If you are a Thai citizen or a foreign resident of Thailand and plan to travel to Germany for a short stay, you must apply for a German Schengen Visa. This visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and also allows travel throughout the entire Schengen Area.
On this page, we cover what the German Schengen Visa is, the required documents for your application, and the steps to follow when applying from Thailand.
What is the German Schengen Visa?
The German Schengen Visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is designed for short visits such as tourism, business travel, or seeing family. Although it is issued by Germany, the visa also grants access to all 29 countries in the Schengen Area, so you do not need to prepare separate visas for each country you plan to visit. These countries include:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the 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.
However, you should only apply for the German Schengen Visa if Germany is your main destination or the country where you will spend the most time. If you plan to spend equal time in multiple Schengen countries, apply through the one you will enter first.
Common German Schengen Visa Types
There are different types of German Schengen Visas, depending on the purpose of your visit. Below are the most common options:
- Tourist Visa: For exploring Germany’s cities, attractions, and landmarks
- Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities in the Schengen Area
- Family Visit Visa: For visiting family members living in Germany, but this type of Schengen Visa will require you to provide an invitation letter from your host with the application as well
German Schengen Visa Required Documents
When applying for a German Schengen Visa, you must provide documents that explain the purpose of your visit, your planned destinations, and how you will support yourself during your stay in Germany. Consular officers review these details closely, so they must be complete and accurate. Here is an overview of what you will need to prepare:
Personal Identification
- Completed German Schengen Visa application form
- Valid passport (min. 3 months after visa expiry + 2 blank pages)
- Copy of passport photo page
- Two passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, recent)
Employment and Financial Evidence
- Proof of employment: A letter with job title, start date, salary and leave approval
- Recent payslips (if available)
- Business registration certificate (if self-employed)
- Bank statements from the last 3 months or proof of assets/property ownership
Travel Details
- Motivation letter explaining your reason for visiting Germany
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family) + proof of relationship
- Detailed itinerary with cities, dates, and accommodation
- Proof of confirmed accommodation
- Round-trip flight reservation or travel plan
Travel Insurance
- Medical insurance valid in all Schengen countries
- Minimum coverage: 30,000 EUR
- Must cover the entire stay
All submitted documents must be in either German or English. If you have any Thai documents, they will need to go through the process of being notarized, translated, and legalized before they can be used in your German Schengen Visa application.
How to Apply for a German Schengen Visa from Thailand
Applying for a German Schengen Visa from Thailand involves a structured process based on the requirements set by the German authorities. Each step must be followed carefully, from preparing documents to submitting your application. Here is a step-by-step guide of what to expect during the German Schengen Visa application process:
- Document Preparation: Gather all required documents and complete the German Schengen Visa application form online. Once completed, print the form.
- Appointment Booking: After organizing your documents, book an appointment at the German VFS Visa Application Center in Thailand to submit your application and provide biometric data if needed. You will then receive a confirmation email and an appointment letter. If you are part of a family or group, you will have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
- Service Fee Payment: Visa service fees can be paid online when booking your appointment.
- Application Submission: You must attend the appointment and submit your application in person at the German VFS Visa Application Center, as well as pay the visa application fee, which can be done in cash or by credit or debit card. If you have already submitted biometric data for a previous Schengen Visa within the last 59 months, you may apply by post or through an authorized representative.
- Application Processing and Passport Return: The German VFS Visa Application Center will forward your documents to the Embassy of Germany in Thailand for review. Once a decision is made, you will receive an update by email. If email access is difficult or if you prefer regular status updates, SMS tracking may also be available. You can collect your passport (which will already have the Schengen Visa affixed) in person at the German VFS Visa Application Center or have it delivered via courier to your home address.
German Schengen Visa Processing Time
You can submit your application for a short-stay German Schengen Visa up to 180 days before your intended travel date. In most cases, applications are processed within 15 working days. However, the review period may extend up to 45 days or longer, depending on the German Embassy in Thailand’s assessment of the application. To avoid delays, you should apply no later than 15 days before your planned departure.
Also, the Embassy of Germany in Thailand may request additional documents during the review process, and you may be asked to attend an in-person interview before a final decision is made.
German Schengen Visa Fee and Service Fees
The German Schengen Visa fee is set in euros (EUR) but must be paid in Thai baht (THB). The exchange rate is determined by the Embassy of Germany in Thailand and may change without prior notice. The fixed fees in euros are as follows:
| Age Group | Visa Fee (EUR) |
| 12 years and above | 90 EUR |
| 6 to 11 years old | 45 EUR |
| Under 6 years old | Free |
You can pay the visa fee at the German VFS Visa Application Center in three ways: in cash at the center, by credit or debit card, or online through the appointment booking system. When applying through the application center, you will also need to pay a service fee, which will vary based on which center you submit your application to:
- German VFS in Bangkok: 19.13 EUR
- German VFS in Phuket and Chiang Mai: 40 EUR
Tips for Increasing the Chances of Approval for the German Schengen Visa
Submitting only the minimum required documents may not be enough to get your German Schengen Visa approved. Consular officers review the overall quality of your application, focusing on accuracy, consistency, and supporting evidence. To strengthen your case, present well-documented travel plans and proof that you intend to return to Thailand. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Double-Check Your Documents: Go through every document carefully. Make sure all the information is accurate, up to date, and matches your application. Even small mistakes, such as name or date mismatches, can lead to delays or denial.
- Show Proof of Strong Ties to Thailand: Submit documents that demonstrate you have strong reasons to return after your trip to Germany. This helps confirm that your visit is temporary. Useful evidence includes proof of employment, business registration, family ties, or ownership of property or a vehicle.
- Include a Clear and Detailed Travel Itinerary: List the cities you plan to visit, where you will stay, and your travel dates. A detailed itinerary shows that your visit has a defined purpose and a fixed timeline.
To maximize your chances of approval, it is recommended to work with German immigration specialists. They can guide you through each step of the process and review your documents to make sure they directly support your application and meet the expectations of the consular officer.
Professional Assistance With Your Schengen Visa to Germany from Thailand
If you are planning a trip to Germany from Thailand and want to cross immigration issues off your list of things to worry about, get in touch with Siam Legal International. With over 20 years of experience, Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in Thailand, helping local and foreign clients enter Germany efficiently and without hassle.
Our bilingual team of German immigration specialists will manage the entire application process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on preparing for your trip to Germany. Our German Schengen Visa services include:
- A one-on-one consultation with a German immigration specialist to review your travel plans and help prepare a strong application
- Support in collecting and organizing all required documents, making sure they are accurate, complete, and meet the standards set by German immigration authorities
- Appointment scheduling at the German VFS Visa Application Center in Thailand for biometric data collection and submission of your application
- Provide up-to-date information on visa fees based on your specific Schengen Visa type, so you can prepare for any related costs
- Unlimited phone support from our French visa specialists throughout the application process
To streamline your German Schengen Visa application and maximize your chances of approval, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal now to book a consultation!
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