Visa Service

Employees of AHK member companies

Member companies of AHK Greater China, which send their employees on a business trip to Germany, benefit from a simplified visa application procedure.

The German Embassy has established an “AHK account” for the German Chamber of Commerce. All applications submitted through the “AHK account” are entitled to a reduction in application documents.

Reduced documentation to the same extent as before, additionally letter of authorization for each application not submitted personally by the applicant.

  1. application form
  2. two biometric passport photos
  3. a passport and copy of passport of the identity page
  4. copies of previous Schengen visa (if applicable)
  5. confirmation of employment (original)
  6. invitation (original document [if the inviting company to the parent company is in Germany, a scan / fax / copy of the letter of invitation is sufficient])
  7. optional: detailed schedule, if the stay in Germany is over 2 weeks).
  8. travel and health insurance
  9. letter of authorization of the applicant for submitting the visa and the passport for collection.

Business visit

Business Visit visa are usually issued for those who are seeking to attend meetings, conduct negotiations with business partners, conduct market research, participate in conferences & workshops and to attend interviews.

Spouses and other family members who are accompanying the business traveler should apply for a tourist visa. If the applications are submitted separately, they should indicate clearly in their visa application that they are accompanying a business traveler (e.g. by providing a copy of the business traveler’s passport and, if applicable, a copy of the issued visa).

Multiple-entry visa

Multiple-entry visa allow a maximum stay of 90 days within a period of 180 days. In certain cases of short-term employment a maximum stay of 90 days per year is allowed.

Business visit + tourism combined

Business Visit visas are usually issued for those seeking to attend meetings, conduct negotiations with business partners, conduct market research, participate in conferences & workshops and to attend interviews. Business visits can be combined with tourism.

Spouses and other family members who are accompanying the business traveler should apply for a tourist visa. If the application is submitted separately, they should indicate clearly in their visa application that they are accompanying a business traveler (e.g. by providing a copy of the business traveler’s passport and, if applicable, a copy of the issued visa).

Documents which need to be submitted

In addition to the basic documents, please prepare the supplementary documents according to your personal circumstances, as follows:

  • Employed
  • Freelancer
  • Not-Working
  • Student
  • Minor
  • Retired person

Basic documents

 

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)

- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area

- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)

- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages

- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)

- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)

- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents.

- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Invitation letter from a German company/ business partner (Original)

- Must contain contact details, and include the original signature of the authorized company’s representative (no digital signatures), name and position. The letter must not be signed in China on behalf of the representative.

5. Bank statement (Original)

- Salary account or other current accounts with proof of regular income for the last three months

- No excerpts of credit card statements and fixed-term deposits

6. Travel itinerary (Original)

- Package tour: detailed itinerary issued by the tour operator

- Individual travel: selfprovided detailed travel itinerary detailing travel destination, duration of stay and transportation arrangements

- Important: If you are traveling with other persons and are not submitting the visa applications together as a group, please mention the names and passport numbers of your fellow travelers in your itinerary. Please also include the name of the organizing travel agency.

7. Round-trip flight ticket booking from/to China (Copy)

- Round-trip flight reservation detailing the applicant’s name, airline, departure & arrival times, departure & arrival airport and reservation code.

- Print out in German or English.

8. Proof of accommodation (Copy)

- Must cover the whole period of touristic stay

- Examples: confirmation issued by the tour operator for all-inclusive travel, hotel-vouchers, individual hotel reservations, holiday apartment rental contract or proof of any other private accommodation

- Applicant‘ s name and number of overnight stays must be clearly indicated

- Print out in German or English.

9. Copies of previous Schengen visa

10. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **

- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation

- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit

11. Overseas travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)

- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)

- Insurance policy in Chinese and English including:

  1. Repatriation in case of illness and death (mortal remains)
  2. Emergency medical treatment and inpatient treatment
  3. Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR

 

Employed (employees, entrepreneurs)

 

12. Employment / Company certificate (Original)

- Written on official company paper, including the company stamp. The letter should also include the current address and contact details (phone number, fax number, homepage, and email address). The letter should be written in Chinese, with a German or English translation.

- Signed by the authorized person (no digital signature); the signature must not be signed by a third party on behalf of the authorized representative.

13. Company license (Copy)

- Current license with company stamp *not required for universities and public institutions

14. Company bank statements (Copy)

- Statements of current business account for the last three months

- Only required if the company is meeting travel and living costs.

 

Freelancer (e.g. artist)

15. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:

- Detailed description of freelance engagements (if possible with substantiated proof) and information about funding for the trip.

- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

 

Not-Working (e.g. stay-at-home wife/ stay-at-home husband)

16. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:

- Detailed description of personal situation and information about funding for the trip.

- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

17. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5)

Employment / company certificate from the spouse (Original)

- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

and

Bank statement of the spouse (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Marriage certificate (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation Student

18. Studies certificate (Original)

- Instead of the employment certificate

- A letter from the university signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)

- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

19. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5):

Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

and Employment certificate of one parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements) and

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

 

Minor (under the age of 18)

 

20. Student card (Copy)

21. Studies certificate (Original)*

- A letter from the school signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)

- Must contain permission for absence - In Chinese, with a German or English translation

*Does not have to be provided if the intended journey takes place during legal Chinese school holidays

22. Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation

23. Parental authority delegation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are not accompanying the minor:

- Notary certificate of permission to travel legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are accompanying the minor and have obtained the visa:

- Copy of the passport identity page of the accompanying parent

- Copy of the parent’s valid visas

- Flight reservation showing the minor’s and accompanying parent’s name (Copy)

24. Proof of financing*

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Employment certificate of the parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)

*not necessary if the minor is travelling with at least one parent and the visa applications of the minor and accompanying parent are submitted as a group Retired person

25. Pensioner’s card (Copy) - Instead of employment certificate

Trade fair and exhibition: Visitor / Exhibitor / Booth builder

Please provide all documents which substantiate your travel purpose.

You do not need an invitation letter from the trade fair company to visit a fair. A detailed explanation letter issued by your employer is sufficient. You can facilitate the processing of your visa application by submitting detailed and correct information (correct name of the trade fair, location, travel period, reason for visiting the fair). You can also provide additional documents such as entrance tickets.

Documents which need to be submitted

In addition to the basic documents, please prepare the supplementary documents according to your personal circumstances, as follows:

  • Employed
  • Freelancer
  • Not-Working
  • Student
  • Minor
  • Retired person 

 

Basic documents

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Exhibitor*
- Booth confirmation from the trade fair organizers (Original)

or

- Transfer voucher for booth fee payment (Copy)
If payment was made through an agency, full documentation of payment to the agency and from the agency to the trade fair organizers has to be provided

*applicable for exhibitors only

5. Bank statement (Original)
- Salary account or other current accounts with proof of regular income for the last three months
- No excerpts of credit card statements and fixed-term deposits

6. Copies of previous Schengen visa

7. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **
- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation
- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit

8. Overseas travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)
- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)
- Insurance policy in Chinese and English including:

  1. Repatriation in case of illness and death (mortal remains) 
  2. Emergency medical treatment and inpatient treatment 
  3. Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR 

 

Employed (employees, entrepreneurs)

9. Employment / Company certificate (Original)
- Written on official company paper, including the company stamp. The letter should also include the current address and contact details (phone number, fax number, homepage, and email address). The letter should be written in Chinese, with a German or English translation.
- Signed by the authorized person (no digital signature); the signature must not be signed by a third party on behalf of the authorized representative.

The certificate must contain:
- Visitor of the fair: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, travel period, purpose for visiting the fair )
- Exhibitor: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, travel period, applicant’s position or function at the fair)
- Exhibition builder: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, planned duration of stay in Germany)

10. Company license (Copy)
- Current license with company stamp
*not required for universities and public institutions

11. Company bank statements (Copy)
- Statements of current business account for the last three months
- Only required if the company is meeting travel and living costs.

 

Freelancer (e.g. artist)

12. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of freelance engagements (if possible with substantiated proof) and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

 

Not-Working (e.g. stay-at-home wife/ stay-at-home husband)

13. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of personal situation and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

14. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5)

Employment / company certificate from the spouse (Original)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

and

Bank statement of the spouse (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Marriage certificate (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

 

Student

15. Studies certificate (Original)
- Instead of the employment certificate
- A letter from the university signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

16. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5):

Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

and

  
Employment certificate of one parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)
and Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

 

Minor (under the age of 18)

17. Student card (Copy)

18. Studies certificate (Original)*
- A letter from the school signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- Must contain permission for absence
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation
*Does not have to be provided if the intended journey takes place during legal Chinese school holidays

19. Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation

20. Parental authority delegation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are not accompanying the minor:
- Notary certificate of permission to travel legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are accompanying the minor and have obtained the visa:
- Copy of the passport identity page of the accompanying parent
- Copy of the parent’s valid visas
- Flight reservation showing the minor’s and accompanying parent’s name (Copy)

21. Proof of financing*

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Employment certificate of the parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)

*not necessary if the minor is travelling with at least one parent and the visa applications of the minor and accompanying parent are submitted as a group

 

Retired person

22. Pensioner’s card (Copy)
- Instead of employment certificate

Trade fair and exhibition: Visitor / Exhibitor / Booth builder + Tourism combined

Please provide all documents which substantiate your travel purpose.

You do not need an invitation letter from the trade fair company to visit a fair. A detailed explanation letter issued by your employer is sufficient. You can facilitate the processing of your visa application by submitting detailed and correct information (correct name of the trade fair, location, travel period, reason for visiting the fair). You can also provide additional documents such as entrance tickets.

Documents which need to be submitted

In addition to the basic documents, please prepare the supplementary documents according to your personal circumstances, as follows:

  • Employed
  • Freelancer
  • Not-Working
  • Student
  • Minor
  • Retired person 

 

Basic documents

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Exhibitor*
- Booth confirmation from the trade fair organizers (Original)

or

- Transfer voucher for booth fee payment (Copy)
If payment was made through an agency, full documentation of payment to the agency and from the agency to the trade fair organizers has to be provided

*applicable for exhibitors only

5. Bank statement (Original)
- Salary account or other current accounts with proof of regular income for the last three months
- No excerpts of credit card statements and fixed-term deposits

6. Travel itinerary (Original)
- Package tour: detailed itinerary issued by the tour operator
- Individual travel: selfprovided detailed travel itinerary detailing travel destination, duration of stay and transportation arrangements
- Important: If you are traveling with other persons and are not submitting the visa applications together as a group, please mention the names and passport numbers of your fellow travelers in your itinerary. Please also include the name of the organizing travel agency.

7. Round-trip flight ticket booking from/to China (Copy)
- Round-trip flight reservation detailing the applicant’s name, airline, departure & arrival times, departure & arrival airport and reservation code. - Print out in German or English.

8. Proof of accommodation (Copy)
- Must cover the whole period of touristic stay
- Examples: confirmation issued by the tour operator for all-inclusive travel, hotel-vouchers, individual hotel reservations, holiday apartment rental contract or proof of any other private accommodation
- Applicant‘ s name and number of overnight stays must be clearly indicated
- Print out in German or English.

9. Copies of previous Schengen visa

10. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **
- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation
- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit

11. Overseas travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)
- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)
- Insurance policy in Chinese and English including:

  1. Repatriation in case of illness and death (mortal remains) 
  2. Emergency medical treatment and inpatient treatment 
  3. Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR 

 

Employed (employees, entrepreneurs)

12. Employment / Company certificate (Original)
- Written on official company paper, including the company stamp. The letter should also include the current address and contact details (phone number, fax number, homepage, and email address). The letter should be written in Chinese, with a German or English translation.
- Signed by the authorized person (no digital signature); the signature must not be signed by a third party on behalf of the authorized representative.

The certificate must contain:
- Visitor of the fair: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, travel period, purpose for visiting the fair )
- Exhibitor: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, travel period, applicant’s position or function at the fair)
- Exhibition builder: detailed information about the travel purpose (correct name of the fair, location, planned duration of stay in Germany)

13. Company license (Copy)
- Current license with company stamp
*not required for universities and public institutions

14. Company bank statements (Copy)
- Statements of current business account for the last three months
- Only required if the company is meeting travel and living costs.

 

Freelancer (e.g. artist)

15. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of freelance engagements (if possible with substantiated proof) and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

 

Not-Working (e.g. stay-at-home wife/ stay-at-home husband)

16. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of personal situation and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

17. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5)

Employment / company certificate from the spouse (Original)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

and

Bank statement of the spouse (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Marriage certificate (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

 

Student

18. Studies certificate (Original)
- Instead of the employment certificate
- A letter from the university signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

19. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5):

Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

and

  
Employment certificate of one parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)
and Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

 

Minor (under the age of 18)

20. Student card (Copy)

21. Studies certificate (Original)*
- A letter from the school signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- Must contain permission for absence
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation
*Does not have to be provided if the intended journey takes place during legal Chinese school holidays

22. Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation

23. Parental authority delegation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are not accompanying the minor:
- Notary certificate of permission to travel legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are accompanying the minor and have obtained the visa:
- Copy of the passport identity page of the accompanying parent
- Copy of the parent’s valid visas
- Flight reservation showing the minor’s and accompanying parent’s name (Copy)

24. Proof of financing*

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Employment certificate of the parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)

*not necessary if the minor is travelling with at least one parent and the visa applications of the minor and accompanying parent are submitted as a group

 

Retired person

25. Pensioner’s card (Copy)
- Instead of employment certificate

Professional training and internship

Please provide all documents to prove your professional training or internship in Germany.

Important:

 

  • Internships – according to § 39 AufenthG i.V.m. § 34 section 3 of BeschV, internships require a work permit issued by the German Federal Employment Agency (BA) except for those cases which are regulated in § 15 BeschV. Your employer should contact the respective German agency before the submission of your visa application.
  • Foreign physicians who are temporarily staying in a German hospital within the scope of an advanced training programme and are not practising alternative medicine („hands-off training”) do not require permission according to § 10 BÄO and are thus not exercising an occupation.
  • Skilled employees of an internationally active company or enterprise who are traveling to Germany for operational training purposes in the domestic company do not require a work permit for a stay of max. 90 days per year. 

 

If you have not yet received the original invitation letter from Germany for your professional training or internship, you can apply with a scanned copy of the invitation letter and a print-out of the email with which it was sent (sender and transmission details must be visible).

Documents which need to be submitted

In addition to the basic documents, please prepare the supplementary documents according to your personal circumstances, as follows:

  • Employed
  • Student
  • Minor

 

Basic documents

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Invitation letter from a German company/ business partner (Original)
- Must contain contact details, include the original signature of the authorised company’s representative (no digital signatures), name and position. The letter must not be signed in China on behalf of the representative.
- A scanned copy, together with a printout of the email with which it was sent to the applicant (sender and transmission details must be visible), may be provided if the original invitation letter is not available.

5. Training plan (Original)
- Only applicable for applicants who are attending professional or on-the-job training
- The training plan must be issued by the inviting company and must mention the training content and location.

6. Certificate from the ZAV (Original + Copy)
- Only applicable for applicants who want to attend an internship for further education according to §15 BeschV

7. Bank statement (Original)
- Salary account or other current accounts with proof of regular income for the last three months
- No excerpts of credit card statements and fixed-term deposits

8. Copies of previous Schengen visa

9. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **
- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation
- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit

10. Overseas travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)
- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)
- Insurance policy in Chinese and English including:

  1. Repatriation in case of illness and death (mortal remains) 
  2. Emergency medical treatment and inpatient treatment 
  3. Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR 

 

Employed (employees, entrepreneurs)

11. Employment / Company certificate (Original)
- Written on official company paper, including the company stamp. The letter should also include the current address and contact details (phone number, fax number, homepage, and email address). The letter should be written in Chinese, with a German or English translation.
- Signed by the authorized person (no digital signature); the signature must not be signed by a third party on behalf of the authorized representative.

12. Company license (Copy)
- Current license with company stamp
*not required for universities and public institutions

13. Company bank statements (Copy)
- Statements of current business account for the last three months
- Only required if the company is meeting travel and living costs.

 

Student

14. Studies certificate (Original)
- Instead of the employment certificate
- A letter from the university signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

15. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5):

Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

and

  
Employment certificate of one parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)
and Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

 

Minor (under the age of 18)

16. Student card (Copy)

17. Studies certificate (Original)*
- A letter from the school signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- Must contain permission for absence
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation
*Does not have to be provided if the intended journey takes place during legal Chinese school holidays

18. Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation

19. Parental authority delegation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are not accompanying the minor:
- Notary certificate of permission to travel legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are accompanying the minor and have obtained the visa:
- Copy of the passport identity page of the accompanying parent
- Copy of the parent’s valid visas
- Flight reservation showing the minor’s and accompanying parent’s name (Copy)

20. Proof of financing*

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Employment certificate of the parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)

*not necessary if the minor is travelling with at least one parent and the visa applications of the minor and accompanying parent are submitted as a group

Seaman

You would like to hire on a ship lying at a German port and, if applicable, attend a training course before that. The ship will sail in international waters afterwards.

Important: Your documents must contain the name of the ship and the IMO-Number.

Documents which need to be submitted

 

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Seaman certificate (Original + Copy of the identity page)

3. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

4. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

5. Hukou (Copy)
- Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation

6. Confirmation from the Chinese Seaman-Organization - Only for Chinese citizens: confirmation from the respective organization (in Chinese with German or English translation) fulfilling following criteria:

  1. On official company paper 
  2. Current address, phone and fax number, email address and contact person 
  3. Company seal 
  4. Date of issue 
  5. Original signature from the authorized person (no digital signature), name and position 
  6. Complete applicant’s personal data 

7. Employment certificate from the shipping company (Copy)
- Alternatively the examination contract can be provided (Copy)

8. Invitation letter from the German agent (Original)
- On official company paper incl. current address and contact details (phone and fax number, email address, homepage)
- In German or English language
- Company seal and original signature
- Location of the planned examination / training
- Assumption of costs according to §§66-68 AufenthG.
- Name of the ship and IMO-number are mandatory

9. Copies of previous Schengen visa

10. Travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)
- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)
- Policy in Chinese or English
- Costs for repatriation in case of illness and death as well as any costs for emergency medical assistance and/or treatment in the emergency room of a hospital need to be covered by at least 30.000 EUR

Private visit ( relatives or friends)

Please submit all documents to substantiate the purpose of your visit.

Important: If you visit relatives living in Germany please submit a notary certificate of the family relationship to prove the relationship. This document must be legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Foreign Office of the Provincial Government. The original notary certificate will be returned together with the passport after completion of the visa process and can be reused for another visa application in future.

Frequent travelers can apply for a multiple entry visa which may be valid for a period of one year or more.

Documents which need to be submitted

In addition to the basic documents, please prepare the supplementary documents according to your personal circumstances, as follows:

  • Employed
  • Freelancer
  • Not-Working
  • Student
  • Minor
  • Retired person 

 

Basic Documents

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Bank statement of the applicant (Original)
- Salary account or other current accounts with proof of regular income for the last three months
- No excerpts of credit card statements and fixed-term deposits

5. Invitation letter (Original)
- Invitation letter from the host, written in German or English and specifying: - the address and contact details of the inviting person
- Purpose, duration and financing of the stay - Relationship between the host and the applicant
- Original signature by the inviting person
- Important: detailed invitation letters can minimize enquiries and facilitate the processing of your application

6. Financing of the travel and accommodation costs
a) The applicant bears the travel cost by himself (Original) Proof of sufficient funding (see no. 4) for the intended period of stay,
b) Formal obligation letter issued by the host or another third party according to §§66-68 AufenthG (Original and copy of the front and back page of the obligation letter),

7. Relationship proof between the applicant and host
a) Family visit: Notary certificate of the family relationship between the applicant and the host, legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, original containing a translation to English or German (Original and copy)
b) Friend visit: Friend relationship shall be mentioned in the invitation letter. It can be substantiated with documents, emails, pictures etc.

8. Identity documents of the host (Copy)
- Copy of the passport or ID identity page
- In case of foreign hosts, please also submit a copy of the German residence permit which should be valid for the intended period of stay.
- If the invitation has been issued by the spouse of the relative living in Germany, please also submit a copy of the passport identity page and the German residence permit of the relative.

9. Copies of previous Schengen visa

10. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **
- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation
- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit

11. Overseas travel health insurance policy (Original + Copy)
- Valid for all Schengen countries (travel destination must be shown as Schengen area)
- Insurance policy in Chinese and English including:

  1. Repatriation in case of illness and death (mortal remains) 
  2. Emergency medical treatment and inpatient treatment 
  3. Coverage of at least 30,000 EUR 

Employed (employees, entrepreneurs)

12. Employment / Company certificate (Original)
- Written on official company paper, including the company stamp. The letter should also include the current address and contact details (phone number, fax number, homepage, and email address). The letter should be written in Chinese, with a German or English translation.
- Signed by the authorized person (no digital signature); the signature must not be signed by a third party on behalf of the authorized representative.

13. Company license (Copy)
- Current license with company stamp
*not required for universities and public institutions

 

Freelancer (e.g. artist)

14. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of freelance engagements (if possible with substantiated proof) and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

 

Not-Working (e.g. stay-at-home wife/ stay-at-home husband)

15. Explanation letter (Original) Instead of the employment certificate:
- Detailed description of personal situation and information about funding for the trip.
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

16. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5)

Employment / company certificate from the spouse (Original)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

and

Bank statement of the spouse (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Marriage certificate (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

 

Student

17. Studies certificate (Original)
- Instead of the employment certificate
- A letter from the university signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation

18. Alternative proof of funding if personal funds are insufficient (according to no. 5):

Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)

- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a German or English translation

and

  
Employment certificate of one parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)
and Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

 

Minor (under the age of 18)

19. Student card (Copy)

20. Studies certificate (Original)*
- A letter from the school signed by an authorized official (no digital signature)
- Must contain permission for absence
- In Chinese, with a German or English translation
*Does not have to be provided if the intended journey takes place during legal Chinese school holidays

21. Birth certificate or certificate of family relation (Original + Copy)
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation

22. Parental authority delegation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are not accompanying the minor:
- Notary certificate of permission to travel legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a German or English translation (Original +Copy)

One or both parents are accompanying the minor and have obtained the visa:
- Copy of the passport identity page of the accompanying parent
- Copy of the parent’s valid visas
- Flight reservation showing the minor’s and accompanying parent’s name (Copy)

23. Proof of financing*

Bank statement of one parent (Original, see section 5 for requirements)

and

Employment certificate of the parent (Original, see section 11 for requirements)

*not necessary if the minor is travelling with at least one parent and the visa applications of the minor and accompanying parent are submitted as a group

 

Retired person

24. Pensioner’s card (Copy)
- Instead of employment certificate

Private visit – Spouse of EU/ EEA or Swiss Citizen

Please submit all documents to substantiate the purpose of your visit.

You are the spouse of EU/ EEA or Switzerland citizen and would like to visit Germany with your spouse. A permanent stay is not intended.

A Schengen visa allows you to stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. It is not possible to change a Schengen visa into a permanent residence permit. If you are intending a permanent stay in Germany, please apply for a national visa at the respective German mission. You will find detailed information on the homepage of the German missions in China at china.diplo.de.

Documents which need to be submitted

1. Passport (Original + Copy of the identity page)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Must be signed by the holder (Chinese applicants sign in Chinese characters)
- Must have at least two completely blank visa pages
- No damage

2. Two identity photos (Original)
- Two biometric passport sized photos with white background, not older than 6 months

3. Application form (Original)
- Please complete the following in Application form full. Print a copy of all pages, sign it and submit it with your remaining visa application documents. .
- Signature must match the signature in the passport

4. Marriage Certificate (Original+Copy)

German marriage certificate

or

Chinese marriage certificate
- Notary certificate legalized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with German or English translation or Foreign marriage certificate
- With German or English translation
- If not issued by an authority within the EU, with apostil or legalization notice (refer to document list apostil / legalization on the website of the German Embassy)

5. Letter issued by the spouse (Original)*
- Informal letter in German or English - Containing current address, contact details, planned locations of stay in German including address, period of visit and financing
- Original signature
- *The submission of the letter is voluntary. By submitting a detailed letter containing information about the living situation of the foreign spouse living in China, you can help to minimize enquiries and facilitate the visa application process.

6. ID document of the spouse (Copy)
- Copy of the passport’s or ID’s identity page
- If applicable, copies of Chinese visa

7. Copies of previous Schengen visa

8. Hukou (Copy)* / Chinese residence permit (Copy) **
- *Only for Chinese nationals: copies of all printed pages without translation
- **Only for foreign nationals in China: copy of current Chinese residence permit