How much does a Germany business visa cost?

For a Germany business visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Schengen business visa (standard) — €90; Children 6–11 — €45; Children under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. Fee payable in GBP at the mission's rate. No paid priority processing is offered; urgency must be justified in writing. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Germany business visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany business visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Germany business visa?

German Embassy London, Consulate General Edinburgh, or their outsourced visa application centre depending on your postcode. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Germany business visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX Schengen application form; 2 biometric photos; Invitation from the German business partner stating purpose, dates and cost coverage; Letter from your UK employer confirming employment and the trip; Proof of business relationship or trade fair ticket/registration; Travel medical insurance min. €30,000; Flight and hotel bookings; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Germany business visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Germany business visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany business visa — used for meetings, conferences, trade fairs and short professional assignments. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Germany consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

12 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany business visa

German Embassy London, Consulate General Edinburgh, or their outsourced visa application centre depending on your postcode.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed VIDEX Schengen application form
2 biometric photos
Invitation from the German business partner stating purpose, dates and cost coverage
Letter from your UK employer confirming employment and the trip
Proof of business relationship or trade fair ticket/registration
Travel medical insurance min. €30,000
Flight and hotel bookings
Bank statements for the last 3 months
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Schengen business visa (standard)€90
Children 6–11€45
Children under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS/TLS service fee€30

Fee payable in GBP at the mission's rate. No paid priority processing is offered; urgency must be justified in writing.

Booking an appointment

Business appointments are booked online. Some missions run an expedited business lane for members of chambers of commerce.

Practical tips

Use VIDEX to complete the form and bring the printed barcode page — handwritten forms are rejected at most German missions.

What is unusual about the Germany process

If the German partner issues a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung), your own financial evidence requirement is reduced.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Germany Visa Application Centre – London
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Manchester — Germany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Edinburgh — Germany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Germany consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Germany business visa cost?: For a Germany business visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Schengen business visa (standard) — €90; Children 6–11 — €45; Children under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. Fee payable in GBP at the mission's rate. No paid priority processing is offered; urgency must be justified in writing. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany business visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany business visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Germany business visa?: German Embassy London, Consulate General Edinburgh, or their outsourced visa application centre depending on your postcode. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany business visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX Schengen application form; 2 biometric photos; Invitation from the German business partner stating purpose, dates and cost coverage; Letter from your UK employer confirming employment and the trip; Proof of business relationship or trade fair ticket/registration; Travel medical insurance min. €30,000; Flight and hotel bookings; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Germany business visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Business appointments are booked online. Some missions run an expedited business lane for members of chambers of commerce.
Can I apply for a Germany business visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇩🇪 Germany business visa: requirements, fee and processing time