If you are a Thai citizen or a foreigner residing in Thailand and are planning a short stay in Germany, you will need a German Schengen visa. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and you can travel throughout the entire Schengen Area.

On this page we explain what a German Schengen visa is, which documents are required for your application and what steps you need to follow when applying from Thailand.

What is the German Schengen visa?

With a German Schengen visa, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is intended for short stays such as tourism, business trips, or family visits. Although issued by Germany, it grants you entry to all 29 countries of the Schengen Area, so you do not need a separate visa for each country you wish to visit. These countries include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

You should only apply for a German Schengen visa if Germany is your main destination or if you will be spending the most time there. If you plan to stay in several Schengen countries for the same amount of time, apply for the visa through the country you first enter.

Common German Schengen visa types

There are different types of German Schengen visas, depending on the purpose of your trip. The most common options are listed below:

  • Tourist visa: For exploring the cities, sights and landmarks of Germany
  • Business visa: To participate in meetings, conferences or other business activities in the Schengen Area
  • Family visitor visa: For visiting family members living in Germany. However, this type of Schengen visa requires an invitation letter from your host along with the application.

    • German Schengen visa: Required documents

    When applying for a German Schengen visa, you must submit documents that demonstrate the purpose of your trip, your planned destinations, and your financial situation during your stay in Germany. Consular officials carefully review this information, so it must be complete and accurate. Here is an overview of the required documents:

    Personal identification

  • Completed German Schengen visa application form
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months after visa expiry + 2 blank pages)
  • copy of passport photo page
  • Two passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, recent)

    • Employment and financial records

  • Proof of employment: A letter stating the job title, the date of entry, the salary and the approval of the leave.
  • Recent payslips (if available)
  • Business registration (if self-employed)
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months or proof of assets/property ownership

    • Travel details

  • Letter of motivation explaining your reasons for visiting Germany
  • Invitation letter (when visiting friends/family) + proof of relationship
  • Detailed itinerary including cities, dates and accommodations
  • Proof of confirmed accommodation
  • Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary

    • Travel insurance

  • The health insurance is valid in all Schengen countries.
  • Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
  • Must cover the entire stay

    • All submitted documents must be written in either German or English. Thai documents must be notarized, translated, and legalized before they can be used for your German Schengen visa application.

    How to apply for a German Schengen visa from Thailand

    Applying for a German Schengen visa from Thailand is a structured process that follows the guidelines of the German authorities. Every step, from preparing the documents to submitting the application, must be followed carefully. Here you will find a step-by-step guide to the German Schengen visa application process:

  • Document preparation: Gather all required documents and complete the German Schengen visa application form online. Then print the form.
  • Appointment booking: After you have compiled your documents, book an appointment at the German VFS visa application center in Thailand to submit your application and, if necessary, provide biometric data. You will then receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter. If you are traveling with your family or in a group, you must book a separate appointment for each family member or group.
  • Payment of the service fee: Visa service fees can be paid online when booking your appointment.
  • Application process: You must attend your appointment at the German VFS Visa Application Center and submit your application in person, as well as pay the visa fee. Payment can be made in cash or by credit/debit card. If you have already submitted biometric data for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you can submit your application by mail or through an authorized representative.
  • Application processing and passport return: The German VFS Visa Application Center forwards your documents to the German Embassy in Thailand for review. You will receive an email notification as soon as a decision has been made. If you have difficulty accessing email or prefer regular status updates, SMS tracking may also be possible. You can collect your passport (with the Schengen visa already affixed) in person at the German VFS Visa Application Center or have it delivered to your home address by courier.

    • Processing time for a German Schengen visa

    You can submit your application for a German Schengen visa for a short stay up to 180 days before your planned travel date. In most cases, the application is processed within 15 working days. However, the processing time can be extended to up to 45 days or longer, depending on the assessment by the German Embassy in Thailand. To avoid delays, you should submit your application at least 15 days before your planned departure.

    Furthermore, the German Embassy in Thailand may request additional documents during the verification process, and you may be asked to appear for a personal interview before a final decision is made.

    Fees and service charges for a German Schengen visa

    The fee for the German Schengen visa is quoted in euros (EUR) but must be paid in Thai baht (THB). The exchange rate is set by the German Embassy in Thailand and is subject to change without notice. The fixed fees in euros are as follows:

    The visa fee can be paid in three ways at the German VFS Visa Application Center: in cash on site, by credit or debit card, or online via the appointment booking system. An additional service fee applies when applying through the Application Center; the amount varies depending on the chosen center.

  • German VFS in Bangkok: 19.13 EUR
  • German VFS in Phuket and Chiang Mai: 40 EUR

    • Tips to increase your chances of obtaining a German Schengen visa

    Submitting only the minimum requirements may not be enough to obtain your German Schengen visa. Consular officials review the overall quality of your application, paying particular attention to accuracy, consistency, and supporting documentation. To improve your chances, you should provide well-documented travel plans and proof of your intention to return to Thailand. Here are some tips:

  • Carefully review your documents: Go through each document thoroughly. Ensure that all information is correct, up-to-date, and matches your application. Even minor errors, such as discrepancies in names or dates, can lead to delays or rejection.
  • Demonstrate your strong ties to Thailand: Submit documents that prove your compelling reasons for returning to Germany after your trip. This serves as confirmation that your visit is only temporary. Helpful examples include proof of employment, business registration, family ties, or ownership of real estate or vehicles.
  • Include a clear and detailed itinerary: List the cities you plan to visit, your accommodations, and your travel dates. A detailed itinerary demonstrates that your trip follows a specific purpose and a fixed timeframe.

    • To maximize your chances of approval, it is recommended that you work with German immigration specialists. They can guide you through every step of the process and review your documents to ensure they directly support your application and meet the consular officer's expectations.

    Professional support with your Schengen visa for Germany from Thailand

    Are you planning a trip from Thailand to Germany and don't want to worry about entry formalities? Then contact Siam Legal International. With over 20 years of experience, Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in Thailand that ensures smooth and uncomplicated entry into Germany for both local and international clients.

    Our bilingual team of German immigration specialists will handle the entire application process for you, allowing you to focus entirely on your travel preparations to Germany. Our services for the German Schengen visa include:

  • A personal consultation with a German immigration specialist to review your travel plans and to assist you in preparing a compelling application.
  • Assistance with the collection and organization of all necessary documents to ensure that they are correct, complete, and meet the standards of the German immigration authorities.
  • Schedule an appointment at the German VFS visa application center in Thailand for biometric data collection and submission of your application.
  • Please provide up-to-date information on visa fees according to your specific Schengen visa type so that you can prepare for all associated costs.
  • Unlimited telephone support from our French visa specialists throughout the entire application process.

    • To simplify your application for a German Schengen visa and maximize your chances of approval, don't hesitate to contact Siam Legal now and arrange a consultation appointment!

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