.png)
Visa Germany from India
For Indian citizens: All information on applying for a visa to Germany from India.
Share:
what options do Indians have for applying for a visa?
when Indian nationals can apply for a visa for Germany
How the visa application process works in India (including appointment booking)
when Indians can apply for a Golden Visa
1. As an Indian to Germany
2. Visa requirements for Germany from India
3. GATS Agreement India-Germany Visa (§ 29 para. 5 BeschV)
4. Visa requirements for EU Blue Card from India
5. Study and Job Seeker Visa for Germany from India
6. Visa procedure German Embassy in India
6.1 Getting a visa appointment for Germany in India
6.2 Visa application form and documents for Germany from India
6.3 Visa processing time for Germany from India
7. Golden Visa Germany from India
8. FAQ Visa for Germany from India
9. Conclusion
1. As an Indian to Germany
India is one of the most important countries of origin for immigrants to Germany. India plays a leading role, particularly in educational and labor migration (see Monitoring of Educational and Labor Migration: Issuance of Residence Permits to Third-Country Nationals, BAMF 2023 ). Almost 20% of third-country national students and around 13% of foreign skilled workers come from India, as the BAMF monitoring report for 2023 shows. Indian citizens are also strongly represented among holders of the EU Blue Card under Section 18g of the German Residence Act: 25.2% of EU Blue Card holders in Germany come from India. Most Indian immigrants live in Berlin, within the jurisdiction of the State Office for Immigration (LEA).
Indian professionals are in high demand in Germany, as they are generally young and the Indian education system enjoys a high international reputation, particularly in Germany . This is especially true regarding the recognition of university degrees and qualifications in Germany, which facilitates professional integration. Many Indian degrees are recognized in Germany, which is particularly advantageous when applying for an EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the German Residence Act) and a Job Seeker Visa (Sections 20a and 20 of the German Residence Act). This gives Indian citizens better chances of quickly entering the German labor market and achieving long-term success. Below you will find all the information you need to apply for the relevant visas from India.
2. Visa requirements for Germany from India
India is not among the privileged nationalities in Germany, which is why Indian citizens are generally subject to visa requirements. A valid visa is therefore required for entry into Germany (see the visa list of the Federal Foreign Office ). This applies to both long-term stays and short tourist stays. Indian nationals must therefore apply for a Schengen visa in accordance with Section 6 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) to enter Germany. Currently, there is no visa exemption for Indian travelers. It is recommended to apply for the visa and ensure compliance with the visa requirements well in advance, as processing times in India can be very long.
3. GATS Agreement India-Germany Visa (§ 29 para. 5 BeschV)
Germany and India are linked through the World Trade Organization (WTO) , which allows for special visa options and simplifies the requirements for visa applications from India. According to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 29 Paragraph 5 of the German Employment Ordinance (BeschV), work visas can be issued under certain conditions to nationals of countries that have a free trade agreement with Germany. This applies to India through the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). In certain cases, this agreement permits the posting of workers without formal recognition of their qualifications. However, these facilitations do not apply to EU Blue Card holders.
4. Visa requirements for EU Blue Card from India
The most popular residence permit for Indians in Germany is the EU Blue Card according to Section 18g of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ). The requirements for applying for an EU Blue Card from India are generally the same as for all other countries (see our VISAGUARD guide on applying for an EU Blue Card ). However, a key difference in the case of India is that Indian citizens usually do not need an evaluation of their academic credentials or formal recognition of their degree in Germany, as many degrees have already been reviewed by the German recognition authorities (Anabin). This applies particularly to degrees from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (see IGNOU at Anabin) and the University of Delhi (see Delhi University at Anabin). For this reason, it is often particularly easy for Indians to apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany.
5. Study and Job Seeker Visa for Germany from India
Indian citizens benefit from the Indian education system, which is recognized in Germany, when applying for a student visa and a job seeker visa (or an opportunity card). In many cases, Indian school-leaving qualifications fulfill all the requirements for applying for a student visa for Germany. The same applies to the job seeker visa and the opportunity card. You can find more information about the student visa in our VISAGUARD guide to studying in Germany . Further information about the opportunity card can be found in the guide to the job seeker visa and the opportunity card .
6. Visa procedure German Embassy in India
To apply for a visa to Germany from India, you must first book an appointment at the relevant embassy . You can find out which embassy is responsible for your visa application on the website of the German embassies in India . The website also includes a "consulate finder" for India . In addition to the honorary consuls, the following German diplomatic missions are located in India:
6.1 Getting a visa appointment for Germany in India
To obtain a visa appointment at the German embassy in India, you must either contact the embassy by email (visa@newd.diplo.de) or book an appointment through the automated booking systems of VFS Global. Booking. The specific steps you need to take to book an appointment in India depend on your individual circumstances. In most cases, you will need to go through VFS Global. The German Embassy in India explains which booking method works for which situation on its website .
Should you be unable to secure an appointment at the embassy, it is advisable to pursue the so-called accelerated skilled worker procedure pursuant to Section 81a of the German Residence Act (see also the VISAGUARD guide to the accelerated skilled worker procedure ). With the accelerated skilled worker procedure, you will receive preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency, which allows you to book an appointment directly with the embassy via email (visa@newd.diplo.de) instead of through VFS Global.
If the accelerated skilled worker procedure is not an option for you, then you must follow the regular appointment booking process. If, despite numerous and lengthy attempts, you are unable to secure an appointment for a visa to Germany in India, often the only remaining option is to engage a lawyer who can potentially threaten and file a lawsuit for failure to act on your behalf. An independent lawyer certified by VISAGUARD would be happy to assist you with this.
6.2 Visa application form and documents for Germany from India
For your appointment at the embassy in India, you will need to prepare numerous documents. You can find information about the required visa documents in the information sheets on the German Embassy in India's website . The visa application form (PDF) is a printout of the so-called VIDEX form . You will need to provide extensive information on the VIDEX form. The VIDEX web app will then generate a QR code for you, which will be scanned by the embassy. Please note that the VIDEX form must be signed by hand . In addition to the documents and the VIDEX form, you will also need to submit a biometric photograph for the visa. The exact requirements for the visa photo (photo size) can also be found on the German Embassy in India's website .
Regarding the documents, please note that the German Embassy in India also requires a “Declaration on true and complete information” (PDF) and a printout of “Additional contact and legal representation information” (PDF) .
6.3 Visa processing time for Germany from India
The processing time for a work visa in India is approximately 3-6 weeks . Family reunification visas generally take significantly longer, as approval from the immigration authorities in Germany is usually required. Due to the workload of these authorities, obtaining this approval can take several months. To help reduce visa application processing times, we have compiled a dedicated VISAGUARD guide . After your visa is granted, you can enter Germany and convert it into a residence permit. Further information can be found in the VISAGUARD guide on applying for a residence permit .
7. Golden Visa Germany from India
In Germany, there is a so-called "Golden Visa" program at the discretion of the immigration authorities (§ 7 AufenthG). Additionally, there are ways for Indian citizens to obtain a visa through investment . This could involve, for example, purchasing real estate or establishing a company from India (see § 21 AufenthG). A corresponding visa can be applied for with an investment of approximately €250,000 to €500,000. However, it should be noted that the granting of investment visas in Germany is at the discretion of the authorities. The embassy can issue the visa, but is not obligated to do so. It is therefore advisable to consult a lawyer to handle the application for a Golden Visa or Investor Visa from India. An independent lawyer certified by VISAGUARD will be happy to advise you on the requirements and application process for a Golden Visa or Investor Visa from India.
Once the Golden Visa/Investor Visa has been granted, it can be converted into an EU long-term residence permit (§ 9a AufenthG) after a few years. The EU long-term residence permit allows permanent residence in Germany and does not expire due to travel abroad (see § 51 para. 9 AufenthG). With an EU long-term residence permit, you can therefore spend large parts of the year in India and then come to Germany and the EU for short breaks of a few days or weeks. The EU long-term residence permit can also be recognized in other EU countries , ultimately granting you permanent residence throughout the EU without it being revoked by trips abroad. This option is particularly valued by wealthy individuals from India.
8. FAQ Visa for Germany from India
What is the rejection rate for visa applications for Germany in India?
The rejection rate for visa applications in India varies greatly depending on the type of visa. Generally speaking, the rate is around 15% to 25% (see the German Federal Government's answer to the parliamentary question from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group – document 20/10299 – on the impact of the German-Indian Migration Agreement of 27 February 2024 ).
How much does a visa for Germany cost in India?
The visa fee for German visas in India is 75 euros for adult applicants.
Where can I obtain the checklists for the necessary documents for a visa to Germany from India?
What health insurance do I need for a visa to Germany from India?
For a work visa to Germany, you need so-called substitute health insurance (§ 2 para. 3 sentence 3 of the German Residence Act). One example of such insurance is statutory health insurance with Techniker Krankenkasse (not an affiliate link). A list of travel health insurance policies recognized by German embassies in India can be found on the website of the German Embassy in India .
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Germany?
Yes, Indian citizens are subject to visa requirements for all stays in Germany. A visa must be applied for at a German embassy or consulate for both short-term Schengen stays and long-term stays (§ 6 AufenthG, visa list of the Federal Foreign Office).
What is the GATS agreement and why is it important for Indian applicants?
The GATS agreement (General Agreement on Trade in Services) allows the posting of Indian skilled workers under simplified conditions according to Section 29 Paragraph 5 of the Employment Ordinance. In particular, it simplifies the application for work visas without formal recognition of qualifications.
9. Conclusion
This page explains the special features of visa and residence regulations for Indian citizens in Germany. While Indian citizens cannot enter Germany visa-free, skilled Indian workers can obtain a visa under the GATS agreement. Employment and educational migration to Germany is also particularly relevant for Indians, as the Indian education system is well-regarded in Germany. Finally, Indians in Germany frequently apply for the so-called Golden Visa , which can be converted into an EU long-term residence permit after a certain period.
You might also be interested in
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] German Pension Insurance, Work and Pension in Germany and India, as of 19 May 2025