How to invite Parents from India to Germany


Inviting your parents from India to visit you in Germany requires several steps, including booking an appointment, gathering documents for a visitor visa (Schengen Visa) application, providing proof of your status in Germany, and ensuring that you meet the financial requirements to sponsor their trip. Here's a detailed guide:

Invite parents to Germany

Process for Visa Application


Step 1: Obtain an Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklärung)

The Obligation Letter, also known as a Verpflichtungserklärung, is a necessary document for visa applications. To obtain this document, visit your local Ausländerbehörde (Foreigner's Office) or Bürgerbüro (Citizen's Office) in your city. In some cities you can get this document by applying online through the Bürgerbüro website. Typically, the fee for this document is around €30, but this may vary by city.

After you receive this document, you must submit the original document to your parents because they have to submit the original document during their visa appointment at the VFS center or Consulate/Embassy in India. The document remains valid for six months from the date of issue. If you plan to send the document from Germany to India by courier, ensure it is dispatched at least four weeks before your appointment, as delivery times can range from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the courier service and the destination. Once the visa is processed, you will receive the Verpflichtungserklärung along with the passport. Please carry this document when entering into Germany because the authorities may ask for it.


Step 2: Schedule Your VFS Appointment

Once you have the Obligation Letter(Verpflichtungserklärung), you can proceed to book your visa appointment through the VFS Global website. Be sure to allow a buffer of 20-30 days from the date of booking to gather all required documents and make necessary preparations. This planning ensures you have ample time to prepare all your paperwork for submission. Please note that appointments can be postponed once if necessary, but they cannot be preponed.

Link for VFS appointment VFS.Global


Step 3: Filling out the VFS Application

Complete your visa application online using the VIDEX portal. There are two types of forms available:

  1. VIDEX-Langfristiger-Aufenthalt - For long-term stays
  2. VIDEX-Kurzfristiger-Aufenthalt - For short-term stays

Carefully review all the information you enter, as any errors could cause issues in processing. Once the form is filled, download and print it, and arrange your supporting documents according to the checklist provided by the German consulates. You can find the checklist on the India Diplo website (https://india.diplo.de)


Step 4: Required letters


Cover letter

A personal covering letter, also referred to as Proof of Intended Means of Transport and Itinerary, is a crucial document in the visa application process. This letter outlines the purpose of the traveler’s visit, the funds available or sponsorship for the trip, and transportation details such as flight reservations and accommodation bookings.

    The personal covering letter serves several purposes:
      a.It helps visa officers verify the authenticity of the traveler's plans.
      b.It demonstrates that the trip is well-organized, with clear details on transportation and accommodation.
      c.It explains the applicant’s intent to return home, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visit.

Including a clear and detailed covering letter significantly increases the chances of visa approval by providing the necessary context for the traveler's application.

A sample cover letter


Cover Letter Sample

Disclaimer: Please note that while this covering letter format worked for me and my friends, it does not guarantee that it perfectly meets the specific requirements of the visa officer handling your application. It is always advisable to check with the relevant consulate or visa center for any additional guidelines or specific requirements.

Invitation letter

An original signed invitation letter from a family member or friend in Germany is a crucial document for a visa application. This letter must include the host’s full details, such as their name, address, and contact information. It should also state the intended period of the applicant’s stay and include proof of the host’s legal residence in Germany, such as a copy of their passport, national ID card, and, if applicable, their residence permit.
Additionally, the invitation letter should clearly mention the traveler’s full name, passport number, the purpose of the trip, and a brief itinerary outlining the planned visit. This ensures clarity, transparency, and authenticity regarding the applicant’s travel plans.

A sample invitation letter


Inviation Letter Sample

Disclaimer: Please note that while this invitation letter format worked for me and my friends, it does not guarantee that it perfectly meets the specific requirements of the visa officer handling your application. It is always advisable to check with the relevant consulate or visa center for any additional guidelines or specific requirements.


Step 5: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa. Many companies in India, such as Reliance Insurance, HDFC, and ICICI, offer this type of coverage. Alternatively, you can purchase travel insurance in Germany, which may simplify the process of receiving assistance in case of emergencies. Consider using ADAC (Auslandskrankenversicherung), which provides both travel and medical insurance. If your visa is rejected, ADAC offers a refund after deducting a small fee. Additionally, if you need to adjust your travel dates, ADAC allows you to modify the insurance coverage period accordingly. Before purchasing insurance, please check the minimum coverage amount required in the visa checklist.


Step 6: Booking Travel Tickets

We need to submit the flight itinerary during the visa appointment. It is usually advised to book, but not purchase the actual flight tickets before the visa is approved. A travel itinerary or reservation is sufficient for the application process. There are several online platforms where you can purchase dummy flight tickets for visa purposes. Make sure that you have the travel itinerary at the latest 1-2 days before your visa appointment. A booked flight ticket does not guarantee expedited processing of the application.


Step 7: Visa Photo Specifications

Ensure that your visa photos meet the required specifications. The embassy provides guidelines in the "Sample-Photos-Data.pdf" file, which you can find online. Two photographs are usually required for submission, but it is a good idea to carry extra copies just in case.


Step 8: Visa Fee Details

You will need to pay the visa fee at VFS or Consulate on the day of your appointment. The current visa fee for a Schengen visa can be found on the official VFS website (Visa fees for Schengen Visa). Please note that this fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.


Step 9: Tracking Your Visa Application

Once your visa application has been submitted, you can track its status online through the VFS website (VFS-Passport-Tracking). The passport tracking link provided by VFS will allow you to stay updated on your application’s progress.


Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful preparation and organization. From obtaining the Obligation Letter to booking your appointment, ensuring you have the right documents and travel insurance is key to a smooth process. By following these steps, you can navigate the Schengen visa application with confidence and plan your travels accordingly.