Although the United Kingdom is one of the many countries in the world that has a visa liberalization agreement with Germany, in some cases a visa is necessary to enter the country. In 2023, there were 26,657 applications for a German Schengen visa in United Kingdom. This is why UK citizens and residents must be familiar with the German Schengen visa requirements and application process.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Germany?
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany as they can stay in the country for 90 days within any period of 180 days. Please keep in mind that the visa-free stay is limited to only 90 days only after which you must obtain a residence permit or a visa.
However, in specific cases, UK citizens may require a visa if:
- You were previously refused entry into the Schengen Area.
- You are a non-UK citizen (permanent resident) who needs a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
Please note that even though UK citizens do not require visas, starting from May, 2025 when ETIAS is launched, UK nationals must register for ETIAS before entering Germany and other countries in the Schengen Area.
Who Can Apply for a German Visa in United Kingdom?
Citizens of these countries who have been residing in United Kingdom for at least three months and plan on visiting Germany are required to get a German visa.
You should apply for a German Schengen visa in United Kingdom if:
- You are only visiting Germany in the Schengen area – Which means that if you want to visit Belgium only, you will not be allowed to apply for a visa for Germany. You must plan to visit Germany in order to qualify for the visa.
- You will spend most of your visiting days in Germany – If you are doing a tour around Europe and the Schengen zone countries, you will have to apply for the visa in the country you will be staying in the longest. So if you want to visit Germany for 5 days, Belgium for 4 days, and the Netherlands for 3 days, you are eligible to apply for a visa in Germany. If you are staying longer in another country, then you cannot apply for a visa in Germany.
What Type of German Visa Can I Apply for?
Depending on the reason why you want to enter Germany there are several different visa types which you can apply for as listed below:
- Tourist and Visitor visa
- Business visa
- Airport transit visa
- Training/internship visa
- Visa for cultural, sports or religious events
- Trade fair and exhibition visa
- Visa for medical treatment
Note: For stays longer than 90 days you must apply for a national D visa.
What are the types of German long stay visas?
Here are the types of German long stay visas that UK citizens can apply for:
- Germany Student Visa
- Germany Job Seeker Visa
- Germany Employment Visa
- Germany Family Reunion Visa
- Germany Freelancer Visa
- Germany Guest Scientist Visa
- Germany Language Course Visa
Where to Apply for a German Visa in United Kingdom?
TLS Contact Visa Application Centre is the official processing company that the German Embassy in United Kingdom has authorized for this purpose. You should hand in your visa application in person at this centre in order for it to be accepted and processed. When you go to submit the application, the responsible staff will take your biometric information, including ten fingerprints and your photograph. Once this information is entered into TLS Contact Visa Application Centre’s system called Visa Information System or VIS, it will be stored there and you will be able to use the same ones for any visa application within the Schengen Zone for the next five years.
You must apply for a German visa at TLS Contact Visa Application Centre in United Kingdom that corresponds to your area of residence.
If you live at any of the following jurisdictions of German consular services, you must schedule an appointment via TLS Contact Visa Application Centre:
| Where to Apply? | Address | Who Can Apply? | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLScontact Visa Application Centre in London | London, SW1X 8PZ | Avon, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Clwyd, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dyfed, Dorset, Essex, South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, West Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Gwent, Gwynedd, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertfordshire, Humberside, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Greater London, Merseyside, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Powys, Salop, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands (Malvinas),Selby and York | Website |
| TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Edinburgh | 16 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 5DG, United Kingdom | Scotland,Cumbria, Darlington, Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton on Tees, Tyne and Wear (Tyneside), as well as North Yorkshire | Website |
| TLScontact Visa Application Centre in Manchester | The Junction, Quay Side Salford Quays Manchester, M50 3SG, United Kingdom | Same as London | Website |
Please note even if you submit your application at a German visa application centre in United Kingdom it will be forwarded to the embassy/consulate as they are in charge of final decision-making. This process may take a few days until your application reaches the embassy.
How to Set up an Appointment for a Germany Visa in United Kingdom through TLS Contact Visa Application Centre?
Scheduling a Germany visa appointment in United Kingdom is a quick and easy procedure, that consumes little of your time and energy. You just need to precisely follow the steps listed below:
- First, go to the TLS Contact’s website for United Kingdom, and if you have already completed the VIDEX form, click on the button that reads “I have completed my VIDEX form” to create an account. You should check your inbox for a confirmation email that will activate your account. If you have already created an account in the past, then just login by giving in your old data.
- Once your account is opened, you will have to select the country of your residence. You will also have the chance to select a TLS Contact centre that is located closest to you.. Continue giving in the information you are asked for.
- Next select your visa category, which you should decide according to the purpose of your trip to Germany. Click ‘continue’ and a new set of questions will appear on your screen.
- Complete the new set of questions, which overall are questions on your personal details and background. Make sure you have your passport close to you as you will have to write your passport number among others.
- After you continue with the next page, you will be presented with a calendar that lets you select an appointment date.
How Do I Get a Visa for Germany From United Kingdom?
To get a visa to Germany from United Kingdom follow the instructions as listed:
- Select the correct visa type.
- Find out where to apply.
- Set up an appointment with TLS Contact Visa Application Centre.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Submit your application.
Select the Correct Visa Type
If you’re visiting Germany for specific purposes such as tourism, business, cultural visits, etc., you have to determine which visa type meets your requirements. Depending on the visa type you may be required to submit additional documents, which is why it’s important to complete this step first.
Find Out Where to Apply
You must find the correct TLS Contact Visa Application Centre that deals with visa applications in your region.
In United Kingdom, several German representative offices correspond to different jurisdictions, which means you need to locate your nearest visa application centre.
Set Up an Appointment With the TLS Contact Visa Application Centre
After you locate the correct application office, you must schedule an appointment with the nearest TLS Contact Visa Application Centre. From there you can select your visa type and set up the appointment. Since TLS Contact Visa Application Centre is a third party provider licenced by the German government, they might charge additional fees for setting up an appointment.
Prepare the Required Documents
For the visa application, you must assemble several required documents as your passport, identity pictures, application form, etc. In case you don’t have some of these documents you must obtain them from the relevant authorities in United Kingdom before your appointment. So make sure you start the document collection as soon as you schedule your appointment.
Pay the Visa Fee
To have your application processed you must pay the visa fee as required by the embassy or consulate. Some embassies may ask you to pay the fee before your interview while others after your interview depending on they operate’ either way, make sure to have the money with you on the day you submit your application.
Submit Your Application
On the scheduled day of your appointment, you must bring your documents with you at the TLS Contact Visa Application Centre office. In addition, you may be required to attend a visa interview where you need to answer questions regarding your trip to Germany.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for a German Visa in United Kingdom?
You must prepare the following documents for your German visa application:
- Application form.You must provide a filled-out and signed application form for your visa. You can usually download the form online via the embassy website, print it and fill it out. Please make sure to submit accurate and complete information.
- Declaration of accuracy of information. Submit a signed declaration of accuracy of information with the rest of your documents.
- Your passport.You must provide your passport which must be valid for additional three months after you leave Germany, contains two blank pages and was issued in the last ten years.
- Identification photographs. Two identity photographs in line with the Schengen visa photo guidelines — the photo must not be older than 6 months.
- Proof of residency in United Kingdom. Submit proof of residency in United Kingdom such as your utility bill — make sure to provide the original document plus one copy.
- Residence permit. You must submit proof of a valid residence permit — make sure to submit an additional copy of the document.
- Schengen travel health insurance. Provide proof of purchased valid travel health insurance that covers you in the Schengen Area and has a minimum of EUR 30,000 equivalent to GBP 25,566.89 of medical coverage including medical emergencies.
- Proof of accommodation.Submit proof of accommodation during your stay in the country. You can submit proof of hotel reservation, rental agreement, and Airbnb, or if you’re staying with someone an invitation letter.
- Travel itinerary.Please provide a travel itinerary for your entry and visit to the country and include proof of reserved flight ticket.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.You must submit your recent bank statements from the last three months showing you have sufficient funds to cover your travel to Germany. Your bank statements must show the name and address of the owner.
- Letter of invitation.If you are visiting a family member or a friend please provide an invitation letter from your host stating their relationship with you and your reason for visiting. If they are sponsoring you they must also include that in the letter.
- Documentation for minor applicants. If minors are applying the following documents must also be included:
- Signed application form by both parents.
- Proof of custody if one parent has custody of the child.
- Original passports of the parents in addition to a copy.
- Children’s birth certificate.
- Notarised travel consent letter if both parents/legal guardians cannot visit the embassy/visa centre.
Additional documents depending on the employment status include:
If you are employed:
- Your work contract.
- Letter from your employer.
If you are self-employed:
- Business license.
- Recent bank statements.
- Income tax returns.
If you are a student:
- Proof of your student status.
If you are retired:
- Proof of pension
If someone else is sponsoring you:
- Proof of relationship with your sponsor.
- A copy of their passport data page.
- Their recent bank statements.
- Proof of employment (if applicable).
Please keep in mind that the embassy reserves the right to ask you for any additional documents not included in the checklist.
Do I Need to Authenticate My Documents?
German authorities in United Kingdom do not require to set up an appointment to legalize your documents – an Apostille Stamp is sufficient. However, you should check with the local German embassy or consulate in United Kingdom to see if you require an Apostille Stamp, legalization or other types of verification and prepare your documents accordingly.
You may also be required to translate and certify specific documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and similar documents.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa to Germany From United Kingdom?
It takes 15 days to process your visa application but sometimes processing times can be extended for longer depending on the number of applicants. Please do not contact the embassy to ask them regarding your application status — once a decision has been made you will be notified.
How Much Does Germany Visa Cost?
The fees for a German visa application from United Kingdom vary as follows:
| Cactegory | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee for adults | EUR 80 equivalent to GBP 68.18 |
| Fee for minor applicants (between 6-12 years of age | EUR 40 equivalent to GBP 34.09 |
| Fee for children under 6 | Free |
| TLS Contact Visa Application Centre Service fee | GBP 26 |
How Do I Pay the Visa Fee?
The German embassies in United Kingdom require you to pay the visa fee online, or with a credit card. Note that the fee must be paid in GBP. Please note that the visa fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
*The service fee should be paid online, and the visa fee should be paid in person at the appointment center.
Can a UK Citizen Live and Work in Germany?
Yes, UK citizens can live and work in Germany, but they must have a valid residence permit or a work visa to stay in the country for more than 90 days. To obtain a work visa or a residence permit for employed persons you’re required to have proof of employment in Germany, but you may also apply for a job seeker visa and look for employment first and then switch to a residence permit for employed persons.
What Do Britons Need to Enter Germany?
You will need to have the following documents with you when you enter Germany:
- Your passport or travel document.
- Your visa (if applicable).
How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a German Schengen Visa?
You must provide proof you have a minimum of EUR 45/ or GBP 38.35 per day to spend during your stay in Germany. You can show proof of financial means via your bank statements or proof of sponsorship.
The German authorities must know that you have this required amount, so you won’t be a financial burden after entering the country. This is why it’s mandatory to provide evidence of your financial means when you apply for your visa.
Do I Need an Interview for Germany Visa?
The German embassies in United Kingdom may ask you for an interview after you submit your visa application, in this case, you are required to attend the interview — but they may not ask for one at all. Either way, it’s good to be prepared just in case and keep in mind the questions they may ask.
Some of the most commonly asked questions during the interview are related to your visit to the country, why you want to enter Germany, how long you plan to stay, and whether you are visiting a family member or not.
How Far in Advance Can You Apply for a German Visa?
Taking into consideration that it takes 15 days to process your application, or even longer, and the time it takes for the embassy to send your passport back, it’s in your best interest to apply for the visa as earlier as possible — you’re recommended to submit your application a minimum of three months before your travel date.
You can apply for your visa a maximum of six months before your trip but no later than 15 days before your travel date. It’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible as you never know if processing times for your visa may be delayed and cause you to miss your intended travel date.