Every year, thousands of UK individuals immerse themselves in the diverse offerings of Germany, whether for education, work, or leisure. This article will guide you on how to apply for a German visa from the UK with all the whereabouts.
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Who can apply for a German visa from the UK?
Any nationals of non-European Union members residing in the UK need a German visa. Also, individuals must have valid UK legal residence for at least a month when they return to the UK. Check if your nationality needs a Schengen Germany visa here.
Do UK citizens need a Germany visa or ETIAS?
UK citizens do not need a German visa for a stay of 90 days within a 180 day period (short-term visa). Starting from 2025, applicants need ETIAS before their travel to Germany.
What documents are required for a German visa when applying from the UK?
- A passport issued in the last ten years, with two blank pages valid for at least three months after returning to the UK, and a copy of the passport’s bio page.
- Printed visa application form with barcode and signatures.
- A photocopy of BRP(Biometric Residence Permit) of both sides.
- Residence proof in the UK could be the latest council tax bill, bank statements, or pension certificate.
- A passport-sized photocopy of size 35X45 mm taken in the last three months on a white background.
- Cover letter with details such as travel dates, purpose of travel, and accompanying person.
- Bank balance must maintain at least £40 per day for the entire stay. This can be issued by providing the last three months’ bank statements; if the statement is a week older, provide recent transactions as well.
- If someone sponsors the trip, they should issue the sponsor’s passport and provide the last three months’ bank statements, proof of employment, or a signed letter confirming the financial support.
- Confirmed round trip itinerary mentioning fight number, travel dates, and applicant’s name.
- In some cases, the visa authorities might not approve your visa. Therefore, we recommend you not to book fully paid flight tickets. Instead, utilize our service below to make a temporary reservation.
- Confirmed proof of accommodation such as hotel booking with applicant’s name, travel dates, and address or an Invitation letter from the host if visiting friends or family.
- Travel health insurance certificate with applicant’s name and coverage of €30,000 throughout the stay in the Schengen area. Get your pre-approved health insurance below,
Additional documents
Work status details such as self-employed, unemployed, retired, or student must provide the following proof.
- An employee can provide the last three pay slips.
- Self-employed people can issue a recent ITR or the last three bank statements.
- Students should get a letter from the school/college/ university.
- Retired/unemployed must get a letter from universal credit/pension letter.
Documents for minors include,
- The visa application letter signed by both parents/guardians. If sole custody is provided to one parent, then provide evidence.
- Passports of both parents/guardians.
- Travel authorization letter from parent/guardian.
If traveling to Germany for a business purpose, in addition to the above documents, you also need,
- Invitation letter from the host Germany company mentioning the type of business, number of days, and expense coverage.
- Employment letter from a UK company confirming the duration of employment, your relationship with a German company, and reason for travel
- Pay slips for the last three months
What are the different types of visas?
- Transit visa.
- Tourist visa
- Visitor visa.
- Business visa
- Diplomatic visas.
- Medical visa
- Student visa.
- Visa for a sports or film crew
- Spouse visa
Where can you apply for a German visa in the UK?
Choosing where to apply for a German visa depends on your place of residence/ consular district. There are 3 Visa application centers in the UK handled by TLS contact: London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
Where is the German consular service in London?
Individuals residing in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, York, and Selby can apply here.
Address: London Visa Application Centre,18 Ryeland Boulevard (Ram Quarter / Ram Street), Wandsworth, London SW18 1UN,United Kingdom
Website: London Visa Application Centre
Contact : +44 20 3040 0464( Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:00)
Where is the German consular service in Edinburgh?
Individuals residing in Scotland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, or Tyne and Wear can apply here.
Address: Edinburgh Visa Application Centre, Office 2.11-2.12 – Regus, Abbey House, 83 Princes Street ,Edinburgh EH2 2ER, United Kingdom
Website: Edinburgh Visa Application Centre
Contact: +44 20 3040 0464(Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:00.)
Where is the German consular service in Manchester?
Individuals residing in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, York, and Selby can apply here.
Address: Manchester Visa Application Centre,1 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3BE, United Kingdom
Website: Manchester Visa Application Centre
Contact: +44 20 3040 0464(Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 16:00.)
How do you apply for a German visa at a German consulate in the UK?
- Know your jurisdiction to understand where you can apply for a German visa.
- Individuals residing in Scotland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, or Tyne and Wear can apply for the visa at German consular service in Edinburgh.
- Individuals residing in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, York, and Selby can apply at German consular service in London/ Manchester
- You can apply at German consulates if you are traveling only to Germany.
- If traveling to multiple Schengen countries, apply at the country consulate of your longest stay.
- If spending equal days in multiple countries, apply at the country consulate of the first destination.
- Complete the VIDEX form, which is your visa application form, download it, and get a printout, it includes your personal details, occupational details, contact information, applicant documents, travel data, and assumption of costs. Make sure to fill the form in Capitals and sign in black ink. Note that the below links are for short-stay visas only.
- Create an account in TLS contact based on your jurisdiction by registering online in below websites.
- After registration, log in to your account, click ‘Create an application,’ and provide the requested information. Upon completion, you will receive a pop-up saying your application is saved. The next step is to add your family members in ‘Add an applicant’ if they are traveling with you.
- Prepare your documents, book your appointment online on the website based on your date and availability, and get a printout.
- Attend your appointment with printed copies of the appointment letter, VIDEX form, and supporting documents. All applicants must attend the appointment in person and must provide biometric data. In case of exception, a representative who is not a minor can attend the appointment on your behalf with their ID card and a letter of authorization. Please be on schedule to avoid appointment cancellation.
- Pay the visa fees at the center in GBP using a debit or credit card (Please note that American Express cards are not accepted).
- After examining your documents, your visa application will be transferred to the German diplomatic mission .They may request for additional information before making the final decision.
- Wait for the visa processing and collect your passport in person once the visa is approved, or choose the option of a courier service.
What is the visa processing time for a German Schengen visa?
Generally, visa processing takes 15 days, but authorities might extend the duration during peak seasons. Therefore, we recommend applying for a visa well in advance, and you can submit your application 180 days before your planned trip.
What is the visa fee for a German visa when applying from the UK?
The German mission collects visa fees and service fees by TLS contact for visa processing. Visa fees are nonrefundable and do not guarantee visa approval.
| Visa Type | EUR | GBP |
| Short stay Schengen visa, less than 90 days | 80.00 | 68.80 |
| Short stay visa, Children between 6-12 years | 40.00 | 34.40 |
| Short stay visa Citizens of countries with whom the European Union has entered into visa facilitation agreements (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine) | 35.00 | 30.10 |