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Family visit · Germany

Visit family in Germany from Nepal: Schengen visa

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Decision time

15 days normally, up to 45

After the embassy takes your application. Getting the appointment can take 4 to 6 weeks.

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Visa fee

€90

Adults. Children aged 6 to 11 pay €45. Paid in Nepali rupees, in cash, at the embassy. Not refunded if refused.

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How long you can stay

90 days in any 180

A Schengen visa covers all Schengen countries, not only Germany.

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Money to show

Your own funds, or a sponsor's formal obligation

If someone sponsors you, the embassy asks for a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung), original and copy.

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A family visit to Germany uses the same Schengen visa as a holiday. The difference is the paperwork from your host, so start with that.

  1. Ask your host for an invitation

    The letter comes from Germany and includes your itinerary.

  2. Settle who pays

    If your host sponsors you, they arrange a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) in Germany. The embassy needs the original and a copy.

  3. Prove the family link

    Get a Certificate of Relationship, no older than 6 months, and bring civil-status documents.

  4. Join the embassy waiting list

    Follow the same appointment process as tourists, and apply at least 15 days before you travel.

Key rules to know

RuleWhat it means
Invitation

Letter from your host in Germany

It should include your travel itinerary.

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If your host pays

Formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung)

Under §§ 66-68 of the German Residence Act. The embassy needs the original and a copy.

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Host's residence permit

Copy, if your host is not a German citizen

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Proof of relationship

Certificate of Relationship, max 6 months old

Needed when the inviting person is family. A marriage certificate and your children's birth certificates can prove civil status.

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Apply at least

15 days before you travel

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Where to apply from Nepal

Applications from Nepal go through these offices.

  • Kathmandu

    German Embassy Kathmandu (apply directly, join the appointment waiting list)

    Official page

Schengen visa

One visa for the whole Schengen area

Germany, Finland and Sweden all issue the same short-stay Schengen visa. These rules apply to all three. Each country has its own place to apply and its own extra documents.

RuleWhat it means
Maximum stay

90 days in any 180-day period

Across the whole Schengen area. A Schengen visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry.

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Fee

€90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 12

A service fee may be added if you apply through a visa service centre such as VFS.

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Normal processing time

15 days, up to 45 if more checks are needed

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When to apply

At least 15 days before, no more than 6 months before

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Where to apply

The country where you will spend the longest time

If you stay equally long in several countries, apply to the first one you visit.

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Travel insurance

At least €30,000, valid in all Schengen states

It must cover emergency medical care, hospital treatment and repatriation.

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Entry is not guaranteed

Border police make the final decision

Carry copies of your invitation, bookings and insurance.

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Common questions

What is a Verpflichtungserklärung?
A formal obligation letter from your sponsor in Germany under §§ 66-68 of the German Residence Act. The German Embassy Kathmandu asks for the original and a copy if someone sponsors your visit.
What proves I am related to my host?
A Certificate of Relationship that is no more than 6 months old. You can also bring marriage and birth certificates to show civil status.
Does my host need a German passport?
No, but if your host is not a German citizen the embassy asks for a copy of their German residence permit.
Is the fee different for family visits?
The fee is €90 for adults. Spouses of German or EU nationals and children under six are processed free of charge.

More for this country

Visit Germany

Tourist visa

Apply directly at the German Embassy in Kathmandu: €90 fee, appointment waiting list and documents.

Fee
€90
Stay
90 days in any 180

Study in Germany

Planning to study instead?

See the student visa, costs and work rules.

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Free checklist

Germany family visit document checklist

A tick-off list of every document, built from the official rules. Free to read online, with a printable PDF.

Open the checklist

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