Inviting Family and Friends to Germany: A Complete Guide from India

🕘Last updated on February 04, 2024 ‐ 7 min read

Your Guide to a Germany Family and Friends Visa from India

Are you dreaming of reuniting with your loved ones in the picturesque landscapes of Germany? Whether it's sharing moments with family or creating new memories with close friends, the Germany Friends and Family Visa is your gateway. This guide simplifies the visa application process, making it less daunting for Indian citizens to navigate.

Who Needs a Friends and Family Visa?

This visa caters to Indian citizens wishing to visit Germany for up to 90 days, to stay with family (spouses, children, parents, siblings) or close friends. It permits multiple entries and stays up to 90 days within a single 180-day period.

Eligibility Criteria

Ensure your guests:

• Hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond their return date.
• Receive a formal invitation from you, detailing the visit's purpose, duration, and accommodation arrangements.
• Understand the Verpflichtungserklärung (Financial Obligation Letter), which you must obtain to vouch for their financial sustenance during their stay.

You understand Verpflichtungserklärung document holds you financially responsible for their stay, and you are prepared to complete and submit it as required.

• Acquire travel medical insurance for the Schengen area: This insurance should cover any medical emergencies throughout their visit.

Required Documents

1. Visa application form: Please ask your family members or friends to complete their visa application conveniently on the VIDEX website. Save your progress as a JSON file and easily import it later to prefill the details. You can also fill on their behalf.

2. Passport : Please ensure the Indian passports of family members or friends are valid for at least 3 months beyond their planned arrival date and have at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs: No older than 6 months, biometric passport photos. Each photo should be 35x45mm in size, have a white background, and face covering 70-80% of the frame.¹

4. Invitation letter: Original signed invitation letter from you with following details:

   • Contact information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
   • Your information: Your family members or friends full name and passport number.
   • Visit details: Your family members or friends intended arrival and departure dates, along with a brief itinerary outlining their planned activities during your stay.
   • Purpose of visit: Briefly explain the reason for their trip to Germany.
   • Your information:
     • Your legal residence proof:
       • A copy of both the first and last pages of your passport.
       • A copy of your German residence permit.
     • Confirmation of your ability to accommodate them during their stay (e.g., a statement acknowledging responsibility for their housing and financial support).

5. Proof of Legal Residence: Including your passport and German residence permit copies

6. Verpflichtungserklärung from you -You need to apply for Verpflichtungserklärung(formal obligation letter) from Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA). There is a fee of 29 € ². Your family members or friends will be asked for in Original. Click below link for detailed process of Verpflichtungserklärung.

   Declaration of commitment for a short-term stay (Schengen visa)

   ℹ️Remember, Verpflichtungserklärung letters are only valid for 6 months. Make sure you time your visa application accordingly to ensure the letter remains valid throughout the process.

7. Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, etc.) - While the Verpflichtungserklärung guarantees your financial responsibility for your family and friends's stay, having them show additional proof of their own income can significantly improve their visa application. Encourage them to bring bank statements or salary slips (if available) when applying.

8. Travel medical insurance documents - To ensure their safety and avoid potential complications, make sure your family or friends have travel medical insurance specifically approved by Schengen consulates. This ensures their coverage meets all necessary requirements.

   ℹ️ADAC Travel insurance is a convenient option. They offer same-day policies in person at their Berlin office with your family members or friends's passport copies, and even offer a 11€ cancellation fee if your visa is rejected. If your travel dates change, you can easily adjust your policy. Importantly, their coverage applies across Europe and eliminates the need for upfront payments like many Indian insurance companies (except for doctor visits). Additionally, they provide confirmation letters for visa applications, simplifying the process.

9. Flight reservation - While confirmed return tickets aren't required for a Germany Family and Friends Visa application, they don't offer any advantage in the approval process.

Application Process

1. Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documentation including proofs of relationship and financial stability.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Use VFS Global's online portal to book your slot.
3. Application Fees: Be prepared to cover visa and service charges.

Additional Tips

• Start Early: Visa processing times can vary; starting early helps avoid last-minute rushes.
• Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to prevent delays.
• Insurance and Documents Validity: Double-check the validity period of your documents and insurance coverage.

Helpful Resources

Embassy of Germany in India: https://india.diplo.de/
VFS Global Visa Application Center Germany: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu/

Remember, with thorough preparation and this helpful guide by your side, obtaining Germany Friends and Family Visa from India can be a smooth and enriching experience. So, pack your bags, embrace the excitement, and get ready to create lasting memories with your loved ones in the beautiful land of Germany!

ℹ️Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)