Application procedure

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.

Please 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.

Log in to your account, 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.

Choose a date and time of your convenience to submit your application at our Visa Application Centre. Don't forget to print your appointment confirmation letter.

Note: The service fee payment will be "online" during the appointment booking process. 

The VIDEX form (English or German version only!) should be completed online via the Videx website and printed. The form should be completed in capital letters and must be signed by the applicant in person using black ink. If your fingerprints are over 59 months old, you must visit again. Otherwise, no personal appearance is required.Short-stay applicants need to use this VIDEX form.

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

If the exemption case applies to you, you can submit your visa application through an authorized representative who can submit the application on your behalf. He/she must provide a signed letter of authorization, as well as the original and a copy of his/her ID card. The representative cannot be a minor.

Please note: In accordance with the Federal Foreign Office’s instructions, applicants arriving more than 15 minutes late for their appointment will be required to book a new appointment.

• Your application and supporting documents will be checked for completeness according to the requirements of the German Diplomatic Mission, and your biometric data will be captured. The visa and service fees are paid at the Visa Application Centre using a credit/debit card or MTN mobile money. Following completion of these steps, your application is transferred to the German Diplomatic Mission for a decision.

All minors will need to appear in person along with their parents/guardians at the time of application.Additionally, provide the following:

• Notarized consent letter from both parents (if applicable, sole custody order / death certificate of deceased parent);
• Birth certificate of the applicant;
• Passport copies of both parents.

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

Your application will be processed by the German Diplomatic Mission. TLScontact does not make any decision related to your visa application.

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

Important notice: You may track your application anytime by visiting your personal account on our website.

Once the German Diplomatic Mission has made a decision regarding your visa application, your passport will be returned to the TLScontact visa application centre. You can be notified by SMS as soon as the passport arrives (paid service).

You can collect your passport in person or through a representative.

To collect your passport in person:

• Your Application Checklist;
• Your Original Photographic ID;
• Copy of Your Photographic ID.

Collection by a representative with:

• 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 authorization signed by you (clearly stating the representative’s details).

If you have chosen Express Courier Return Service, your passport will be sent to the address chosen during the submission.