get Germany Travel Insurance

What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Germany?

The fee for processing the visa application is EUR80.00 (for children EUR40.00). Additional fees may apply.

You can apply for a Schengen Visa anywhere you are located via your nearest German Embassy or Consulate. You will need to make an appointment before making the application.

If Germany is your sole Schengen stop, you might need to apply for a visa at:

The German embassy
The German consulate
Visa centre

This is contingent on how visa applications are overseen by German authorities in your nation. Yet, if your travel plans encompass more than just Germany, only consider applying at your country’s German embassy, consulate, or visa centre if Germany is your primary stop. This implies:

You intend to visit multiple countries, but Germany will be the longest stay.
You’ll be spending an equivalent number of days in each country, but you’ll enter the Schengen zone via Germany.

If something other than these scenarios fits your plan, even if Germany is on your itinerary, you might need to apply at an embassy of another Schengen country.

How long will it take to get my German visa?

The processing time for your visa application can vary from 5 to 14 working days. We highly recommend applying for your visa 3 to 6 weeks before your planned departure date to ensure a smooth and timely process. This will help you avoid potential delays and give you peace of mind as you prepare for your trip.

My visa was issued by the German consulate – can I travel to other countries in Schengen?

Yes. Holders of a German Visa may visit all 27 countries in the Schengen Area.

Can I switch my visa type or my residence status while in Germany?

When planning your trip to Germany, choosing the right visa or residency permit type is important. Once you arrive, there won’t be any opportunity to change your Schengen Visa or residence status. To make your stay as smooth and hassle-free as possible, take the time to carefully consider your options and select the proper visa or residency permit. This will help prevent any potential difficulties or complications during your visit.

💡 Travel tip: If you’re holding a Schengen tourist visa, it’s important to remember that working or studying is not permitted. So, if you’re planning on coming to Germany for purposes other than tourism, like studying or working, ensure you apply for the appropriate visa type.

Can I extend my short-stay Schengen Visa in Germany?

Yes. You can extend your Germany Schengen Visa but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry.

If you’re a non-EU or non-EEA national planning to stay in Germany for more than three months, whether it’s to study, research, or reunite with family, you’ll need to apply for a German National Visa, also known as a D Visa, through the appropriate consulate or embassy in your country of residency before arriving.

However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Nationals of certain countries are exempt from the Germany long-stay visa requirement.

As immigration requirements can change at short notice, you are advised to contact your travel agent or the Embassy of Spain in your home country for the latest information.

Enhance your travel experience by ensuring you’re backed up with the Luma Schengen Pass. For comprehensive details about visa processes and more, we recommend a visit to the official website of the German Embassy or Consulate in your respective ASEAN nation. Wishing you safe and happy travels!