The German Embassy is offering a convenient way to fill out the visa application form online with VIDEX. By using VIDEX you will shorten the application process in the Embassy and therefore your waiting time considerably.

Please read the following information carefully before starting to enter your data in VIDEX!

When can I use VIDEX?

VIDEX is designed only for applications for a short-term visa for a stay of up to 90 days in the Schengen states (Schengen visa). Applications for visa for longer stays in Germany (e.g. for studies, work, family reunion) cannot be completed by using VIDEX.

Technical specifications

You’ll need the following hardware and software to use VIDEX:

• Microsoft Windows 7,
• Firefox 8.0 or Internet Explorer IE 8,
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 10,
• a printer.

Preparing to complete your visa application

If you have started to complete the form but then break off for more than 10 minutes, your data will be deleted! In order to avoid this, please have the following documents at hand before starting to complete the form:

• your valid passport or travel document:

Please note that your travel document must be valid for at least three months after the end of your planned trip.

Please note that only travel documents that have been issued (not extended!) during the past 10 years can be endorsed with a visa

• your travel or flight schedule,
• an address in Germany,
• confirmed hotel reservation (no vouchers from travel agencies accepted)
• letter of invitation

Permitted characters

Please answer all questions using Latin letters. Applications completed using other

characters cannot be saved or printed.

The following special characters are also permitted: ÄÖÜß.+-,’. In fields requiring an email address “@” is permitted as well.

Entering dates

If asked for dates please enter the data as follows (Gregorian calendar):

year (4 digits)-month (2 digits)-day (2 digits), separated with a hyphen (-).

To save an application

You can save your application on your computer once you have entered at least the family name and date of birth. The application will be saved in the file on your computer that you have chosen as the designated storage space for all data downloaded from the internet. If you would like to save it in a different location please choose one in your browser.

To print the visa application

In order to print a visa application you will have to fill in the form completely and answer all relevant questions.

Printing includes:

• the application form (please remember to sign the form),
• instruction according to Section 55 (2) (1) of the Residence Act (please sign the instruction),
• barcodes with your VIDEX-encrypted data.

To apply for a visa

You cannot submit your visa application online. Please bring the printed visa application form together with the required supporting documents to your appointment.

Go to the visa application form