iVisa Mobile App Online global travel documents
iVisa Germany

Germany flag Apply for the Germany visa online now

Find the right Germany visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

Trustpilot logo 4.4/5 stars Customer profile pictures

Our Germany visa application process

How to apply for your Germany visa with iVisa

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, and find out whether you need a Germany Schengen visa or another document to visit the country. Then, upload your documents, and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

2

We review your application

The Germany visa system is known for being tricky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear. Don’t worry, we will review your application to see if anything might cause delays.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

4

Get your Germany visa

We’ll email your approved German visa confirmation and let you know how to use it for your trip.

Woman at an airport holding a passport and boarding pass

Visa types needed for Germany

  • Germany Schengen Visa (Type C)
  • ETIAS for Germany (coming soon)*

Germany Schengen Visa (Type C)

Purpose: The Germany Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa – Type C) is for travelers visiting Germany and other Schengen Area countries for tourism, sightseeing, holidays, visiting family or friends, short business trips, attending cultural or sporting events, or medical treatment.

When to apply: It is recommended to apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel. Applications can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the planned trip (9 months for seafarers) and no later than 15 calendar days before departure.

Duration and extensions The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases.

Entries: The visa may be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

Ports of entry: Germany Schengen Visa holders may enter through any official border crossing point in Germany or another Schengen member state, including international airports (such as Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and Düsseldorf Airport) and land borders within the Schengen Area.

Delivery format: The approved visa is issued as a visa sticker affixed to the applicant’s passport. Travelers must carry a passport containing a valid visa sticker when entering the Schengen Area.

ETIAS for Germany (coming soon)*

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorization that will be required for visa-exempt travelers entering Germany and the Schengen Area.

*ETIAS is not yet in force. Once implemented, it will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers to enter Germany.

Two tourists looking at a phone

Germany visa policy

Many foreign nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to Germany. A Germany Schengen Visa (short-stay, Type C) allows holders to stay in Germany and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Germany allows citizens of many countries — including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and others — to enter visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Germany does not offer a Visa on Arrival.

General Germany visa requirements are:

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • Recent passport-size photo meeting Schengen requirements
  • Travel details (such as flight reservation and accommodation address)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 within the Schengen Area
  • Proof of purpose of travel

Germany visa prices

Germany Schengen Visa (Type C)

Prices starting from $399.99

Valid for 3 months after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 90 days per entry

Fast facts

Interview needed?

No, just a biometrics appointment

Main reason for denials?

Missing or incorrect accommodation address

Average time to apply?

2-4 weeks

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Applying by yourself
ivisa logo
Simple, easy forms
24x7 support from visa experts
Error detection to prevent rejections
World's easiest passport scan
Multiple payment methods

1.4M happy customers

24/7support

Trustpilot logo

67,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98%  visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to Germany rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews.
5.0 out of 5

Filter by rating

5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 stars
Genesis C.
February 4, 2025
"Uploading documents was easy, and I didn’t have any trouble navigating the website. The approval came through quickly"

FAQs

The Schengen Visa is usually valid for stays of up to 90 days. If you're unsure, feel free to contact our team through WhatsApp or iVisa chat during support hours.

Germany offers several visa types depending on the length and purpose of stay. These include the Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays, national visas for longer stays, residence permits for long-term living, airport transit visas, and the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.

ETIAS is an upcoming electronic travel authorization that will be required for travelers from visa-free countries entering Germany and the Schengen Area. It is not a visa and will allow short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period once implemented.

Working in Germany generally requires a national visa or a residence permit. A Schengen Visa or ETIAS does not allow employment.

Yes. A valid Schengen Visa issued by Germany allows travel to all Schengen countries, as long as the stay does not exceed the 90/180-day limit.

Our team works with a legal partner specializing in Schengen Visa. They will review your application to ensure its accuracy and completeness. Once the authorities approve it, you’ll receive an email with the next steps.

The “90/180-rule” means you can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days total within any continuous 180-day window. The 180-day period is not fixed, it is counted backward from each day you are in the Schengen Area.

Example:

  • You enter the Schengen Area on January 1st
  • You stay for 30 days and leave on January 30th
  • In the last 180 days, you’ve used 30 days
  • You still have 60 days left to use

If you later return:

  • You stay 40 more days
  • Now you’ve used 70 days total
  • You only have 20 days left until the older days “drop off” the 180-day window
  • Leaving the Schengen Area “resets” nothing - only time does

A Germany Schengen Visa (Type C) is a visa required for travelers from visa-required countries. It must be obtained through a German embassy or consulate before travel.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is not a visa, but an online travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Once implemented, it will be applied for online before departure and will allow short stays in Germany and the Schengen Area.

Ready to apply?

Start your visa application today and get approved quickly
A happy couple using iVisa to apply for their trip

Download the iVisa app!

All your visas, travel documents, and updates in one place.

mobile app mock
Application received
now
Real-time notifications on your visa status
New feature!
Document wallet
Built in document wallet for easy access anytime

Download the iVisa app!

Germany visas made simple

Error-free & on time

Qr Code
mobile app mock
Application received
now
Real-time notifications on your visa status
New feature!
Document wallet
Built in document wallet for easy access anytime
You are currently impersonating a user.