How long does a Germany family visit visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany family visit visa typically takes around 15 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 family visit visa?

German mission or its outsourced partner (VFS Global / TLScontact) depending on country; in the UK via the German Embassy's appointment system. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Germany family visit visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the host issued by the Ausländerbehörde, or proof of own funds; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's passport/residence permit copy; Return travel booking; Bank statements (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 family visit 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 family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany family visit visa — used for visiting relatives or a partner, including family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. 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

15 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany family visit visa

German mission or its outsourced partner (VFS Global / TLScontact) depending on country; in the UK via the German Embassy's appointment system.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed VIDEX application form
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the host issued by the Ausländerbehörde, or proof of own funds
Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
Host's passport/residence permit copy
Return travel booking
Bank statements (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

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS/TLS service fee€30— Only when applying through an outsourced visa application centre.

No premium fast-track is offered by German missions. Fee exemptions apply to family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and, in some missions, to school pupils and students travelling for study purposes.

Booking an appointment

Appointments are booked through the mission's online system. Family-visit slots are released continuously but can be scarce; check daily rather than waiting for a batch.

Practical tips

A Verpflichtungserklärung from your host covers both accommodation and financial means and is the cleanest way to document a family visit — the host obtains it from their local foreigners' authority.

What is unusual about the Germany process

Germany is strict on document order and completeness: bring originals plus one full photocopy set, or the appointment can be wasted.

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 family visit visa cost?: For a Germany family visit visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. No premium fast-track is offered by German missions. Fee exemptions apply to family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and, in some missions, to school pupils and students travelling for study purposes. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany family visit visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany family visit visa typically takes around 15 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 family visit visa?: German mission or its outsourced partner (VFS Global / TLScontact) depending on country; in the UK via the German Embassy's appointment system. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany family visit visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from the host issued by the Ausländerbehörde, or proof of own funds; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's passport/residence permit copy; Return travel booking; Bank statements (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 family visit visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Appointments are booked through the mission's online system. Family-visit slots are released continuously but can be scarce; check daily rather than waiting for a batch.
Can I apply for a Germany family visit 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 family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time