Travel To Germany: Uk Brp Requirements And Restrictions

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Germany as you can stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, if you are a UK resident and not a citizen, you may need a visa if your home country does not have a visa-free travel agreement with Germany. This depends on whether the country where you hold citizenship has signed a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area. If you are a UK BRP holder, you can apply for your visa at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester.

UK citizens don't need a visa to enter Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period

UK citizens don't need a visa to enter Germany if they're staying for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to UK citizens travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport, and includes travel for leisure, to visit friends or family, or for certain professional activities like research or trade fairs. However, if you want to work in Germany, the requirements are different.

If you're a UK citizen and you want to stay in Germany for longer than 90 days, you'll need to meet the German government's entry requirements and check which type of visa or permit you need. You can do this by contacting the German Embassy in the UK.

It's important to note that even though UK citizens don't currently require visas for stays of up to 90 days, starting from May 2025, when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is launched, UK nationals will need to register for ETIAS before entering Germany and other countries in the Schengen Area.

If you're a UK resident but not a citizen, and your home country doesn't have a visa-free travel agreement with Germany, you will need a visa to enter the country.

If you're a UK resident and not a citizen, you may need a visa

If you are a UK resident and hold a UK BRP, you can enter Germany without a visa for a short-term stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is because the UK is part of the Schengen area, which allows free movement between member states. However, you may not pursue any economic activity or employment during your stay unless it is authorised by a visa or residence permit issued by the German local immigration office.

If you are a UK resident but are not a UK, EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, and your country of citizenship requires a visa to enter the Schengen area, then you will need a visa to enter Germany. This applies even if you hold a UK BRP. You can check if your country has a visa exemption agreement with the Schengen area on the UK government website.

If you are a UK resident and require a visa for Germany, you can apply for a Schengen visa through a German Embassy or Consulate. The cost of a Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 can obtain a Schengen visa for free. You should submit your application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your departure date.

You will need a visa if you want to work or study in Germany immediately

If you want to work or study in Germany immediately, you will need to apply for a German Employment Visa or a German Student Visa, respectively. Here is some information on both:

German Employment Visa

The German Employment Visa is for qualified foreigners who want to settle in Germany and work in their fields. It is valid for up to two years, with the possibility of extension and subsequent application for an EU Blue Card or other residence permits. To be eligible, you must already have a job offer in Germany or be seeking employment in the country. Certain categories of eligible applicants include:

• Employment: For those who already have a job offer in Germany.
• Self-employment: For those who wish to establish a business or work as a freelancer in Germany.
• Working as a freelancer: For independent professionals aiming to work in Germany.
• Jobseeker: For those who wish to look for a job while in Germany.
• Working Holiday Visa: For youngsters from countries that have signed a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Germany.
• Opportunity Card: Allows non-EU nationals to live in Germany for up to a year to search for work, with options for part-time or trial jobs.

The requirements for a German Employment Visa include:

• A valid national passport.
• Proof of residence.
• Health insurance.
• An employment contract or binding job offer.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Proof of qualifications.
• A personal employment visa cover letter.
• Proof of a clean criminal record.
• Proof of paid visa fees.

The processing time for a German Employment Visa is typically between one and three months.

German Student Visa

The German Student Visa is for international students intending to study in Germany for more than 90 days. The visa is valid for various activities, including language courses, preparatory programs, internships, and university degree studies. The main steps to apply for this visa are:

• Locate the nearest German embassy.
• Review country-specific requirements.
• Schedule a visa appointment.
• Prepare and check your documents.
• Pay the processing fee.
• Prepare for the interview.

The requirements for a German Student Visa include:

• Visa application documents: Completed form, valid passport, and recent photos.
• Proof of financial resources: €11,904 in a blocked account or other financial proof.
• Proof of purpose: University admission confirmation.
• Previous academic qualifications: School-leaving certificate or university degree, if applicable.
• Health insurance: Required for both the visa and enrollment.
• Proof of language proficiency: German or English (B2 level).
• Visa processing fee: €75 for adults, with reduced fees for minors.

The processing time for a German Student Visa is typically up to 25 days, and the visa is valid for up to 90 days.

You can apply for a German visa at a TLScontact Visa Application Centre

If you are a UK resident and hold a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you can travel to Germany without a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies if you are travelling for tourism, to visit family or friends, for business meetings, or for short-term studies. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a German long-stay visa (also known as a national visa or D visa).

When submitting your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed and signed German visa application form.
• Two recent passport photos.
• Proof of travel insurance that meets the required criteria.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• Proof of the purpose of your trip, such as a letter of invitation.
• Your residence permit or resident card (if applicable).
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable).
• Certified parental or guardian authorization if you are a minor.
• For business trips, you may need a schedule of your stay and a signed letter of invitation from a German company.

The visa fee for Germany is typically €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of six and twelve. Children under six years old can obtain a visa for free. There may also be additional administrative or service fees associated with your application.

German visas require proof of accommodation and sufficient funds

German visa requirements vary depending on the type of visa and the traveller's nationality, country of origin, and purpose of the trip. However, in general, travellers may need to provide proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for their stay.

Proof of Accommodation

Some German visas require proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host in Germany. This requirement may depend on the specific type of visa and the traveller's purpose for visiting Germany.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

German authorities require travellers to demonstrate they can support themselves financially during their stay. The amount of funding needed depends on the type and length of stay, and there is no fixed daily rate. For example, students typically need to prove they have around €11,208 at their disposal for one year, while travellers applying for certain visas, such as those for language acquisition or applying for a course of study, must increase the standard monthly blocked account amount by 10%.

There are several ways to demonstrate sufficient funds:

• A blocked account: This type of bank account "freezes" or "blocks" the required amount of funds to support oneself during the stay. Once the money is deposited, the bank issues a blocking confirmation, which is then presented to the German authorities.
• Parental support: Students receiving financial support from their parents can submit documents such as their parents' employment contracts or bank statements.
• Guarantee letter: A permanent resident of Germany can provide a "Verpflichtungserklärung" letter, taking financial responsibility for the traveller during their stay.
• Scholarship award: A valid award confirmation from a recognised scholarship provider can be included in the visa application.
• Bank guarantee: A bank can issue a confirmation that the traveller will be provided with full financial support during their stay.

Frequently asked questions