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🇩🇪 Germany tourist visa for Indians 2026

Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Germany's official pages; see the source at the end.

Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Germany; it permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period anywhere in the Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, with no paid work allowed.

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 Indians apply

Applications are lodged in person at any VFS Global centre in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Goa and others) and are all decided by the German Consulate General in Mumbai.

Fee and processing time

The visa fee is EUR 90 (about INR 9,100; EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus a VFS service charge of roughly INR 1,900. Germany aims to decide within 15 calendar days of the file reaching the consulate, which can stretch to 45 days in peak season, so lodge the application between six months and at least three weeks before travel; appointments at the big-city centres are tight from March to June.

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 captures fingerprints and a facial image at the border in place of 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 appointment in IndiaApply 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 stamped bank statements, 3 salary slips, 2 years of ITR or Form 16, employer leave letter.
  • Show your ties to India and reason to returnLeave letter with return date, property or rent agreement, family documents, 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Indians need a visa for Germany?
Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Germany. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Germany; it permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period anywhere in the Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, trade fairs and conferences, with no paid work allowed.
How long can Indians 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 Indians?
The visa fee is EUR 90 (about INR 9,100; EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus a VFS service charge of roughly INR 1,900.
How long does the Germany Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take for Indians?
Germany aims to decide within 15 calendar days of the file reaching the consulate, which can stretch to 45 days in peak season, so lodge the application between six months and at least three weeks before travel; appointments at the big-city centres are tight from March to June.
Can Indians 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 Indians need to register or carry before flying to Germany?
Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System captures fingerprints and a facial image at the border in place of stamps.
Can Indians 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, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Germany visa guide for Indians.

Thinking of staying longer?

A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in Germany have 3 main routes, compared in the Germany visa guide for Indians.

Germany for Indians, in depth

Visiting other countries as Indians

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.