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What documents do I need for a C visa?
This section tells you what documentation you need to support your visa application. Please read the information carefully.
The European Council has completely suspended the visa facilitation agreement between the European Union and the Russian Federation as of 12 September 2022. For details, please click here.
Please note that the information below is designed to cover a wide range of individual and different cases and is therefore provided as a guideline only. Each application is reviewed separately and will be decided on its individual merits. In order to take an informed decision we may therefore - at our discretion - ask you for additional documentation beyond the standard requirements. The submission of complete documentation does not in any way guarantee that your application will be approved.
How to apply for your C Visa:
1. Complete the online application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign it (separate application forms are required for each applicant; all children require separate forms).
2. Compile your supporting documentation.
3. Book an appointment to apply for your visa.
All C visas must be applied for with a Visa Application Centre run by our external service provider TLScontact.
TLScontact operates from both London and Edinburgh with two distinct jurisdictions and your place of residence determines which Visa Application Centre you will need to contact to apply for your visa. The Visa Application Centres in London and Manchester serve the Mission in London. The application centre in Edinburgh serves the Mission in Edinburgh. Please refer to our consular district map for details.
Processing times:
The processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days according to the Schengen Visa Code. Please arrange your appointment to submit your application as early as possible.
You may apply up to six months before the start of the intended visit.
For C visas involving an economic activity, we may require approval by other German government agencies, such as the Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit”) or the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”). Once a decision on your application has been taken, we will contact you.
Although we will provide you with a file number, please understand that we cannot respond to questions regarding the status of your visa application. Should we have any questions or should we require additional documentation to process your application, we will contact you.
Click on the categories below to find out more
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
The following documentation is required:
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
- Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
- One photocopy of the passport’s bio data page.
- Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
- Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted.
Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background. - Reserved return airline/ ferry/ train ticket. When reserving/ booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
- A travel health insurance policy with cover of at least €30,000 and valid for all Schengen member states.
- Proof of address in UK (i.e. latest council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar)
- Informal, recent invitation letter from your host in Germany, photocopy of the bio data page of your host’s passport and, if applicable, photocopy of the German residence permit.
Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay e.g. United Kingdom bank statement in your name showing movements over the last three months, as a minimum, and current balance; credit card(s) and credit card statements indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or spending cap.
OR a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung). This formal obligation letter can be obtained at the local immigration office in Germany (Ausländerbehörde).
If your wife/ husband financially supports you, i.e. you do not work yourself, please also provide your marriage certificate and your spouse's bank statements showing movements over the last three months and a written and signed confirmation of support by your spouse.
Confirmation letter of employment/ student status/ unemployment/ pension.
Employee: pay slips for the last three months.
Self-employed person: recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, contact details and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) confirming self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. The letter must also state the amount of remuneration drawn annually from the company.
Self-assessment form submitted to revenue and customs authorities.
MINORS - Additional documents needed:
- Separate application form for each child
- Applications need to be signed by both parents/all guardians. Should one parent/guardian be unable to sign, please provide additional information. If sole custody has been awarded to one parent, please provide evidence.
- Original passports of both parents and copy or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports.
- Original birth certificate of each child and copy
- United Kingdom school certificate, if applicable
Important travel notice for unaccompanied minors: We strongly recommend that a declaration/ letter of consent signed by both parents be provided, authorising the minor to travel and stay in the territory of the Schengen member states and appointing a person who will be responsible for them while travelling.
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
The following documentation is required:
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
- Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
One photocopy of the passport’s bio data page.
- Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
- Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted. Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background.
- Reserved return airline/ ferry/ train ticket. When reserving/ booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
Confirmed hotel booking(s) for your full stay in the territory of the Member States or proof of sufficient means to cover the accommodation during the intended stay;
OR booking confirmation for a tour or any other appropriate document issued by the tour operator, such as the list of persons taking part in the tour.
A travel health insurance policy with cover of at least €30,000 and valid for all Schengen member states.
Proof of address in UK (i.e. latest council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar).
Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay e.g. United Kingdom bank account statements in your name showing movements over the last three months, as a minimum, and current balance; Credit card(s) and credit card statement indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or spending cap.
If your wife/ husband financially supports you, i.e. you do not work yourself, please also provide your marriage certificate and your spouse's bank statements showing movements over the last three months and a written and signed confirmation of support by your spouse.
Confirmation letter of employment/ student status/ unemployment/ pension.
Employee: pay slips for the last three months.
Self-employed person: recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, contact details and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) confirming self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. The letter must also state the amount of remuneration drawn annually from the company. Self-assessment form submitted to revenue and customs authorities.
MINORS - Additional documents needed:
- Separate application form for each child
- Applications need to be signed by both parents/all guardians. Should one parent/guardian be unable to sign, please provide additional information. If sole custody has been awarded to one parent please provide evidence.
- Original passports of both parents and copy or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports.
- Original birth certificate of each child and copy
- United Kingdom school certificate, if applicable
Important travel notice for unaccompanied minors: We strongly recommend that a declaration/ letter of consent signed by both parents be provided, authorising the minor to travel and stay in the territory of the Schengen member states and appointing a person who will be responsible for them while travelling.
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
The following documentation is required:
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
- Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
- One photocopy of the passport's bio data page.
- Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
- Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted.
Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background. - Reserved return airline/ ferry/ train ticket. When reserving/ booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
- A travel health insurance policy with cover of at least €30,000 and valid for all Schengen member states.
- Proof of address in UK (i.e. council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar).
- Original, recent and signed formal invitation from German business partner, confirming the type of business relationship, travel purpose, duration of business trip(s) and if applicable, confirmation that travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. Should you go on a business trip within the same company, we still request a separate letter from each office, UK and Germany.
- Original, recent and signed employer’s letter, confirming duration of employment, business relationship with German company, travel purpose, duration of business trip(s) and if applicable a guarantee that all travel expenses will be covered, including travel health insurance.
Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay e.g. United Kingdom bank statements in your name showing movements over the last three months, as a minimum, and current balance; Credit card(s) and credit card statement indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or spending cap.
Employee: pay slips for the last three months.
Self-employed person: recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, contact details and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) confirming self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. The letter must also state the amount of remuneration drawn annually from the company. Self-assessment form submitted to revenue and customs authorities.
Please note some professional activities such as standard business travel and a variety of cultural, academic and sports activities are not considered an economic activity and may be therefore carried out without a corresponding visa or residence permit. For details, please click here.
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
The following documentation is required:
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
- Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
- One photocopy of the passport's bio data page.
- Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
- Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted.
Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background. - Reserved return airline/ ferry/ train ticket. When reserving/booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
- A travel health insurance policy with cover of at least €30,000 and valid for all Schengen member states.
- Proof of address in UK (i.e. latest council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar)
- Employer’s declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) to be completed by employer (download the form here).
Contract/ Confirmation for works or services between the applicant’s employer and the German client including schedule of contractual obligations.
Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay e.g. nominative United Kingdom bank account showing movements over the last three months, as a minimum, and current balance; credit card(s) and credit card account statements indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or spending cap.
OR a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung). This formal obligation letter can be obtained at the local immigration office in Germany (Ausländerbehörde).
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
The following documentation is required:
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
- Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the end date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
- One photocopy of the passport's bio data page.
- Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
- Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted.
Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background. - Reserved return airline/ ferry/ train ticket. When reserving/ booking a ticket, please be aware that filing a complete application does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. It may be advisable to book a fully refundable ticket.
- Confirmed hotel booking for your full stay in the territory of the Member States or proof of sufficient means to cover the accommodation during the intended stay
- Official letter from the medical institution/ doctor confirming your appointment/ treatment and stating the length of the treatment
- Proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the entire medical treatment or proof of prepayment of medical treatment
- A travel health insurance policy with cover of at least €30,000 and valid for all Schengen member states.
Proof of address in UK (i.e. latest council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement, pension certificate or similar).
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay e.g. nominative United Kingdom bank account showing movements over the last three months, as a minimum, and current balance; Credit card(s) and credit card account statement indicating the cardholder’s name and address. The statement must contain information on monthly limit or spending cap.
If your wife/ husband financially supports you, i.e. you do not work yourself, please also provide your marriage certificate and your spouse's bank statements showing movements over the last three months and a written and signed confirmation of support by your spouse.
Confirmation letter of employment/ student status/ unemployment/ pension.
Employee: pay slips for the last three months.
Self-employed person: recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, contact details and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom. The letter must also state the amount of remuneration drawn annually from the company. Self-assessment form edited by revenue and customs authorities.
MINORS - Additional documents needed:
- Separate application form for each child
- Applications need to be signed by both parents/all guardians. Should one parent/guardian be unable to sign, please provide additional information. If sole custody has been awarded to one parent please provide evidence.
- Original passports of both parents and copy or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports.
- Original birth certificate of each child and copy
- United Kingdom school certificate, if applicable
Important travel notice for unaccompanied minors: We strongly recommend that a declaration/ letter of consent signed by both parents be provided, authorising the minor to travel and stay in the territory of the Schengen member states and appointing a person who will be responsible for them while travelling.
Please note the following does not apply to family members of German citizens. Family members of German citizens cannot apply as an EU/EEA family member, but must apply in one of the other categories above.
All documents that are not issued in German, English, Spanish or French require translation into German or English.
Spouses/ children/ parents of a European Union Citizen or EEA national, wishing to accompany the European Union Citizen or EEA national, will need to provide the following documents only:
Please note: if you intend to travel on your own at any time you must apply for a regular business, visitor or tourist visa, whichever applies and regular visa fee will apply.
- Please complete the online visa application form, print the form including the barcodes and sign the form.
Valid passport signed by the holder, issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen member states with at least 2 subsequent blank pages.
One photocopy of the passport's bio data page.
Proof of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom:
Biometric residence card (BRP) or residence permit endorsed in the passport and one photocopy of the BRP (front and back) or endorsement.
If you hold a UK Residence Card for EU/EEA family members issued before Brexit: please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online.
If you have not been issued a biometric residence card, please provide a printout of your EU Settlement Scheme status online or your immigration status online
In all other cases, the biometric residence card must be submitted.
- A fully biometric passport photo, 35 x 45 mm, no older than three months. Digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted.
Please ensure that your photo adheres to German biometric requirements and is taken in front of a white/bright background. - Original or notarised copy of EU/ EEA-national's passport and one photocopy
- proof of relationship e.g. original marriage, birth certificate and one photocopy
- address of stay in Germany
MINORS - Additional documents needed:
- Separate application form for each child
- Applications need to be signed by both parents/all guardians. Should one parent/guardian be unable to sign, please provide additional information. If sole custody has been awarded to one parent please provide evidence.
- Original passports of both parents and copy or certified copy of the biodata page of the passports.
- Original birth certificate of each child and 1 copy
- United Kingdom school certificate, if applicable
Important travel notice for unaccompanied minors: We strongly recommend that a declaration/ letter of consent signed by both parents be provided, authorising the minor to travel and stay in the territory of the Schengen member states and appointing a person who will be responsible for them while travelling.
