Thousands of Pakistanis apply for a German visa yearly to travel to the country. Their reasons for visiting the destination country may range from tourism to internships or business purposes.
For this purpose, you must know what to do as an applicant. As a result, this increases the chances of your visa being approved.
So, to learn the requirements of a Germany visa from Pakistan, read the following blog post. Moreover, it will discuss the application process for getting your visa easily.
About Germany
As a Western European country, Germany is famous for numerous items. For example, its forests, mountain ranges, landscape, rivers, and North Sea beaches. Besides, its history spans more than two millennia.
In addition, the following are some of the important German cities.
- The capital of Germany, Berlin, is known for its art, the Brandenburg Gate, nightlife scenes, and places related to World War 2.
- Oktoberfest, 16th-century Hofbräuhaus, and beer halls make Munich popular among the rest of the German cities.
- Lastly, Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank and skyscrapers.
Is Germany part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Germany is a part of the Schengen Region. This means that if you get a German visa to travel to Germany, you can visit other nearby countries without applying for a separate permit.
This is because the Schengen Zone has zero internal border checks eliminating the need to have a visa.
Do Pakistanis need a visa to travel to Germany?
Yes. Pakistanis must get a pre-approved visa to travel to Germany legally. This is also an important requirement if you are visiting the country for short-term purposes such as visiting a friend or a family member or attending a business meeting.
Also, note that if you have a Schengen visa issued by another country and it has not expired, you can use it to enter Germany. However, there is a usage restriction in this regard, i.e., you can only use it for short visits. For stays longer than three months, apply for a new German visa.
Important: Almost 62 countries can enter Germany without a visa under the visa-free regime for up to 90 days within six months. For longer stays, a German visa is required.
Who Can Apply for a German Visa from Pakistan?
Anyone who is living in Pakistan can apply for a Germany visa from Pakistan. Besides, if you are a citizen of a third-world country living in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for at least three months, getting a German visa is a mandatory requirement to travel to the host country.
Moreover, you need a German visa in the following cases.
- Your only destination country in the Schengen Area is Germany. If you want to travel to Belgium, you are not eligible to apply for a German visa.
- On the other hand, if you are planning a trip to Europe and the Schengen Zone, then you will apply for a visa for that specific country where you will spend most of your days. For instance, if you spend 6 days in Germany, 4 days in Norway, and 3 days in Finland, then you can apply for a German visa.
German Visa Categories for Pakistanis
Pakistanis can choose from several visa types depending on the reason for visiting the target Schengen country. Broadly, they are categorized into the following types.
Short-stay visa
A short-stay visa allows you to travel to Germany for up to three months. It has a validity period of one hundred and eighty days. Besides, you can use it for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends and family members, or business matters.
Alternatively, it is also known as a Type C or Schengen visa. They are further subdivided into the following classes.
- Tourist visa
- Training or internship visa
- Visa for cultural, religious events or sports
- Visitor visa
- Visa for trade fair and exhibition
- Business visa
- Visa for medical treatment
Long-stay visa
Pakistani citizens can also stay in Germany for more than 90 days, however, this requires them to apply for a long-stay visa. It is also known as a National or Type D visa. The validity of a long-stay permit depends on the visa type you have applied for.
In case you want to travel to Germany for a longer duration, you can choose from the following sub-classes.
- Student visa
- Job-seeker visa
- Guest scientist visa
- Language course visa
- Employment visa
- Family reunion visa
- Freelancer visa
Airport transit visa
Another name for an airport transit visa is a Type A visa. Pakistani citizens must have it when traveling to another destination country en route to Germany. This allows you to stay at the airport transit area for almost 48 to 72 hours.
Depending on the circumstances and the validity of the visa, you can either leave the area to explore the country or stay there to catch your connecting flight.
Which Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Germany Visa from Pakistan?
The application for a Germany visa from Pakistan requires you to prepare the following supporting documents to submit them at the relevant embassy.
Travel document (passport)
The nationals of Pakistan should submit their passport which is valid for almost three months ahead of their stay in the target country. Moreover, it should have two blank pages and must be issued within the last ten years.
Application form for visa
Furthermore, your German Schengen visa application will be incomplete if you fail to provide a visa application form. For this purpose, make sure to fill it out after downloading it online or getting it from the embassy or consulate.
The form is usually divided into several sections asking you for details about your personal information, travel data, accommodation plans, dates, and signatures.
Declaration of information accuracy
With the rest of the documents, make sure to submit a document declaring that the information presented is accurate. You also have to sign it for legal purposes.
Pictures
The German embassy also requires you to submit two photos for identification purposes. They should be according to the Schengen photo guidelines. For instance,
- The pictures should not be older than six months
- They must have a dimension of 35*45mm.
- The background color of the photo should be white or light gray.
- It must be of HD quality, covering 70-80% of your face and shoulders.
- Lastly, your photo should be free from any spots or watermarks.
Proof of residency
Pakistani citizens are also required to submit proof of residency such as a utility bill to show that they are legal residents of the country. Moreover, make sure to submit an original plus one copy of this document.
Residence permit
If you are a citizen of a third-world country living in Pakistan for three months, ensure to submit your residence permit when applying for a German visa.
Proof of accommodation
Traveling to Germany from Pakistan requires you to disclose that you have managed a place to stay in the destination country. For this purpose, you need proof of accommodation.
Therefore, you can submit documents including,
- A hotel reservation
- A rental contract for an apartment or house
- An Airbnb
Proof of flight reservation
Another requirement of the German visa application is to submit proof of flight reservation. This document shows your departure and arrival dates and times to the destination country. Moreover, it also depicts that you have true intentions of traveling to Germany.
Other than that, it also includes,
- Your first and last name
- Airline company name
- IATA codes
- Airport terminals
- Luggage weight
Letter of application (cover letter)
Writing a cover letter is a supporting document that will speed up your application process. This document gives you the liberty to present your travel plans from a personal point of view. Therefore, you can include details such as,
- The reason for visiting the country
- Planned set of activities
- The duration of your stay
To buy a well-crafted cover letter from travel experts at a minimal cost, visit https://coverletterforvisa.com.
Medical travel insurance
Moreover, having travel health insurance is mandatory especially when traveling to a Schengen country. This document saves you from uninvited medical and travel expenses including,
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation
- Evacuation
- Luggage loss
- Passport loss
Besides, it must have a coverage amount of at least 30,000 to 45,000 euros, equivalent to 131,790,24 PKR.
Proof of financial resources
Furthermore, your trip to Germany requires you to show that you have enough financial resources to manage your stay in the destination country. For this purpose, submit documents such as your bank statements from the last six months or salary slips.
Besides, the document must bear the name and address of the owner. In terms of amount, you must have at least 45 euros or 13,180 PKR per day to cover costs related to food, accommodation, and transportation.
Invitation letter
If your trip is sponsored by a host such as a family member or a friend, you need to submit an invitation letter. The document must specify your relationship with the host and your reason for visiting the country.
Moreover, the letter should also include that the host will be responsible for all your expenses during the entire trip.
Visa payment receipt
Another requirement is to submit your visa payment receipt. After depositing the amount to the right party, you can attach the receipt as proof.
Character certificate
South Asians including Pakistanis and Indians need to submit a character certificate when applying for a visa. The local police station in your home country will issue you this document stating the fact that you are not involved in any criminal activity.
Documents needed for a minor
If a minor is traveling with you, the following supporting documents are also required.
- Passport or ID card of the parents
- Birth certificate of the child
- Visa application form signed by the parents
- Notarized consent letter
Additional documents
Depending on the status of your employment, the following additional documents should also be submitted with the rest of the paperwork.
- Work contract and employment letter if you are employed.
- In case you are self-employed, you need a business registration certificate, bank statement, or an income tax return.
- Lastly, a pension slip from the last six months if you are a retired individual.
Where Pakistanis Can Apply for a German Visa?
You can submit your German visa application at the nearest embassy or consulate located in Pakistan. For instance, the information below might be useful.
- If you are a resident of Lahore or Sargodha, you can visit the German Embassy in Islamabad located at Ramna 5, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad.
- On the other hand, if you are from Sindh or Balochistan, you can visit the German Consulate General in Karachi located at 2-A/7, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.
How Can I Get a Germany Visa from Pakistan?
Follow the instructions below to apply for a Germany visa from Pakistan.
Step 1: Choose the suitable visa type
The first step is the most important of all. It requires you to choose a suitable visa type considering the purpose of your visit to Germany. This step will provide a foundation for the next steps especially when you need to collect the required documents.
Step 2: Know where to apply
Secondly, identify the nearest German embassy or consulate in your residence region or jurisdiction. Once done, get a visa application form and fill it out accurately without leaving any blank.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment
After that, schedule an appointment by visiting the same embassy or consulate. This step is free of cost as you do not have to pay any appointment fee.
Step 4: Collect the documents
Next, considering the visa type selected, you are required to prepare a set of standard and supporting documents. Before submitting them, make sure that they are in English or German language.
Step 5: Pay the visa fee
The embassy or consulate charges you a visa fee to process your application. On the day of your appointment, you need to deposit the visa fee either before or after your visa interview. The exact amount also depends on your visit purpose.
Step 6: Submit your application
Lastly, submit your application along with the documents on the day of your appointment. After that, wait for some time till the embassy reviews your application. Once done, they will notify you about the status of your application.
What is the Processing Time for a German Visa from Pakistan?
The standard processing time for a German visa application from Pakistan is usually 15 days to 30 days. However, it gets extended for a longer duration considering the number of applicants.
It is recommended to not contact the embassy unless they notify you about the status of your application.
What is the Cost of a German Visa?
Considering the purpose of your trip to Germany, the visa application fee varies. However, the standard fee structure is shown in the table below.
| German Schengen Visa | Fee in Euros | Fee in Pakistani Rupees |
| For adults over 12 years of age | 90 euros | 26,358 PKR |
| For children between six and twelve | 45 euros | 13, 179 PKR |
| Minors below six | FREE | FREE |
How can I pay the fee?
The visa fee must be paid in local currency in cash. Also, note that this is non-refundable which means that you cannot get it back if your visa is rejected due to any reason.
FAQs
- Is it necessary to verify my documents?
Yes, you need to authenticate your documents when applying for a German visa. For this purpose, visit the embassy, pay an additional fee, and the process may take up to 12 weeks.
- Can I live and work in Germany?
You can live and work in Germany as a Pakistani citizen. For this purpose, you must have a work visa and residence permit before moving to the destination country.
- What is the approximate amount required for a German Schengen visa?
On average, a minimum of 45 euros or 13, 179 PKR is required per day to manage your daily affairs. Besides, you must have a bank statement or letter of sponsorship.
- Is it mandatory to attend a visa interview?
It depends on the embassy or consulate through which you apply for a German visa. Either they may require you to attend the interview or not at all. However, it is important to be prepared for the possible questions they may ask.
- When should I apply for a German visa?
It is advisable to apply as early as you can for a German visa. The ideal time limit is at least three months before your intended departure date.
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