I’m sure some of you have heard of  the nightmares other people have had with applying for a visa, or may have  even experienced it yourself. Applying for your German VISA can be quite hassle-free if you have all your documents and plans ready. My encounter with the German Embassy and the application for my visa was pretty smooth-sailing, the only qualm I had was the long wait for the visa to be approved. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for your German visa.

1.  Find out if you need a visa for your trip

The need for a German visa depends on your nationality, length of stay and purpose of visit. Citizens of the European Union member states do not need a visa to travel in Germany and around Europe. Citizens of some other countries may travel in Germany without a visa for up to 90 days provided they are not employed for work during the period of their stay. In addition, there are countries where the citizens will always need a visa in Germany regardless of the length and purpose of stay. In general, if you intend to be gainfully employed in Germany, you will need to apply for a work permit visa (also called a residence permit). For more information regarding the requirements for each country, click here.

* Singapore citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel in European Union member states for up to 90 days. They will however, need to apply for a residence permit in Singapore if they intend to find employment in Germany.

2.  Communication

Once you have determined if you need a visa, you will need to start communicating with the respective people (employer, school, the Embassy) who will be involved in your application of the visa. For employment purposes, keep your employer up-to-date about your plans. One of the many documents needed for the application is proof that you are offered a job in Germany. Have your employer write a letter indicating the employment offer and be ready to have copies of your contract. For students, you will need an offer letter from your respective colleges. Request for these documents early to avoid any delays and make sure they know you are applying for your visa. The German authorities will confirm your application with these people, and it wouldn’t sound good if your employers have no idea what is going on!

3. Prepare documents needed for your visa application

Here is a list of documents and items you will need to bring to the embassy when you apply for your work/residence permit. Make sure they are all filled and have met the requirements.

• 2 filled application forms
• 2 Passport photos which complies to the standards illustrated here
• Visa application fees in cash only (120SGD for long-term visa, 130SGD for hybrid visa)

Original and 2 photocopies of:

• Passport (with at least 6 months validity from the day you leave Germany)
• Employment contract/offer letter
• Curriculum vitae

For more information on the requirements for other types of visa, refer to this webpage.

4. Make a trip to the Embassy

Now that you have everything you ready, check out the opening hours of the Embassy and make a trip down. I visited the Embassy on a weekday morning and there were only around 4 other visitors applying for their visa. The lady at the counter handling my application was quite helpful and friendly, although  she did send the guy before me away to get another photo taken because his photo did not meet the requirements. All she did was to ask me one or two questions regarding the purpose of my application and checked that I have everything submitted. This entire process, from entering the building to leaving the building, took only 30 minutes! This was so much easier and shorter than when I had to apply for my US visa 3 years back.

5. Wait

All you need to do after you have applied for your visa is to wait for them to call and tell you the good news. It was written clearly on the piece of paper I received from the Embassy, “There is no need to call us. We will contact you as soon as your visa aplication has been approved by the authorities in Germany.” It took 10 weeks for my visa to be approved.

My whole experience with the German Embassy was not intimidating and troublesome at all.  I hope this goes the same way for you too!

For the best guide to applying for your visa, visit the website of your local German Embassy!