Germany Visitor Visa
Visiting relatives & friends in Germany • Host resident invitation review • VFS submission support
Visa Assistance Disclaimer: Trippovention is an independent private travel and visa assistance provider and is not a government agency, embassy, or immigration authority. We assist customers with documentation and application processes. We do not issue or approve visas. Visa approval and processing times are determined by the relevant immigration authority. Review our Fee Structure Breakdown and Visa Terms & Conditions.
Visiting Family
Designed for visiting friends or family members residing in Germany.
Processing Window
10 to 15 working days upon VFS submission.
Document Verification
Original A4 paper bank statement verification and host invitation audit.
Document Checklist
Complete physical document requirements for visiting family or friends
Primary Documents
- Completed Visa Application Form: Completely filled and signed by the applicant.
- Personal Covering Letter: Original letter with travel plan detailing purpose of visit and stay duration. If the applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must include a copy of the covering letter.
- Flight Reservation: Confirmed round-trip flight booking with passenger names & detailed travel itinerary.
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed accommodation proof, host stay confirmation, or hotel reservations covering the entire stay in Germany and Schengen territory.
- Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person. Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance has to cover the entire stay in Schengen territory.
- Valid National Passport: Issued within the last 10 years and with at least 6 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages. Handwritten passports and passports with observations regarding the front page (bio data) cannot be accepted.
- Photocopy of Passport: Clear photocopy of the passport (Front & Back).
- Passport Size Pictures: A recent, passport-size, color photograph with white background not older than 3 months, showing your head and shoulders, with your face covering 70-80% of the image (size 35 – 40 mm in width, not copied or scanned picture). Soft copy is required.
- Previous Passport/s: If any, bound together with rubber band, not stapled. Photocopy of previous UK, USA and Schengen visa copies.
Financial Documents
- Personal Bank Statement: Personal bank statement of last 6 months with stamp & signature from bank (strictly original format A4 paper).
- Income Tax Returns: Personal ITR or tax documents of last 3 years.
Category-Specific Additional Requirements
For Self-Employed:
- Covering letter has to be printed on the letter head.
- Business card.
- Company bank statement of last 6 months with stamp & signature from bank.
- Business Registration Proof.
For Employed:
- NOC from the company on the letter head.
- Salary slips of last six months.
For Retired:
- Retirement Certificate: Retirement certificate / pension approval letter.
- Pension Statements: Pension statements (last 6 months).
- Other Income Proof: Other Income Proof (if available).
If Student:
- Student Id card.
If Sponsored:
- Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit.
- Updated bank statement of last 6 months.
- Salary slips of last six months.
- Personal Tax Documents of last 3 years.
Invitee Documents (Host in Germany)
- Invitation Letter: Formal invitation letter from the host in Germany stating relation, duration, purpose, and residential arrangements (or official Verpflichtungserklärung).
- Current Status Document: Copy of host's German Passport, EU residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), or valid German visa (Front & Back).
- Bank Statement: Bank statement of invitee for last 6 months with stamp.
- Address Proof: German residential registration proof (Meldebescheinigung) or tenancy contract.
- Occupation Proof: Employment contract, payslips, or business registration (if available).
Transparent Fee Structure
Complete breakdown per applicant (all inclusive)
*Travel Insurance charges depend upon no. of travel days & age of person.
*Prices shown may represent Trippovention service/assistance fees. Government, embassy, immigration, visa-centre, courier, or other applicable charges may be additional. Processing times are estimates and may vary. Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to key questions about processing, sponsorship, and host invitation requirements
How long does Germany Visitor Visa processing take?
Germany Visitor Visa processing typically takes 10 to 15 working days upon VFS document deposit after application submission or consulate interview. We advise applying 4 to 6 weeks ahead of planned travel, especially during peak holiday periods.
What is a Formal Obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) and when is it required?
A Verpflichtungserklärung is an official declaration of commitment issued by the local German immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) where your host in Germany assumes legal and financial liability for your stay. It is highly recommended if your host is fully sponsoring your travel, lodging, or daily living expenses.
What documents must my host in Germany provide for a Visitor Visa?
Your host should provide a signed Invitation Letter stating your relationship, visit dates, and accommodation plans; a copy of their German Passport or German residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel); German address registration (Meldebescheinigung); their last 6 months stamped bank statement; and employment/occupation proof.
What is the fee for Germany Visitor Visa assistance?
The total fee for an adult applicant is ₹ 17,226, which includes the Embassy visa fee of ₹ 10,100 (approx. €90), mandatory VFS appointment charges of ₹ 2,126, and Trippovention comprehensive file preparation and verification charge of ₹ 5,000. Children aged 6–12 pay ₹ 5,100 embassy fee.
What financial documents does the applicant in India need if self-funding?
If you are self-funding your visit, you must provide personal bank statements for the last 6 months printed on format A4 paper, stamped and signed by the issuing bank branch on every page, demonstrating sufficient funds, along with personal ITR acknowledgments for the last 3 years.
Can I travel to other European countries on a Germany Visitor Visa?
Yes. A Germany Schengen Visitor Visa allows unrestricted travel throughout all 29 Schengen member countries during your approved visa validity, provided Germany remains your main destination where you spend the longest duration of your trip.
Is biometric submission at the VFS Centre mandatory?
Yes, all applicants aged 12 and older must appear in person at their scheduled VFS Germany Appointment Centre for fingerprint scanning and digital photography, unless biometric data was captured for a Schengen visa within the past 59 months.
Does Trippovention provide document verification and doorstep pickup for Germany visa?
Yes, Trippovention provides end-to-end assistance including host invitation audit, covering letter drafting, travel insurance issuance, flight reservations, VFS appointment booking, and physical document collection and drop-off across major Indian cities.