Travelling to...

GERMANY

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Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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Visa

A visa for Germany is an official document that allows a foreigner to enter, stay, or live in Germany for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunification. It is usually stamped in your passport and must be obtained before traveling, unless your country is part of the visa-free Schengen agreement.

Countries part of the Schengen Agreement:

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Croatia

  • Czech Republic

  • Denmark

  • Estonia

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Hungary

  • Iceland

  • Italy

  • Latvia

  • Liechtenstein

  • Lithuania

  • Luxembourg

  • Malta

  • Netherlands

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • Spain

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

Do you need a Visa?

If you're visiting Germany for tourism, business, or visiting friends/family for up to 90 days, you may need a Schengen Visa, unless your country is part of the list visa-exempt countries.

Schengen Visa and How to apply

Since you need a Schengen Visa, here is a quick explanation of what it is and how to apply for it:

What is a Schengen Visa:

  • A Schengen visa is a permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days to country in the Schengen area

Documents needed to apply for a Schengen Visa:

  • Valid passport

  • Visa application form

  • Travel itinerary

  • Proof of funds

  • Travel health insurance

  • Invitation letter (if you are visiting family/friends)

How to apply for a Schengen Visa:

  • Book an appointment with the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country

  • Submit the documents mentioned above and pay a visa fee of 80 euro

  • Attend an interview if asked to

  • Wait for approval (approval times are between 7-15 days)

Renting

If you are visiting Germany for a holiday or short stay, you have several accommodation options. However, traditional long term rentals usually require residency proof and a German bank account, which is difficult to get as a tourist

Options for renting in Germany

    • Most convenient option

    • No rental agreement required

    • Prices vary depending on location and season

    • Price differs depending on the city you are staying in

    • Fully furnished apartments or houses

    • Often cheaper than hotels for longer stays

    • Flexible booking

    • Prices differ depending on the city you are staying in

    • Cheapest option for solo travelers

    • Share or Private rooms available

    • Located in major cities and touristy areas

    • some locals rent rooms for short stays

    • May require a security deposit (Kaution)

Driving & Transportation

Germany has one of the best and well-developed transportation systems in the world, with high speed trains, efficient buses and world-renowned highway system, the Autobahn, with no speed limit.

Whether you are planning to drive or use the public transportation system, this section will go in detail about everything you need to know about it!

Public Transportation in Germany

    • Germany has an extensive train network. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates both intercity and regional trains.

    • The ICE (InterCityExpress) trains are high-speed and connect major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

    • Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or through the DB app.

    • Buses and trams serve most cities and towns.

    • You can buy tickets from ticket machines at stations or on the bus/tram.

    • Monthly passes are available for commuters.

    • Most major cities have a U-Bahn (subway) system for fast travel within the city.

    • Tickets for the U-Bahn are sold at ticket machines or via mobile apps.

    • Day passes and weekly/monthly tickets are available for frequent travelers.

    • Germany is bike-friendly, and many cities have dedicated bike lanes. You can also rent bikes through services like Lime or Donkey Republic.

    • Cycle paths are well-marked, and it’s common to use a bicycle for commuting short distances.

Renting a Car in Germany

If you visiting Germany, and want to rent a car, here is a quick breakdown of what you need:

What do I need to rent a Car?

  • Most rental companies require you to be 21+, some allow you to be 18+, but you might get charged extra

  • EU/EEA License

  • NON-EU Licenses eg, USA, UK, Canada or Australia are accepted for 6 months

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or German

  • Passport

  • Credit Card