Applying for a Germany Schengen Visa in Canada - Germany Visa (2023)

German Schengen Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for Canadian Citizens and Residents

Canadian citizens with a valid travel passport can travel to Germany and other countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply for or obtain a Schengen visa.

Non-Canadian citizens, who wish to stay in Germany or transit through Germany may require a Schengen visa depending on their citizenship. To determine whether you need a visa, please check the list of nationals who are required to have a Schengen Visa.

Convention Refugee:Holders of a blue Canadian Travel Document (Convention of July 28th, 1951) do not need a visa for transit and/or short-term stay (e.g. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days) in Germany.

Below you can find more information on applying for a Germany visa from Canada.

Who Can Apply for a Germany Visa in Canada?

All non-Canadian citizens whodo need a visa to enter Germany and the Schengen area must hold avalid permanent resident card or valid multiple entry visa for Canadawith three (3) months validityafter returning from the Schengen area. If your Canadian visa has expired, please have it renewed before applying.

Only applications from residents of Canada (Permanentresidents, persons holding a Canadian student visa or work permit) can be accepted. Applications from persons holding long-term visitor’s visa can only be accepted if they can prove that they were unable to apply in their home country.

You should apply for a Germany visa via the Embassy of Germany in Canada if:

• Germany is theonlySchengen country you plan on visiting
• Germany is yourmain destination(the country you will be staying the longest in)
• Germany is thefirstSchengen country you are visiting

In case you plan on staying in Germany for more than 90 days you must apply for a residency permit, not a Germany Schengen visa.

Please, note that if you are not a resident in Canada you should apply at the German Embassy in your country of residence.

Germany Visa Requirements for Canadian Residents

The following documents are required in order to obtain a German visa in Canada:

• A valid passport or Travel document. Please make sure that:
  • Your passport has been issued (not extended) within the previous 10 years,
  • Your passport has 2 full blank pages, one for the visa stamp and an additional spare page,
  • Your passport will be valid for at least three (3) months after the date you exit the Schengen Area.
• A valid permanent resident card or valid multiple entry visa for Canada must be presented.
• The Canada residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States.
• One application form (please see below)filled out completely and signed by the applicant (please read theexplanationscarefully).
• One passport format photo that has a light background, is brightly coloured and shows full face features. The photo must be less than three months old and be glued to the application form. Applications with stapled photographs will be rejected.
• A cover letterthat explains the purpose of the visit to Germany
• Proof of travel arrangements:Round trip flight reservationsfrom Canada to Germany and back or other proof of intended transport and complete itinerary of your visit to Germany.
• Travel Health Insurance stating that you are covered in case of a medical emergency and repatriation not just in Germany, but in the whole Schengen zone (minimum coverage of € 30.000 – approx. 50,000.00 CAD). Canadian residents can easily purchase travel insurance online from Europ Assistance. All these insurance companies are accepted by German Embassies and Consulates in Canada.
• Proof of accommodation in Germany:
  • Evidence of a hotel booking or rental agreement, or
  • Invitation from your German host (family member, friend) along with a copy of their passport or ID (Proof of sponsorship if dependant)
• Proof of financial subsistence:
  • A recent statement of Canadian bank account for the last three months showing funds of at least 70CAD that are equivalent to45€ per person per day spent in German, or
  • Traveller’s cheques
• Invitation letter (not older than 4 weeks) from the business partner in Germany, confirming the business trip and schedule of your visit, including the name and full address of the contact person in Germany (Business Visa)
• Prepaid Xpresspost envelope (Canada Post only), Regional Standard to Ontario or National Standard to all other provinces (shipment to a Canadian address only!)
• Visa fee (approximately 95.00 CAD)

Note: Photocopies of the original documents should also be submitted and documents should not be more than one month old.

The documents listed above are documents required in all cases, regardless of the purpose of your visit to Germany. Depending on your employment status, here is a list of additional documents that are required for your visa application:

For employees:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

For the self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

For foreign students in Canada:

• Reference letter from the educational institution (school/college/university) stating that you are in good standing, your major and the expected date of graduation.

For retirees:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:

• A recent (less than 3 months old) Confirmation of Employment letter from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date,
• Spouse’s valid passport
• An officially translated marriage certificate. The translation must be in English or German and must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place.

Required documents for visa application for underage children

• Original birth certificate among others.
• Signed travel consent from both parents
  • If one parent is not located in Kanada they should submit their signed consent to the German Embassy/Consulate of their residing country

Note: All documents must be either in German or English or officially translated by a certified translator.

To find more about the documentation needed for applying for a visa to Germanyclickhttps://www.schengenvisainfo.com/germany/visa/

Where and How to Applyfor a Germany Visa in Canada?

The processing of an application for a Schengen Visa takes approximately two weeks. The German Consulate will generally accept visa applications three months before entry into Germany at the earliest. You have to submit your application in person at the Foreign Mission which is responsible for your consular district.

German consular services are available through its Consulate in Toronto,Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver andAustrian Embassy in Ottawa.

All German Missions in Canada, require that youschedule an appointment in order to apply for a Germany visa. Appointments have to be booked via afree online appointment system.Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person.

GermanyVisa Appointment Requirements for Canadian Residents

National Visa Applicants

All Canadian Residents must apply at German Consulate General in Toronto.

Click here to book an appointment with the German Consulate General in Toronto

Related information:

• Proof of financial funds for foreign students in Germany – mandatory for a student visa
• Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines for Canadian Citizens and Residents
• Best places to visit and see in Berlin