Germany Visa Requirements UK: Complete 2026 Checklist

Getting a Germany Schengen visa from the UK requires navigating a maze of document requirements that vary based on your nationality, employment status, and travel purpose. Miss one requirement, and you're facing rejection and wasted fees.

This guide provides the complete, up-to-date checklist for Germany visa applications from UK residents in 2026, including specific requirements for employees, self-employed, students, unemployed, and families with children.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Germany?

Short Answer: No, if you're a British passport holder and staying less than 90 days for tourism or business.

UK Citizens (British Passport Holders)

You can travel to Germany and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for:

• Tourism

• Business meetings

• Family visits

• Short courses/conferences

New Requirements Starting 2026:

• Entry/Exit System (EES): Launched October 6, 2025. UK citizens must register biometrics (photo + fingerprints) at the Schengen border on first entry. Registration valid for 3 years.

• ETIAS Authorization: Expected 2026-2027. UK citizens will need to apply for ETIAS (€7 fee, valid 3 years) before traveling to the Schengen Area—similar to the US ESTA system.

Source: UK Government travel advice, EES Regulation (EU) 2017/2226

Who Needs a Germany Visa from the UK?

If you're a UK resident but not a UK citizen, you need a Germany Schengen visa regardless of how long you've lived in the UK. Our appointment monitoring service for UK can help secure slots faster.

UK Residents Requiring a Visa

You need a visa if you hold a non-UK passport, even if you have:

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• Settled Status (EU Settlement Scheme)

• Pre-Settled Status

• UK work visa (Skilled Worker, Student, etc.)

• Refugee/asylum status

Important: Your UK immigration status does not grant you visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. Germany looks at your nationality (passport), not your UK residence permit.

Common Nationalities Requiring Visas:

• Indian

• Pakistani

• Nigerian

• Turkish

• Egyptian

• Filipino

• Bangladeshi

• Chinese

• And 100+ other countries

How to Check: Search "Germany visa requirements [your nationality]" or check the German Federal Foreign Office website.

Source: Schengen Visa Code Annex I, UK Home Office immigration status guide

The Universal Requirements: Documents Everyone Must Provide

Regardless of your employment status or nationality, every applicant must submit:

1. Valid Passport

Requirements:

• Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date from Germany

• Issued within the last 10 years

• Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stickers and stamps

Example:

• Travel dates: June 1-15, 2026

• Return date: June 15, 2026

• Passport must be valid until at least September 15, 2026 (3 months after return)

Common Mistake: Applicants check expiry date but forget the "issued within 10 years" rule. An old passport valid until 2028 but issued in 2014 will be rejected.

2. UK Residence Proof (Share Code + eVisa Screenshot)

UPDATE 2025-2026: Physical BRP cards are no longer sufficient proof of UK residence status. You must provide:

Digital Status Evidence (Required):

• UKVI Share Code generated from the UK Government website (www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status)

• Screenshot or printout of your eVisa account showing:

  • Your full name (as in passport)

  • Your immigration status type (ILR, Skilled Worker, Student, etc.)

  • Status validity dates

  • Conditions of your permission

• The share code must be generated within 90 days of your visa appointment (preferably within 30 days)

  
  

Minimum Validity Requirement:

Your UK immigration status must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your planned return date from Germany.

If Your Status Is Under Review:

• Provide the UKVI outcome letter confirming your application is pending

• Include evidence of your previous valid status

• Original letter from UK Home Office (if applicable)

We recommend waiting until you have the final decision, as it can be a reason of rejection.

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Only providing physical BRP without share code

• ❌ Share code older than 90 days

• ❌ Screenshot doesn't show all required information

• ❌ Using someone else's share code to "demonstrate" the system

Source: TLScontact UK Germany requirements January 2026, UK Home Office eVisa guidance

3. Recent Passport Photos

Strict Specifications:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm (NOT UK passport photo size)

• Age: Taken within the last 6 months

• Background: Plain white or off-white (no patterns, shadows)

• Head position: 70-80% of frame, neutral expression, mouth closed

• Glasses: Allowed only if prescription and no glare on lenses

• Head covering: Religious reasons only, face fully visible

Common Rejections:

• UK passport photos (45mm x 35mm)—wrong orientation

• Photos with shadows or colored backgrounds

• Smiling or open-mouth photos

• Glasses with glare/tinted lenses

Pro Tip: Use a professional photo service that explicitly offers "Schengen visa photos." Post Office and Tesco photo services work, but confirm they understand the 35x45mm Schengen requirement, not UK standard.

Source: ICAO 9303 standards (International Civil Aviation Organization), TLScontact photo guidelines

4. Travel Insurance

Mandatory Coverage:

• Minimum: €30,000 (approximately £27,000)

• Geographic scope: All Schengen states (not just Germany)

• Duration: Entire trip from departure to return

• Coverage must include:

  • Emergency medical treatment

  • Emergency hospital treatment

  • Repatriation (medical evacuation to UK)

Certificate Requirements:

• Policy certificate with your full name (exactly as in passport)

• Must show Schengen Area coverage (not "Germany only")

• Policy must be activated (not just a quote or receipt)

Common Mistakes:

• Policy states "Germany" instead of "Schengen Area" or "Europe"

• Parent's policy with child not explicitly listed as covered

• Policy start date is trip start date, but coverage needs to include day of departure

• Quote/confirmation email instead of the actual certificate

Cost: £15-40 for single trip, £60-120 for annual multi-trip policies.

Source: Schengen Visa Code Article 15, TLScontact insurance requirements

5. Proof of Accommodation

You must prove where you'll stay in Germany.

Option A: Hotel Bookings

• Confirmed hotel reservation with:

  • Your full name

  • Check-in and check-out dates

  • Hotel name, address, contact details

Option B: Invitation Letter from Host

• If staying with family/friends, the host provides:

  • Invitation letter stating they'll accommodate you

  • Copy of host's passport or German ID card

  • Verpflichtungserklärung (formal sponsorship declaration, if host is covering costs)

Common Mistake: Showing only Airbnb "interested" status instead of confirmed, paid bookings.

6. Flight Reservations

Not Required: Purchased Tickets

You do not need to buy non-refundable tickets. A flight reservation is sufficient, showing:

• Your full name

• Departure and return dates

• Flight numbers

• Departure and arrival airports

How to Get Reservations:

• Many travel agencies offer "dummy bookings" for visa purposes (£5-15)

• Airlines like Lufthansa sometimes allow free 48-hour holds

• Booking.com-style platforms with free cancellation

Common Mistake: Submitting an itinerary without flight numbers or your name, or showing only a price quote.

We still recommending purchasing refundable tickets to be on a safe side.

Source: Schengen Visa Code Article 14, TLScontact document requirements

7. Visa Application Form

CRITICAL: Application forms are NOT filled on the VFS website.

Where to Complete Your Form:

• Fill and download the form on the VIDEX website by the link - https://videx.diplo.de/videx/visum-erfassung/videx-kurzfristiger-aufenthalt.

At Your Appointment:

• Bring the completed and signed form

• You will NOT fill it out at TLScontact

• Unsigned forms will be rejected

Form Requirements:

• All fields must be completed (write "N/A" for non-applicable fields, not blank)

• Signature must match passport signature

• Dates in DD/MM/YYYY format

• No correction fluid—if you make an error, print a fresh form

Source: TLScontact Germany visa application process, German Federal Foreign Office guidelines

8. Cover Letter

A 1-page letter explaining your trip in your own words.

Must Include:

• Your full name, date of birth, passport number

• Purpose of trip (tourism, business, family visit)

• Planned itinerary (cities, dates)

• Where you'll stay (hotel names or host details)

• Declaration that you'll return to the UK before visa expires

Tone: Formal but personal. Avoid generic templates.

Example Opening:

"I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Germany from June 1-15, 2026, for tourism purposes. I plan to visit Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg to explore historical sites and museums. I am employed full-time in the UK and will return immediately after my trip."

Source: TLScontact cover letter guidelines

9. Bank Statements (3 Months, Recent)

Requirements:

• Last 3 months of bank statements (December 2025 - February 2026 for March 2026 applications)

• Statements must be dated within 1 week of your appointment date

• Must show your full name and registered address on every page

• Statements must show regular income (salary deposits) and sufficient balance

Sufficient Balance:

• Solo traveler: Minimum €60-80/day (approximately £50-70/day)

• Example: 10-day trip = €600-800 minimum balance

• Family of 4: Multiply daily amount by number of travelers

Source Types:

• Online banks (Revolut, Monzo, Starling): Official PDF statements from app (must show name/address)

• High street banks: Request stamped statements from branch for highest acceptance rate

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Online printouts without name/address header

• ❌ Statements older than 1 week

• ❌ Showing only transactions export (not official statement format)

• ❌ Large unexplained lump sum deposits right before application (looks like borrowed money)

Pro Tip: If you have irregular income or low balance, submit a sponsorship letter from employer or family member, plus their bank statements and ID.

Source: Schengen Visa Code Article 14, TLScontact financial requirements

Employment Status: Specific Document Requirements

Your document package changes based on how you earn money or your life situation. All categories still need the universal documents above (passport, residence proof, photos, insurance, etc.).

If You're Employed (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Required:

1. Employment Letter (dated within 1 month of application)

Must include:

• Company letterhead with logo, address, contact info

• Your full name and job title

• Employment start date

• Salary amount (annual or monthly)

• Explicit approval for your travel dates

• Return date to work

• Employer signature and stamp (if company uses stamps)

Example Wording:

"This letter confirms that [Your Name] has been employed as [Job Title] at [Company Name] since [Start Date]. Their current annual salary is £[Amount]. They have been granted annual leave from June 1-15, 2026, and are expected to return to work on June 16, 2026."

2. Last 3 Months' Payslips

• Employer name visible

• Matches salary stated in employment letter

Common Mistakes:

• Letter older than 1 month

• Generic HR template without travel dates

• No explicit leave approval ("may take leave" ≠ "has been approved")

• Payslips don't match stated salary

Source: TLScontact employment documentation requirements

If You're Self-Employed / Freelance

Self-employment verification is harder because Germany requires third-party proof, not just your word.

Option A: Accountant Letter + Business Bank Statements

1. Letter from Accountant or Solicitor (dated within 1 month)

Must include:

• Accountant's letterhead and professional credentials

• Statement that you are self-employed

• Nature of your business

• Confirmation of income (approximate annual revenue)

2. Business Bank Statements (last 3 months)

• Must clearly show business income deposits

• Must be official statements (not just transaction lists)

Option B: HMRC SA302 Tax Calculation

1. SA302 Form (most recent tax year—2024/25 or 2023/24)

Download from HMRC online or request by post. Shows:

• Your declared self-employment income

• Tax paid

• National Insurance paid

2. Tax Year Overview (accompanies SA302)

Option C: Company Registration (If You Have a Limited Company)

• Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House

• Recent company bank statements (3 months)

Common Mistakes:

• ❌ Self-written letter ("To Whom It May Concern: I am self-employed")—not acceptable

• ❌ Only personal bank statements (must show business income)

• ❌ Accountant letter older than 1 month

Pro Tip: If your income is irregular or seasonal, include a detailed cover letter explaining your business model and attach client contracts or invoices as supporting evidence.

Source: German mission self-employment verification standards, HMRC SA302 guidance

If You're a Student

Required:

1. University/College Letter (dated within 1 month)

Must include:

• Institution letterhead

• Your full name and student ID number

• Course name and year of study

• Confirmation of enrollment status (full-time/part-time)

• No Objection Clause: "The university has no objection to [Name] traveling to Germany from [dates]."

• Registrar or department head signature and stamp

Example:

"This letter confirms that [Name] is currently enrolled as a full-time student in the [Course Name] program at [University Name]. We have no objection to their travel to Germany from June 1-15, 2026. They are expected to resume classes on June 16, 2026."

2. Student ID Card (copy)

3. Bank Statements (last 3 months—personal or sponsor's)

• If you're funding the trip yourself: Your bank statements showing savings/part-time job income

• If parents/sponsor are funding: Their bank statements + sponsorship letter

If Sponsored by Parents:

• Parent's employment letter or business proof

• Parent's last 3 months' bank statements

• Sponsorship declaration letter signed by parent

• Copy of parent's passport or UK ID

Common Mistakes:

• Generic university template without "no objection" language

• Letter older than 1 month

• No clear funding source (empty student account with no sponsor letter)

Source: TLScontact student visa requirements, German mission guidelines

If You're Unemployed or Retired

You still need to prove financial stability, even without employment.

Unemployed (Receiving Benefits):

1. Universal Credit Statements (last 3 months)

• Official DWP statements showing UC payments

• Must include your name and address

2. Jobcentre Letter (if applicable)

• Confirmation of benefit entitlement

3. Bank Statements (last 3 months)

• Must show sufficient savings or regular support

If Sponsored:

• Sponsor's employment letter + bank statements

• Sponsorship declaration

• Sponsor's passport copy

Retired (Pension Income):

1. Pension Award Letter or Recent Pension Statement

• Shows pension amount and payment frequency

• From state pension (DWP) or private pension provider

2. Bank Statements (last 3 months)

• Must show regular pension deposits

Common Mistakes:

• Only providing generic "I'm unemployed" statement

• No clear financial source (no benefits, no savings, no sponsor)

• Sponsor documents incomplete

Source: TLScontact financial documentation for non-employed applicants

If You're Traveling as a Family with Children

Each Child Needs a Separate Application

Every person, including infants, requires their own visa application and appointment. However:

• Children under 6: Exempt from €90 consular fee (still pay £28.20 TLScontact service fee)

• Children 6-11: Pay €45 consular fee + £28.20 service fee

• Adults and children 12+: Pay full €90 + £28.20

Additional Documents for Children:

1. Birth Certificate (original + photocopy)

• UK birth certificate or foreign birth certificate

• If not in English/German/French/Spanish: certified translation required

2. Both Parents' Passport Copies

• Even if only one parent is traveling

3. Parental Consent Form

• If both parents are traveling: Both sign the child's application form

• If one parent is traveling: Non-traveling parent provides notarized consent letter authorizing travel

• If child is traveling with neither parent: Both parents provide notarized consent + guardian authorization

Consent Letter Must Include:

• Child's full name and date of birth

• Parent's full name and passport number

• Statement: "I consent to my child [Name] traveling to Germany from [dates] with [traveling parent/guardian name]."

• Parent's signature (notarized if traveling without that parent)

4. School Certificate (if child is school age)

• Letter from school confirming enrollment

• Statement that school approves absence during travel dates

If Child's Surname Differs from Parent:

• Provide proof of relationship (adoption papers, court order, marriage certificate showing name change)

Common Mistakes:

• Missing notarized consent if one parent is not traveling

• Birth certificate not translated (if foreign document)

• Only one parent's passport copy when both are required

Source: TLScontact minor application requirements, Schengen Visa Code Article 18

Special Cases

Visitors to Germany for Business Purposes

If traveling for business meetings, conferences, or client visits (not remote work), you need:

1. Invitation Letter from German Company

Must include:

• German company letterhead

• Purpose of visit (meeting, conference, training)

• Dates and duration

• Who is responsible for costs (company or you)

• German company representative signature

2. Your UK Employer's Letter

• Confirming your employment

• Stating purpose of business trip

• Approving travel dates

3. Conference Registration (if attending event)

• Proof of registration and payment

Source: German Federal Foreign Office business visa requirements

Digital Nomads / Remote Workers

If you plan to work remotely from Germany (even for a UK company), standard tourist visas may not apply. Germany is increasingly scrutinizing "digital nomad" applications in 2026.

If Working <90 Days for UK Employer:

• Technically covered under "business visa" if short assignments/meetings

• Provide employment letter stating temporary business purpose

• Avoid language suggesting "relocation" or "remote work setup"

If Staying >90 Days or "Living" in Germany:

• Tourist visa is not appropriate

• You likely need a national D visa (long-stay) or freelance/self-employment visa

• Apply through German mission directly, not TLScontact

Recent Tightening: Q4 2025 saw increased refusals for applicants whose itineraries suggested remote work (Airbnb bookings for 2+ months, co-working space bookings). Be clear and honest about purpose.

Source: German Federal Foreign Office digital work guidance, German Embassy London policy updates Q4 2025

Student Blocked Accounts

If you're applying for a student national visa (D visa, >90 days), you need a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) with €992/month for 2026 rates.

This is not required for short-stay Schengen visas (C visa, <90 days).

Source: German Federal Foreign Office student visa requirements 2026

The Entry/Exit System (EES): New Biometric Requirements

Launched October 6, 2025, EES affects how you enter the Schengen Area, but does not change visa application requirements.

What EES Means for Visa Applicants

At Your TLScontact Appointment:

• You provide biometrics (photo + fingerprints) as before

• No change to the appointment process

At the German Border (When You Arrive):

• If you have a visa: Border officers verify your EES registration matches your visa biometrics

• Your entry/exit is logged digitally (replaces passport stamps)

• Registration valid for 3 years

No Impact On:

• Document requirements

• Processing times (officially)

• Visa validity

Potential Impact:

• Stricter biometric quality standards (fingerprints must be very clear)

• If your TLScontact biometrics are poor quality, you may face re-submission delays

Source: EES Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, TLScontact EES implementation guide

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection

Based on TLScontact and German Consulate data, these are the most frequent errors:

1. Bank Statement Issues (40%+ of rejections)

• ❌ Online printouts without name/address

• ❌ Statements older than 1 week

• ❌ Unexplained lump deposits

• ✅ Fix: Get official stamped statements from branch, dated within 1 week of appointment

2. UK Status Proof Problems

• ❌ Only providing physical BRP without share code + eVisa screenshot

• ❌ Share code older than 90 days

• ❌ Status expires within 1 month of return

• ✅ Fix: Generate fresh share code, screenshot all eVisa details, check expiry against return date + 1 month buffer

3. Insurance Coverage Errors

• ❌ Policy doesn't cover all Schengen Area countries

• ❌ Name mismatch (parent's policy without child listed)

• ❌ Policy not activated (just a quote)

• ✅ Fix: Verify certificate explicitly states "Schengen Area" and your exact name

4. Employment Letter Issues

• ❌ Letter older than 1 month

• ❌ No explicit leave approval for travel dates

• ❌ Generic template lacking company letterhead

• ✅ Fix: Request letter dated within 1 month, with travel dates and approval explicitly stated

5. Photo Rejections

• ❌ UK passport photo size (wrong dimensions)

• ❌ Photos older than 6 months

• ❌ Background with patterns or shadows

• ✅ Fix: Use Schengen-specific photo service, confirm 35x45mm size

6. Visa Application Form Errors

• ❌ Arriving at appointment expecting to fill form there

• ❌ Unsigned form

• ❌ Blank fields instead of "N/A"

• ✅ Fix: Complete form before appointment, sign it, write "N/A" for non-applicable fields

Source: TLScontact common refusal reasons report 2025-2026, German mission processing data

Document Checklist: Quick Reference

Everyone Must Provide:

• [ ] Valid passport (3 months beyond return, issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages)

• [ ] UK residence proof: Share code (generated within 90 days) + eVisa screenshot showing status

• [ ] Physical BRP copy (both sides, if you have one—optional reference only)

• [ ] 2 recent passport photos (35x45mm, <6 months old)

• [ ] Travel insurance (€30k, Schengen-wide, entire trip)

• [ ] Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)

• [ ] Flight reservations (not purchased tickets)

• [ ] Completed and signed visa application form (NOT filled at appointment)

• [ ] Cover letter (1 page, trip purpose)

• [ ] Last 3 months' bank statements (name/address visible, <1 week old)

Employment-Specific:

• [ ] Employment letter (letterhead, <1 month, leave approval) OR

• [ ] Last 3 months' payslips OR

• [ ] SA302 + business bank statements (self-employed) OR

• [ ] Student letter (<1 month, no objection clause) OR

• [ ] UC statements / pension letter (unemployed/retired)

For Families:

• [ ] Child's birth certificate (original + copy, translation if needed)

• [ ] Both parents' passport copies

• [ ] Both parents' consent (signatures on form, or notarized letter if one parent not traveling)

• [ ] School certificate (if applicable)

• [ ] Sponsorship documents (if one person funding trip)

Follow the official checklists from TLS and Germany Consulates.

Germany Visa Fees & Service Charges (2026)

Consular Fees (Paid to German Embassy)

• Adults (12+ years): €90

• Children 6-11 years: €45

• Children under 6: Free

TLScontact Service Fee (UK)

• All applicants: £28.20 per person (including children under 6)

Total Cost Examples

• Solo adult traveler: €90 + £28.20 = approximately £105

• Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children ages 8 and 4):

  • 2 adults: 2 × €90 = €180

  • Child age 8: €45

  • Child age 4: Free

  • Total consular: €225

  • TLScontact: 4 × £28.20 = £112.80

  • Total: approximately £304

Payment Methods:

• Consular fee: Card payment at appointment

• TLScontact fee: Online payment when booking appointment

Non-Refundable: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. Follow the rules from TLS to refund TLS fee if you can't attend.

Source: German Federal Foreign Office consular fees, TLScontact UK fee schedule January 2026

Can Visard Help Speed Up the Process?

Our Telegram visa bot can't help with your document preparation, but we can solve the appointment availability problem.

The Appointment Bottleneck

Germany visa appointments at TLScontact UK centers book out weeks in advance. Manual checking takes hours and often fails.

How Visard Monitors Appointments

• Checks TLScontact every 3 seconds (28,800 times/day)

• Auto-booking option: We book your slot automatically when one appears—you pay only after we successfully secure your appointment

• Notification service: Get instant Telegram alerts when slots open

Pricing (UK to Germany)

• Auto-booking: £100 for the application up to 3 people in the application.

  • TLScontact service fee: £28.20 per person (paid separately at appointment)

  • You only pay Visard's fee AFTER we book your appointment

• Notifications: £35 for one country, £65 for all Schengen countries

Average Booking Time

4-7 days from starting monitoring to secured appointment.

Why Auto-Booking Makes Sense

If you're manually refreshing:

• You spend 30-50 hours over 2-4 weeks

• Value of your time: £50/hour × 40 hours = £2,000

• Visard fee: £100 (first person)

• You save £1,900 in time value

Plus you protect your non-refundable flight and hotel bookings (typically £1,000-2,000 at risk).

Learn more: Germany Schengen visa appointments from the UK

Important: Visard is a private technology service and is not affiliated with the German government, TLScontact, or VFS Global.

FAQ: Germany Visa Requirements UK

How long does it take to get a Germany visa appointment?

Manual booking: 2-6 weeks of daily checking (often unsuccessful).

With automated monitoring: Our Germany visa appointment booking service secures slots in 4-7 days average. We check every 3 seconds and auto-book when slots appear. The speed of booking also depends on the period of dates you need an appointment, because we follow the appointments releases on TLS.

Can I submit my application without all documents?

No. Incomplete applications are rejected immediately. You lose the €90 consular fee + £28.20 service fee and must reapply with complete documents.

Do I need to show hotel bookings for every night?

Yes. Your accommodation proof must cover your entire stay in Germany and the Schengen Area. Gaps in bookings raise red flags.

Can I use a bank statement from 2 weeks ago?

No. Statements must be dated within 1 week of your appointment. If your appointment is delayed, you may need to get fresh statements.

Is a physical BRP card enough to prove UK residence?

No. As of 2026, you must provide:

• UKVI share code (generated within 90 days)

• Screenshot/printout of your eVisa account showing your status

Can I use my Revolut or Monzo statements?

Only if they're official statements (PDF from app) showing your full name and registered address. Screenshots or transaction exports are not acceptable.

Do I need to translate my documents?

Yes, if they're not in English, German, French, or Spanish. Translations must be certified (by official translator or notary).

Where do I fill out the visa application form?

Fill and download the form on VIDEX portal. Complete it before your appointment (either electronically or by hand in black ink). You cannot fill it out at the TLScontact center.

I'm self-employed. Can I write my own letter?

No. Germany requires third-party verification—letter from accountant, banker, or solicitor, OR official HMRC SA302 form.

My child is 5 years old. Do they need a separate application?

Yes. Every person, including infants, requires a separate visa application. However, children under 6 are exempt from the €90 consular fee (but still pay £28.20 service fee).

Can I apply if my UK visa expires in 2 months but my trip is in 1 month?

Yes, as long as your UK immigration status is valid for 1 month beyond your return date. But plan carefully—if your trip gets delayed, you might fall short.

What's the refusal rate for Germany visas from the UK?

Germany has one of the lowest refusal rates among Schengen countries for UK-based applicants. In 2024-2025:

• Overall refusal rate: Approximately 3.8-4.2% for applicants from the UK

• Most common reason: Insufficient financial proof or incomplete documentation

Source: Schengen Visa Statistics 2024-2025, German Federal Foreign Office data

Key Takeaways

• UK citizens: No visa needed for <90 days tourism/business, but EES registration required at border (launched Oct 2025)

• UK residents (non-UK passport): Visa required regardless of ILR, Settled Status, work visa, or any other visa.

• UK status proof 2026: Must provide share code (generated within 90 days) + eVisa screenshot showing status details—physical BRP alone is not sufficient.

• Visa application form: Must be completed before appointment (on VIDEX portal)—you cannot fill it out at TLScontact

• Universal documents: Passport, share code + eVisa proof, photos, insurance, accommodation, flights, bank statements (3 months, <1 week old), completed application form

• Employment proof: Letter <1 month old with leave approval (employees), SA302 or accountant letter (self-employed), student letter (students)

• Family applications: Children need separate applications, birth certificates, both parents' consent

• #1 rejection cause: Bank statements without name/address or older than 1 week

• Status validity: Must be valid 1 month beyond return date

• Insurance: €30k minimum, Schengen-wide, entire trip

• Fees: €90 adults + £28.20 service fee per person

Bottom Line: Perfect documentation is non-negotiable. One missing requirement = rejection + lost fees + reapplication from scratch.