A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
Prepare your application
Apply to the country of your main destination, normally through the mission responsible for your legal residence. For equal-length stays, check the first-entry rule.
Submit through the official channel
Use the official Schengen application guide. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
What this route costs, and how long a decision takes.
What it costs
Amounts are published separately. If more than one charge applies to your trip, add them; if they are versions of the same permission, only the one you apply for is charged.
- Visa fee
- EUR 90
- Visa fee
- EUR 45
- Visa fee
- Free
The amounts shown are standard consular visa fees for the passport and age listed. Some applicant categories may qualify for a waiver, and individual Schengen countries may waive fees for some children aged 6 to 17. An application centre may charge a separate service fee. Confirm the amount, payment currency and any exemption with the consulate or application centre handling your case.
Read the official fee guidancePublished government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay. Additional service or payment charges may apply.
15–45 calendar days
Normally 15 days after submission; up to 45 days for further examination. Appointment availability and passport return are separate.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Your short-stay allowance in Schengen area
Check your proposed visit against the 90-in-180-day rule. Include all previous short visits within Schengen area.
Details that can change your plans
Already hold a visa or residence permit?
A valid Schengen visa, residence permit or qualifying family-member status can change the documents you need. Confirm the rules for the permission you hold.
Official guidanceEES records your biometrics at the Schengen border
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational at the external borders of all 29 Schengen countries. If you are a non-EU national making a short stay, EES records your passport details, facial image and fingerprints, along with your entry and exit information. You do not apply for EES in advance; registration takes place at the border. For travelers registered in EES, the digital record replaces passport stamping. Exemptions include some people with a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a participating country. Check the linked official EU guidance for the full list. EES does not replace a visa you need or guarantee entry.
Official guidancePractical tips for Germany
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Plan for visa biometrics
For a first Schengen visa application, attend in person for a photo and ten fingerprints. Fingerprints recorded for an earlier application within the previous 59 months are normally reused, but the consulate may collect them again if identity is in doubt or the earlier record cannot be confirmed. Applicants under 12 and people physically unable to provide fingerprints are exempt from fingerprinting; limited official-delegation exemptions also apply. Follow the responsible consulate or visa centre’s appointment instructions.
Apply within the visa application window
File no earlier than six months before your intended trip and, as a rule, at least 15 calendar days before departure; a consulate may allow later filing in a justified urgent case. You may need an appointment before filing. The Visa Code says appointments should as a rule take place within two weeks of request, but check your responsible consulate or visa centre for local availability.
Germany at a glance
- Capital
- Berlin
- Currency
- EUR
- Calling code
- +49
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Iraq need a visa for Germany?
For tourism in Germany, travelers using an ordinary passport from Iraq should obtain a visa before travel. Apply to the country of your main destination, normally through the mission responsible for your legal residence. For equal-length stays, check the first-entry rule. The published short-visit limit is 90 days in any 180-day period; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Germany?
The short-visit limit is 90 days in any 180-day period. Count all your short visits to Schengen area together, including both arrival and departure days. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
At least 3 months after planned departure. Issued within the last 10 years.
How much is the government fee?
EUR 90 per person (ages 12+). Additional service or payment charges apply. EUR 45 per person (ages 6–11). Additional service or payment charges apply. No fee to pay. Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long does a decision take?
15–45 calendar days. Normally 15 days after submission; up to 45 days for further examination. Appointment availability and passport return are separate.
What fees apply for a Germany visitor visa?
The amounts shown are standard consular visa fees for the passport and age listed. Some applicant categories may qualify for a waiver, and individual Schengen countries may waive fees for some children aged 6 to 17. An application centre may charge a separate service fee. Confirm the amount, payment currency and any exemption with the consulate or application centre handling your case.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open the official Schengen application guide
Apply to the country of your main destination, normally through the mission responsible for your legal residence. For equal-length stays, check the first-entry rule.
Check Schengen entry documents
Passport conditions and supporting evidence for border checks.
Read Germany's official entry guidance
The Federal Foreign Office explains when officials may request proof of funds and that there is no fixed daily rate.
See Germany's funds reference
The European Commission's Germany section explains the individual assessment and the €45-per-day fallback; it is not a universal fixed daily rate.
Use the official Schengen calculator
Count previous visits across the whole area.
Confirm Schengen nationality rules
Visa-required and visa-exempt passport lists.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correctionhttps://visadir.com/requirements/germany/iraq