If you plan to visit the UK from Germany for more than 6 months, you may apply for a Visa. Before knowing how to apply for a UK Visa from Germany, you need to know who needs to apply. Generally, all EU citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK for short visits (up to 6 months). Work and long-term stays require a visa. However, you may still need a visa even for short visits if you are not a German citizen.
Some other visa-free countries can also visit the UK for short-term stays. But for certain visa-free travelers, there is a new ETA requirement. So, to apply for a UK visa from Germany, first, you need to check if you need a visa or an ETA. It depends on your nationality, period of stay, and reason. Let’s see the step-by-step process to apply for a UK Visa from Germany.
How to apply for a UK Visa from Germany?
If you are a non-EU resident living in Germany with a residence permit, you will need a visa to visit the UK. Here’s a detailed guide to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa (for a 6‑month stay) from Germany.
1. Choose Visa Type
The initial step is to check if you need a visa. You may or may not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK. There are different types of visas based on several factors, like your nationality, length of stay, purpose, and personal circumstances.
- First, you need to visit www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
- Enter your nationality as shown on your passport.
- Select the reason for your visit, such as tourism, work, visiting family, transit, or others, based on your purpose.
- If it asks for duration, select whether it is 6 months or less or longer than 6 months.
- It gives the type of visa that you need to apply for,
- Standard Visitor visa
- Marriage Visitor visa
- Short-term study visa
- Student visa
- Child Student visa
- Work visa
- Family visa
- Based on your reason for visiting the UK, you can choose what type of visa you need to apply for.
If you do not need a visa, you may have to apply for electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit for up to 6 months. You might not need a visa or ETA to visit the UK for up to 6 months, depending on your nationality and other factors. So, check and choose the visa type carefully.
2. Complete the Online Application
Most types of visas allow you to apply online. However, the application process and the decision on your application depend on the visa type that you apply for.
- Visit www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Based on the visa type, click on the corresponding link that takes you to that specific application process.
- Here, let’s see the process to apply for a Standard Visitor visa: Go to www.gov.uk/standard-visitor.
- There you can see different types of visas. Go to www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa
- Click on ‘Apply Now’ and select the language.
- Now follow the on-screen instructions carefully and answer the questions about your identity, travel plans, accommodation, financial details, and background.
- If required, create an account so that your application will be saved. You can sign back in and continue with the saved application.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
- During the application process itself, you will be asked to pay the visa fee.
- The fee for a Standard Visitor visa is €127 for a 6-month visa.
- Payment is usually made by credit/debit card.
- Once the payment is done, make sure to save a copy of the payment confirmation.
4. Schedule a Biometrics Appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
To complete your visa application, you are required to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. During the application process, it asks for your country. Based on that, it gives the Visa application centres from which you can choose one to book an appointment.
- Choose a Visa Application Centre in Germany. Common VACs include centers in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart.
- After completing your online application, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment. Book an appointment at your nearest VAC.
- You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.
- Print the Appointment Confirmation and keep it with you. It will be required at VAC during your appointment.
5. Prepare Required Documents
Gather the following documents or proofs. Also, any additional documents specific to your situation, mentioned in the official portal. The required documents will also be provided on your appointment confirmation.
- Application Confirmation Copy: Once the online application is completed, take the printout of the confirmation.
- Valid Passport: It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK and should have at least 1 blank page.
- German Residence Permit: Valid for at least 3 more months.
- Proof of Ties to Germany: Rental agreement, Employment letter, or any evidence of family ties in the UK, showing you plan to return.
- Proof of Financial Means: Evidence like bank statements, pay slips, or others, showing you can cover travel expenses.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel/accommodation reservations, and details of your planned activities.
- Photographs: Recent photographs (usually not more than 6 months) meeting UK visa photo requirements.
- Additional Documents: If travelling for a business meeting or work, take a letter of invitation from the UK company. If visiting family or friends, an invitation letter with their contact details might be required along with proof of their residency status.
Note: Arrange all original documents and photocopies as required. Double-check the UK government website or your appointment confirmation for any specific document checklist. Finally, ensure all your documents are in order.
6. Attend the Biometrics Appointment
- Visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) on your appointment date with all the required documents.
- They will take your fingerprints and your photograph will also be captured.
- Submit all the documents (original and photocopies) as directed by the staff. Some documents, like originals, may be returned to you immediately after verification.
7. Await the Decision
- You will receive an email update once your visa is processed.
- Processing typically takes around 3 weeks (15 working days). In some cases, the time may vary. To make it faster, you can also pay extra. This priority processing might take 5 working days.
- If your VAC offers a tracking service, you can track your application and know the status.
8. Collect Passport and Visa
- If your visa is approved, you will receive an email to collect your passport with a visa sticker on it, which shows your permitted duration of stay (up to 6 months).
- If your application is refused, you will receive an email with the explanation of why it is rejected. You may reapply with stronger documentation or others, based on their explanation.
Tips on Applying UK Visa from Germany
- As the complete process takes a minimum of 1 month, it is safe to apply at least 1 or 2 months before travel.
- Arrange all the documents that are mentioned and double-check before visiting the appointment centre to avoid delays in the visa processing.
- Without a Visa confirmation, do not book any flights or hotel tickets ahead unless they are refundable.