Applying for a German Tourist Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide and Personal Experience
My 14-Day German Visit Visa Journey: A Parent's Guide
Sharing the joy of a successful German visit visa, achieved after a 14-day journey! I handled all the paperwork myself and submitted it at VFS Ho Chi Minh City. The VFS staff in Germany were incredibly helpful, assisting me in completing my application for this first-time family visit. Even during the document review at the counter, they guided me through correcting flight itinerary details. A key difference I noticed compared to other European visa applications is that Germany strictly grants visas for the exact number of days you request in your itinerary. So, if you plan a longer stay, be sure to specify your desired duration accurately. Remember, the maximum stay allowed is 90 days. This visa application was for visiting my daughter who is on a short-term study program in Germany. Although my daughter provided sponsorship, the visa application still required me to prove my financial capabilities. The provided documents included her personal information, her short-term study visa, and proof of temporary residence. My Application Documents (Parents):
1. Two passport-sized photos (3.5x4.5 cm) with a white background, adhering to the embassy's required size and facial proportion. 2. The German visa application form, completed online. Ensure all information is in English. Print the PDF version, save it, and make sure to include the barcode for each application. Sign your full name. Affix one photo to the form. 3. A checklist of required documents, following the provided template, organized neatly for VFS to review easily. 4. A signed declaration form as per regulations. 5. A signed travel insurance declaration form. 6. A signed declaration form for travel within the Schengen Area. 7. Your current passport (original). 8. Previous passports: a copy of the personal information page and all pages with entry/exit stamps and online visas. Bring the original passports as VFS will keep them for comparison. 9. Proof of residence: obtain a hard copy from your local police station, stamped in red. Provide both a copy and a self-translated English version. 10. Children's birth certificates: copies along with self-translated English versions. 11. Parents' Citizen Identification Cards: copies. 12. Children's Citizen Identification Cards: copies. 13. Marriage certificate: a copy with a self-translated English version. 14. Business License: a copy with a self-translated English version. 15. Monthly Business Tax and Annual Tax payment documents: copies with self-translated English versions. 16. Income bank statement: obtain a 3-month bilingual statement from your bank. (Original). 17. Savings account passbook: a copy. 18. Savings account balance confirmation: request a bilingual confirmation of your savings account balance from your bank. (Original). 19. Property ownership documents: copies. 20. Credit card statements: provide 3 months of statements, highlighting your credit limit if applicable. 21. Flight booking confirmation: must be in English. 22. Travel insurance: genuine purchase, in English. 23. Hotel bookings: ensure your parents' names are listed. In English. 24. Detailed Itinerary in English: this needs to be comprehensive, specifying flight details, accommodation, planned activities, and transportation. Ensure it's logical and well-reasoned. 25. Cover Letter: clearly explain the purpose of your visit to Germany. A helpful tip is to include photos to prove your employment and your relationship with the inviter to increase your chances of approval. Print, sign, and include color photos. 26. Fingerprint form: print one copy. Sponsorship Documents (Daughter in Germany):
1. Invitation Letter: written by your daughter, ideally with attached photos. Print in color. You can sign it on her behalf, but try to match her signature on her passport closely. (Original). 2. Daughter's Passport: a copy of the personal information page and her short-term study visa page. (Copy). 3. Proof of Temporary Residence in Germany: as a short-term student, a temporary residence permit is sufficient. (Copy). 4. Enrollment Letter: copy. 5. Daughter's Birth Certificate: copy. 7. Photos together with your daughter: print and attach to the application. Submitting Your Application:
1. Create an account and schedule an appointment on the VFS website for fingerprint submission. Print the appointment confirmation and include it in each person's application file. 2. Submit all required documents. 3. Consular Fees: Embassy Fee: 2,250,000 VND, VFS Fee: 777,000 VND. 4. Await the results and then collect your original documents. Germany does not mail passports, so personal collection is required. Important Notes:
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE PRINTED ON A4 PAPER. Germany does not require notarized translations. You can self-translate your documents and bring the originals for verification during submission. VFS may request to retain some original documents for their review. Wishing everyone success with their German visa applications! Cre: Alice Trang
