Germany Schengen Visa Guide

Germany Schengen visa guide

From a two-week trip to a long-term move, Germany is one of the most common Schengen destinations. Here's how the visa process actually works, and what's different if you're relocating rather than just visiting.

BLS International

Processing Center (Most US Applicants)

~15 Days

Typical Processing Time

€90

Standard Visa Fee

€30,000+

Mandatory Insurance Coverage

How to apply for a Germany visa

The first decision is your visa type — Type C for a short trip up to 90 days, or Type D if you're staying longer, for example to work, study, or join family. From there it's the standard Schengen sequence: gather documents, book an appointment, submit biometrics, and wait for a decision.

Most US-based applicants go through BLS International, an authorized partner that collects documents and biometrics on behalf of the German government and forwards the file to the consulate. BLS handles the administrative side only — it can't expedite an application or influence the outcome, which rests entirely with the consulate.

Documents you'll need for Germany

A signed application form and a passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond your trip

Two biometric photos meeting ICAO standards

A Schengen-compliant travel insurance certificate covering the entire zone, not just Germany

Proof of accommodation — a hotel booking or an invitation letter

Proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward flight itinerary

Germany is strict about the insurance requirement specifically: your certificate needs to state coverage across the entire Schengen zone, not just Germany, and insurance approval effectively has to be in place before the rest of your application can move forward.

Moving to Germany long-term instead of visiting?

If you're relocating for work rather than a short trip, the process looks different — Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is a points-based residence permit that grants a one-year visa to search for a job. Our partner site chancenkarten.com walks candidates through the points system, the required blocked account, and the long-term health insurance that visa needs, which is a different product from the short-stay insurance covered on this page.

Tips for applying to Germany

Confirm whether BLS International or a different center serves your specific consular district before booking

Make sure your insurance certificate explicitly names the whole Schengen area, not just Germany

If you're actually relocating rather than visiting, apply for a Type D visa from the start rather than a short-stay Type C

Keep a copy of every document you submit — BLS and the consulate are separate steps, and having your own record helps if anything is questioned

Frequently asked questions

Does everyone use BLS International for Germany?

Most US applicants do, with the exception of some consular districts that process differently — UK applicants generally use TLScontact, Canadian applicants apply directly through German consulates, and other countries route through their own designated centers.

Can BLS International speed up my application?

No. BLS is strictly an administrative facilitator — it collects your documents and biometric data and passes your file to the consulate, but has no authority over the decision or the timeline.

What's the difference between a short-stay visit and the Opportunity Card?

A short-stay Type C visa covers tourism or business up to 90 days with standard Schengen travel insurance. The Opportunity Card is an entirely different, points-based Type D permit for job-seeking, requiring its own application, a blocked account, and long-stay health insurance.

Is €90 the total cost of applying to Germany?

No — that's just the official visa fee. BLS International charges its own service fee on top, and you'll also need to budget for travel insurance and any translations your documents require.

Do children pay the same visa fee?

No. The standard €90 fee applies to applicants 12 and over; children aged 6 to 11 pay €45, and children under 6 apply for free — this follows the same EU-wide schedule as every other Schengen country.

Get your Germany-ready insurance certificate

Compare Schengen-compliant travel insurance plans on our Schengen Travel Insurance page before your BLS appointment.

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