Europe – Germany Visa – Fees

1. How much does it cost to apply for a Germany visa?

The cost of a Germany visa application varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. As of 2021, the fees are as follows:

– Short-term Schengen visa (up to 90 days): EUR 80
– Long-term National visa (over 90 days): EUR 75
– Visa for minors between ages 6 and 12: EUR 40
– Children under age 6: Free

In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional service fees charged by the German embassy or consulate where you are applying. You may also need to pay for other services such as courier fees or biometric data collection fees.

2. Are there any discounts available for certain categories of applicants?
There are no discounts available for visa applications to Germany. However, in some cases, certain applicants may be exempt from paying the visa fee altogether. These include:

– Students and attendants accompanying students on study trips (unless they hold a scholarship)
– Researchers from non-EU countries traveling for scientific research purposes
– Spouses, registered partners, and minor children of European Union, EEA or Swiss citizens
– Diplomatic passport holders
– Participants in official exchange programs organized by German public institutions

3. How can I pay the visa fee?
The preferred method of payment for Germany visa fees is through bank transfer or direct deposit into a designated account at a specified bank. The details of this account should be provided by the embassy or consulate where you are applying.

Alternatively, you can also pay the fee in cash at the time of your appointment at the embassy or consulate. However, it is recommended to confirm with the specific embassy/consulate before your appointment if they accept cash payments.

Some embassies/consulates also allow payment through credit card or debit card, but this option may not be available at all locations.

4. Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your visa application. The fee covers the cost of processing your application and is used to fund various services provided by the embassy or consulate.

5. Are there any additional fees or charges that I need to pay during my visa application process?
In addition to the visa fee, you may need to pay for other services such as biometric data collection fees (if applicable), courier fees, and translation fees if your documents are not in German or English. You may also need to pay for any document authentication or certification fees if required by your embassy or consulate.

It is important to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying for any additional fees that may apply to your case.

2. Do I need to pay the visa fee upfront or after my application is processed?


The visa fee must be paid upfront at the time of submitting your application. The fee is typically non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

3. Is the Germany visa fee refundable if my application is denied?


No, the Germany visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your visa application. This means that if your application is denied, you will not receive a refund for the fee you paid. Therefore, it is important to make sure all necessary documents and requirements are met before submitting your application to minimize the risk of rejection.

4. What payment methods are accepted for the visa fee?


The exact payment methods can vary depending on the country and the visa application center that you are applying through. However, some common payment methods may include credit/debit cards, cash, bank transfers, and money orders. It is best to check with the specific visa application center for their accepted payment methods.

5. Are there any additional fees or charges for the Germany visa application process, such as biometric fees?


Yes, there are several additional fees and charges for the Germany visa application process. These may include:

1. Visa application fee: This is a mandatory fee that must be paid when submitting your visa application. The amount of this fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

2. Biometric fee: If you are required to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) as part of your visa application, you will need to pay a separate biometric fee. This fee is generally around 5-10 euros.

3. Courier/mail fees: If you choose to have your passport and documents returned to you by courier or mail, you will be responsible for any associated fees.

4. Translation fees: If any of your documents are not in German or English, you may need to have them translated into one of these languages by a certified translator. Translation fees vary depending on the length and complexity of the documents.

5. Travel insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Germany, especially if you are applying for a Schengen visa. The cost of travel insurance varies based on factors such as age, duration of travel, and coverage options.

6. Financial proof verification fee: In some cases, you may be required to submit proof of sufficient funds for your trip. If the consulate needs to verify this proof with your bank or financial institution, they may charge a small verification fee.

It is important to note that these fees can change at any time and it is best to check with the appropriate consulate or embassy before applying for your visa.

6. Can I apply for a waiver of the visa fee based on my financial circumstances?


Generally, visa fees are mandatory for all applicants and a waiver is not available for financial circumstances. However, some countries may offer fee waivers or discounts for certain categories of applicants, such as students or humanitarian cases. It is best to check with the specific embassy or consulate you are applying to for further information on any possible fee waivers.

7. Does the visa fee vary depending on the type and duration of my visit?


Yes, the visa fee can vary depending on the type and duration of your visit. Each country sets its own fees for different types of visas, so it is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are planning to visit for specific information about visa fees. Generally, tourist visas tend to have lower fees than business or work visas. Additionally, multiple entry visas may also have higher fees than single entry visas. The duration of the visa may also affect the fee, with longer stay visas having higher fees.

8. Can I pay the visa fee in my local currency or do I have to use euros?


The visa fee must be paid in euros. You may have to exchange your local currency for euros before paying the fee.

9. Do children also have to pay the same visa fee as adults?


The visa fees for children are typically the same as for adults. However, some countries may offer discounted or waived visa fees for children under a certain age or for families traveling together. It is best to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for their visa fee policies.

10. Are there any discounts available for certain categories of applicants, such as students or senior citizens?


It depends on the specific job or service being offered. Some companies or organizations may offer discounts for students or senior citizens, while others may not have any special discounts for certain categories of applicants. It is best to inquire directly with the company or organization to see if they offer any discounts or special rates for particular groups.

11. How do I obtain a receipt for paying the Germany visa fee?


To obtain a receipt for paying the Germany visa fee, you can request it from the consulate or embassy where you submitted your visa application. They will be able to provide you with a receipt or a payment confirmation letter. You can also check your email for a payment confirmation if you paid the fee online.

12. Is there a difference in the visa fees for EU and non-EU citizens?

No, the visa fees are the same for all non-EU citizens.

13. What happens if I need to change or cancel my appointment after paying the visa fee?


If you need to change or cancel your appointment after paying the visa fee, you must contact the relevant consulate or embassy where you applied for the visa. You should inform them of your change or cancellation and ask about their specific policies and procedures for refunds or rescheduling. In some cases, you may be able to reschedule your appointment without paying another visa fee, but this will depend on the consulate’s policies. If a refund is possible, it will typically be processed through the same method as your original payment (e.g. credit card). It is important to communicate with the consulate as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

14. Can I request a refund of my visa fee if I decide not to travel to Germany after receiving the visa approval?


No, visa fees are non-refundable. Once a visa has been approved and issued, the fee is not refundable even if you decide not to use the visa or if your circumstances change.

15. Is there an express service available for faster processing of visas, and how much does it cost?


It depends on the country and type of visa. Some countries may offer an express or expedited service for an additional fee, which can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying for a visa to see if an express service is available and how much it costs.

16. Are there any exceptions where I don’t have to pay a Germany visa fee at all, such as diplomatic visits or humanitarian reasons?


Yes, there are some exceptions to paying a Germany visa fee. For diplomatic or official visits, such as government officials and their family members traveling for official purposes, the visa fee is waived. Additionally, applicants who qualify for a humanitarian visa, such as those seeking asylum or temporary protection, do not have to pay a visa fee. In these cases, the visa application must be supported by relevant documents and information.

17 17.Is there an option to extend my German schengen tourist Visa?


Yes, it is possible to extend your German Schengen tourist visa under certain circumstances. You must apply for the extension at least two weeks before your current visa expires and provide a valid reason for the extension (such as unforeseen circumstances or unexpected travel delays). The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the German immigration authorities. You may also be required to provide additional documentation and pay a fee for the extension. It is recommended to contact the relevant German embassy or consulate in advance for more information on how to apply for an extension.

18 18.How long is the validity period of a German schengen tourist Visa?


The validity period of a German Schengen tourist visa is usually up to 90 days within a six-month period, starting from the date of entry into the Schengen area. However, this may vary depending on individual circumstances and visa type.

19 19.Can I pay for multiple applicants’ visas in one transaction?


It depends on the specific application process and payment methods. Some countries require each applicant to pay separately, while others may allow for multiple applicants to be included in one transaction. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying for a visa from for their specific payment policies.

20 20.Can I pay by cash when submitting my application at the consulate/embassy?


No, most consulates or embassies do not accept cash payments for visa applications. It is best to check the specific payment methods accepted by your consulate/embassy before submitting your application. Typically, payment must be made via credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.