Planning a trip to Germany? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Germany's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Germany need schengen short-stay visa (type c), with an official government fee of 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free.
Germany visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) |
| Government fee | 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free |
| Processing time | Usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days. Apply up to 6 months ahead, at least 15 days before travel. |
| Validity | Single or multiple entry; total stay max 90 days per 180-day period |
| Permitted stay | 90 days |
| Where to apply | https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Germany?
Visa-free: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ, UAE, Israel, most of Latin America and ~60 others — 90 days in any 180.
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): Visa-required nationals including Indian passport holders where Germany is the main destination or first entry point, for tourism, family/friends visit or business up to 90 days in 180.
Germany visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa exemption (ETIAS pending) | Free (ETIAS €20 once launched) | 90 days in any 180-day period (all Schengen combined) | On arrival — EES biometric registration (fully operational since 10 Apr 2026) | No application yet |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free | 90 days | Usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days. Apply up to 6 months ahead, at least 15 days before travel. | https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start |
Documents required
For the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C):
- Completed and signed application form
- Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond stay, 2 blank pages)
- Two biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance min EUR 30,000
- Confirmed flight itinerary (round trip)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel/invitation)
- Proof of financial means
- Employment/business proof
- Cover letter with itinerary
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): https://videx.diplo.de/videx/desktop/index.html#start — allow Usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days. Apply up to 6 months ahead, at least 15 days before travel..
- Arrival formalities: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Germany visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Germany visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Germany.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Germany application.
- Processing: allow Usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days. Apply up to 6 months ahead, at least 15 days before travel.. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Germany
- Arrival card / declaration: None — EES fingerprints & photo at first entry
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some local currency).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- No employment permitted.
- Apply to the main-destination country.
Germany visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Germany visa?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): 80 EUR adult; 40 EUR child 6-12; under 6 free. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C): Usually within 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days. Apply up to 6 months ahead, at least 15 days before travel..
Things to do once your Germany visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Germany you can book on HolidaySG:
- Computer Games Museum — from EUR 21
- Berlin Independent Podcast Tour — from GBP 12
- DDR Museum - Berlin's Interactive Museum: Entry Ticket — from EUR 8
- Berlin TV Tower: Admission + Breakfast — from EUR 14
- Berlin: 1-Hr Historical Sightseeing Cruise from Nikolaiviertel — from EUR 8
- Museum of Decorative Arts Berlin: Entry Ticket — from EUR 4
Official sources
- German Embassy Singapore (Federal Foreign Office) — verified 16 August 2026
- VFS Global — German Embassy Singapore — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.