Module 10

Obtaining a Visa

To visit Germany you need a

Schengen visa

Germany is one of the 26 European countries forming the Schengen Area, which have no border controls between them.

These countries issue a common visa, the Schengen visa, for stay up to 90 days.

The Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Embassy of the country where the main purpose of travel lies

In case of travel to multiple Schengen countries, submit your application to the Embassy of the country, where

you will be staying for the maximum number of days

You could also submit the application to the Embassy of the country of your point of first entry into the Schengen region if the duration of stay is the same in more than one Schengen country

You may submit your application personally or through a representative (with letter of authorization bearing name of representative) at a VFS Application Centre

It is mandatory for travel agents submitting seven (7) or more applications to take an appointment

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany at New Delhi reserves the right to ask the

applicant to appear for personal visa interview

You must carry a valid photo ID at the time of submission and collection of visa

Visa applications should be submitted at the German Visa Application Centers

The grant of visas will be decided by the German Embassy in New Delhi only

Different kinds of visas are granted according to the purpose of visit, primarily short term and long term

You can track your application online by providing the receipt number and date of birth

Short Term Visas

Under short term visa following categories are granted:

• Business

• Tourist/visiting family and friends

• Guest scientist/visiting scholar

• Training/Internship

The Travel Agent’s involvement is limited in long term visa applications, as applicants have to appear for a personal interview at the Embassy with all necessary documents

Visa Fees

• Adult: 4,100

• Child (06- 12 years): 2,400

• Visa fee not required for children below six years

• Service charge per visa application is to be paid as per the rates below:

• To VFS: 1,011 (inclusive of taxes)

• Courier Fee (Optional): 258 (inclusive of taxes)

Note: The fees are as of April 30, 2015

Business VisaAll documents should be presented in the given order and in original

Please DO NOT staple any documents

Please fill checklist and bring along with documents

‣ Valid passport

‣ Duly filled in and signed application form

‣ Copy of your passport data page

‣ Travel Health Insurance

‣ Covering letter from the company with entire travel plan

‣ Invitation letter from the business partner (in English or German)

‣ For consultancy services please provide a confirmation letter from the German client

‣ Detailed schedule of business meetings (only for stays over 30 days)

‣ Flight reservation, rail tickets, etc

‣ Proof of accommodation for entire stay in the Schengen area

Other Documents‣ Certificate of Incorporation of the Company ‣ Company Income Tax Return (ITR) Form ‣ Company bank statement of the past three (3)

months, stating the drawing/credit limit

Proof of Financial Status ‣ If employed, salary slip of last three (3) months ‣ If self employed, certificate of proprietorship/other

proof of ownership (proof of land title, proof of income from agriculture, sales form, etc.)

‣ Income Tax Returns or Form 17

Proof of Civil Status ‣ Marriage certificate, birth certificates of children,

death certificate of spouse, ration card, etc ‣ Two passport photos according to biometric

specifications, not older than 6 months

Tourist VisaAll documents should be presented in the given order and in original Please DO NOT staple any documents Please fill checklist and bring along with documents

‣ Valid passport ‣ Duly filled in and signed application form ‣ Copy of passport data page ‣ Travel Health Insurance ‣ Personal covering letter

For Minors ‣ If traveling unaccompanied by parent(s), consent letter signed by

both parents and the applicant ‣ Form signed by both parents ‣ Copy of the parent(s)’ passports data page ‣ No-objection certificate of school or university (if student)

Documents for Guest Scientist or Visiting Scholar Visa

‣ Valid passport ‣ Application form duly signed ‣ One copy of passport data page ‣ Travel health insurance ‣ Personal covering letter ‣ No-objection letter of your university/research institute ‣ Invitation letter from German university/research institute

confirming conditions of stay in Germany including payment or scholarship

‣ Proof of academic qualification (degree certificate or mark-sheets) ‣ Flight reservation, rail tickets etc. ‣ Proof of accommodation for entire stay in Schengen area ‣ Two passport pictures according to biometric specifications, not

older than six months

VFS Germany India Page www.vfs-germany.co.in/NewDelhi_NorthIndia/business_docreq.html

German Missions in India www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/06__Consu__Visa/visa__new/SCHENGEN/SCHENGEN__VAC.html

Visa for Guest Scientists http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/NewDelhi_NorthIndia/guest_scientist_docreq.html

Visa for Training http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/NewDelhi_NorthIndia/visa_training_intership_docreq.html

Checklists for Visa Documents

End of ModuleYou can proceed to the quiz now