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 Germany is among the top destinations for Chinese Schengen visa applicants, processing over 263,000 applications in 2024 with an impressive 96.4% approval rate.5

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Germany Schengen visa:

1. Determine your travel dates and create detailed itinerary
   Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you’ll visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, ensure Germany is your main destination or first entry point.2

2. Gather all required documents
   Collect passport, hukou copy, photographs, bank statements, employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist provided by German missions in China.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. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period.6

5. Book VFS Global appointment
   Schedule your appointment at the nearest VFS Visa Application Centre through their online booking system.3 VFS operates in 15 cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.

6. Attend biometrics appointment at VFS
   Arrive 15 minutes early with your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.3 Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured (exempt if provided within last 59 months).

7. Pay visa fee and VFS service charge
   Pay €90 visa fee (€45 for children 6-12, free for under 6) plus ¥156 VFS service charge.4 Payment methods include cash, WeChat, Alipay, or POS depending on the center.

8. Submit application and documents
   VFS staff will verify your documents and forward your application to the German consulate. You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor your application status online.3

9. Track application status
   Check your application progress on the VFS Global website using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 working days but can extend to 30 days during peak periods.1

10. Collect passport with visa
    Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS center or opt for courier delivery. Your visa sticker will show validity dates, number of entries allowed, and duration of stay.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.6

Fees

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.4 Exchange rates fluctuate, so the RMB 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 study trips, researchers, and representatives of non-profit organizations engaged in cultural or educational activities.6

What You Need to Prove

German consular officers assess your application based on several key criteria:

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and cover letter must demonstrate a clear tourism intent. Vague plans or missing details raise concerns.2

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements should show stable income and adequate funds to cover your trip without financial strain. A minimum of €60 per day is recommended, though not officially mandated.2 Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying.

Strong ties to China: Property ownership, ongoing employment, family dependents (spouse, children, elderly parents), business commitments, and hukou registration 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 countries 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.6 Insufficient coverage leads to automatic rejection.

Processing Times

Standard processing for Germany Schengen visas is 15 working days from when your application reaches the German consulate.1 However, the complete timeline includes:

• VFS to Consulate transfer: A few working days1
• Consulate processing: 15 working 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.

During peak travel seasons (summer months and Chinese New Year), processing can extend to 30 days.1 Appointment availability also becomes limited during these periods.

Application timing rules:

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

Plan accordingly and avoid booking non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive your visa.

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 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’ll receive a written refusal letter stating the reason.1 Common causes include insufficient documentation, unclear travel purpose, inadequate financial proof, or doubts about your intention to return to China.

Your options after refusal:

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

2. File an appeal: You have one month from receiving the refusal to file a legal challenge at the administrative court in Berlin. This requires detailed justification and additional evidence.

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

Improving your reapplication:

• Carefully review the refusal reasons
• Strengthen weak areas (financial proof, travel plans, ties to China)
• Provide additional supporting documents
• Consider consulting with a visa specialist if refused multiple times
• Never submit false documents, as this can result in permanent bans

The 96.4% approval rate for Chinese citizens demonstrates that thorough preparation leads to success for the vast majority of applicants.5