Visa Application Procedures for Visiting Germany - Comprehensive Guide from A-Z
Reuniting with family in Germany is always a sacred wish for many Vietnamese families. However, the procedure for applying for a visa to Germany for family visits often makes many people anxious due to its complexity and strict requirements. This article will provide the most detailed guide on the process, documents, and tips to help you increase your chances of success when applying for a family visit visa to Germany.
What is a family visit visa to Germany and who is eligible to apply?
A family visit visa to Germany (Family Visit Visa) is a short-term Schengen visa that allows Vietnamese citizens to enter Germany to visit relatives and family members who are legally residing there. This is one of the most common types of visas in humanitarian visa applications.
A family visit visa to Germany (Family Visit Visa) is a short-term Schengen visa
Relatives in Germany must meet the following requirements:
Have legal residency rights in Germany (permanent or long-term residence)
Have the financial ability to sponsor the visit
No serious criminal record
Important changes in the procedure for applying for a German visa
The acceptance of visa application documents has been transferred to the external service provider VFS Global, instead of submitting directly to the Embassy as before.
Since June 15, 2018, VFS Global has been authorized to provide visa application acceptance services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a modern and more convenient appointment scheduling system. The application of new technology helps track the processing progress of applications transparently and accurately.
There are important changes in the procedure for applying for a family visit visa to Germany
Detailed list of documents for applying for a family visit visa to Germany
Personal documents of the visa applicant
1. Original passport and photocopy
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the expected departure date from the Schengen area
Must have at least 2 blank pages for stamps
Photocopy of all pages with information and entry-exit stamps
The visa application form can be downloaded from the VFS website
Fill it out completely and accurately in English or German
Sign and date it
3. Standard passport photos
2 color photos 3.5x4.5cm, white background
Taken within the last 6 months
No glasses, no smiling, looking straight ahead
4. Travel insurance
Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro
Valid throughout the entire Schengen area
Coverage for the entire duration of stay
Financial proof documents
1. Bank statements
Statements for the last 3-6 months
Minimum balance of 1,500-2,000 Euro (about 40-50 million VND)
Must have the bank's official stamp
2. Salary confirmation letter
Employment confirmation letter and salary level from the company
Payroll for the last 3 months
Labor contract (if available)
3. Other asset documents
Land use right certificate (if available)
Car registration (if available)
Investment documents, securities (if available)
Documents from relatives in Germany
1. Official invitation letter
Invitation letter signed by the inviter
Content must include: purpose of visit, duration of stay, commitment to financial responsibility
Must have a handwritten signature, electronic signatures are not accepted
2. Copy of the inviter's passport
Scan of the inviter's passport
Must include the personal information page and the page with the German entry stamp
3. Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung)
Confirmation of current residence address in Germany
Issued within the last 3 months
4. Documents proving legal status
Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or German passport
Work permit (if currently employed)
5. Proof of financial capability of the inviter
Verpflichtungserklarung (Financial guarantee letter) issued by Auslanderbehorde
Or bank statements for the last 3 months of the inviter
Income confirmation letter from the workplace
Must prove the financial capability of the inviter for the visit in Germany
Documents proving the relationship
1. Birth certificate
Original and notarized translation into German/English
Proving blood relationship
2. Marriage certificate (if visiting spouse)
Original and notarized translation
Both parties must be named in the marriage certificate
3. Other documents
Single status confirmation (if not married)
Household registration book proving family relationship
Step-by-step process for applying for a family visit visa to Germany
Step 1: Prepare complete documents
The process of applying for a family visit visa to Germany requires thorough document preparation, including personal documents, relationship proof, financial capability, and ties in Vietnam
Preparation time: 2-4 weeks
Collect all personal documents
Contact relatives in Germany to prepare sponsorship documents
Translate and notarize necessary documents
Step 2: Schedule an online appointment
Visit the official website of VFS Global
Create an account and fill in personal information
Choose a suitable date and time at the VFS center
Step 3: Submit documents at VFS Global
VFS Global address in Hanoi: Ocean Park Building, Room 207, 2nd Floor, No. 1 Dao Duy Anh, Phuong Mai Ward, Dong Da District
VFS Global address in Ho Chi Minh City: 3rd Floor, Deutsches Haus Building, 33 Le Duan, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Step 4: Interview and biometric submission
Biometric photo (10 fingerprints)
Answer questions from the receiving officer
Pay visa fee and VFS service fee
Step 5: Wait for results and receive visa
Processing time: 15-20 working days
Track progress via the VFS website
Receive results at the VFS center or via postal service
Cost of applying for a family visit visa to Germany
Official visa fee
Schengen visa fee: 80 Euro (approximately 2.1 million VND)
Children aged 6-12 years: 40 Euro
Children under 6 years: Free
VFS Global service fee
Basic service fee: 30 Euro (approximately 780,000 VND)
SMS notification service: 3 Euro
Express delivery service: 15 Euro
Additional costs
Notarized translation: 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND
Travel insurance: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND
Passport photo: 100,000 - 200,000 VND
Travel expenses: 200,000 - 500,000 VND
Estimated total cost: 4.5 - 6 million VND
Common mistakes when applying for a family visit visa
Document errors
Missing important documents: Forgetting to submit the invitation letter or proof of relationship
Inconsistent information: Information in the visa application does not match other documents
Expired documents: Using documents that have exceeded their validity period
Pay attention to common mistakes when applying for a family visit visa to Germany
Financial errors
Unstable account balance: The amount in the account fluctuates unusually
Unable to explain the source of funds: A large amount of money appears suddenly without a clear source
Inadequate income: Income is too low compared to the expected expenses
Interview errors
Vague answers: Unable to clearly answer the purpose of the trip
Lack of confidence: Showing excessive worry and doubt
Conflicting information: Answers inconsistent with submitted documents
Applying for a family visit visa to Germany is no longer a "nightmare" if you are guided correctly! At NVK Travel, we understand the difficulties that customers face when handling the application process themselves.German visa. Contact NVK Travel immediately via the website nvktravel.com for detailed advice and receive special discounted quotes for the family visit visa service to Germany.
