Germany Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa (Type C) · For Turkey citizens
Planning a trip to Germany as a Turkish citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Schengen visa application: required documents, current fees of €90, processing times of 15 days, and strategies to improve your chances. A German Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen states.
Germany Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Turkey citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form
Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen requirements
Medical travel insurance covering the entire Schengen area
Proof of round-trip flight reservation
Documentation showing where you will stay during your visit
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen area
Documentation proving your employment or occupation status
Day-by-day plan of your trip including cities and activities
Fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre
Application Process
Applications are processed through iDATA, the official visa application centre for Germany in Turkey.2 The process involves several steps:
1. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, financial proof, and travel itinerary.1 Use the checklist provided by iDATA to ensure nothing is missing.2
2. Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at an iDATA visa application centre.2 Centres operate in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, Adana, and Gaziantep. Book well in advance as appointments fill quickly during peak travel seasons.2
3. Attend Your Appointment
Visit the visa application centre at your scheduled time. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.2 Submit all documents and pay the visa fee plus iDATA service fee.2
4. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes approximately 15 calendar days.1 You can track your application status through the iDATA website. Your passport will be returned with the visa decision.2
Fees
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | €90 | Standard fee |
| Children (6-11) | €45 | Reduced fee |
| Children (under 6) | Free | No fee |
| iDATA Service Fee | Variable | Check current rate |
Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused. Additional optional services like premium lounges and courier delivery cost extra.2
What You Need to Prove
To obtain a Schengen visa, you must demonstrate:1
- Genuine travel purpose with a clear, realistic itinerary1
- Sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay1
- Valid travel insurance meeting Schengen requirements1
- Intent to return to Turkey before your visa expires1
- Consistent documentation with no contradictions or gaps1
Access to All Schengen States
A Schengen visa issued by Germany 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, and Switzerland.
You can travel freely between these countries during your 90-day validity period. However, your main destination should be Germany when applying for a German Schengen visa.
Processing Times
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment.1
Processing may take longer (up to 45 days) if:1
- Additional documentation is required
- Your application needs further scrutiny
- Peak season causes backlogs
Application Timeline:
- Earliest you can apply: 6 months before travel1
- Recommended: At least 3-4 weeks before travel
- Minimum: 15 calendar days before travel
Multi-Entry Visa Benefits
Turkish citizens with good travel history can benefit from longer-validity visas:5
- After 2 successfully used Schengen visas in 3 years: Eligible for 1-year multiple-entry visa
- After using 1-year visa properly: Eligible for 3-year visa
- After using 3-year visa properly: Eligible for 5-year visa
In 2024, 65% of Schengen visas issued to Turkish citizens were multiple-entry visas.5
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa will be placed in your passport. Check carefully:
- Validity dates (when you can enter and must leave by)
- Number of entries allowed (single, double, or multiple)
- Duration of stay (usually up to 90 days)
At the German Border:
You may be asked to show:
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel reservations or host details
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance certificate
- Detailed travel itinerary
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons. You have two options:
- Appeal within one month of receiving the refusal notification
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised
Common refusal reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Turkey, incomplete documentation, or inadequate travel insurance. Address these specific issues before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds for the planned stay, or show suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits.
How to avoid: Show at least €65 per day (with hotel) or €120 per day (without hotel). Provide 3-6 months of bank statements showing regular income and stable balance.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Turkey, such as employment, property, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment letter with tenure details, property documents, evidence of family dependents, and business commitments.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents or information that does not match across different documents.
How to avoid: Use the checklist from iDATA and ensure all documents are complete. Verify dates and details match across all documents.
Inadequate Travel Insurance
Insurance does not meet requirements: insufficient coverage, wrong validity dates, or does not cover all Schengen states.
How to avoid: Purchase insurance specifically designed for Schengen visas with at least €30,000 coverage. Verify it covers your exact travel dates plus a buffer.
Unclear Travel Purpose
The itinerary is vague, unrealistic, or does not justify applying through Germany rather than another Schengen country.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary. If visiting multiple countries, ensure Germany is your main destination. Explain clearly why you want to visit specific places.
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 the entire Schengen area, not just Germany. You must leave the Schengen zone before exceeding 90 days in the past 180 days.
Can I visit other countries with a German Schengen visa?
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Germany allows you to travel freely within all 29 Schengen member states. These include France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and others. Your main destination should be Germany when applying.
How long does German visa processing take from Turkey?
Standard processing takes approximately 15 calendar days. In exceptional cases, it may take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date, and you can apply up to 6 months in advance.
What is the German Schengen visa fee for Turkish citizens in 2025?
The visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-11. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee. Service fees at iDATA visa application centres apply separately.
Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes, travel health insurance is mandatory. It must provide minimum coverage of €30,000, cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation, and be valid in all Schengen countries for your entire stay.
Can I work in Germany with a Schengen tourist visa?
No, the Schengen visa does not permit any form of employment. You cannot work, even remotely for employers outside Germany. If you need to work, you must apply for a national visa (Type D).
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You have the right to appeal within one month of notification. Alternatively, you can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues raised.
Are there new rules for Turkish citizens applying for Schengen visas?
Yes, as of July 2024, Turkish citizens with good travel history can benefit from longer-validity, multi-entry visas. After successfully using two Schengen visas within three years, you may qualify for 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year multiple-entry visas.