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 Turkey is the second-largest source of Schengen visa applications globally, with over 1.1 million applications submitted in 2024, and Germany remains one of the top three destinations for Turkish travelers.4

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for your Germany Schengen visa:

1. Register on the new appointment system
   Since March 2024, German diplomatic missions in Turkey use a new appointment system. Register on the German consulate’s waiting list through their official portal.1 You’ll receive a confirmation email, and later be notified of your specific appointment date.

2. Confirm appointment through iDATA
   When you receive your appointment notification, you must pay the iDATA service fee (676 TL) within 48 hours to confirm.2 Failure to pay will cancel your appointment, requiring you to register again.

3. Gather all required documents
   Collect your passport, photographs, bank statements, employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist provided by iDATA.2

4. Complete the VIDEX online application form
   Fill out the Schengen visa application on the VIDEX website.1 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.

5. Purchase travel insurance
   Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period.6

6. Attend biometrics appointment at iDATA
   Arrive 15 minutes early with your original passport, printed application form, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.2 Your fingerprints and photograph will be captured (exempt if provided within last 59 months).

7. Pay visa fee
   Pay €80 visa fee (€40 for children 6-12, free for under 6).3 Payment must be made in cash in Euros. The iDATA service fee (676 TL) can be paid separately in Turkish Lira or by credit card.

8. Submit application and documents
   iDATA 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.2

9. Track application status
   Check your application progress on the iDATA website using your passport number and barcode. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days during peak periods.1

10. Collect passport with visa
    Once processed, collect your passport from the iDATA center or opt for cargo delivery (125 TL). 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.6 During peak season, appointment availability is limited, so register early.

Fees

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.3 Visa fees must be paid in cash in Euros only.

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.3

Optional iDATA services:

• Premium Lounge: 1,544 TL (adults), 783 TL (children under 12)
• Application form filling assistance: 93 TL
• Passport delivery by cargo: 125 TL

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 red flags.1

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.1 Avoid large unexplained deposits shortly before applying.

Strong ties to Turkey: Property ownership (tapu), ongoing employment with SGK records, family dependents, business commitments, and educational enrollment all prove your intention to return. First-time applicants face particular scrutiny on this criterion.1

Previous travel compliance: A history of respecting visa conditions in Schengen or other countries significantly strengthens your application. Under the new cascade rules effective July 2024, Turkish citizens with positive travel history can qualify for longer-validity multiple-entry visas.1

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 calendar days from when your application is submitted at iDATA.1

Extended processing scenarios:

• Peak seasons (June-August, December-January): 30-45 days
• Additional document requests: Can add 1-2 weeks
• Security checks: May extend processing for certain applicants

Application timing rules:

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

Regional variations: Processing times and appointment availability vary by consulate. Istanbul handles the highest volume, while Izmir typically has shorter wait times and higher approval rates. Plan accordingly based on your nearest iDATA center.

The German mission cannot expedite processing or accommodate requests for priority treatment.1 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.

Cascade rule benefits: Since July 2024, Turkish citizens who successfully use two Schengen visas within three years can qualify for one-year multiple-entry visas on their next application. Subsequent applications may qualify for three-year and five-year visas, provided you maintain a clean travel record.1

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 Turkey.

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 can challenge the decision through the administrative court. This requires detailed justification, additional evidence, and potentially legal representation.

The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the decision.3

Regional rejection rate variations (2023 data):

• Ankara consulate: 27.1% rejection rate
• Istanbul consulate: 21.5% rejection rate
• Izmir consulate: 13.1% rejection rate

If you’re in or near Izmir, consider applying there for statistically better chances. However, apply only where you legally reside to avoid additional complications.

Improving your reapplication:

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

Most applicants who address the specific deficiencies succeed on their second attempt. The improving approval trends for Turkish citizens, with rejection rates declining from 16.1% in 2023 to 14.5% in 2024, indicate that thorough preparation leads to success.4