Apply for a Germany Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia – Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia and wish to travel to Germany, you need to obtain a visa. Based on the purpose of your trip to the target country, you can apply for a German visit visa from Saudi Arabia. You can do this by visiting the German Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, if you belong to a third-world country but are a legal resident of SA, you can also do the same.

If you intend to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area, the embassy will issue you a visa for the country where you will spend most of your time.

On the other hand, if you plan to spend an equal number of days in two countries, you will need to obtain a visa for the country where you will land first.

Additionally, you must appear in person at the embassy when applying for a visit visa to travel to Germany from Saudi Arabia. This article will guide you about the requirements of a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia and the application process. Moreover, you can also learn about the other visa types that you can apply for, the latest fee structure, and the processing times.

Facts About Germany

Germany is a country in Western Europe, surrounded by Denmark, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Other than that, consider looking at the following facts:

• Its official name is the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Moreover, the citizens of Germany choose their government through democratic voting rights.
• Berlin is the country’s capital. Furthermore, its currency is the euro.
• In addition, the majority of the people speak the German language. However, English is the second main language.
• Lastly, the famous German rivers are the Rhine, Danube, Elbe, and Main.

What is a Germany Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia?

A Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia is a subtype of a Type C or short-stay visa that you can use for visit purposes. This includes traveling to the country to visit your friends or family members for a duration of almost 90 days out of 180 days.

Germany is a member country of the Schengen Area, making it one of the 29 European states. One of the biggest benefits of having a Schengen visa is that you can use it to travel to the rest of the countries without applying for a separate permit. However, ensure that you fulfill the requirements and follow the duration protocols.

Who Can Apply for a Germany Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia?

Other than the residents of Saudi Arabia, the citizens of several other countries can apply for a German visit visa. However, they must have resided in SA for at least three months. In addition, they need to know the purpose of traveling to Germany.

Therefore, they must fulfill one of these requirements to qualify for the process. Other than this, additional requirements will be discussed later in the article.

Furthermore, you can also apply for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia in the following two cases:

• If your intended purpose is to visit Germany only. Then, you can apply for this visa. This means that if you want to visit Norway, you won’t need to apply for a German visit visa.
• Apart from that, if you plan a trip to the Schengen zone, you can apply for a visit visa to travel to Germany under one condition. For this purpose, you have to spend most of your days in Germany. Therefore, living for 5 days in Germany, 3 days in Croatia, and 2 days in Poland will make you eligible to have a German visit visa.

Other Types of Germany Visas for Saudi Residents

A German visa has typically two categories. These may include a short-stay visa and a long-stay visa. Each Schengen country typically follows the Schengen visa rules, and a Schengen visa has several types based on the purpose and duration of your stay in the destination country.

Categories of German Short-Stay Visas

Other than the visit visa (which is the main topic of this article), there are other temporary visas as well. You can choose a specific visa type depending on your purpose for traveling to the European country, Germany. Moreover, the embassy may require you to submit various documents according to the visa you apply for.

Therefore, you can apply for any of the following visas. This will allow you to stay in a country of your choice for more than three months. However, these visas have a validity of 180 days.

• Tourist visa– used for tourism purposes, leisure, sightseeing, or vacationing in the target country, i.e., Germany.
• Business visa- allows the holder to attend business meetings or conferences.
• Training/internship visa- you can use this visa type to participate in a training or internship program organized by any of the educational institutions in Germany.
• Visa for cultural, sports, or religious events- applicants can attend a cultural, sports, or religious event with this visa type.
• Trade fair and exhibition visa- Germany is famous for organizing trade fairs and exhibitions across the country. Therefore, travelers can attend such activities with this visa type.
• Visa for medical treatment- lastly, if you are traveling to Germany for medical treatment purposes, you need to apply for a medical treatment visa and submit supporting documents.

Another visa category is the airport transit visa, also known as a Type A visa. You can use it to transit through Germany while traveling to a non-Schengen destination country. Moreover, this visa is usually valid for almost 48 to 72 hours.

Categories of German Long-Stay Visas

Alternatively, if you want to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Type D visa. It is also known as a national or long-stay visa. Therefore, as a Saudi citizen, you can apply for the following categories of long-stay visas. Before that, please understand that getting this visa requires you to apply for a residence permit to show that you are legally authorized to stay in the target country.

• Germany student visa– individuals who want to continue higher studies or attend a preparatory college in Germany can apply for a student visa.
• Job seeker visa for Germany- this visa type has been replaced by an opportunity card (Chancenkarte) to offer job offers to citizens from third-world countries without a German qualification.
• Germany family reunion visa- this type allows the holder, such as the spouse, unmarried minors, or parents of a German citizen, to join them in the target country.
• Employment visa for Germany- if you have a confirmed job offer from a potential German employer, you can apply for a German employment or work visa.
• Germany freelancer visa- if you are a freelancer who wants to start a business or freelance work in Germany, you can do so with the help of this visa type.
• Guest scientist visa for Germany- this visa type allows researchers and scientists to travel to Germany for research projects or academic activities.
• Germany language course visa- lastly, this visa category allows the holder to attend an intensive language course in Germany.

Where Can I Apply for a German Visa in Saudi Arabia?

The Embassy of Germany in Saudi Arabia has permitted the TLS center to accept visa applications. Thus, it is the official channel through which you can apply for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia. Therefore, you can submit your documents personally to allow the embassy to process them. However, please note that the center is responsible for receiving and processing your application. The final decision will be made by the German Embassy located in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, at the time of submission, you will need to give your biometric information along with your pictures. The officials store this information in the VIS for the next five years. So, in case you have visited any of the Schengen countries in the past, you can skip this step.

Furthermore, if you live in any of the cities of Saudi Arabia, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, you can visit the following centers. This will help you submit your visit visa applications effortlessly.

Place	Address
TLS  Contact Visa Application Centre in Al-Khobar	2nd floor Al Katheery Centre, Opposite SABB Bank, Al Rakaa, Saudi Arabia
TLS Contact Visa Application Centre in Jeddah	Suwaid Bin Sakher Street, Al Mohammadiya District 1, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
TLS Contact Visa Application Centre in Riyadh	MJ8C+JWC, Abrad Valley, Al Hada, Riyadh 12913, Saudi Arabia

How to Book an Appointment for a Germany Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia?

You must follow certain steps to schedule your visa appointment. Besides, it is an easy process that you can complete online from the comfort of your home. Therefore, you need to spend a little time and effort. See the steps listed below:

• As mentioned earlier, the TLS center will allow you to submit your visa applications. That’s why you need to visit TLS’s website and create an account. You also need to complete your VIDEX form. Moreover, if you already have an account, just log in by entering your data.

• Secondly, you need to select your country of residence. This step will require you to select a TLS center as well.

• Then, the next page will ask you to choose the visa type you need. This depends on the purpose of your trip to Germany.
• After that, a visa application form will appear. It will require you to fill in your personal information. In addition, you also need to mention your passport number. Do not forget to add your signature at the end of the form while filling it out.
• Lastly, a new page will allow you to select your appointment date from the calendar.

You can learn about the complete application process in the step-by-step guide given in the section explained below.

Legal Requirements to Apply for a Germany Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia

The application process also requires you to meet the visa requirements, based on the target country and the purpose of your visit. Thus, make sure that you prepare the following set of documents to apply for your German visit visa from Saudi Arabia.

Visa application form

• You can download and print your visa application form from the embassy’s website.
• You need to make sure that you fill it out thoroughly.
• Also, put your signature along with the date at the end.
• Submit a declaration form as well to prove that the information provided is accurate.

Besides, you can also complete the VIDEX visa application form online for a Germany visa, save the changes, and then print the form to submit it with the other essentials.

Passport

• Another visa requirement is to submit your valid passport as part of your application process.
• Therefore, make sure that the travel document has two to three blank pages to affix visa stamps.
• In addition, it must have a validity of at least three months beyond your intended departure from Germany.
• Its issuance date should be somewhere between the last ten years.

Pictures

The applicants are advised to attach two passport-size pictures to the visa application form and then submit it to the authorities (whether a visa application center or the embassy). Besides, the photographs should fulfill the Schengen picture guidelines, as discussed below.

• They must have a light color background.
• Moreover, the photographs should cover 70-80 percent of your face and shoulders.
• They must be of high quality and matte finish.
• Avoid wearing any headgear or accessories, except for religious purposes, such as a scarf.
• The pictures should not be older than the last three to six years.

Proof of residency

You need to submit your utility bills and a residence permit to prove that you are a resident of Saudi Arabia. Non-Saudi citizens need to present their valid Iqama or residence permit while applying for a visa to prove their eligibility to travel to the target country.

Travel health insurance

• Another German requirement is to purchase and submit travel health insurance for Schengen visa. Without this document, your application will be rejected. So, ensure that you fulfill all the guidelines when submitting the insurance policy.
• It should be valid during your whole trip to Germany and the entire Schengen Area.
• Moreover, it must provide a coverage amount of 30,000 euros, equivalent to 1,29,678.00 riyals, to bear the unexpected medical expenses. For instance, this includes accidents, surgery, hospitalization, evacuation, death, repatriation, luggage loss, flight cancellation, etc.

Travel itinerary

• Furthermore, you must show your booked flight reservation document to the embassy.
• This will help them know your travel dates, time, flight & seat number.
• Moreover, it will also show your current & destination countries along with the airline company name and IATA code.
• Moreover, the purpose of submitting this document to the authorities is to ensure that you will not overstay your visa and will return to your home country before your visa expires.
• You can get these documents through this site (SRFV Travels) as we deal in providing reliable travel documents to our clients.

Proof of accommodation

• The embassy may also ask you to provide proof of accommodation, i.e., where you will stay during your trip.
• For this purpose, you can submit a dummy hotel booking for Schengen visa, a rental contract for an apartment/house, or an invitation letter from a German friend or family member.
• Please note that submitting this document is a mandatory requirement that helps the authorities analyze that you have a place to stay in Germany. Moreover, you will not put a burden on the target country’s resources, which makes it easier for you to have a smooth application process.

Financial subsistence

• Applying for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia requires you to submit proof of financial resources. This will help the authorities determine that you are financially capable of supporting yourself during the trip to Germany.
• The embassy will ask you for this document to ensure that you will not put a burden on the state and manage your expenses on your own. For instance, this includes food, accommodation, and transportation.
• For this purpose, you can submit financial documents, such as your bank statements (last six months), salary slips (last six months), or income tax returns (from the last 2-3 years).
• Other than that, you can also submit a letter of sponsorship in case your trip is sponsored. Make sure the document includes information related to the person sponsoring your trip, their financial health, and a copy of the passport.

Cover letter

• You can share your travel plans with the embassy by writing a personalized cover letter.
• You can disclose your planned activities, the duration of your stay, and the intended return to your home country in the cover letter to convince the visa officer to grant you the visa.
• If you are unable to provide any paperwork, you can also explain the reason in this document.

Documents for minors

• Lastly, if a minor is traveling with you, you need to submit a letter of consent from their parents and a copy of their passport.
• Moreover, it may also include a child’s birth certificate and a court order.

Additional Documents Required as per your Employment Status

You may need to submit the following documents to the Embassy of Germany in Saudi Arabia, depending on your employment status:

If you are employed:

• Your employment contract
• A letter from your employer acknowledging your absence

If you are self-employed:

• Your business license
• Proof of income, i.e., bank statement or salary slip
• The document of income tax returns

If you are a retired employee:

• Proof of income by submitting your pension slips from the last six months

If you are a student:

• Your university/college student ID
• A letter of recognition from the institute stating that you are allowed to enjoy your leave
•  

If a friend or family member is sponsoring you:

• Your relationship with the invitee
• A copy of their passport 
• Letter of residence
• Proof of employment

How Can I Get My German Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia: Step-by-Step Guide

Saudi residents can apply for a German visa through the TLS visa application center or the German Embassy. Besides, you can get your German visit visa from Saudi Arabia by following the instructions listed below. You can also go through this application procedure to understand the steps in detail.

Step 1:

The first step will require you to choose the visa type you need. For example, tourism, business, study, etc. In this case, you must select a ‘visit visa’ to travel to Germany. In addition, depending on the visa type, the embassy may ask you to complete the following additional steps.

Step 2:

As per the region or jurisdiction where you live, you must choose a TLS center. For instance, this includes the application centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The purpose of these centers is to deal with and process your visa application.

Step 3:

After selecting the application center, start to collect your documents as soon as possible. For this purpose, you can consult the earlier section of this article. You will need to submit a passport, pictures, an application form, a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, etc. Other than that, ensure that all the documents are in German or English.

Step 4:

Once done, you need to book an appointment with them. For this purpose, make sure that you follow the instructions given in the article earlier. They will schedule a date to submit your documents and application form. Please note that the appointment slots are filled quickly, so you need to book the appointment at least 4-5 weeks earlier than your departure date.

Step 5:

The next step requires you to pay the visa fee as well. However, you can deposit it before or after your visa interview. This depends on the specific embassy through which you are applying for the process. Moreover, the respective diplomatic mission also requires you to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos) if not submitted in the last 59 months.

Step 6:

After the submission of your visa application at the chosen TLS center, the representative may ask you for a quick interview on the same day, related to your trip to Germany.

Step 7:

Lastly, once your application is processed and approved, you can pick up your passport from the same center or embassy. In case you opted for the courier delivery service, you can get your passport at your home after paying additional charges.

What is the Processing Time for a German Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia?

The embassy may take at least 21 days (3 weeks) to process your visa application. This applies to short-stay or Schengen visa applications. However, it may be increased depending on various other factors as well. For example, this may include the applicant’s nationality, the visa type, and the number of applications.

In case you apply for a National visa, the processing time may range from 4 to 6 months. But, this is not an authentic or confirmed timeframe and can be extended/reduced based on the factors cited above. Therefore, it is recommended to submit the applications as early as possible, i.e., six months before your intended departure.

The reason for this is that during the high travel season, it will take a lot of work to get your visa on time. Months like March to July or the time before Ramadan & Eid ul Adha will make the processing time longer.

Please note that you do not need to contact the embassy to ask about your application status. They will notify you once a decision has been made. Otherwise, depending on the application facility through which you applied for a visa, i.e., visa application center, you can track the status of your application online by using the reference number.

How Much Does a Germany Visit Visa Cost the Citizens of Saudi Arabia?

You have to deposit a specific amount at the embassy as a visa fee when submitting your documents to the authorities. Please note that this visa fee cannot be returned to you even if your visa is rejected, since it is non-refundable. Moreover, the exact amount varies based on several variables, such as:

1. the age group to which you belong
2. the visa type chosen
3. the nationality of the applicant

Therefore, if you are an adult above the age of 12, you need to pay 90 euros, which is equivalent to 390 Saudi riyals. Similarly, children between the ages of 6 to 12 years may cost you 45 euros. This is equal to 195 Saudi riyals.

On the other hand, minors under six are FREE to travel to almost any country in the world. In addition, students and pupils traveling to Germany for study purposes do not need to pay anything. Similar is the case with researchers who want to carry out research in the destination country, i.e., Germany.

Apart from this fee, you also need to pay 162 riyals as a service fee when submitting your visa application form and documents at the center. It is recommended that Saudi citizens pay the fee either in cash or through a credit card.

Important: Please note that applicants are advised to check the current exchange rate before visiting the embassy/center to keep the required amount with them.

FAQs- Germany Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia

Applicants from Saudi Arabia need to review this section to get answers to questions related to a German visa.

1. Who can apply for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia?

Saudi citizens and legal residents (having an Iqama) in Saudi Arabia can apply for a German visit visa at the German Embassy or the specific visa application center.

2. Is it mandatory to schedule an appointment for an in-person submission?

Yes. Applicants are advised to book an appointment in advance to submit their documents to the consular officer in person. This is mandatory because walk-in submissions are not accepted.

3. Is it possible to apply for a German visa online?

Partially. You can complete the German visa application form online through the VIDEX system. However, ensure that the final submission of the documents and biometric data is done in person.

4. Can I convert a German tourist visa to a work permit?

No, a Schengen tourist visa does not allow the holder to participate in any paid or unpaid employment/work in Germany. So, if you want to work, get a work permit and apply for a work visa.

5. What is the validity of the passport required to apply for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia?

When applying for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia, make sure that your passport stays valid for at least three months ahead of your departure from the target country and contains two blank pages to affix visa stamps.

6. What happens if my German visa application is rejected?

If your German visit visa application has been rejected, you can submit a written appeal or remonstration to the German Embassy or Consulate within one month or reapply for a visa after correcting the errors.

7. What are the additional documents required for a non-Saudi citizen applying for a German visa?

In case you are a resident but a non-citizen of Saudi Arabia, you need to submit your valid Iqama and an Electronic Exit Re-Entry visa copy.

8. Is it mandatory to submit travel health insurance when applying for a Germany visit visa from Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Traveling to the Schengen Area has made it necessary for the applicants to get travel health insurance valid for the entire duration of their stay in Germany. Moreover, it should provide coverage of 30,000 euros for unexpected medical and travel emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Saudi nationals can travel to Germany after applying for and getting a visa. However, please note that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entrance to the destination country. The authorities may still ask you to show the documents, including the flight ticket, hotel booking, or your passport, at the border control. Therefore, ensure that you are well-equipped and familiar with all the visa requirements.

Moreover, for your ease, SFRV Travels assists the applicants in gathering their travel documents, such as flight & hotel reservations, and travel health insurance at a market-competitive price. Also, do not forget to follow the embassy guidelines for a smooth visa application process.

Bon Voyage!

Read Also:

Portugal Visa from Saudi Arabia→ Citizens of Saudi Arabia can travel to Portugal after applying for a visa and fulfilling the requirements, application fees, and processing times.

Schengen Visa for Saudi Passport Holders and Nationals→ Read this comprehensive guide on Schengen visa for Saudi Nationals to learn the visa types, documents, process, fees, and processing times.

 

A little Bit About Us

At Schengen Flight Reservation for Visa, we make the often overwhelming visa process a breeze. With verifiable documents at unbeatable prices, you are covered with Flight Reservations/Itinerary/Dummy tickets, Hotel Bookings (Proof of Accommodation), and a Travel Insurance Policy. 

But that’s not all. Our services and blogs on writing a cover letter for a visa make your application process even smoother. 

Are you stuck on something? Check our FAQs section or connect with us anytime through our 24/7 Live Chat because your convenience is our priority. 

Our Blog section is your ultimate guide to navigating the ever-evolving world of visa policies & requirements. 

Whether you are curious about the visa requirements for any country, changing visa rules & regulations, or need a comprehensive guide about any topic or visa of any country, then simply type your Query in our Blog search bar & get the ultimate detail in just a click.

So, let’s make your visa journey seamless, informed & stress-free!