Germany Reduces Schengen and National Visa Fees for Indians
The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Mumbai said that Indian citizens will now have to pay a reduced price when applying for Schengen and national visas.
According to the Consulate, the Schengen visa fee for adults has been reduced to 6,400 INR (€80), whereas for minors, it has been reduced to 3,200 INR (€40), AtoZSerwisPlus.de reports.
Regarding the national visa, the Consulate explained that Indian adults will now have to pay 6,000 INR (€75), and minors will have to pay 3,000 INR (€37,50) for their application.
“The visa fees have changed. The Schengen visa fee amounts to 6,400 INR; the reduced Schengen visa fee for minors to 3,200 INR. The national visa fee amounts to 6,000 INR; the reduced national visa fee for minors to 3,000 INR,” the statement of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Mumbai reads.
Depending on the purpose and duration of a person’s stay in Germany, one can apply for a short-term Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days or for a long-term German national visa for stays over 90 days.
Those applying for a Schengen visa must make sure to submit all the required documents, such as the application form, a declaration, two passport photos, copies of previous visas, a round-trip itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial funds, a cover letter, proof of civil status, and Germany travel health insurance.
In addition, based on the employment status, additional documents, such as the employment contract, current bank statement, and leave permission, among others, may also be required.
>> Germany Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines
As for the processing time of the Schengen visas, the official website of the German Missions in India explains that it currently takes an average of 15 days. In addition, the same notes that they cannot expedite the process and advised everyone to plan beforehand.
“Due to the peak season, at some German Missions, it currently takes an average time of at least 15 days to process your Schengen visa application. Please take this into account before filing your application. If your travel date is imminent or lies within two weeks of the application date, please check if you can postpone your trip. In general, neither the German Mission nor the Service Provider can expedite the process,” the statement of the German Missions in India reads.
Regarding the changes in the national visa, it has been explained that this will benefit students the most as a large number of Indian students choose Germany to pursue their studies. Apart from announcing cheaper fees for Indians applying for a student visa, which falls under the national visa, the German authorities have also said that new appointments will be available soon.
