If Germany is your main destination regardless of whether your first entry may be, the visa application can only be submitted to the representation responsible for your place of residence. If you have only recently arrived in Japan and/or are only staying here temporarily or have been here for less than six months or – if applicable - do not have a corresponding Japanese residence permit, you must apply at a diplomatic mission of your previous place of residence.

Consular district of the German Embassy Tokyo:
Aomori, Akita, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaragi, Iwate, Hokkaido, Kanagawa, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokyo, Yamanashi and Yamagata

Consular district of the German Consulate Osaka-Kobe:
Aichi, Ehime, Fukuoka, Fukui, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Ishikawa, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Nara, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Shiga, Shimane, Tokushima, Tottori, Toyama, Yamaguchi, Wakayama

If you are resident in the district of the Embassy Tokyo, it is not possible to apply for a visa at the Consulate General Osaka-Kobe or vice versa.

Application by appointment only (no walk-in, no submitting by post) – even if you have applied before. 

To apply for the visa, you are required to appear in person at the Embassy/Consulate General on the day of the booked appointment. Please note that each applicant/each member of a family must book an appointment. Please book an appointment well in advance.

You can apply for the Schengen visa up to six months prior to your scheduled departure.

If you are living in the jurisdiction of the Embassy in Tokyo:

Visit this link for the appointment system

At the Embassy in Tokyo there is a waiting list, where you register for an appointment request first. This means that you can register for an appointment and the final appointment will then be allocated according to availability and in the order in which registrations are received. The waiting time for an appointment is several weeks and can be up to three months (it changes seasonally according to the demand). Please note, you will not receive a confirmation of your appointment immediately after registering on the list. This can also take several weeks, but you will receive it sometimes shortly before the appointment. Requests for an earlier appointment will not be answered. Likewise, no 

If you are living in the jurisdiction of the Consulate General Osaka-Kobe

Visit this link for the appointment system

Visa fee - 90,00 EUR
payable in Japanese yen in cash (exchange rate according to the official rate of the Embassy/Consulate General)
  or
by Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard only, it will be charged in Euro and additional fees of your bank may apply)

Please carry also cash in case we do not accept your credit card (approx.. 20.000 JPY)

Cash only at the Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe
 

Payment directly at the counter when applying for the visa

More information regarding the visa fee here:

German: Gebühren

Japanese: 手数料

On your application form (VIDEX), you must provide all the details regarding your entry into and stay in Germany. You must complete this form and print it out (once). The printout must contain 3 codes on the last page; otherwise, you have not printed the application correctly. Please ensure you print the application in good quality.

Please sign the application on the relevant pages. The signature must match the one in your passport. Also enter the place and date.

Do you not have a specific first name or surname? In that case, enter your full name as it appears in your passport in the ‘First name’ and ‘Surname’ fields respectively.

Please enter the town or village where you were born in the ‘Place of birth’ field.
If your place of birth is stated in your passport, please enter the same. 
If no place of birth is stated, or if only your current place of residence is mentioned in the passport, please enter your actual place of birth.

For Japanese places of birth, please write the place of birth without the suffix ‘-shi’ or ‘-ku’ (not a prefecture nor a country)

Do not forget to provide your email address. 

If you are a minor, your legal guardians must sign the application and give their consent.

If you are travelling as a family an application for each member has to be filled out and documentation for each family member as well. 

1 × Visa application: VIDEX 

1 × Signed Declaration : consent for returning passport by mail

Print out Videx form AND declaration, state place and date and sign as in your passport

Valid passport (original) and one copy (DIN-A-4)  of the identity page and,
if applicable of the signature page

Passport must

- be valid for at least three months longer than the scheduled return

- have at least two empty pages

- have been issued within the last 10 years

We will keep the passport during the evaluation of your visa application. If you require the passport after application and during the processing procedure, please submit an informal written justification (English/German) at the time of the application and your passport will be returned to you. However, your passport must be sent in upon our request.

Former Schengen Visa
Only if applicable: copies of previous Schengen visa and entry/exit stamps 

One (1) original passport picture 35 x 45 mm

Biometric standard: portrait style, mouth closed, looking directly at the camera,
white background, no older than 6 months
digitally altered passport photos cannot be accepted, print-outs on paper are not accepted

Resolution 600 dpi/sharp and clear photo

(strict requirements, see details)

Japanese residence card (original and one copy of both sides) The validity of the residence card must be at least three months longer than the scheduled return date. Exceptions cannot be made.

Policy valid for all Schengen countries (one copy)

Proof of travel health insurance for the entire stay in Germany/Schengen area and for the requested length of stay. The minimum coverage insured for medical expenses, hospital treatment and costs for repatriation in the event of illness or death must be at least 30,000 EURO/each. The insurance policy must clearly state the requirements and validity for all Schengen countries. If there is written as coverage area only “Germany” or “overseas” it is not accepted. 

For details see Health Insurance for Visa - ドイツ外務省

Return-envelope with your address written on it

Letterpack PLUS (600 yen) – self addressed; Please write your address and telephone number to return your passport on the Letterpack. Currently, only the return of the passport by post is possible. Please keep the tracking number, as we do not inform you about the status of the visa application.

Additional documents needed:

Separate application form / separate appointment for each child:

Applications need to be signed by both parents/all guardians. Should one parent/guardian be unable to sign, please provide additional information and/or notarized declaration of consent in English/German. If sole custody has been awarded to one parent please provide evidence.

Original passports of both parents and one (1) copy or certified copy of the data page of the passports.

Original birth certificate (with apostille/legalization, translated in German or English) of each child and (1) one copy. 

Important travel notices for unaccompanied minors: We strongly recommend that a declaration/ letter of consent (in English) signed by both parents be provided, authorizing the minor to travel and stay in the territory of the Schengen member states and appointing a person who will be responsible for them while travelling.

If providing a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) minors must also be mentioned on the formal obligation letter. 

Additional documents needed:

1 Invitation by the Business Partner in Germany:

A signed invitation letter (copy is sufficient) from the business partner in Germany in German or English language including details of:

• detailed explanation of the planned activities (mentioning work or business meeting is not sufficient). Please see also information further below regarding need of approval of the Federal Employment Agency
• information on the business relationship between the inviting and sending company (same group, inviting company is a supplier or sending company is a supplier, what exactly do the companies trade with each other (machines, equipment, merchandise)), etc.
• if applicable: a guarantee to cover all expenses associated with travel and stay in Germany/Schengen

Attending fair exhibition in Germany

In case you attend a fair in Germany, you need to provide the fair ticket (copy accepted), issued in your name.

Attending conference/seminar in Germany

Personal invitation letter and if applicable payment of participation fee

For international staff exchange or contracts for work and services:

If you are planning on working in Germany on your Schengen Visa, kindly check with the inviting company whether you need a (pre-)approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit!) The (pre-)approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) has to be obtained by the hosting company / institution directly at the Federal Employment Agency and has to be presented when submitting the visa application. The visa section cannot apply for these documents. Be aware that if your visa category requires a (pre-) approval of the Federal Employment Agency (Einvernehmen und / oder Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and you cannot provide us with the same in your application, this justifies grounds for rejection!

Please see information here.

Should you go on a business trip within the same company, we still request a separate letter from each office (Japan and Germany). The invitation has to be signed /sealed by a responsible person.

If you have further appointments in the Schengen area: Signed invitation letter from the Schengen business partner on the company letterhead, mentioning purpose of travel and itinerary and personal data of the applicant

If you have a different purpose for your business trip to Germany you may provide documents and explanation in English accordingly.

2 Business trip confirmation by the company in Japan

In all cases: Original signed/sealed cover letter from the company in Japan on company letterhead in German or English language including details of:

• name of traveller
• passport number of traveller
• date of start of employment
• monthly salary
• purpose of trip and duration of stay
• brief itinerary of the visit
• if applicable: a guarantee to cover all expenses associated with travel and stay in Germany/Schengen

3 Proof of sufficient means of subsistence 

original bank book and one copy of the pages of recent bank account statements from the last six months (bank statements must show the name of the owner). It must be the bank statement that includes your monthly salary payments. We only accept bank statements from a Japanese bank.

If you are the owner of a company, additionally provide the original of the commercial registration and your last income tax payment receipt (with translation in English).
 

4  Proof of accommodation in Germany (Schengen)

Evidence of hotel booking /confirmed hotel reservation including name, address and telephone number of the hotel, confirmation number of the reservation, as well the name of the guest.

If you intend to travel to several Member States, proof of accommodation in each of the Schengen Member States is required, along with a travel itinerary.

5 Proof of transportation

Flight reservation from and to return to Japan: We do not recommend to book any flights until you have received your passport in return – only a flight reservation is necessary. Please note that a booked flight ticket does not result in a preferred processing of the application.

Additional documents needed:

If you are planning to go to Germany without visiting any friends or family or meeting business partners, and only for tourism purposes, please provide in addition to the general requirements following documents:

1 Travel Itinerary

Day-by day itinerary in tabular form with precise details of the planned visits for the entire stay in Germany/Schengen.

2 Reference letter from your employer (one original and one copy)

Reference letter must contain your name, your monthly salary, date of start of employment at the company, and the approval of your holiday. Please note, that teleworking from Germany for your company is employment and is not permitted with a Schengen visa.

- if you are a student = student confirmation of the university;
- if you are the owner of a company = original of the commercial registration and your last income taxpayment receipt (translated in English);
- if you are a housewife/househusband = job letter of your husband/wife and proof of marriage, as well as passport copy of husband/wife. 

Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey: 

- Original of bank book and one (1) copy of the pages of recent bank account statements during the last six months (bank statements must show the name of the owner) – only statement of accounts of a Japanese bank or a German bank are accepted. Deposit bank accounts are not accepted. Please provide a bank statement which include your monthly salary payments/ income.

- Additional: If you are the owner of a company, your companies last income tax payment receipt (with translation in English).

OR

- If your spouse/parents financially support you, for example you do not work yourself, please provide your certificate of marriage/ relationship (in English or German) and your spouse’s bank statements showing movements over the last three months and a written and signed confirmation of support by your spouse/parents. A copy of passport of your spouse has to be provided as well.

3 Proof of accommodation in Germany (Schengen)

Evidence of hotel booking /confirmed hotel reservation including name, address and telephone number of the hotel, confirmation number of the reservation, as well the name of the guest.

If you intend to travel to several Member States, proof of accommodation in each of the Schengen Member States is required.

4 Proof of transportation

Flight reservation from and to return to Japan: We do not recommend to book any flights until you have received your passport in return – only a flight reservation is necessary. Please note that a booked flight ticket does not result in a preferred processing of the application

Additional documents needed:

If you are married to a German citizen or if you have children with German citizenship and you would like to travel together with your German spouse / child for holiday purpose (not for permanent stay) and you would need a visa, please note: 

Family members of German nationals travelling to Germany are not covered by the rules on Freedom of Movement as defined by article 3 (1) of Directive 2004/38/EC. We will, however, facilitate their applications to the extent permissible under community law. Therefor the same documents as for visiting friends/family have to be presented. In order to apply free of charge for the visa you need to present the German Marriage certificate and a passport copy of your spouse. 

1 Invitation letter 
A letter of invitation (copy sufficient) of your host/friend/relative  in Germany stating your name, the duration of your stay, and confirming where you will stay - and copy of passport of the invitee.

2 Reference letter from your employer (one original and one copy)

Reference letter must contain your name, your monthly salary, date of start of employment at the company, and the approval of your holiday. Please note, that teleworking from Germany for your company is employment and is not permitted with a Schengen visa.

If you are a student:

Current confirmation about your student status by your university – Original and one (1) copy, If travelling not during semester break, absence authorization or if studies completed, written explanation regarding your future plans or confirmation by your future employer regarding start of employment. 

If you are the owner of a company = original of the commercial registration and your last income taxpayment receipt (translated in English).
If you are a housewife/househusband = job letter of your husband/wife and proof of marriage, as well as passport copy of husband/wife. 

3 Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey 

- Original of bank book and one (1) copy of the pages of recent bank account statements during the last six months (bank statements must show the name of the owner) – only statement of accounts of a Japanese bank or a German bank are accepted. Deposit bank accounts are not accepted. Please provide a bank statement which include your monthly salary payments/ income.

- Additional: If you are the owner of a company, your companies last income tax payment receipt (with translation in English).

OR

- If your spouse/parents financially support you, for example you do not work yourself, please provide your certificate of marriage/ relationship (in Japanese, English, German) and your spouse’s bank statements (we only accept Japenese or German bank account statements) showing movements over the last three months and a written and signed confirmation of support by your spouse/parents. A copy of passport of your spouse/parents has to be provided as well.

OR

- If you do not have enough sufficient funds or low income: formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung). 

This formal obligation letter can be obtained by the invitee or person living in Germany at the local immigration office in Germany (Ausländerbehörde). Please provide original and one (1) copy of front/back page.

4 Proof of transportation

Flight reservation from and to return to Japan: We do not recommend to book any flights until you have received your passport in return – only a flight reservation is necessary. Please note that a booked flight ticket does not result in a preferred processing of the application

Additional documents needed:

If you are going to Germany for research purposes and stay less than 90 days within 180 days you may apply for a Schengen visa.

1 Invitation
Official invitation (copy sufficient) by the university/institution in Germany, mentioning your name, date of stay, exact purpose of stay and if applicable: a guarantee to cover all expenses associated with travel and stay in Germany/Schengen

2 Agreement of your university/institution 
Official confirmation (original) of your university/institution in Japan, mentioning your name, your salary, your position, and confirmation of your research stay in Germany, if applicable: a guarantee to cover all expenses associated with travel and stay in Germany/Schengen

3 Master or Doctoral degree 
Copy of your master or doctoral degree (in English language)

4 Proof of sufficient means of subsistence 
Original bank book and one copy of the pages of recent bank account statements from the last six months (bank statements must show the name of the owner). It must be the bank statement that includes your monthly salary payments. We only accept bank statements from a Japanese bank.

If you receive a scholarship, provide proof accordingly

5 Proof of accommodation in Germany (Schengen)
Evidence of hotel booking /confirmed hotel reservation including name, address and telephone number of the hotel, confirmation number of the reservation, as well the name of the guest.

If you intend to travel to several Member States, proof of accommodation in each of the Schengen Member States is required.

6 Proof of transportation
Flight reservation from and to return to Japan: We do not recommend to book any flights until you have received your passport in return – only a flight reservation is necessary. Please note that a booked flight ticket does not result in a preferred processing of the application

As a rule, missions require up to 15 calendar days to reach a decision on a correct application for a Schengen visa. During peak travel seasons there may be a waiting period for making an application to a German mission. You may apply for a Schengen visa at the earliest six months before your intended travel dates. 
In case we requested further documents you need to check the spam folder of your e-mail account regularly. 

The processing status cannot be viewed online. Upon conclusion of the procedure, we return the passport without notice. Please keep the tracking number of the Letterpack you submit on the day of your appointment and verify by yourself, if the passport is on the way back to you.
Please note, that we do not respond to inquiries regarding the status of the visa application. 

Please note, that it takes about THREE WEEKS to process visa applications of citizens of following countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya , Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, the Philippines, Russian Federation, Saudi-Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, as well as Palestinians, stateless persons and refugees holding travel documents issued by one of the listed countries.

According to the Schengen Agreement, Schengen-visa, issued by a mission of one of the following countries are valid for travel to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. However, you always have to apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the country of your main destination.

As soon as you receive your visa, please make sure that all the information it contains is correct. Find more information here.

If a visa application is refused, the applicant will be informed of the reasons for the refusal. Any applicant has the right to appeal against the decision of the diplomatic mission.

Abolition of the appeal procedure as of 1 July 2025

The Federal Foreign Office has decided to abolish the appeal procedure against visa refusals worldwide as of 1 July 2025. This removes a legal remedy in the visa procedure that was not provided for by law and had hitherto been granted on a voluntary basis.

Appropriate legal protection will continue to be guaranteed in future, as the statutory legal remedies will not be curtailed by the abolition of the appeal procedure. Furthermore, all applicants naturally retain the option of submitting a new visa application at any time in the event of a refusal.

More information on the visa refusal letter.