Welcome
General information
Going to Germany?
Do I need a visa?
Generally speaking, all foreigners require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180 day period for nationals of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement.
Indian citizens require a visa.
A list of all countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Germany can be found here.
For information on certain types of passports or constellations that happen frequently in India, please refer to the “Additional information” at the bottom of the page.
Which type of visa do I need?
The type of visa you need and the required procedures depends on how long you plan to stay. There are two types of visa issued by the German missions in India.
Are you planning a short visit to Germany, for a business trip, visit or holiday? That would be a Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days, also refered to as “short-term visa” or “C visa”.
Or would you like to stay longer than 90 days, e.g. to work in Germany, reunite with a spouse or attend university? In that case, you would apply for a German National visa, also refered to a “long-term visa” or “D visa”.
If you are unsure for which type of visa you should apply or which category of National visa applies to you, our Visa Navigator can assist you.
Data protection
Find out about data protection in the visa application process here.
Additional information
Please note that you might need a valid transit visa if you are traveling to the UK via Germany or another Schengen country. Without this visa you will be denied bording. This applies also if you already have a valid visa for the UK. If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a transit visa.
Please check our FAQs for detailed information on the topic of Transit-visa.
Afghan nationals and other non-EU nationals residing in Afghanistan require a visa in order to enter Germany.
- Applications for national visa (long stay, e. g. over 90 days) can be submitted at the German Embassies in Islamabad and Teheran.
- Appliations for Schengen visa (short stay, e. g. less than 90 days) can be submitted at the German Embassies in Islamabad, Teheran and Dubai.
You will find all pertinent information regarding the application process on the website of the German Embassy in Kabul.
The German Embassy in New Delhi serves applicants from and residing in Bhutan. For a list of required supporting documents, kindly refer to visa requirements for Indian applicants.
Schengen-Visa (short-term-visa) applicants may apply through the Visa Application Centre in Thimpu.
Applicants for National Visas (family reunion) may currently apply through the Visa Application Centre in Thimpu. Please contact VFS directly to get an appointment.
Applicants for National Visas (e.g. student, employment for a stay of more than 90 days) must apply in person at the German Embassy in New Delhi.
Please be advised that visa applications for holders of Indian IC (Identity Certificate) require a processing time of at least 10 days. Furthermore, it is mandatory to hold a return visa (valid until at least two weeks after your intended return to India).
Holders of UN Laissez-passer Travel Documents, regardless of their nationality, on official duty only, do not need a visa to travel to Germany for a short term visit of up to 90 days.
Please be prepared to provide proof of your official mission as well as your nationality (national passport) upon entering Germany.
You are also expected to provide proof of travel insurance upon entering Germany.
Holders of UN Laissez-passer travel documents intending to enter Germany for a private visit, must apply for a visa with their national passport.
You are kindly advised to follow the general rules and requirements provided by the German Embassy in New Delhi.
Holders of Indian Diplomatic Passports do not need a visa to enter Germany. Please be prepared to provide proof of travel insurance upon entering Germany.
As this exemption is based on a bilateral agreement, you are kindly requested to check possible visa requirements for transit through third countries and/or onward destinations.