Navigating Germany visa requirements, including the process to get a permit, can be tricky for UK residents post-Brexit. This concise guide explains if and when you need a visa, outlines the straightforward application process, and details the permit types that cater to your travel needs. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your stay in Germany from the UK.
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Table of Content
Key Takeaways
UK citizens can visit Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, but stays beyond that require a visa and possibly a residence permit.
Germany offers different types of visas for UK residents including Tourist, Business, and Student visas, each with specific requirements depending on the purpose and length of stay.
The visa application process for UK residents involves booking an appointment via TLScontact, submitting the necessary documents, and, depending on the visa type, possibly attending an interview at the German Embassy or Consulate.
Do UK Citizens Require a Germany Visa?
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, travelling between countries has become a common occurrence. However, visa requirements can often pose a significant hurdle. If you’re a UK citizen, you’re in luck! For short trips to Germany lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period, a visa is not required. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
Yet, what happens when your stay in Germany stretches beyond the 90-day limit? Under such circumstances, acquiring a visa and/or residence permit becomes mandatory. The German Visa Application Centre in the UK is your best point of contact for visa applications.
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The type of visa required for UK residents to enter Germany largely depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. A visa isn’t needed for stays that don’t surpass 90 days within a 180-day period. However, for longer stays, a valid residence permit is necessary.
In Germany, there are three main types of visas for United Kingdom residents: the Tourist Visa, the Business Visa, and the Student Visa. Each visa has its specific requirements and is designed to cater to different needs. Let’s explore further into each of these visa categories.
Tourist Visa
The German Tourist Visa is designed for UK citizens who wish to visit Germany for leisure or sightseeing purposes. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if your stay exceeds this limit, you must apply for a visa.
Certain restrictions exist that you should be aware of while on a tourist visa. For instance, engaging in any form of economic activity within Germany is strictly prohibited. So, if your trip involves any business-related activities, you’ll need a different kind of visa - the Business Visa.
Business Visa
The Business Visa is perfect for UK residents travelling to Germany for professional reasons. Whether it’s for attending business meetings, signing contracts, or dealing with other business affairs, this visa has you covered for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. For longer stays, consider applying for a National D visa.
Brexit has not impacted the business visa regulations for UK citizens travelling to Germany. So, for short business trips not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, a visa is not required. However, if you’re planning to work in Germany, a business visa can be converted into a work permit upon your arrival in the country.
Student Visa
Are you a UK resident planning to study in Germany? If so, you’ll need to apply for a Student Visa if your course duration exceeds 90 days. To obtain this visa, you’ll need the following documents:
A letter of admission from a German university
A valid passport
Recent biometric portrait photos
Proof of health insurance
Evidence of sufficient funds to sustain your stay
The application process for a Germany visa application, specifically for a German Student Visa, involves the following steps:
Completing the application form
Submitting the required documents
Attending an interview at the German Embassy or Consulate in the UK
Paying an application fee.
German Visa Application Process for UK Residents
Having covered the various types of visas, we’ll now shift our focus to the application process. If you’re a UK resident, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with either the German Embassy in London or the German Consulate General in Edinburgh to apply for a visa.
You can schedule an appointment for your German visa application through TLScontact’s website. While the German authorities may request an interview after you submit your visa application, this is not mandatory for all types of visas. It’s always a good idea to prepare for the possibility of an interview, just in case.
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We are regulated in § 257 SGB V, which is necessary for your visa applications. This also includes the Expat tariff.
Required Documents for German Visa Applications from UK
As with any visa application, certain documents are required when applying for a German visa. These documents differ based on the type of visa and the applicant’s specific circumstances. In this article, we’ll review the general German Schengen visa requirements and delve into additional documents needed, depending on employment status and for applicants under 18.
General Requirements
Irrespective of the visa type, certain general requirements must be met by all applicants. First and foremost, you’ll need a valid passport that has been issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date.
You’ll also need to provide two recently taken biometric portrait photos for identification purposes. The application form should be filled out accurately, providing personal information, passport details, purpose of visit, and accommodation and transportation details.
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
Along with the general requirements, you’ll need to provide additional documents based on your employment status. For example, employed individuals may need to provide evidence of employment or a job offer, while self-employed individuals may need to provide a business plan and proof of sufficient funds.
On the other hand, if you’re unemployed, you might need to provide evidence of your sponsor’s employment status, like payslips from the last six months. Meanwhile, retired individuals will need to provide their valid passport, passport photos, proof of UK residency, a German visa application form, and a valid UK residence permit.
Special Requirements for Minors
If a minor (an individual under the age of 18) is applying for a visa, there are additional requirements. Firstly, a letter of consent signed by both parents is required for unaccompanied minors.
To establish the relationship between a minor and their guardians, the original passports of both parents, along with a copy of the biodata page, as well as the original birth certificate of the child, and a copy, must be provided. It’s important to note that minors must have adult supervision throughout their visit to Germany.
German Visa Application Centres in the United Kingdom
If you’re residing in the UK and aiming to apply for a German visa, visiting a German Visa Application Centre is necessary. The main centres are:
The German Embassy in London
The Consulate General in Edinburgh
Additional visa application centres operated by TLScontact in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
These centres offer a range of visa services including:
visa information and application processing
support with German citizenship
naming law and civil status certificates
document legalization
It’s important to note that the German Embassy in London operates by appointment only.
Processing Time and Fees for German Visas from UK
Once your application is submitted, you’ll understandably be eager to know the processing duration. Typically, the processing time for a German visa application for UK residents is up to 15 days for short-stay visa applications. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the type of visa and other factors such as complex travel history or issues with supporting documents.
When it comes to fees, the charges for applying for a German visa as a UK resident consist of €80 for Schengen visa (A or C) and €75 for national (D) visas, with a reduced fee of €40 for minor applicants between 6-12 years of age.
Tips for a Successful German Visa Application from UK
Applying for a German visa can seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Firstly, ensure you submit your application at least 6 months prior to your intended date of travel to account for the standard 3-month processing period.
Avoid common mistakes such as:
submitting inaccurate details on the application form
possessing an invalid passport
displaying insufficient funds
lacking a clear purpose or itinerary
Ensure all your documents are in order and high quality. And finally, prepare for a possible interview at the German Embassy or Consulate in the UK.
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Learn how to get your visa and what you need to know about your move to Germany with our fact sheet.
Living and Working in Germany for UK Citizens
Germany is a wonderful place to live and work, and many UK citizens consider making the move. Understanding the requirements, however, is crucial. UK citizens can visit Germany for up to 90 days for travel or business purposes without a visa. For extended stays, such as for work or study, a residence permit is required.
There are several types of work visas available to UK citizens in Germany, including the D-Visa for employment and a job-seeker visa. The job-seeker visa allows individuals to stay longer than 90 days to seek employment. To work in Germany, UK citizens are required to obtain a long-term work permit from the commencement of their employment.
Health Insurance for UK Residents Visiting Germany
For UK residents visiting Germany, health insurance is of paramount importance. It’s a requirement for UK residents to have health insurance, with options including statutory health insurance and private health insurance.
Statutory Health Insurance
Statutory health insurance (SHI) is the public health insurance scheme in Germany, which covers the majority of the population. All residents, including foreign researchers and scientists, are eligible for SHI. It’s automatic for employees earning less than 69,300 euros per year.
UK residents can access SHI by enrolling with a German health insurer and making monthly insurance contributions.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is an alternative option for UK residents visiting Germany, offering additional coverage and flexibility. It’s particularly suitable for self-employed individuals, civil servants, and individuals with higher incomes (€ 69,300 per year). Private health insurance provides access to private doctors and hospitals, reduced waiting times, and broader coverage for treatments and medications.
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In conclusion, while the visa application process for Germany can seem complex, with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be navigated smoothly. Whether you’re a tourist, a business traveller, or a student, understanding the specific requirements for your visa type is crucial. Remember to have the right documents in place and apply well in advance of your trip. With careful planning, you can enjoy all the wonderful experiences Germany has to offer with peace of mind.
No, you do not need a Schengen visa if you have a UK BRP. British citizens with a valid UK passport can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa for short-term tourism or business trips.
No, as a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for trips to Germany lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
UK residents visiting Germany can apply for a tourist visa, business visa, or student visa. Choose the type of visa that best fits your purpose of visit.
The application process for a German visa requires scheduling an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate, submitting necessary documents, and potentially attending an interview.
You will need a valid passport, two recent biometric portrait photos, and a completed application form for a German visa application.
HIER SCHREIBTMarie-Theres Rüttiger
Marie-Theres is online editor for health and insurance topics at ottonova. She researches and writes mainly about private health insurance, (e-)health and digital innovation that make life better.
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