Getting a Schengen visa for Germany from India

Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas Tree, the diesel engine, cologne, dozens of world-renowned composers, MP3s, and — among many, many other things — Gummy Bears. It’s also home to the most castles in the world (roughly 25,000), the world’s largest cathedral (aka the Cologne Cathedral), the European Central Bank, over 90 billion trees, over 1,000 varieties of sausage, and — of course — Oktoberfest. And while Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt remain the country’s top destinations, Germany’s overall unique blend of nature and urban life, its rich history, and its one-of-a-kind, universally distinct culture mean there are plenty of things to discover for any traveler.

In fact, with nearly 40 million visitors yearly, Deutschland is the fifth most visited country in Europe today. And if you’re an Indian national planning on being one of these visitors, AXA can help make sure your trip is a gut one.

Do I need a visa to go to Germany from India?

Yes. In order to enter Germany, Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa. And that’s because Germany happens to be one of the original members of both the European Union and the Schengen Zone. You’ll also need a Schengen visa for Germany if you’re an Indian national that’s a legal resident of Australia, Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. — and/or an Indian Green Card holder.

What are the different types of visas?

The type of visa you choose will depend on the nature of your trip. Are you planning a family reunion or a solo European adventure? Are you traveling long-term for work or school? Do you want to check out Oktoberfest for a week? Or are you just passing through?

For example, a Type A (aka airport transit) visa allows citizens of non-Schengen states to transit through or wait for a connecting flight in the airport of a Schengen country.

The most common type of Schengen visa, meanwhile, is the short-stay (aka Type C) visa. It allows travel to Germany (and all 27 Schengen countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

And if you wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a German National visa (aka a “long-term” or Type D visa).

Whatever the case, AXA can help you figure out which Schengen visa you need too.

How much does it cost to get a visa for Germany from India?

A Schengen visa for Germany costs €80. The fee is €40 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. And children under 6 can get a Schengen visa for Germany for free.*

*In certain cases, the visa fee may also be waived for: -participants in certain seminars, conferences, sporting, cultural, and/or educational events (25yo or under);

  • students/teachers on study and/or training trips;
  • certain professionals traveling for the purpose of scientific research.

NOTE: Schengen visa costs are universal, but you will also likely have to pay some extra administrative and/or service fees associated with your visa center and/or the corresponding officials. Visa fees are not reimbursed if your visa is refused.

What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

The specific paperwork* you’ll need will depend on your particular situation. But here’s a general checklist:

  • a Schengen Visa application form
  • two passport photos (taken within the last three months)
  • your passport (issued less than 10 years ago, valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and with at least two blank pages)
  • a photocopy of the passport page (or pages) with biometric data (if applicable)
  • travel and medical insurance (covering you up to costs of €30,000)
  • your full travel itinerary
  • proof of paid visa fee (IMPORTANT: your application will not be processed if you don’t include the receipt from the required visa fee)
  • proof of sufficient financial means (for your entire stay in the Schengen area)
  • proof of accommodation (if applicable)
  • a letter of invitation (if applicable)

Make sure you make some extra A4-size copies of everything just in case too. And DO NOT staple any documents.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: While AXA is doing its best to provide you with the most reliable and updated information available, be aware that embassies/consulates may modify their visa rules and regulations at any time. And AXA can not be held accountable for such changes.

So to learn more about what you’ll need, check out the official website of the German Missions in India.

Where and when should I apply for a Schengen visa if I live in India?

The German authorities outsource their visa application process to the company VFS Global . So you can apply online via their website, and you’ll also need to attend an interview at one of their centers. In India, VFS Global centers are located in the following cities:

  • Mumbai
  • Pune
  • Puducherry
  • Chennai
  • Jalandhar
  • Jaipur
  • Hyderabad
  • Goa
  • New Delhi
  • Kochi
  • Chandigarh
  • Ahmedabad
  • Kolkata
  • Coimbatore
  • Gurugram
  • Thiruvananthapuram
  • Bengaluru

Depending on where in India you are, you can also file your Schengen visa application at the German Mission of your local jurisdiction. After scheduling an appointment, you will be asked to submit your application in person. During this interview, your biometric data — i.e., fingerprints and scanned photos — will be collected, and you will be asked to pay the visa application fee.

Your Schengen visa application should be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before your departure date. But you should also give yourself plenty of time — i.e., at least a month or two — to prep all the documents above.

How can I get a German visa fast?

During peak season, the average processing time for a German Schengen Visa application from India is 15 days (after it has reached the Consulate). However, it may take some embassies up to one or even two months — depending on your particular situation.

And according to the German Mission in India, “neither the German mission nor the service provider can expedite the process” and “requests for preferential treatment cannot be honoured.”

In other words, if you’re in a rush — your best bet is to just get the ball rolling as early as possible.

Do I need travel insurance to apply for a Schengen visa from India?

Yes. To be granted a Schengen visa from India, you will need travel insurance. The travel insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and cover you in the case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation.

Your plan must be accepted by all 27 countries within the Schengen zone (i.e., not just Germany). And it must be valid for the entire duration of your visa's validity.

How can AXA help?

Anchor 6 And travel insurance is exactly how AXA can help both speed up and finalize your German visa application process — be it from India or anywhere else.

Because, first off, AXA’s comprehensive Schengen travel insurance plans meet all the requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa to Germany.

Secondly, an AXA plan can be purchased online in a matter of minutes — or, if you will, with German efficiency.

The AXA travel insurance certificate is accepted by all Schengen countries’ embassies and consulates. The certificate can be downloaded (and/or printed) online instantly too.

And, finally, in most circumstances, AXA will refund your insurance fees if your visa application is rejected. We’ll only ask that you provide official documentation explaining why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

In short, if you’ve decided to take a trip from India to — among many, many other things — the birthplace of both Beethoven and Barbie, an AXA travel insurance plan can help guarantee that every day there is a guten tag indeed!

Visas for other countries from India

Oh, and in case your Eurotrip from India includes three of Germany’s neighbors (and/or Greece and Spain), AXA can help get you there too:

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Frequently asked questions about Germany visas from India

Can I travel to other European countries with a German visa?

Yes. With your German Schengen visa - you should be able to visit other European countries — in most cases — as long as they are part of the Schengen area.

Can I work or study in Germany with a tourist visa?

No. The tourist (or TypeC) allows visitors to enter Germany for a short business trip -  a holiday - or to visit family members. However - it cannot be converted into a work or study permit.

Can my German visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases. You can learn more on the official Berlin Service Portal website.

What if my German visa application from India is rejected?

According to the German Mission in India - you have three options:

  1. Apply for a visa again.
  2.  Request for a re-assessment of the visa application (i.e. remonstration). The process is free of charge - but you have to submit a signed remonstration letter to the competent mission within a month of receiving the rejection.
  3. File a lawsuit against the refusal. The application will then be re-assessed by the administrative court in Berlin.

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