Welcome to the “Land of Poets and Thinkers”
To enter and stay as a tourist in the land of “poets and thinkers” that is Germany, the primary consideration that must be shown by the potential visitor is that his presence will not prejudice nor endanger the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. As long as this consideration is proven by the potential foreign visitor, he is almost assured of the approval of his application.
Other requirements
There are other requirements that the applicant must comply. Thus, he or she must likewise prove that he has adequate funds for his sustenance and other needs while staying in the country, and that there is no need to obtain financial assistance from the government coffers. In case the applicant does not possess the financial capability to finance his stay in Germany, he is allowed, under German immigration laws, to ask assistance from a host resident.
All that the host resident has to do is execute a pledge that he will cover all potential expenses which may be incurred by the foreign visitors, including food and shelter.
Where to file application
The applicant may submit the visa application with the attached requirements at the German mission (embassy or consulate-general) operating in the former’s area of residence. German missions usually process the application for short stays, such as a tourist visa, within two (2) to ten (10) working days. For longer stays, as in the case of permits for gainful employments, the processing may take several months.
The approval or denial of applications for entry in Germany does not fall under the discretion of the Federal Republic of Germany but falls under the jurisdiction of the particular German embassy or consulate where the application is filed.
Ninety (90) day maximum stay
In arriving at a decision on whether to approve or deny the application, the German mission will take into account the applicant’s willingness and ability to return to his home country upon expiration of the visa issued to him. If the tourist visa is granted by the German mission, the maximum period of stay allowed to foreigners is ninety (90) days. Under the law, it is the German missions abroad that has sole jurisdiction to decide on these matters. Thus, these issues are resolved based on the supporting documents filed by the applicant.
Thus, if the documents presented by the applicant show enough foundation to issue a visa valid for more than ninety (90) days, then said German mission is authorized to issue a visa longer than that normally provided for.
Examples of these are annual or multi-annual visas which are valid for one or more years, and which are issued only to foreigners who have already been to Germany or the other nearby states for several times. German missions abroad particularly think that these visa holders are trustworthy and responsible visitors. Notwithstanding the length of validity of the visa, the holders thereof are still limited to a period of three months stay for every six months.
