Germany Visa Fees from India: Full Breakdown & Guide

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jul 23,2025

Germany Visa Fees from India: Full Breakdown & Guide - TerraTern

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The cost of Germany visa fees from India has risen in 2025, and knowing the breakdown will be vital to students, tourists, and professionals intending to travel, study, or work in Germany this year. Germany is ideal for Indian students, professionals, and tourists since it provides quality education, good professional opportunities, and hassle-free access to the Schengen area. Nevertheless, start planning your application, both financially and logistically, as the rise in the cost of Germany visa from India fees is coming closer.

Latest Facts and News

  • Germany increased Schengen (tourist/visit) visa fees to €90 (~INR 9,100) for adults and €45 (~INR 4,600) for children aged 6-12 in September 2024.

  • Student visa (long stay) fees are €75 (~INR 6,800) for Indian students.

  • VFS service charges are typically INR 1,933 for Schengen applications and INR 1,326 (logistics) for D-visas.

  • Fee waivers exist for children under 6, certain family members, researchers, and scholarship recipients.

  • Germany is digitalizing visa processes: applications can be initiated online, reducing wait times.

  • Indian nationals are not eligible for visa-on-arrival; visas must be issued before you travel.

  • All visa fees are non-refundable, even if an application is rejected.

  • The new Skilled Immigration Act in Germany is attracting skilled Indian professionals, making visa demand higher in 2025.

  • Germany seeks more Indian tourists and students, offering streamlined appointment booking via VFS centers countrywide.

  • The Schengen area policy enables travel across 27 European countries with a single German visa.

Planning your Germany trip or studies from India? Don’t miss these crucial updates—fees are higher and digitalization is changing the process. Read further to avoid surprises and make your application smoother.

A complete guide to all visa categories—including student and visit visas—fee structures, latest updates, and practical advice for Indian applicants.

 

Understanding Germany Visa Fees from India in 2025

Germany flag; Germany Visa Fees from India - TerraTern

 The Germany visit visa fees from India charged on different visas are not necessarily the same, therefore, having information on what exactly is required when making payment will save time and embarrassment that can be caused by underspending and subsequent rejection. The Indian applicants must be wary of their budgets when applying for Germany visa fees from India in 2025, with the recent amendments made in September 2024. 

  • There are several types of visas available in Germany. The short-term Schengen visa can be used as a tourist, on business, or for a visitor (tourism, business, or family visit). There is a student visa (long-stay D visa), and a range of skilled workers visas are available. A different visa type has its own cost, which includes the payment procedure. Remarkably, with the Schengen visa, one can only travel within 27 European states using a single visitor visa, accommodating short-term travellers.

  • Moreover, now, applicants in India have the opportunity to begin their applications online, as Germany is also digitalizing its visa application process. This system can curtail waiting time in their VFS centers since their applicants can upload documents and pay online, making the application process smoother and faster. 

These changes and fees are needed to properly find their place among the Germany visa fees from India in 2025.

Germany Schengen Visa (Short Stay & Visit Visa) Current Fees From India

Indian applicants seeking to spend less than 90 days in Germany (for pleasure, business, tours, or visits to families and friends) must obtain a Schengen visa. An additional privilege of this visa is that it facilitates travel to 27 European countries that have signed up to the Schengen agreement with a single visa. 

The Schengen Germany visa fees from India at the current rate in 2025 are as follows:

  • Adults: 90 (INR 9.100)

  • Kids (6-12 years): 45€ (~INR 4,600)

  • Children below 6 years: Free

  • VFS Service Charge: Rs 1933 (per application) 

Moreover, in case you want to enjoy the optional convenience services at VFS, then it is:

  • Passport Courier Deposit: INR 500800 (cost differs on location)

  • SMS Application Tracking: INR 120

  • Entry to a Premium Lounge (a matter of choice to get extra speed processing and comforts): INR 2,000 2,500

  • Photograph and Photocopy: at VFS centers at different prices depending on the number of pages/services 

They are optional services, and you do not have to acquire them; however, they might be used to streamline your entry when you wish it to be easier or quicker to apply for the Germany visa from India fees. 

Also Read: Germany Opportunity Card: Benefits, Eligibility & Apply

Latest Student Visa Fees for Germany from India

When an Indian student applies for a long-stay (D) visa to study in Germany, knowing how the fee structure will be deducted is imperative to set a definite budget to prevent last-minute inconveniences during the application. 

The student visa fees for Germany from India in 2025 are:

  • Text Fee (text-based applicants 18 years and over): 75 euros (INR 6,800-6900)

  • Minors: €37.5 (approx INR 3,300–3,500)

  • VFS Logistics Fee: INR 1326 (it will be charged when the D-visa is processed in India)

  • Residence Fee in Germany: 100 euros (paid to the local Foreigners office upon arrival in Germany) 

Indian students will also have to be ready for the other compulsory requirements that include:

  • A blocked account ($11,208 a year) demonstrates the ability to afford the living expenses.

  • Full health insurance for the whole of your stay.

  • International Travel insurance is available during your first arrival period. 

If you have acquired a German scholarship, given to you publicly, you may not have to pay the student visa fee, so be sure to bring the proof of scholarship when coming in to deliver your documents to enjoy this exception.

Giving yourself enough time to prepare, being aware of the student visa fees for Germany from India, and preparing your papers thoroughly will keep you out of trouble and allow you to settle into your German studies easily. 

Also Read: How to Apply for Germany Job Seeker Visa? Latest Steps

Exemptions and Reductions on Germany Visa Fees in 2025

overhead shot of camera, flowers and map; Germany Visa Fees from India - TerraTern

The Germany visa fees from India may be dropped or lowered in case of certain people, saving you the application process cost. 

Waiver of Germany visit visa fees from India can be availed by:

  • Under 6 years old (entrance into the Schengen zone is free of charge) (no visa fee on Schengen or D-visas)

  • Family members of the EU/EEA citizens who go to EU/EEA countries to meet or visit them

  • Scientists or other academicians who travel based on scientific or other specific research.

  • Students having German government scholarships (their student visas are exempt from the fee on fulfilling the proof of the scholarship clause)

  • If you fall into any of these categories, bear the necessary documents (birth certificates, scholarship letters, documents on family relations, or research invitation) during your appointment with the VFS office and claim your exemption on fees free without any problems. 

Being updated with these Germany visa from India fees concessions, India will prevent you from paying extra out of ignorance and allow you to be financially thrifty as you travel or even study in Germany.

How to Pay and Additional Service Fees?

Once you ascertain the required prices of the Germany visa fees from India as per the type of visa you want to apply for, the other key aspect will now be to pay the costs on your appointed date of visiting a VFS center. It is imperative to note that incomplete or wrong payments may delay or even deny your application. 

If you are paying in a VFS center in India, the accepted payment modes will be:

  1. Cash: This is the most popular and acceptable payment method. Visa and VFS service fees may be paid over the VFS counter in cash.

  2. Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widespread at most VFS centers. This alternative is convenient, and you can save a lot of cash.

  3. UPI (Unified Payments Interface): Most VFS venues have begun to offer UPI payments at this stage, so it is much more convenient to pay online using Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm applications.

  4. Demand Draft: The only payment type that may be needed in the case of a Demand Draft is due to specific locations of VFS or a type of visa. Before making this choice, always ensure it fits your case. 

The policies of paying the Visa fee may differ by a small margin in the VFS centers in India. So, before your appointment, you must visit the official VFS site to verify the current instructions or call your local VFS centre. Check the accredited forms of payment and the amount of money you must part with to eliminate any last-minute disappointments.

With the proper payment at your VFS center, you will have an easy time when it comes to making your Germany visa application in India and avoid inconveniences such as delays and rescheduling of an appointment because of any hitches in payment. 

Also Read: Germany Tourist Visa from India: Types, Cost, Process & More

Optional Value-Added Services (VFS)

Besides the required visitor and service fees, the VFS centres have optional services to ensure your Germany Schengen visa application in India is convenient and stress-free. 

Such optional services are:

  • Passport Courier Delivery: INR 500 800 (depending on location)

  • SMS Updates: INR 120 - Get real-time updates on the status of your application on your cell phone.

  • Premium Lounge: INR 2,000-2,500 (depending on the location) - An exclusive area where you wait patiently with refreshments as your application is being processed.

  • Document Printing and Photocopying: This service is available at the VFS centers at a minimal charge to make it convenient.

  • Form Filling: Provision of aid in appropriately filling the visa application forms to prevent mistakes.

  • Travel Insurance: There may be an option for travel insurance, but this is advisable for tourists and some visas. 

These services are not required, but they will ensure you save time and effort in your visa process. They should be utilized only when needed to keep costs down. 

Also Read: Nursing Jobs in Germany: Latest Salary, Benefits & More

 

Current Common Mistakes and Proven Tips for Saving Money

An image of a bridge at night; Germany Visa Fees from India - TerraTern

 In applying for Germany visa fees from India, a visa applicant commits preventable errors that sometimes cause delays, additional expenditure, or, in other cases, applications may be denied. Knowing these traps and sticking to some valuable tips, you can efficiently handle your Germany visa fee in India and avoid any stress during the process. 

When doing this, do not make these mistakes:

  1. Selecting the Incorrect Type of Visa: This may be seen in filling out a form where you fill out for a Schengen visa when you require the longer-lasting D visa, whereby you could lose the fees and time.

  2. Incomplete Documents: Failing to present some of the required documents can easily lead to visa rejection, and you have to restart the process after paying the visa fee.

  3. Inaccurate Payments of Fees or Prohibited Payment Modes: When an incorrect amount is paid for the fees or channels not accepted by the VFS centers, your application can be delayed or rejected.

  4. Reserving Unnecessary Services/ Products: Book an economy processing or economy lounge instead of paying extra money if you do not need a first-rate service.

  5. Failing to Update the Current Germany Visa Fees in India: It is important not to confuse this step, since failure to update the current Germany visa fees in India might result in underpaying and sometimes cause difficulties in your appointment scheduling process. 

Some useful tricks for saving money when you apply:

  • Apply Early: Applying early eliminates expensive premiums or rush services.

  • Inquire about Fee Waiver and Exemption: There are certain cases wherein fee waivers or exemptions are applicable, e.g., when the applicant is below 6 years old or granted a scholarship, etc. Be sure to inquire and avail yourself of these by all means.

  • Pay Extra only When Needed: It is possible to pay more to get additional services, like a courier delivery, getting SMS updates, or using a premium lounge, but make sure that this service will be worth your money.

  • Put in Perfect and Complete Documentation: Double-check the documentation to prevent rejections, which implies repaying fees again and missing precious time.

Latest Changes in Germany Visa Fees and Application Process

 You can keep up to date with the current Germany visa fees from India, process updates, and plan a visa application securely in 2025. Several relevant changes were implemented in September 2024 that Indians should pay attention to:

  • The value of the Schengen visa fee was revised to reflect the EU-wide Schengen fee at an increase of 80 20 to 90 20 per adult. Such an increase implies that the applicants are supposed to plan their budget well in their short-stay tourist or visit visas.

  • There will be no increase in the student (D) visa fee as it will be retained at 75 euros, which makes it affordable to Indian students who desire to acquire higher education in Germany without incurring extra costs.

  • Online initiation of the digital application has also been offered. Applicants of India can complete visa forms online and upload documents to support the process before visiting the VFS center. The innovation will significantly save time and lessen the mistakes made in the submission process.

  • Easy to search and book appointments through the Streamlined VFS appointment booking system, established all over India. There is no need to wait in line, and there is little chance of an appointment being available due to the streamlined usage of the VFS appointment booking system.

  • The Skilled Immigration Act has also provided new avenues for Indian skilled labor, leading to increased applications for work visas and extended stay permits. The experience of applying for a visa to move to Germany has now become easier for professionals intending to work in the country.

  • These changes imply that although Germany visa fees from India have now increased for Schengen visas, prospects of a smoother and speedier process are enabled by the noise-free digital procedures and the improvement in the appointment systems. Less paperwork mismatch, faster processing, and fewer trips to the VFS centers are what the applicants can anticipate. 

This awareness will guide you to prepare and plan your travel budget for your application to study, work and Germany visit visa fees from India in 2025.

Step-by-Step Germany Visa Application Guide in 2025

In 2025, it will be more convenient to apply for Germany visa fees from India online; however, to complete all the stages of this process, it is vital to be attentive and not to miss a step, which may lead to a delay or refusal of the application. 

These are the steps to use to apply:

  1. Find out what kind of visa you should have: Confirm whether you should apply for a Schengen (short stay), student visa (D-visa), or work visa.

  2. Fill out the online application form for the visa: Complete the online form found at the German Missions in India website or the VFS Global site correctly.

  3. Recommend that you make a VFS appointment: You can schedule an appointment at your closest VFS centre to submit documents and provide biometrics.

  4. Get ready with your needed papers: 

  • New passport-sized photographs (according to the Schengen provisions)

  • Evidence of funds available (blocked account and bank statements, where the student)

  • Travel insurance/health insurance

  • Hotel booking and flight reservation (Schengen visa)

  • Admission letter (students)

  • Workers- Employment contract

  1. Pay your visa and VFS service fees: Make the payment through an accepted payment method (cash, card, UPI, or demand draft) and ensure you do not pay the wrong Germany visa fees in India.

  2. Go to your VFS appointment: Hand in your application papers and give your biometric details (fingerprints and picture).

  3. Follow your application: Through the VFS tracking tool, you can track your Germany visa status.

  4. Check out your passport: After processing the passport, you can collect it at the VFS center or have a courier deliver it. 

This step-by-step guide will facilitate the issuance of Germany visa fees from India and ensure that procedures are followed to the finish line without leading to many mishaps. 

Also Read: Freelance Visa Germany: Eligibility, Costs & Process

Current Special Notes for Students and Tourists

An image of buildings; Germany Visa Fees from India - TerraTern

 Indian citizen students and tourists have specific requirements when applying for a Germany visa fees from India, which must be prepared in time for an easy application process. 

  1. For Students:

  • An open blocked bank account (11,208 annually) must be prepared to demonstrate that you have a reasonable financial background to stay in Germany.

  • Ensure you have valid health insurance coverage during your entire study process before the VFS appointment.

  • Place your admission letter and financial documentation in readiness. 

  1. For Tourists:

  • A valid travel insurance is required to apply for a Schengen visa, and a minimum coverage is needed. This is €30 000.

  • Ensure your insurance covers the whole length of your trip, medical emergencies, and repatriation. 

Periodically checking VFS slots can help you get the appointments of your choice during popular travel periods and student intakes.

These documents should be done in the run-up stage. When you do this, last-minute problems will not arise, and your visa application to Germany visa fees from India will move on seamlessly without wasting time or facing unwarranted setbacks.

 

Conclusion

In 2025, the Germany visa fees from India have increased, and you must consider putting your funds in place before submission. Whether it is a Schengen and student visa or a work permit, the new fee structure, the new method of payment, and the latest digital procedure will save you time, stress, and money and increase your chances of approval. Be informed on the VFS and German Mission sites, be careful when preparing, and apply earlier rather than later to avoid last-minute difficulties. Hope this blog helpe you with Germany visa fees from India, Germany visa from India fees, student visa fees for Germany from India,  Germany visit visa fees from India, and more!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Germany visit visa fee from India in 2025?

The fee for an adult Schengen (visit/tourist) visa is €90 (approximately INR 9,100), while children aged 6–12 pay €45 (around INR 4,600). Children under 6 are exempt and don’t need to pay.

Are Germany visa fees refundable if my application is rejected?

No, visa fees are non-refundable—regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. You’ll need to reapply and pay the full fee again if you wish to regroup and apply once more.

Which documents are required to pay Germany visa fees in India?

You must present your valid passport, completed visa application form, and proof of payment method (cash, card, UPI, or demand draft) at your VFS appointment. Having all relevant documents ensures a smooth fee transaction during your Germany visa application from India.

Any reductions for Germany student visa fees for Indians with scholarships?

Yes. If you hold a public German scholarship (e.g. DAAD), your student visa fee may be waived—just bring official proof of the award to claim the exemption. All other applicants must pay the standard €75 fee.

What happens if I pay the wrong fee or use an incorrect payment mode?

Incorrect payments can lead to appointment delays or visa rejections, meaning you'll likely need to schedule again and repay. Always verify the current Germany visa fees from India and accepted payment methods with your local VFS center before going in.