Germany
Central Europe · Schengen area
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Fees & exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11Reduced€45
- Child under 6FreeFree
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree
Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Free
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced.
Where to apply
German embassy or consulate directly, or VFS Global in some countries.
Appointment system
Book directly on the embassy website. Waiting times vary heavily by country (2 weeks to 3 months).
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Visa application form (VIDEX system)
- 2 biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance €30,000+
- Flight reservation
- Hotel bookings
- Cover letter
- Bank statements (3 months)
- Employment verification
- Formal obligation letter (if invited by a resident)
Editor tips
Use VIDEX to prepare the form online, then print. Book the appointment as soon as your travel plans are set.
Country-specific quirks
Some German consulates require an in-person Verpflichtungserklärung (formal obligation letter) from your host, issued by their local Ausländerbehörde.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Germany are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Germany mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Germany visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Germany mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – London
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Official page - ManchesterTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Official page - EdinburghTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).
Official page
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
German embassy or consulate directly, or VFS Global in some countries.
Appointment system
Book directly on the embassy website. Waiting times vary heavily by country (2 weeks to 3 months).
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Germany are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Germany visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – London
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Official page - ManchesterTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Official page - EdinburghTLScontactGermany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).
Official page
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Germany
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Berlin and attach the confirmations to your application.
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