10
Oct
Introduction
The German Embassy in Moscow and its Consulate Generals process both German Schengen visas (Type C) and National resident visa permits (Type D). The application process requires meticulous preparation and adherence to official requirements.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Max Stay | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Type C) | Short stays: tourism, business, visiting friends/relatives. | Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. | Allows travel throughout the Schengen Area. |
| National Visa (Type D) | Long-term stays: work, study, family reunification. | Over 90 days. | Requires conversion to a residence permit after arrival in Germany. |
| Transit Visa (Type A) | Airport layovers. | International transit area only. | Does not permit leaving the airport or overnight stay outside the transit area. |
German Schengen Visa (Type C) Application from Russia: Specific Requirements
The visa application is usually submitted to the official external service provider (currently Visametric or through an appointment at the Embassy/Consulates).
Key Visa Fees and Processing Times for Russian Citizens
Due to the full suspension of the EU-Russia Visa Facilitation Agreement (effective September 12, 2022), the fees and processing times have changed for Russian nationals:
| Fee Category | Amount in EUR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa Fee (Adult) | €90 | Increased from €35. Payable in Russian Rubles at the prevailing exchange rate. |
| Schengen Visa Fee (Child 6–12) | €45 | Increased from €40. Payable in Russian Rubles. |
| Schengen Visa Fee (Child under 6) | Free | No change. |
| National Visa Fee (Type D) | €75 | Standard fee for long-term visas (e.g., work, study). |
| Service Fee | Varies | An additional fee (usually around €20) is charged by the external service provider (e.g., Visametric). |
- Standard Processing Time: Processing can take up to 45 days (increased from the standard 15 days).
- Application Window: You may apply up to six months (or up to nine months for seafarers) before the intended date of travel.
Required Documentation (Summary with Specific Details)
| Document Category | Key Requirements and Concrete Numbers |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Fully completed, printed, and signed Videx application form (online form). A separate form for each applicant, including minors. |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date, contain at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the last 10 years. |
| Photo Requirement | Two recent biometric photos (35mm x 45mm) against a light background. |
| Accommodation | Proof of confirmed and paid accommodation (e.g., hotel reservations for the entire stay). If staying with a host, a Formal Obligation Letter ("Verpflichtungserklärung") issued by the competent German authority is mandatory. |
| Flight Reservation | Confirmed round-trip flight reservation (PNR codes, dates, etc.). It is strongly recommended to use a fully refundable reservation until the visa is issued. |
| Travel Health Insurance | Must be valid for the entire Schengen Area and the entire duration of stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. |
| Proof of Financial Means | Bank Statements for the last three months showing solvency. |
| Means of Subsistence | For applicants without a Formal Obligation Letter, the general daily financial requirement to cover expenses is €45 per day. This amount must be available in your bank account. |
| Status (Employment/Study) | Employed: Letter from the employer stating position, salary, and confirming approved annual leave. Student: Proof of enrollment and a formal letter permitting travel. Self-Employed: Official business registration documents and proof of business activities. |
| Minors | Original birth certificate. If traveling alone or with one parent, a notarized travel consent letter signed by the parent(s) not traveling is requested, in addition to their signatures on the application form. |
| Cover Letter | Highly recommended to concisely explain the purpose of your visit, the travel itinerary, and your intent to return to Russia. Do not include additional information not supported by documents. |
| Proof of Return | Documents proving integration in Russia (e.g., family ties, property ownership, steady employment) to demonstrate a genuine interest in returning. |
National Visa (Type D) Requirements
This visa is for long-term stays (over 90 days) such as:
- Study: Requires a letter of acceptance from the German educational institution and proof of financial sustainability, often via a Blocked Bank Account (Sperrkonto), which generally requires a minimum of €1,091 per month (subject to change annually, verify the latest amount).
- Employment: Requires a formal letter from the German employer stating the position, duration, and nature of the job. For certain skilled visas, additional approval from the Federal Employment Agency is needed.
- Family Reunification: Requires a specific set of documents, including marriage/birth certificates, legal custody proof, and proof of accommodation/financial support in Germany.
Note: For all National Visas (Type D), the fee is generally €75 for adults and €37.50 for minors.