🇩🇪 Germany tourist visa for Chinese citizens 2026
Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Germany's official pages; see the source at the end.
Yes. Chinese citizens need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Chinese passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for Germany, which allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, but no paid work.
Quick facts
- Visa
- Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days in any 180
- Government fee
- about $100
- Processing time
- 2–6 weeks
- Paid work
- Not allowed
- Business or conference
- Covered
Where Chinese citizens apply
You apply through VFS Global in the German consular district where you live (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu or Shenyang) after completing the VIDEX form online; the German mission takes the decision.
Fee and processing time
The fee is a flat EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus a VFS service fee of EUR 19.13, both paid in RMB. Decisions are normally issued within 15 calendar days and can take up to 45, with no express option, so apply between six months and three weeks before travel.
That is about $100 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.
Travelling for business or a conference?
Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
Before you fly: registrations and border systems
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of passport stamps.
Documents and steps
- Check your passport and get two biometric photosPassport valid 3 months beyond departure with two blank pages; 35 x 45 mm biometric photos under 6 months old.
- Complete the online form and book your VFS Global appointmentApply 6 months to 15 days before travel; slots at busy centres run out weeks ahead.
- Buy Schengen travel medical insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum)Minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay.
- Assemble proof of funds and employment3 months of bank-stamped statements, sealed employer letter with translation, company business licence copy.
- Add your hukou and proof of ties to ChinaCopy of all printed hukou pages (no translation), property or marriage papers, old passports with used visas.
- Prepare your itinerary, flight reservation and accommodationRound-trip reservation plus accommodation for every night; all dates must match the form.
- If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterInvitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- Attend the appointment, give biometrics and pay the feeFee EUR 90 adult, EUR 45 child 6-11, free under 6; fingerprints valid 59 months.
- Wait for the decision and collect your passportDecision normally within 15 calendar days of a complete file, up to 45 days with extra checks.
- At the border: EES registration and the 90/180-day limitEES fully live since 10 April 2026: biometrics at first entry; keep to 90 days in any 180.
The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.
Planning a trip to Germany?
Answer 6 questions, choose “Visit”, and get a dated checklist for your travel dates — free.
Plan my visitFrequently asked questions
- Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Germany?
- Yes. Chinese citizens need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Chinese passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for Germany, which allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, but no paid work.
- How long can Chinese citizens stay in Germany as a visitor?
- 90 days in any 180 under the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
- How much does the Germany Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost for Chinese citizens?
- The fee is a flat EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus a VFS service fee of EUR 19.13, both paid in RMB.
- How long does the Germany Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take for Chinese citizens?
- Decisions are normally issued within 15 calendar days and can take up to 45, with no express option, so apply between six months and three weeks before travel.
- Can Chinese citizens attend a conference or business meeting in Germany on this visa?
- Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- What do Chinese citizens need to register or carry before flying to Germany?
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of passport stamps.
- Can Chinese citizens work in Germany on a visitor stay?
- No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Chinese citizens need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Germany visa guide for Chinese citizens.
Thinking of staying longer?
A visitor stay never allows paid work. Chinese citizens who want to work, study or settle in Germany have 2 main routes, compared in the Germany visa guide for Chinese citizens.
Germany for Chinese citizens, in depth
Visiting Germany from elsewhere
Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.