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 processes the highest volume of Pakistani Schengen applications and maintains the highest approval rate at 68.3%, making it the most reliable Schengen country for Pakistani travelers.5

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Germany Schengen visa from Pakistan:

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.1

2. Register for an appointment
   Unlike other countries, Germany uses its own appointment system rather than VFS Global in Pakistan. Register through the German Embassy Islamabad or Consulate General Karachi waiting list system.2 Only one registration per applicant is allowed.

3. Gather all required documents
   Collect your passport, photographs, bank statements, NOC, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Present documents in the exact order specified by the Embassy.1

4. Complete the visa application form
   Fill out the Schengen visa application form using a typewriter or online.1 Print, sign, and ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly.

5. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states. Use a company from the German Embassy’s approved list.1

6. Attend your appointment at the Embassy
   Arrive on time with your original passport, completed application form, and all supporting documents in the specified order.1 Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured if not provided within the last 59 months.

7. Pay visa fee
   Pay €90 visa fee (€45 for children 6-12, free for under 6) in Pakistani Rupees at the Embassy.3 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.

8. Track application status
   Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.3 The Embassy will contact you when your passport is ready for collection.

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but not earlier.1 Plan accordingly and avoid booking non-refundable arrangements until you receive your visa.

Fees

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.3 Exchange rates fluctuate, so the PKR equivalent may vary at the time of payment. Payment is made in PKR cash at the Embassy.

Fee waivers are available for spouses and children of EU citizens, which are exempt from visa fees.3

What You Need to Prove

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

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and supporting documents must demonstrate a clear tourism intent. Vague plans or missing details significantly increase rejection risk.1

Sufficient financial means: Bank statements should show stable income over 6 months and adequate funds to cover your trip. Sudden large deposits shortly before applying raise red flags and are likely to result in rejection.1

Strong ties to Pakistan: This is critical for Pakistani applicants. Property ownership, stable long-term employment, family dependents, and business commitments all prove your intention to return. Young, single applicants face particular scrutiny.1

Complete documentation: The German Embassy is strict about documentation. Present all documents in the exact order specified, ensure A4 size copies, and include English translations for any Urdu documents.1

Security clearance: The security declaration is mandatory and taken seriously. Any false information can result in permanent visa bans.1

Processing Times

Standard processing for Germany Schengen visas from Pakistan is 15 calendar days from when you submit your complete application.3

Key timing considerations:

• Earliest application: 6 months before travel1
• Latest application: At least 15 days before departure
• Recommended: Apply 3-4 weeks before your trip

Processing can extend if additional documents are requested or during peak travel seasons. The Embassy does not offer expedited processing, so plan accordingly.3

Appointment availability can be limited due to high demand. The German Embassy uses a waiting list system rather than direct booking. Register early, especially during summer months when demand peaks.2

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.3 Common causes for Pakistani applicants include weak ties to home country, insufficient financial documentation, and incomplete applications.

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 stronger 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 legal representation and strong justification. Note that the remonstration (informal appeal) process was abolished in July 2025.3

Improving your reapplication:

• Carefully review the refusal reasons
• Strengthen weak areas, especially ties to Pakistan and financial proof
• Build travel history to other Western countries first
• Provide more comprehensive documentation
• Consider consulting an immigration lawyer if refused multiple times

Germany has the highest approval rate for Pakistani applicants among Schengen countries at 68.3%.5 With thorough preparation and complete documentation, most applicants succeed on their first or second attempt.