German Visa for Indian citizens: All you need to know
Are You An Indian Citizen Looking To Go To Germany?
Here is How You Can Get a Visa for Germany
We can all agree that Germany is a land of rich history and beauty which attracts people from all walks of life. Be it Cologne, Munich, Hamburg or Berlin, Germany is the place to visit for culture and history enthusiasts. It is, therefore, no surprise that many Indian citizens love this amazing European country.
German Visa for Indian citizens is a statement that lives on the tongues of many people in India. In 2017, reports showed that close to 1 million people visited different European countries, and Germany was at the top of most people's list. So beloved is Germany that it is the first choice for Indian residents, evidenced by the 153,961 German visa applications from the country. The most preferred destination for Indians is the Schengen Area in Germany.
Despite Germany being a popular European country for Indians, a few issues have marred the facilitation process. The most prevalent issue is the lack of adequate and proper information on the German visa application process and the documents required. If you are looking for a german visa for Indians, then the article below will serve you greatly.
Here is a step-by-step process for getting a germany visa for Indians.
Germany job seeker visa for Indian
Have you ever thought of working in Germany? Then we are glad to report that with a job seeker visa, you are well on your way to fulfilling this dream. The Job seeker visa was introduced by the German government in 2012 to enable skilled workers from India to live and work in that country. The job seeker visa program currently offers 1000 jobs annually for Indian citizens. This special Germany Visa for Indian citizens allows you to be in the country for six months as you explore the various employment opportunities available.
It is a known fact that since World War II, Germany has been a major importer of skilled labour and has always had employment opportunities as it seeks to remedy its demographic crisis. So why is a Germany Visa for Indian viewed as a golden ticket? This is because Germany has a strong economy, so employees are remunerated well on top of other benefits. Germany also offers training programs that allow you to further your education, sharpen your skills and get a better job.
Germany has set itself apart with the job seeker visa. This is because not many countries allow you to enter its borders and live for six months as you look for an ideal job. As with any well-organized country, some conditions need to be met for you to get a Germany Visa for Indian. It is also worth noting that this particular german visa for Indians, the job seeker visa, is not open to everyone.
Many visas can enable you to travel to Germany, but the job seeker visa is the best. The job seeker permit works better in finding you your dream job because you can travel to the country and get settled. For the next six months, you can attend in-person interviews and that way; you can assess whether you meet the job requirements. You have a better chance of landing the job when sitting across the recruiter than when you apply online in India.
The job seeker visa takes 4-6 months to process, so it is you should keep this in mind when applying.
Here is how to apply;
- Step 1
Apply for the job seeker visa and wait for 4 to 6 months for it to be processed. Upon receiving this visa, you can travel to Germany.
- Step 2
Apply for the EU Blue Card as soon as you get into Germany. This card permits foreign professionals and academics to live and seek gainful employment in Germany.
- Step 3
After getting your Germany Visa for Indian and working in the country for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Step 4
If you wish to apply for German citizenship, you can do so 5 years after becoming a permanent-resident visa holder.
It is that simple to get a german visa for Indians. After ten years, you can apply to become a German citizen and live in this beautiful country as long as you wish.
Why Job Seeker Visa?
The main advantage of the job seeker visa is that it is unlike any other german visa for Indians. The six months grace period in the country after getting the job seeker visa allows you to legally and freely be in the country and look for work.
This visa is designed to import skilled labour into the country. Professions in high demand include information technology, health services and engineering.
Do Indians need a Visa for Germany
German Visa for Indian citizens is mandatory for those who wish to travel to this European country. Indians can apply for a Schengen, Short-Stay or Airport Transit visa if they intend to be in Germany for a period not exceeding 90 days.
This Airport Transit visa should be applied for at the airport in your country, the Germany Consulate or its embassy before departure. If there is no German diplomatic representation, you can apply for this visa via email when you arrive in Germany. This latter visa application must be made before thirty days lapse after your arrival into the country.
Ensure that all the relevant documents are attached when applying via post as per the instructions on the consulate general’s website. You will get an appointment date of when to collect your stamped visa that indicates its validity duration.
Germany - Visa Fees for Indian Passport Holders
The fee for all German Schengen visas for Indians is 80 euros for adults, and this fee also applies to Schengen Area member states. The categories exempted from this fee include the following;
- Children under the age of 6.
- Undergraduates, postgraduates, school pupils and accompanying teaching staff on an educational trip or training.
- Non-for-profit representatives aged 25 years and younger participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by other non-profit organizations.
- Scientific researchers from third world countries travelling within the European community.
Be sure to check for changes in the exchange rate of rupees because it affects the total amount in Euros.
Visa application for Germany from India
When applying for any Germany visa for Indian citizens, you need to determine the purpose, length and number of times you plan to visit the country. You can get the following;
- A multiple-entry visa for regular trips to Schengen Area
- Schengen visa for a 90 y days or less visit
- Work, family or study visa for longer stays
The recommended visa application period is between 15 days and 6 months prior to your trip. A German Visa for Indian allows you to travel for not more than 90 days in a 180-day period. Be sure to carry all the necessary documents when applying for any German visa at the consulate or embassy.
German Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
The entire visa process takes 6 weeks, and the documents you need when applying include the following;
- A correctly filled visa request form
- Copy of passport. It should be valid for more than three months post the intended departure date from Germany.
- Valid health insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay in Germany
- A recent passport photo, not more than three months old
- For Delhi Residents, An Overseas Citizen Card or Residence Permit or Foreign Registration Certificate issued under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Government of India is to be included with the other required documents.
The steps for acquiring a German Visa for Indian are fairly easy. You fill in the forms, attach the required documents, pay the stated fees, attend the interview and wait for your Schengen visa.
To apply for your german visa for indians, visit the German Embassy or Consulates in India on weekdays between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. These institutions are closed on Sundays and public holidays.