This Schengen visa, applied through Germany, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for tourism, family visits, or business trips up to 90 days.1 While Bangladesh has a challenging 44% approval rate with Germany, applicants who prepare thoroughly with complete documentation and strong evidence of ties to Bangladesh can significantly improve their chances.5

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Germany Schengen visa:

1. Determine your travel dates and create detailed tour plan
   Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you will visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. Your tour plan should line out the entire intended itinerary in the Schengen area.2

2. Gather all required documents
   Collect passport, photographs, bank statements (last 6 months), employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and hotel confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist from the German Embassy Dhaka.2

3. Complete the VIDEX online application form
   Fill out the Schengen visa application on the VIDEX website.2 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.

4. Complete the Declaration of Consent
   Download and sign the Declaration of Consent form, which is a specific requirement for visa applications from Bangladesh.2

5. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period. Credit card insurance is not accepted.6

6. Book VFS Global appointment
   Schedule your appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Dhaka through their online booking system.3 Book well in advance as slots can fill quickly.

7. Attend your VFS appointment
   Arrive with your original passport, printed application form, Declaration of Consent, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.3 Your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured if not already on file.

8. Pay visa fee and VFS service charge
   Pay €90 visa fee (BDT 12,300) plus ৳2,610 VFS service charge.4 Children 6-12 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee.

9. Submit application and documents
   VFS staff will verify your documents and forward your application to the German Embassy Dhaka. You will receive a tracking number to monitor your application status online.3

10. Track application and collect passport
    Check your application progress using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.1 Once processed, collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but not less than 15 days before departure.6 Given the high rejection rate, allow ample time for potential reapplication if needed.

Fees

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.4 Exchange rates fluctuate, so the taka equivalent may vary at the time of payment.

Fee waivers are available for certain categories, including children under 6, close family members of EU/EEA nationals, students and teachers on educational trips, researchers, and representatives of non-profit organizations engaged in cultural or educational activities.4

Additional fees may apply: document verification costs BDT 28,000 if required by the Embassy.4

What You Need to Prove

German consular officers assess your application based on several key criteria, and applicants from Bangladesh face particular scrutiny:

Genuine tourism purpose: Your tour plan, hotel bookings, and cover letter must demonstrate a clear and convincing tourism intent. Vague plans or inconsistent details are leading causes of rejection for Bangladeshi applicants.2

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements must show stable income and adequate funds to cover your trip without financial strain. Provide statements from at least the last 6 months.2 Include additional proof such as DPS, FDR, and holding tax receipts. Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying.

Strong ties to Bangladesh: This is the most critical factor. Property ownership, ongoing employment with tenure, business ownership with trade license, family dependents, and educational enrollment all prove your intention to return. First-time applicants face particular scrutiny on this criterion.2

Previous travel compliance: A history of respecting visa conditions in Schengen or other developed countries (US, UK, Canada) significantly strengthens your application. Include old passports showing previous visas and entry/exit stamps.2

Adequate insurance coverage: Your travel insurance must meet exact specifications: minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen states, covering medical emergencies and repatriation. Credit card insurance is explicitly not accepted.6

Processing Times

Standard processing for Germany Schengen visas from Bangladesh is 15 calendar days from when your application reaches the German Embassy.1 The complete timeline includes:

• VFS document collection and transfer: 1-3 working days
• Embassy processing: 15 calendar days (standard)1
• Passport return to VFS: 2-3 working days

Total realistic timeline: 3-4 weeks from your VFS appointment to receiving your passport with visa decision.

Processing may extend if the Embassy requires additional documents or calls you for an interview, which occurs more frequently for applicants from high-risk corridors.1

Application timing rules:

• Earliest: 6 months before travel
• Latest: 15 days before departure
• Recommended: Apply 4-6 weeks before your trip6

Given the 44% approval rate, consider building extra buffer time in case you need to address deficiencies and reapply.

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker will display:

• Validity period: The dates between which you can enter the Schengen Area
• Duration of stay: Maximum days allowed (up to 90 days within 180 days)
• Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple entry
• Territorial validity: Usually “Schengen States” unless restricted

At border control: Immigration officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, return ticket, and financial means. Carry printed copies of your hotel bookings, return flight ticket, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.

The 90/180 rule: You can stay maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.6 Overstaying results in fines, deportation, and bans on future Schengen visas.

Extending your stay: Schengen tourist visas cannot be extended except in extraordinary circumstances (serious illness, force majeure). Plan your trip duration carefully before applying.

If Your Visa is Refused

If your application is rejected, you will receive a written refusal letter stating the specific reason.1 Common causes for Bangladeshi applicants include doubts about intention to return, insufficient financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, and incomplete applications.

Your options after refusal:

1. Reapply with corrected documentation: There is no waiting period. Carefully address the specific issues mentioned in the refusal letter and submit a new application with strengthened documentation. The visa fee must be paid again.

2. File a lawsuit: You have one month from receiving the refusal to file a legal challenge at the administrative court in Berlin. This requires detailed justification, additional evidence, and typically legal representation. Note that as of July 1, 2025, the informal remonstration (appeal) process has been abolished.1

The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.4

Improving your reapplication:

• Carefully analyze the refusal reasons in detail
• Strengthen weak areas (financial proof, travel plans, ties to Bangladesh)
• Provide additional supporting documents addressing specific concerns
• Consider waiting 3-6 months to build stronger financial history if funds were an issue
• Never submit false documents, as this results in permanent bans and affects applications to all Schengen countries

Given the challenging approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants, thorough preparation on the first application is crucial. Address all potential concerns proactively rather than waiting for rejection.