Germany Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa (Type C) · For Russia citizens
Planning a trip to Germany as a Russian citizen? This guide covers the Schengen visa application process: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of approximately 45 days, and strategies to maximize your approval chances. A German Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen states.
Germany Schengen Visa for Russian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Russia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the Schengen visa application form
Two recent biometric passport photographs
Travel health insurance valid for all Schengen states
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Evidence of current employment or occupation
Evidence of where you will stay in Germany
Detailed plan of your trip
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Russia
Fingerprints and photograph collected at visa application centre
Application Process
Applications for a German Schengen visa can be submitted at the German Embassy in Moscow or through Visametric visa application centres across Russia.1
1. Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including passport, photos, insurance, financial evidence, and travel arrangements. Use the embassy checklist to ensure completeness.1
2. Complete Application Form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form using the VIDEX online system. Print, sign, and date the form.1
3. Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the German Embassy or a Visametric centre. Book well in advance as appointments can be limited.4
4. Attend Appointment
Submit your application and documents at your appointment. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected if not already on file.1 Pay the €90 visa fee.
5. Wait for Decision
Processing takes approximately 45 days for Russian nationals.4 You will be notified when a decision is made and your passport is ready for collection.
Fees
| Applicant Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | €90 |
| Children (6-11) | €45 |
| Children (under 6) | Free |
Additional Visametric service fees may apply. Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
What You Need to Prove
Under the Schengen Visa Code, you must demonstrate:3
- Purpose of visit: Clear, legitimate reason for traveling to Germany
- Sufficient funds: Financial means to cover your stay (approximately €100 per day)
- Intent to return: Strong ties to Russia that ensure your departure
- Valid insurance: Medical coverage of at least €30,000
Schengen Area Access
A German Schengen visa grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states:3
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
You can travel freely between these countries without additional border checks during your 90-day stay period.
Processing Times
Processing for Russian nationals typically takes 45 days.4 This extended timeline is due to:
- Enhanced review procedures
- Additional security checks
- Current geopolitical circumstances
Apply at least 2-3 months before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Before traveling:
- Verify all information on the visa is correct
- Note the validity dates and entry type
- Ensure your travel dates fall within the validity period
At the German border, you may be asked to show:
- Return travel arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance certificate
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive written notification stating the reasons.1 You can:
- Submit a remonstration (appeal) within one month of the decision
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the refusal reasons
- Seek legal advice for complex cases
Note that starting July 1, 2025, the remonstration procedure for visa rejections may be limited, so reapplication with stronger documentation is often the better option.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Purpose Justification
Unable to adequately justify the purpose of the visit or provide convincing documentation supporting travel reasons.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and clear explanation of why you want to visit Germany specifically. Include invitation letters if visiting family or friends.
Weak Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds or show irregular patterns that raise concerns.
How to avoid: Show at least €100 per day of planned stay. Provide 6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits.
Insufficient Ties to Home Country
Application does not demonstrate strong enough reasons to return to Russia after the visit.
How to avoid: Include employment letter with tenure, property documents, evidence of family obligations, and any ongoing commitments in Russia.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or documents that do not meet specifications.
How to avoid: Use the embassy checklist and verify all documents are included. Ensure photos meet requirements and all forms are properly completed and signed.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals or overstays in Schengen or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Explain changed circumstances and provide evidence of improved situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Germany with a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to your total time in all Schengen countries combined, not just Germany.
Can I travel to other European countries with a German Schengen visa?
Yes, a German Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen states. However, Germany should be your main destination or first point of entry. You can visit multiple Schengen countries during your trip.
What is the Germany Schengen visa fee for Russian citizens?
The standard fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are exempt from fees. Additional service fees may apply at visa application centres.
How long does the Germany visa processing take?
For Russian nationals, processing typically takes around 45 days. Applications are subject to enhanced review procedures. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Can I get a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
Due to current EU policy, Russian citizens typically receive single-entry visas with limited validity. Multiple-entry visas are granted only in exceptional cases.
Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory. It must provide minimum coverage of €30,000, cover medical emergencies and repatriation, and be valid for all Schengen states.
Where do I apply for a German Schengen visa in Russia?
Applications can be submitted at the German Embassy in Moscow or through Visametric visa application centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and other Russian cities.
What happens if my Schengen visa is refused?
You will receive a written refusal stating the reasons. You can submit a remonstration (appeal) within one month of the decision. Alternatively, you can reapply with improved documentation addressing the refusal reasons.