Embarking on a journey to study or work in Germany is an exciting endeavor, but it begins with securing the essential document: the German National Visa.
This comprehensive blog will walk you through the intricate process of preparing your visa application to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
1- Your Passport
Your passport is your gateway to Germany. Ensure it was issued within the last decade and remains valid for at least one year from the date of your visa application. Be mindful that passports with remarks on the front data page cannot be accepted. Additionally, your passport should have a minimum of two blank pages to accommodate visa stamps.
2- Application Form and Declaration
Begin by filling out the application form and declaration, adhering to Section 54 of the Residence Act. Both documents should be meticulously completed and duly signed.
3- Declaration for Additional Contact and Legal Representation Information
This declaration is vital to establish your contact details and legal representation information.
4- Copy of Passport’s Data Page
Provide an A4 size copy of your passport’s data page.
5- Statement of Purpose/ Motivation Letter
Craft a compelling statement explaining the purpose of your visa application. This is your opportunity to express your intentions and goals clearly.
6- APS Certificate
For those who require it, secure a certificate issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS). Consult www.aps-india.de for detailed application procedures, However, please note there are exceptions for certain applicants.
7- Proof of Admission
Include the original and two copies of your proof of admittance to your study course or preparatory college. Ensure it also specifies the language of instruction.
8- Language Proficiency Proof
In cases where language proficiency is not confirmed by the German University in the admission notification, provide evidence of your language skills in the language of instruction. As a general rule, this should be atleast a B2-level proficiency. Only certificates approved by the German government, such as those from Goethe Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan, OSD, IELTS, or TOEFL, will be accepted.
9- Certificates of Academic Qualifications
Include the original certificates and two copies of all your academic qualifications.
10. Curriculum Vitae
Prepare your curriculum vitae (CV), providing insights into your educational and professional journey.
11. Proof of Financial Means
To cover your costs during your stay in Germany, you can use one of the following documents:
- Confirmation of a German/EU scholarship/stipend
- "Verpflichtungserklärung" (formal obligation letter) from a sponsor residing in Germany
- A blocked account with funds amounting to 11,208 euros for the first year of your stay.
12. Blocked Bank Account
Consider opening a blocked bank account to prove your ability to meet your living expenses. The choice of the account provider is flexible, and you can find information about service providers worldwide on the Federal Foreign Office's website. It's important to note that, starting from January 1, 2023, you cannot withdraw more than 934 euros per month from a blocked account.
13. Tuition Fees
If your university charges tuition fees, furnish proof of funds equivalent to the tuition fees for the first two semesters, along with a detailed overview of the fee structure. This can be demonstrated with one of the following:
- Provide a confirmation of payment
- An education loan
- An unblocked deposit added to your blocked account in addition to the 11,208 euros mentioned above.
14. Passport Photos
Include three passport photos that adhere to biometric specifications and are no older than six months.
15. Visa Fee
Prepare the 75 € visa fee, which is payable in INR only. You can check the official website for available payment options and the current exchange rate.
16. Travel Health Insurance
Ensure you have travel health insurance that is valid from your arrival in Germany until the date of your enrollment at the university. This period typically covers approximately three months. To find information about accepted travel health insurances, refer to the provided link.
17. Private German Health Insurance (If Applicable)
If you receive a stipend from public funds, present proof of private German health insurance that fulfills specific requirements and commences on your tentative travel date.
18. Public German Health Insurance (If Applicable)
Alternatively, if you receive a stipend from public funds, provide a public German health insurance. This should consist of a letter from your German healthcare provider, along with travel health insurance that covers you from your travel date up to the start of the public German health insurance.
19. Private Foreign (Including Indian) Health Insurance
For those receiving a stipend from public funds, ensure your private foreign health insurance mentions the specific policy chosen and complies with certain requirements. It should commence on your tentative travel date.
When is Health Insurance Equivalent to German Public Health Insurance?
A health insurance plan should meet the following criteria to be equivalent to German public health insurance:
- A deductible for the insured person not exceeding 300 € per year.
- Inclusion of preexisting conditions.
- No termination clause based on the insured person's age, change of residence permit, or loss of residence permit.
- The insurance cover should not have a time limit or should be automatically renewed.
Exceptions (No APS Certificate Required)
Certain applicants are exempt from presenting an APS certificate, including those who hold non-German degrees, foreign degrees that are not Indian, those pursuing a PhD/PostDoc in Germany, individuals with international Indian degrees (e.g., International Baccalaureate), and those receiving stipends from EU or German funds.
Ensure you prepare two identical sets of application documents, and refrain from stapling any of the documents.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey to Germany requires meticulous preparation, and this guide is your roadmap to securing the German National Visa, ensuring a seamless start to your academic or professional pursuits in this vibrant country.
Please take note that the German Missions hold the right to request additional documents or verify certificates, which may incur additional fees. The submission of the above-mentioned documents does not guarantee the approval of your visa application. Submitting incomplete documentation or failing to attend a visa interview could lead to the rejection of your application.