Germany Visa for Bangladesh Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Germany as a Bangladeshi citizen? This Schengen visa, applied through Germany, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days. With a 44% approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success. Current fees are €90 (BDT 12,300) for adults, and processing typically takes 15 calendar days from your VFS appointment.

Visa Application process

Follow these steps to apply for your Germany Schengen visa:

Determine your travel dates and create detailed tour plan

Plan your trip comprehensively, including all cities you will visit, accommodation for each night, and planned activities. Your tour plan should line out the entire intended itinerary in the Schengen area.2

Gather all required documents

Collect passport, photographs, bank statements (last 6 months), employment proof, travel insurance, flight reservations, and hotel confirmations. Review the complete requirements checklist from the German Embassy Dhaka.2

Complete the VIDEX online application form

Fill out the Schengen visa application on the VIDEX website.2 Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Print all pages including barcodes and sign the form.

Complete the Declaration of Consent

Download and sign the Declaration of Consent form, which is a specific requirement for visa applications from Bangladesh.2

Purchase travel insurance

Buy Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for all member states and your entire travel period. Credit card insurance is not accepted.6

Book VFS Global appointment

Schedule your appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Dhaka through their online booking system.3 Book well in advance as slots can fill quickly.

Attend your VFS appointment

Arrive with your original passport, printed application form, Declaration of Consent, appointment confirmation, and all supporting documents.3 Your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured if not already on file.

Pay visa fee and VFS service charge

Pay €90 visa fee (BDT 12,300) plus ৳2,610 VFS service charge.4 Children 6-12 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee.

Submit application and documents

VFS staff will verify your documents and forward your application to the German Embassy Dhaka. You will receive a tracking number to monitor your application status online.3

Track application and collect passport

Check your application progress using your reference number. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.1 Once processed, collect your passport from VFS or opt for courier delivery. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but not less than 15 days before departure.6 Given the high rejection rate, allow ample time for potential reapplication if needed.

Visa Fees breakdown

Category: Visa Fee	Adults: €90 (~৳12,300)	Children (6-12 years): €45 (~৳6,200)	Children (under 6): Free	The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.4 Exchange rates fluctuate, so the taka equivalent may vary at the time of payment.	Fee waivers are available for certain categories, including children under 6, close family members of EU/EEA nationals, students and teachers on educational trips, researchers, and representatives of non-profit organizations engaged in cultural or educational activities.4	Additional fees may apply: document verification costs BDT 28,000 if required by the Embassy.4

What you need to prove

German consular officers assess your application based on several key criteria, and applicants from Bangladesh face particular scrutiny:

Required documents

Valid Passport
Visa Application Form
Declaration of Consent
Biometric Photographs
Travel Medical Insurance
Flight Reservations
Hotel Reservation
Tour Plan
Personal Cover Letter
Bank Statements
Employment Documentation
Civil Status Documents
Photocopies

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area • Issued within the last 10 years; • At least two blank visa pages required; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include previous passport(s) if applicable] (Tip: Submit old passports showing previous Schengen, US, Canada, or UK travel historyGood travel history significantly strengthens your application)

Visa Application Form

Complete the Schengen visa application form using the VIDEX online system • Fill out all fields accurately on the VIDEX website; • Print and submit all pages including barcodes; • Sign the form with the same signature as your passport; • One form per applicant, including children] (Tip: Double-check passport numbers and dates before submissionKeep a copy of your completed form for reference)

Declaration of Consent

Mandatory declaration form required by the German Embassy Dhaka • Download from the German Embassy website; • Must be signed by the applicant; • Required for all applications processed through VFS Bangladesh] (Tip: This is a specific requirement for applications from Bangladesh)

Biometric Photographs

Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Schengen specifications • Size: 35mm x 45mm; • White background, taken within last 6 months; • Face coverage 70-80%, full face visible, neutral expression; • No glasses, head covering accepted only for religious reasons] (Tip: Get professional photos from a studio familiar with Schengen requirementsDo not glue or staple the photo to the application form)

Travel Medical Insurance

Valid travel insurance covering all Schengen countries for your entire stay • Minimum coverage: €30,000 (approximately ৳35 lakh); • Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation; • Valid for all 29 Schengen member states; • Coverage dates must match or exceed your travel dates] (Tip: Credit card medical insurance is NOT acceptedPurchase insurance only after you know your exact travel datesEnsure the policy explicitly states Schengen Area coverage)

Flight Reservations

Round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from Schengen Area • Flight reservation with confirmed booking reference; • Must show entry into and exit from Schengen Area; • Dates must match those in your application] (Tip: Get a flight reservation or hold ticket without full paymentDo not purchase non-refundable tickets until visa is approvedFalse or fake bookings will lead to immediate refusal)

Hotel Reservation

Proof of where you will stay during your visit to Germany • Valid hotel booking with full address, name, street, city, zip code; • Contact information and booking reference number required; • Must cover all nights of your planned stay] (Tip: Choose hotels with free cancellation until visa is approvedFor multiple-city trips, provide accommodation for each locationNever submit fake bookings as this leads to refusal and potential ban)

Tour Plan

Detailed day-by-day plan of your activities and movements in Germany and other Schengen countries • Line out the entire intended itinerary in the Schengen area; • Cities you will visit and duration in each; • Planned tourist activities and attractions; • Transportation between cities if visiting multiple locations] (Tip: Apply to the country where you'll spend the most nightsIf equal time in multiple countries, apply to your first point of entry)

Personal Cover Letter

Personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit and who will bear travel costs • Purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, business); • Planned duration and activities; • How you will fund the trip; • Confirmation that you will return to Bangladesh] (Tip: Keep it concise and factual, one page maximumAddress it to the German Embassy DhakaInclude your contact information)

Bank Statements

Original personal bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of statements (minimum requirement); • Should show regular income and stable balance; • Balance should comfortably cover trip costs (minimum €60-100 per day recommended); • Statements must display your name and account number] (Tip: Avoid sudden large deposits just before applyingShow consistent salary credits matching your employment letterInclude DPS, FDR, holding tax payment receipts as additional proof)

Employment Documentation

Evidence of your employment status and income in Bangladesh • Letter from employer on company letterhead with name, address, phone number; • Must include: position, starting date, salary, leave approval dates; • Expected date to resume duties after travel; • Purpose of travel should be mentioned] (Tip: If self-employed: provide trade license from City Corporation/Union ParishadSelf-employed also need: Incorporation Certificate from Registrar of Joint Stock CompanyInclude company bank statements for past 6 months with overdraft limit)

Civil Status Documents

Documents proving your marital and family status • Marriage Certificate if married; • For Muslim marriage: Nikah Nama in Bangla and English (A4 size photocopy); • Divorce certificate (Talak Nama) if divorced; • Death Certificate if widow or widower; • Birth Certificate of your children if applicable] (Tip: All documents must be translated into German or EnglishStrong family ties in Bangladesh help prove intention to return)

Photocopies

Required photocopies to accompany your application • Passport copy of pages containing personal data; • Copy of valid Bangladesh residence permit/visa (for non-Bangladeshi applicants); • Copies of previous Schengen, US, Canada, or UK visas if applicable] (Tip: All photocopies should be in A4 sizePrevious travel to developed countries strengthens your application)

Optional documents

Student Documentation | Documents for Minors

Student Documentation

Proof of enrollment and permission to travel • Proof of enrollment in educational establishment in Bangladesh; • Certificate of leave of absence if travelling during school year; • Certificate should mention full address, telephone number; • Name and function of person granting permission required] (Tip: Parents or guardians typically provide sponsorship for student applicants)

Documents for Minors

Additional documents proving legal parenthood and consent • Birth certificate or proof of adoption; • Custody decree if parents are divorced; • Death certificate of parent if applicable; • Letter of consent from legal guardian; • Passport copies of legal guardian] (Tip: Documents must be translated to German or English)

Comparison

Category	Visa Fee	VFS Service Charge	Total Approximate Cost
Adults	€90 (~৳12,300)	৳2,610	~৳15,000
Children (6-12 years)	€45 (~৳6,200)	৳2,610	~৳8,800
Children (under 6)	Free	৳2,610	~৳2,610

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Intention to Leave Not Ascertained
28%	Insufficient Financial Documentation
15%	Unclear Purpose of Travel
12%	Incomplete or Missing Documents
5%	Invalid Travel Insurance
5%	False or Fraudulent Documents

35% - Intention to Leave Not Ascertained

How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of ties: property ownership, stable employment, family dependents, and ongoing business or educational commitments.

28% - Insufficient Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Maintain stable balance for 6 months showing regular income. Avoid large last-minute deposits. Include FDR, DPS, and other assets.

15% - Unclear Purpose of Travel

How to avoid: Provide detailed day-by-day tour plan with specific destinations, booked accommodations, and clear explanation of why you want to visit.

12% - Incomplete or Missing Documents

How to avoid: Use the official checklist from the German Embassy. Ensure all documents are translated to German or English where required.

5% - Invalid Travel Insurance

How to avoid: Purchase Schengen-specific insurance clearly stating coverage amount and all 29 member states. Credit card insurance is not accepted.

5% - False or Fraudulent Documents

How to avoid: Never submit fake documents. This leads to immediate refusal, potential visa ban, and may affect future applications to any Schengen country.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in Germany on a Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means you can spend a maximum of 90 days across all Schengen countries combined over a rolling 6-month window. You cannot circumvent this by leaving and immediately re-entering.

Can I visit other European countries with a Germany Schengen visa?

Yes! A Schengen visa issued by Germany grants you access to all 29 Schengen member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How long does it take to get a Germany Schengen visa from Bangladesh?

Standard processing is 15 calendar days from when your application reaches the German Embassy. During peak seasons or if additional verification is needed, processing may take longer. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date, but not more than 6 months in advance.

What is the Germany Schengen visa approval rate for Bangladeshi citizens?

As of 2024, Germany approved approximately 44% of Schengen visa applications from Bangladeshi citizens. The overall Schengen rejection rate for Bangladesh was 54.9% in 2024, up from 43.3% in 2023. Thorough documentation and strong ties to Bangladesh are essential for approval.

Where can I apply for a Germany Schengen visa in Bangladesh?

You apply through VFS Global, the official visa application partner. VFS Global operates visa application centers in Dhaka. Book your appointment online through the VFS Global website. The German Embassy Dhaka processes the applications but VFS handles document collection.

How much money should I show in my bank account for a Germany Schengen visa?

There is no fixed minimum, but it is recommended to show at least €60-100 per day of your stay. For a 2-week trip, aim for approximately €840-1,400 (৳1-1.7 lakh). Your bank statements should show stable income and consistent balance over at least 6 months. Large sudden deposits raise red flags.

Do I need to book flights and hotels before getting my visa?

You need flight reservations and hotel bookings, but do not purchase non-refundable tickets before visa approval. Travel agents can provide flight reservation confirmations without full payment. For hotels, choose options with free cancellation policies. Never submit fake bookings as this leads to immediate rejection and potential ban.

What is the visa fee for Germany Schengen visa from Bangladesh?

The Schengen visa fee is €90 (approximately ৳12,300) for adults and €45 (৳6,200) for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee. Additionally, VFS Global charges a service fee of ৳2,610. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

What happens if my Germany Schengen visa is rejected?

If rejected, you will receive a written refusal letter stating the reason. You have two options: submit a new application addressing the deficiencies, or file a lawsuit within one month at the administrative court in Berlin. Note that as of July 2026, the informal remonstration procedure has been abolished. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Germany Schengen visa?

Yes, travel medical insurance is absolutely mandatory. It must have minimum coverage of €30,000, be valid for all 29 Schengen member states, cover your entire stay, and include medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. Credit card medical insurance is NOT accepted. Applications without valid insurance are automatically rejected.

Why does Bangladesh have a high Schengen visa rejection rate?

The high rejection rate (54.9% overall for Schengen in 2024) is primarily due to concerns about applicants' intention to return. Common issues include insufficient proof of financial stability, weak ties to Bangladesh (employment, property, family), incomplete documentation, and unclear travel purposes. Strengthening these areas significantly improves approval chances.

Apply for Germany tourist visa online

Sources

German Embassy Dhaka - Schengen Visa Information

https://dhaka.diplo.de/bd-en/service/1976522-1976522

German Embassy Dhaka - Tourism Visa Requirements

https://dhaka.diplo.de/bd-en/service/2689080-2689080

VFS Global Bangladesh - Germany Visa Application

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/germany/bangladesh/english/

German Embassy Dhaka - Visa Fees

https://dhaka.diplo.de/bd-en/service/2668284-2668284

European Commission - Schengen Visa Statistics 2024

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/visa-applications-reach-117-million-eu-and-schengen-associated-countries-2024-05-20_en

European Commission - Schengen Visa Code

https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en

At a glance