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🇨🇳CHINA
🇩🇪GERMANY (SCHENGEN)CN-DE

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit Germany (Schengen)?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to enter Germany. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for tourism, family visits, or short business trips to Germany. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Apply at VFS Global, the official partner for Germany in China.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
Schengen Type C short-stay visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days per 180-day period
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
€90
consular fee only
Processing time
15 working days (typical)
standard track
Validity
Up to 5 years (multiple entry, when granted)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Identify the right consulate
Germany has consular jurisdictions: Beijing (north and central), Shanghai (east), Guangzhou (south), Chengdu (southwest), and Shenyang (northeast). Apply where you legally reside.
· jurisdiction matters
/02
Book VFS Global appointment
Book through visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/en/deu and choose the centre serving your jurisdiction. Centres operate in around 15 Chinese cities.
· VFS Global· 15 cities
/03
Complete the application
Fill in the Schengen visa form on VIDEX (the German online form) and print it. Prepare all supporting documents.
· VIDEX online form
/04
Submit at VFS Global
Attend in person with passport, photos, supporting documents, and insurance. Pay the visa fee and VFS service charge. Fingerprints and photo are captured if not already on file.
· fingerprints· 5-year reuse
/05
Track and collect
Track via VFS Global. Collect your passport at the centre or by courier once the decision is ready.
· track online· courier optional
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Chinese passport
Valid at least 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued within 10 years
Printed VIDEX application
Signed by applicant
Two recent passport photos
35x45mm, white background, biometric standard
Travel medical insurance
Minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen
Flight reservation
Round-trip covering the visa dates
Accommodation proof
Hotel bookings or invitation letter from German host
Funding evidence
Bank statements for the past 3-6 months and any sponsor letter
Employment or business proof
Employer leave letter and salary slips, or business licence
Tax records
Personal income tax records, when applicable
Cover letter and itinerary
Day-by-day plan covering Germany and any other Schengen states
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee€90Adults; €45 for children 6-11; free under 6
VFS service feeAround ¥156Set by VFS Global China
Travel insuranceVariesMinimum €30,000 coverage
Couriers, photos, translationsVariesOptional
Total estimate¥900 — ¥1,500+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard decision
15 working days
Most decisions arrive within this window after the consulate receives your file.
Extended review
30-45 days
When additional documents or consultations are required.
Peak season delay
Up to 60 days
Apply early before summer or Chinese holidays.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient or unstable funding
Bank evidence does not convincingly cover the trip, or large unexplained deposits.
High
/02
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property records too thin to demonstrate intent to return.
High
/03
Wrong consulate jurisdiction
Applying outside your residence jurisdiction can lead to refusal or delay.
Medium
/04
Itinerary inconsistencies
Booked dates, accommodation, and stated plans do not match.
Medium
/05
Insurance below the threshold
Policy under €30,000 or not valid across the Schengen Area.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Border control
Carry your Schengen visa, itinerary, insurance, funds proof, and return ticket. Border officers can ask for the same evidence used for the visa.
/02
90/180 tracking
Your allowed stay is counted across the whole Schengen Area, not only Germany. Keep entry and exit dates recorded.
/03
Connectivity
EU roaming works for EU SIMs. Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are available at airports, stations, and electronics shops.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-26
China to Germany route verified
Confirmed €90 Schengen fee, VFS Global as Germany's application partner in China, VIDEX online form, and consular jurisdiction map.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Why does Germany use VIDEX before VFS?—
VIDEX is Germany's online form. You fill it in, print the barcode-bearing summary, and bring it to VFS along with your supporting documents.
Which consulate should I choose?+
Do I need biometrics every time?+
What is the approval rate?+
Can I work or study with this visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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