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Application procedure

How to submit your German visa application

Please read the different steps below to learn how to submit your visa application at the TLScontact visa application centre.​

How to submit your German visa application
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1

Check your document list

Read the list of documents that must be submitted with your visa application, based on your travel purpose and prepare your documents carefully. Please always choose the correct travel purpose.
 
For National D visa applications: if your visa type is covered by the Consular Services Portal, please follow the specific procedure outlined here. Check the Visa information page to see if your visa type is covered by the Consular Services Portal.
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2

Create your TLScontact account

Create your personal user account by providing your email address and a password. You will then have to activate your account by clicking on the link provided in the email that will be sent to you.

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3

Input your data

Log in to your account and fill in the requested personal data. If you are a member of a group of people applying for a visa together, please fill in the data of those accompanying you too. Submit the group when you finish.

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4

Make an appointment

Choose a convenient date and time to submit your application at our visa application centre.
 
Please note that if you are applying for a Schengen visa, you will be added to a waiting list and notified as soon as an appointment becomes available.
 
Don't forget to print your appointment confirmation letter: you will need to provide it on the day of your appointment.
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5

Complete the VIDEX form

Complete your VIDEX form (English or German version only) online via the VIDEX website and print it. You should complete the form in capital letters and sign it in person using black ink.

Short stay

Long stay 

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6

Submit your file

Please arrive on time for your appointment with the appointment confirmation letter. If you are more than 30 minutes late or miss your appointment, you will need to make a new appointment.

Please note that all applicants aged 12 years and older must personally come to their appointment at TLScontact for biometric data capture and to submit their application.

If you are exempt from biometric data collection, you do not need to come in person to our centre: an authorised representative can submit your application on your behalf.

He/she must provide a signed letter of authorisation as well as the original and copy of his/her ID card. The representative cannot be a minor. 

Your application and supporting documents will be verified against the requirements of the German consular authority and your biometric data will be recorded.

Once these steps are completed, your visa application will be  transferred to the German consular authority for processing. Please note that TLScontact is in no way involved in the decision-making process. 

The German consular authority may ask for more information or additional documents. If this happens, you will be contacted by email or phone with detailed instructions.

You can track your application at any time by logging into your personal account.

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Collect your passport

You will be notified once the German consular authority has returned your passport to our visa application centre. You can then collect your passport from our centre. 
You have several options: 

1. Collect your passport in person
You will need to bring:

  • Your application checklist;
  • Your original photographic ID;
  • Copy of your photographic ID.

2. Collect your passport through a representative
This person must bring:

  • Your application checklist;
  • Copy of your photographic identity card;
  • Representative's original photographic identity card;
  • Copy of the representative's photographic identity card;
  • Letter of authorisation signed by you (clearly stating the representative’s details).

3. Receive your passport at the address of your choice
If you have chosen the Express Courier Return service, your passport will be sent to the address you chose when you applied for your visa.

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