Visa Application - Visa Issuance

The embassies and consulates general (foreign missions) of the Federal Republic of Germany are responsible for issuing visas.
The diplomatic mission or consular post in whose district the applicant has his or her habitual residence or domicile is responsible for issuing visas.
In principle, the visa application must be submitted by the applicant in person to the diplomatic mission or consular post at his or her place of residence, together with all the necessary documents.

How long does it take to process

2 days to 1 week As a rule, diplomatic missions and consular posts need between 2 and 10 working days to decide on an application for a short-stay visa.
In the case of an application for a visa entitling the holder to a longer-term stay or to take up employment, a processing time of several months must be expected.

• Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet  (AufenthG)
• Verordnung (EG) Nr. 810/2009 des europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 13.07.2009 über eien Visakodex der Gemeinschaft (Visakodex)
• Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code)
• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreign Nationals within the Federal Territory (AufenthG)

• Staatenliste zur Visumpflicht bzw. -freiheit bei Einreise in die Bundesrepublik Deutschland
• Deutsche Auslandsvertretungen
• Visa für die Einreise nach Deutschland
• List of countries subject to visa requirements or visa-free entry when travelling to the Federal Republic of Germany
• German diplomatic missions abroad
• Visas for entry into Germany