When it fits
Visiting a family member or friend living in Germany for up to 90 days. The inviter's situation in Germany and the invitation document are central.
GERMANY · VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Visiting family and friends: the invitation and the tie matter.
To visit your family or friends in Germany, you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) for a visit purpose. This guide explains the difference between the formal undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung) and an informal invitation, and the features of a visit application, based on official sources.
Prepared for people applying from Türkiye for a visit. Conditions can vary with your citizenship, residence and your relationship to the inviter.
GERMANY / DEUTSCHLAND
The invitation and proof of ties are the core.
Short answer
A visit visa is a short-stay Schengen visa to see a relative in Germany (up to 90 days in 180). In addition to the core documents, you need either the original formal undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung) issued by the inviter at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany, or an informal invitation letter containing specific details. In this period, the waiting time in the visit category can run to several months. Elite Leader is not an official authority; this page is informational.
- Visa type
- Schengen C · visit purpose
- Maximum stay
- 90 days in 180
- Invitation
- Formal undertaking or informal invitation
- Undertaking age
- No older than 6 months at application
- Processing time
- Usually 15 days, up to 45 in exceptional cases
- Waiting
- Can be several months in the visit category
Who is this page for?
A visit purpose is confirmed by the inviter and your tie to them. A holiday trip and business travel are on separate pages.
When another page applies
Family reunification beyond 90 days falls under the national (D) visa and the residence category. For a holiday trip use the tourist visa, and for business the business visa.
Two invitation routes
The invitation is submitted either with a formal undertaking issued at the Ausländerbehörde or with an informal invitation letter containing specific details.
Settle these before applying
The undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung)
The inviter obtains the undertaking at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany. The original is presented at application and must be no older than 6 months. It need not be ready at the moment of waiting-list registration.
The informal invitation alternative
If there is no undertaking, submit an informal invitation stating the planned stay duration, your relationship to the inviter, the inviter's passport/ID number and any residence title, the date and signature.
Proof of family tie
If the invitation is within the family, proof of the relationship is needed unless the civil-registry extract already shows it.
Application steps
Choose the invitation route
Will the inviter obtain an undertaking, or will an informal invitation be submitted? Prepare accordingly.
Complete the form and register
Fill in the short-stay application form via VIDEX and register on iDATA's 'Visit' waiting list.
Gather the invitation and relationship documents
Prepare the original undertaking or the informal invitation, plus (if within the family) proof of the relationship.
Complete the core documents
Add the passport, biometric photo, insurance, accommodation, financial documents and the civil-registry extract.
Apply and give biometrics
Apply in person at the appointment; fingerprints are taken for applicants over 12.
Documents specific to the visit purpose
The following are in addition to the core documents. For the common list, see the required documents page.
invitation
- Undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung)The original document the inviter obtains at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany; no older than 6 months at application.
- Informal invitation (alternative)Stay duration, relationship, the inviter's passport/ID number and residence status, date and signature.
relationship
- Proof of family tieNeeded for within-family invitations if the civil-registry extract does not show the relationship.
accommodation
- Proof of accommodationStaying at the inviter's address via the undertaking; otherwise a hotel booking or other accommodation proof.
Document lists can be updated by official sources; check the relevant official page before you apply.
Fees and charges
The visit application fee is the same as the tourist one.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | 90 EUR | Turkish nationals under 12 are exempt. |
| iDATA service fee | 39.92 EUR | Paid in TRY at application. |
For the full fee breakdown, see the visa fees page.
Points to watch on a visit application
- Where the invitation is issuedThe undertaking is issued at the Ausländerbehörde where the inviter lives; the inviter's cooperation is needed.
- Intention to returnA visit visa is for a temporary stay; ties that support your intention to return at the end of the trip (work, family, residence) matter.
- No guaranteeComplete documents do not mean approval; the mission decides.
Visit visa questions
What is the undertaking (Verpflichtungserklärung)?
It is the official document in which the inviter in Germany declares that they assume the visitor's costs. It is issued at the Ausländerbehörde, submitted as an original, and must be no older than 6 months at application.
Can I apply without an undertaking?
Yes. Instead of the undertaking you can submit an informal invitation stating the stay duration, the relationship, the inviter's passport/ID number and residence status, the date and signature.
How long is the wait for a visit visa?
In the visit category the pre-appointment wait can run to several months in this period; processing itself usually takes 15 days. Early planning matters.
Is proof of the family tie required?
For within-family invitations, proof of the relationship is requested unless the civil-registry extract already shows it.
Sources and verification
The official pages below were checked on 2 November 2026.
- Visa for a visit — German missions in Türkiye Current information and application Schengen visa FAQ VIDEX — online application form
Elite Leader Consultancy · last official check: November 2, 2026
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