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🇩🇪GermanyIN-DE

India to Germany visa requirements

Schengen short-stay visa required, EUR 90. ETIAS expected late 2026 will not exempt Indians. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to enter Germany. Germany is part of the 29-country Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland). The visa allows up to 90 days of stay within any 180-day rolling period. The standard fee is EUR 90 (INR 10,100; subject to change), while children aged 6-12 pay EUR 45 (INR 5,100; subject to change). Indians apply via VFS Global centers in India and should allow VFS logistics time; applications are normally decided within 15 calendar days after reaching the consulate, but can extend up to 45 days. Germany has separate paths for work (Blue Card, Skilled Worker), study (national D-visa), and family reunification. EES was progressively launched on 12 October 2025 and is fully operational since 10 April 2026; ETIAS (the visa-waiver authorization for already-exempt nationals) is expected late 2026 but does NOT apply to Indians. Since 3 June 2026, Indian nationals no longer need a German airport transit visa for airside layovers, but entering Germany or another Schengen country still requires the appropriate visa.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19
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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within 180 days
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (INR 10,100; subject to change)
consular fee only
Processing time
Average 15 days after the application reaches the consulate; may extend up to 45 days; allow VFS logistics time
standard track
Validity
Stable; EES fully operational since 10 Apr 2026
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Indian passport must be issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure date, and have at least 2 blank pages.
· 3 months validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Book VFS appointment
Online via visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu. Centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.
· VFS appointment
/03
Prepare documents
Application form, passport, photos, itinerary, hotel bookings, return tickets, travel insurance (EUR 30,000+), last 3 months stamped bank statements, employment/study/business documents, and income tax returns where applicable.
· full documentation
/04
Submit at VFS
Submit biometrics in person at VFS. Pay visa fee (EUR 90) plus VFS service charge.
· biometrics + fees
/05
Receive decision
Applications are normally decided within 15 calendar days after they reach the consulate, but the period can extend up to 45 days. Passport returned via courier or pickup at VFS.
· 15 days· up to 45 days
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Germany · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredIndian passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return date, 2 blank pages
RequiredSchengen application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Online via VFS portal
RequiredTwo recent biometric photos
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
35x45mm, ICAO format, white background
RequiredTravel insurance EUR 30,000+
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Schengen-wide, covers full trip
RequiredConfirmed itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Flights into and out of Schengen Area, all hotels/accommodation booked
RequiredBank statements
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Last 3 months stamped bank statements; sufficient funds for itinerary; no fixed official minimum
ConditionalEmployment letter
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Salary, leave approval; or business registration if self-employed
RequiredIncome tax returns
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Recent ITR where applicable; helps demonstrate ties and income history
ConditionalProperty documents (if applicable)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Strengthens application by demonstrating ties to India
ConditionalCover letter
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Explains purpose, itinerary, financial sponsor (if any)
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesGerman Federal Foreign Office - Visas for GermanyGerman Missions in India - Visa fees for Schengen VisaGerman Missions in India - Schengen visa checklist
Application link included: German Federal Foreign Office - Visas for Germany
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa (adult)EUR 90INR 10,100; subject to change - single, double, or multi-entry
Schengen visa (child 6-12)EUR 45INR 5,100; subject to change
Schengen visa (under 6)FreeChildren under 6 are exempt from the fee
VFS logistics/service feeVaries by centerPaid in addition to the visa fee; optional courier/SMS/premium services cost extra
Long-stay visa (D type)EUR 75Work, study, family reunification; children under 18 generally EUR 37.50
Overstay consequencesVariesOverstay is unlawful and may affect removal/expulsion or future Schengen entry and visa decisions
Total estimateEUR 90 + VFS fees — EUR 90 + VFS feesincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard Schengen visa
15 calendar days; up to 45 days
Submit at VFS; the decision clock generally runs after the application reaches the consulate. Allow additional time for VFS logistics and passport return.
Priority/express
Not available
Prime-time or premium VFS appointments do not create an expedited consular decision service.
Long-stay (D) visa
1-3 months
Work, study, family reunification; processed at the embassy in Delhi or consulates.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient ties to India
Germany is cautious about visa overstays. Weak employment, no property, or vague return plans can prompt refusal.
Medium
/02
Inadequate financial documentation
Bank balance too low, irregular income, or missing ITR can lead to refusals.
Medium
/03
Vague or inconsistent itinerary
Unclear travel plans, missing hotel bookings, or unrealistic schedules can prompt refusal.
Medium
/04
Insufficient travel insurance
Schengen requires EUR 30,000+ coverage; some insurers do not meet the requirement.
Low
/05
Past Schengen overstays
Any prior overstay heavily affects future Schengen visa applications across all member states.
Low
/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
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-06-19
India to Germany route rechecked
Added checked-date, updated official fee INR equivalents, processing window, passport/checklist wording, EES full-operation status, German airport transit exemption for Indians, and reverse India e-Tourist visa fees.
2026-05-27
India to Germany route verified
Confirmed Schengen Type C visa requirement EUR 90, ETIAS does not exempt Indians.
2025-10-12 · major
EES phased launch
Entry/Exit System progressively launched to record fingerprints and facial image at Schengen external borders; it became fully operational on 10 April 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indians need a visa for Germany?—
Yes — a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa is required for visits. The fee is EUR 90 (INR 10,100; subject to change) and applications are normally decided within 15 calendar days after reaching the consulate, though this can extend to 45 days.
Will ETIAS exempt Indians from the visa?+
Can I visit other Schengen countries on the same visa?+
What is the 90/180 rule?+
What is EES?+
Do Indians need an airport transit visa for Germany?+
Can I work or study in Germany on a Schengen visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

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