How long does a Germany visa take from India?

Standard Schengen visa processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of application, though it may extend to 30–45 days during peak travel seasons or if additional verification is required.

What is the Germany visa fee for Indian applicants?

The Schengen visa fee is €90 plus Visa Application Centre (VFS/BLS) service charges as per actuals. The exact fee depends on the applicant category and is subject to revision.

What is the minimum travel insurance coverage required for a Germany visa?

You need travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your trip, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and emergency evacuation.

Can I apply for a Germany visa without hotel bookings?

Yes — if you're staying with relatives or friends, you can submit an invitation letter, the host's passport copy, their residence permit (if applicable), and address proof instead of hotel reservations.

Visa Guide

Germany Visa Requirements

Last updated July 2026

Everything Indian travellers need for a Germany Schengen visa — mandatory documents, financial proof, fees, and processing time.

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Visa Fee

€90

Processing Time

15 calendar days (standard)

Validity

Schengen-wide (all Schengen countries)

Entry Type

Short-stay (Type C) Schengen Visa

1. Passport

Original passport
Valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area
Issued within the last 10 years
Minimum 2 blank visa pages
All old passports (if available)

2. Photographs

2 recent passport-size photos
Size: 35mm × 45mm
White background
Matte finish
Face covering 70–80% of the photo

3. Cover Letter (should include)

Purpose of visit
Travel dates
Countries to be visited
Day-wise itinerary
Hotel details
Flight details
Who will bear the expenses
Employment/business details
Assurance of returning to India

4. Flight Reservation

Round-trip flight booking/reservation

5. Hotel Reservations

Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire stay
OR, if staying with relatives/friends: Invitation letter
Host's passport copy
Residence permit (if applicable)
Address proof

6. Day-wise Travel Itinerary (including)

Dates
Cities
Sightseeing
Hotel names
Internal transportation

7. Travel Medical Insurance (mandatory with)

Minimum coverage of €30,000
Valid for all Schengen countries
Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and emergency evacuation
Valid for the entire duration of the trip

Personal bank statements for the last 6 months
Bank statements should be stamped or digitally authenticated
Sufficient funds to cover the trip
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 years
Salary slips for the last 3 months (if salaried)
Fixed Deposits proof
Mutual Funds
Property documents (if applicable)
Investment proofs

Employment Documents17 items

Employment Certificate
Leave Approval Letter
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Last 3 months' salary slips
Company ID Card (optional)

Birth Certificate
Passport copies of both parents
Consent letter if travelling with one parent
Parents' bank statements
School leave certificate (if applicable)

Sponsorship Letter
Sponsor's Passport Copy
Sponsor's Bank Statements (last 6 months)
Sponsor's Salary Slips
ITR for the last 3 years
Proof of Relationship
ID Proof of Sponsor

Fingerprints
Digital photograph
Biometrics are generally valid for 59 months, although applicants may still be asked to appear in person if required

Schengen Visa Fee: 90 Euro
Visa Application Centre (VFS/BLS) Service Charges as per actuals
The exact fee depends on the applicant category and is subject to revision

Standard processing: 15 calendar days
May take 30–45 days in peak travel seasons or if additional verification is required

Marriage Certificate (if travelling as a couple)
Birth Certificate of child (if travelling with children)
Previous visas
Previous travel history
Property documents
Investment proofs
Fixed Deposits
Mutual Funds
EPF/PPF statements

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Insufficient funds
Incomplete documentation
Incorrect or false information
Weak travel purpose
Lack of strong ties to India
Invalid travel insurance
Unclear itinerary
Suspicious financial transactions
Unverifiable hotel or flight bookings

Tips for a Strong Application

Apply 30–90 days before travel
Maintain sufficient bank balance with regular transactions
Ensure all bookings and itinerary are consistent
Submit genuine and verifiable documents
Write a clear and detailed cover letter
Include strong employment or business proof
Purchase Schengen-compliant travel insurance
Keep photocopies of all submitted documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore other Schengen visa guides

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Germany Visa Requirements

Mandatory Documents34 items

Financial Documents9 items

Employment Documents17 items

Minor Applicants5 items

Sponsored Travel7 items

Biometrics3 items

Visa Fees3 items

Processing Time2 items

Supporting Documents (Recommended)9 items

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Tips for a Strong Application

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Germany visa take from India?

What is the Germany visa fee for Indian applicants?

What is the minimum travel insurance coverage required for a Germany visa?

Can I apply for a Germany visa without hotel bookings?

Explore other Schengen visa guides

Germany Visa Requirements

Mandatory Documents34 items

Financial Documents9 items

Employment Documents17 items

Minor Applicants5 items

Sponsored Travel7 items

Biometrics3 items

Visa Fees3 items

Processing Time2 items

Supporting Documents (Recommended)9 items

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Tips for a Strong Application

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Germany visa take from India?

What is the Germany visa fee for Indian applicants?

What is the minimum travel insurance coverage required for a Germany visa?

Can I apply for a Germany visa without hotel bookings?

Explore other Schengen visa guides