Visa requirements

Germany

General visa requirements for travelling to Germany. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Business visa (Schengen Business Visa (Type C))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
15 calendar days
Fee
€90
Validity
6 months typically
Entry
Multiple entry

Required for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and other business-related activities in Germany. This is a Schengen visa, allowing travel throughout the Schengen area. Starting May 2025-2026, visa-free country citizens will need ETIAS authorization.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    For attending business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, or other business activities.

    Includes
    • Business meetings
    • conferences
    • trade shows
    • negotiations
  • Employment

    Must be employed or self-employed with legitimate business reasons for travel.

    Required status: Employed or business owner

  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient funds or sponsorship from German business partner.

    Minimum funds: Adequate for business trip duration

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background, taken within last 6 months

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient for business trip; Months required: 3

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: All Schengen countries; Minimum coverage: €30,000

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking, invitation letter stating accommodation arrangements; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from German business partner/company stating purpose, dates, and who bears costs

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form 2026; Form url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/

  • Cover letter

    Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

  • Company registration

    Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

    Accepted documents: Business license, registration certificate, tax documents if self-employed

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the Schengen visa application form online.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather passport, photos, employer letter, business invitation, company registration, insurance, bank statements, and accommodation proof.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at German embassy/consulate or visa application center.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay the visa fee.

  5. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data at appointment.

  6. Document submission

    Submit all documents and attend interview.

  7. Processing wait

    Wait for processing decision.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa.

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Artist/Performer Visa (Short-Term))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
EUR 80
Validity
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Entry
Multiple entry

Artists and performers from visa-required countries who wish to participate in cultural events, festivals, or performances in Germany for up to 90 days can apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) for cultural purposes under Section 19c AufenthG. For performances of special artistic value, the German embassy may have sole authority to issue the visa without Federal Employment Agency approval, provided the activity does not exceed 90 days within 12 months. One-day show performers may work for up to 15 days per year. Citizens of Schengen visa-free countries can enter and perform short-term cultural activities without a visa.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be participating in a cultural event, performance, festival, or artistic activity in Germany

    Includes
    • Cultural performance
    • festival
    • artistic event
  • Criminal record

    Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements, sponsor letter, or event organizer commitment; Minimum amount: Sufficient for duration of stay

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: All Schengen states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or host accommodation letter; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from German event organizer, venue, or cultural institution detailing the event, dates, and the artist's role

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Schengen Visa Application Form for Cultural/Artistic Activities; Form url: https://digital.diplo.de

  • Biometrics appointment

    Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain an invitation letter from the German event organizer or cultural institution. Gather proof of artistic credentials, event details, accommodation, and financial means.

  2. Online application

    Complete the Schengen visa application form

  3. Appointment booking

    Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate

  4. Fee payment

    Pay the Schengen visa fee of EUR 80

  5. Document submission

    Submit all documents including passport, photos, invitation letter, event details, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and financial means

  6. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data if not already in the Visa Information System (VIS)

  7. Processing wait

    Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect your visa from the embassy

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.