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Visa fees – how much will applying for a visa cost? Processing time - how long will it take for me to get my visa? Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal): Applying for visas easily and securely online The visa application procedure – how do I proceed?
Data protection in the visa application process Legal provisions relating to the issue of visas (selection) Additional content Visa requirements: who needs a visa? Generally speaking, third-country nationals require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. An exemption applies to EU nationals and nationals of those countries for which the European Community has, with the visa regulation of the European Union abolished the visa requirement for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180‑day period.
You can check here to see if you require a visa: Table of countries whose citizens require/do not require visas to enter Germany Issue of visas: where do I apply for a visa? The Embassies and Consulates General (missions abroad) of the Federal Republic of Germany are responsible for issuing visas. Ratione loci competence (local responsibility) for processing visa applications lies with the mission responsible for the area in which you have your ordinary residence or domicile.
An overview of all missions abroad can be found here (in German). Please note that ratione materiae competence (subject-matter responsibility) lies with the mission of the Schengen state in whose territory the sole or main destination is situated. You can therefore submit your visa application at a German mission abroad, especially if you wish to travel to Germany.
As a matter of principle, Federal Foreign Office headquarters is not involved in decisions on individual visa applications. Visa types – which one do I need? What kind of visa you need depends on both the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay.
Generally, for stays of up to 90 days, you apply for a Schengen visa . For longer stays, you apply for a national visa . Visa fees – how much will applying for a visa cost?