My 14-Day German Family Visit Visa Journey: A DIY Success Story
I'm absolutely thrilled to share my experience securing a German family visit visa for a wonderful 14-day trip! I managed the entire application process myself and submitted everything at the VFS center in Ho Chi Minh City. The VFS staff were incredibly helpful and supportive, guiding me through the paperwork for my first family visit. Even as I was at the counter, they assisted me in correcting my flight itinerary on the application form to perfectly match my travel plans. A key point to remember with German visas is that they issue the visa for exactly the number of days requested in your itinerary. So, if you plan a longer stay, be very precise with your requested dates, keeping in mind the maximum stay of 90 days.
This particular application was for visiting my daughter who is studying in Germany on a short-term program. My application was sponsored, and while it included the guarantor's personal information, her student visa details, and proof of residency, I still needed to provide financial documentation.
Applicant's Documents (Parents)
- Two photos, 3.5x4.5cm, with a white background, adhering to the embassy's specified size and facial proportion requirements.
- Visa application form, completed online. Ensure all information is in English. Print it as a PDF, save it, and remember to include the barcode for each submission. Sign the form with your full name. Affix one photo to the form.
- Checklist of required documents, organized as per the VFS guidelines for easy processing.
- Declaration form, printed and signed.
- Travel insurance declaration form, printed and signed.
- Declaration for multiple entries into the Schengen area, printed and signed.
- Current passport (original).
- Previous passport (copy of all pages with personal information, entry/exit stamps, and online visas). The original must be presented at VFS for comparison; they may retain it.
- Proof of residency. Obtain a hard copy from the ward police station, stamped in red. Provide both a copy and a self-translated English version.
- Children's birth certificates (copy and self-translated English version).
- Parents' National Identity Cards (copy).
- Children's National Identity Cards (copy).
- Marriage certificate (copy and self-translated English version).
- Business operating license (copy and self-translated English version).
- Proof of business tax and monthly tax payments (copy and self-translated English version).
- Bank statement showing income (original, 3-month bilingual statement obtained from the bank).
- Savings account book (copy).
- Confirmation of savings account balance (original, bilingual confirmation obtained from the bank).
- Property ownership documents (copy).
- Credit card statement (monthly statements sent by the bank, printed for 3 months. Highlight the credit limit if applicable).
- Flight booking (in English).
- Travel insurance (actual purchase, in English).
- Hotel booking (ensure parents' names are included, in English).
- Detailed travel itinerary in English. Specify flight details, accommodation, daily activities, and transportation methods, ensuring it's logical and reasonable.
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit. Include photos to demonstrate your work and your relationship with the inviter to increase your chances of approval. Print and sign the letter; include color photos.
- Fingerprint form (one copy).
Guarantor's Documents (Daughter in Germany)
- Invitation letter, written by the inviter. It's beneficial to include photos. Print a color copy. You can sign on behalf of the inviter, but ensure the signature closely resembles the one in their passport (original).
- Daughter's passport (copy of personal information page and short-term study visa page).
- Proof of residency in Germany. Since it's a short-term study program, proof of residency is sufficient (copy).
- Student enrollment confirmation (copy).
- Daughter's birth certificate (copy).
- Photos of you and your daughter together, printed and attached to the application.
Submitting Your Application
- Create an account on the VFS website to book an appointment for fingerprinting. You will receive an appointment confirmation via email. Print this and include it in each person's application.
- Compile all required documents.
- Pay the fees: Embassy fee is 2,250,000 VND, and VFS fee is 777,000 VND.
- Wait for the results. Passports must be collected in person; Germany does not offer postal delivery.
Important Notes
All documents must be printed on A4 paper. Germany does not require notarized translations; you can self-translate and bring the original documents for verification when you submit your application. VFS may retain certain original documents for their checks.
Wishing everyone the very best of luck with their German visa applications!
Credit: Alice Trang
