Germany

Get to know the visa process

Select the visa that matches your reason for travel: tourism, business or study.

Travelisa supports all three and will help you understand what’s required for each one. That includes national D-visas, if you are planning to study in Germany for more than 90 days.

Begin collecting the necessary information and supporting documents for your application.

This is where Travelisa comes in. Based on your visa type, nationality and destination, we’ll tell you exactly what documents you need – no guesswork.

Complete your online visa application form on the official VIDEX website, with your personal details, travel plans, financial information and reason for visiting.

There is one form for short-stay Schengen visas, and a different form if you are applying for a long-stay national visa to study in Germany for more than 90 days.

If you’re using Travelisa, we’ll have everything ready for you. Your application will be prepared, pre-filled and reviewed — either by our automated tools or by a visa expert, depending on the service you choose.

By default, we submit your VIDEX form for you, ensuring it meets German requirements. However, if you’d rather handle submission yourself, you can opt out. In that case, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide and your curated information, so all you need to do is enter your VIDEX form and finalise your submission.

After submitting your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a German visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics). This step is mandatory before your application can be processed.

You can apply for a visa up to six months before you plan to travel, so it’s a good idea to book your appointment as early as possible. This is especially true during busy periods, such as the holiday season, when it can take longer to find an available appointment.

If you're using Travelisa, you’ll receive a set of clear, step-by-step instructions, including where to go, what to bring and how to prepare. No surprises, no confusion.

Attend your appointment, where you will submit your application and supporting documents, and carry out your biometric enrollment.

After you have submitted your visa application, it will be reviewed by the local German embassy or consulate.

Most decisions on short-stay visas are made within 14 working days. Check the Federal Foreign Office website for more guidance on processing times.

There’s nothing more to do at this stage – just keep an eye on your inbox for updates. If you’ve used Travelisa, you can feel confident knowing your application was submitted correctly and completely.

Note: Travelisa provides assistance with preparing your visa application. The final decision on your visa is made by the consular authorities.