Germany Visa Document Checklist from Türkiye (2026)
Compiled from official consulate/provider lists and the EU harmonised list for Türkiye. For a list filtered to your case use the checklist generator.
Appointment system (iDATA): Chronological waiting list: you register with iDATA, a date is assigned by e-mail and must be confirmed within 48 hours. Waits of up to 11 months are reported by the embassy.[1][2]
General documents (everyone)
- Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form[3]
Germany: Prepare it with VIDEX; also sign the § 54 AufenthG declaration.[4][5] - Passport: issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months after leaving Schengen[3][5][6][7]
Germany: One copy each of visas held in the last 10 years (Schengen, EU, UK, USA, Canada) and of the passport.[4] - Biometric photo (ICAO standard, taken within the last 6 months)[3][5]
Germany: 35 x 45 mm.[5] - Travel medical insurance: valid in the whole Schengen area for the whole stay, at least €30,000 cover, incl. emergency care, hospital and repatriation (incl. death)[5][6][7][8]
Germany: Original + copy. Reimbursement-only-after-return policies are not enough; age limits must not reduce cover.[5] - Visa fee (general rule: €90 from age 12, €45 for ages 6–12) plus the service provider fee[3]
Germany: Turkish children aged 6–11 are exempt. iDATA service fee €39.92; visa fee in cash EUR.[5] - Transport reservation (return flight etc.) or travel itinerary – a paid ticket is not required[9][6]
- Complete civil registry extract – Tam Tekmil Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği (e-Devlet, with barcode/QR)[9][4][6][8]
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or other proof)[9][6]
- Means of subsistence: bank statement for the last 3 months (showing regular income) and proof of income (e.g. last 3 payslips)[9][6]
Additional: Employee
- Employer letter / leave approval: addressed consulate, name and passport no., start date and job title, length of leave (paid/unpaid), employer contact details, signer’s name and position[9][6]
- SGK employment declaration (Sigortalı İşe Giriş Bildirgesi) and SGK registration and service record with readable QR code[9][6]
- Payslips for the last 3 months[9][4]
Additional: Self-employed / company owner
- Chamber of commerce registration and copy of the Trade Registry Gazette[9][6]
- Tax payment statement / tax plate (vergi levhası)[9][8]
- Company activity certificate (Faaliyet Belgesi); farmers: chamber of agriculture certificate[9][6]
Additional: Student
- Student certificate (higher education: YÖK certificate with readable QR code)[9][6]
- If family pays: sponsorship letter, sponsor’s ID copy and financial documents, civil registry showing the family tie[8][7]
Additional: Retired
By purpose: Tourism
By purpose: Business
- Invitation from the company in the destination country (purpose and length of visit)[9]
Germany: Original; inviting company’s name and full address, dates, purpose, who covers costs. Plus German trade register extract not older than 6 months.[10] - Letter from the sending company in Türkiye (incl. purpose and length of stay) and who covers the costs[9]
- Company bank account statement for the last 3 months[9]
- For trade fairs: entry card or participation documents[9]
By purpose: Visiting family or friends
- Invitation (if relevant): length of stay, relationship, inviter’s ID/residence number, date and signature[9][11]
Germany: If a formal Verpflichtungserklärung is used it must be under 6 months old at application, original; otherwise an informal invitation with the details above + your own financial proof. Not needed yet when joining the waiting list.[11] - Proof of family ties (if relevant, and not already shown by the civil registry extract)[9][11][7]
- Proof of sponsorship and/or accommodation (some states require a national form)[9]
By purpose: Student (course / exchange under 90 days)
- Original invitation/admission letter from the university or research centre (programme, start and end dates)[9][7]
- If funded by an EU programme: letter from the Turkish National Agency or TÜBİTAK[9][7]
Special cases
- Minor travelling alone or with one parent: notarised consent of the non-travelling parent(s) or notarised proof of sole custody[9][6]
- Turkish residence permit valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen[9][6][7]
Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before travel. Standard processing is 15 days, up to 45 days if needed. Consulates may ask for more documents; submitting everything does not guarantee a visa.[3][5]
Study, work or family reunification beyond 90 days needs the country’s national (D) visa, not a Schengen (C) visa. This tool covers short stays (C) only.[12][7]
Last checked: 17 Oct 2026