Germany visa requirements for Ethiopians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Ethiopians visiting Germany

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a German Visa.

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • 2 recently taken passport-size photographs, taken with a light background and conforming fully to the German visa photo requirements specifications.
  • An original passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date, is required. 
  • A round-trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry into and exit from Germany.
  • Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 within Germany and the entire Schengen Area to cover for expenses for personal accident, urgent medical treatment or any other medical emergencies.
  • A cover letter, including your itinerary, stating the purpose of your visit to Germany.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
  • Proof of financial sufficiency for your travel expenses.
  • Proof of paid visa fee. €60 for adults and €35 for children from 6 to 12 years old.

Germany Visa for Ethiopians

Facts about Germany

Visiting Germany is a vacation worth taking for every traveler. Asides from being one of the safest travel destinations in the world, the country is rich in history, culture, outdoor activities, and of course its cities. The country is home to the world’s leading trade fairs, the ITB Berlin. Also, the Oktoberfest which takes place in Munich between September and October is one of the main events which draws a lot of tourists to the country. The Oktoberfest draws as much as 6 million tourists to the country yearly. Tourists in the country also have the liberty of engaging in winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding, and cross-country skiing in various regions in the country.
 
Germany is the ninth most visited country in the world. In 2012, over 30.4 million international tourists visited the country bringing over $38 billion in international tourism. The tourism industry is responsible for contributing 4.5% of the German GDP and provides 2 million jobs. The number of visitors is expected to increase significantly in the years to come.

Types of Germany Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 2 weeks 90 days
Business visa 2 weeks 90 days
Medical visa 2 weeks 90 days
Student visa 2 weeks More than 90 days
Work visa 2 weeks More than 90 days

General Requirements for Germany Visa

  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • 2 recently taken passport-size photographs, taken with a light background and conforming fully to the German visa photo requirements specifications.
  • An original passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date, is required. 
  • A round-trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry into and exit from Germany.
  • Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 within Germany and the entire Schengen Area to cover for expenses for personal accident, urgent medical treatment or any other medical emergencies.
  • A cover letter, including your itinerary, stating the purpose of your visit to Germany.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
  • Proof of financial sufficiency for your travel expenses.
  • Proof of paid visa fee. €60 for adults and €35 for children from 6 to 12 years old.
Germany Tourist visa Germany Business visa Germany Medical visa Germany Student visa Germany Work visa

Germany Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Ethiopians who intend to travel to Germany for tourism, sightseeing, vacation, visiting of friends/relatives or other leisure activities require the German short-stay visa. This visa is a Schengen visa that grants a stay of not more than 90 days in Germany.
  • A completely filled and signed visa application form (category C) must be submitted. Invalid applications or incomplete visa application forms will not be accepted for processing and you will have to make a new appointment.
  • 1 recent clear and coloured passport-size photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), with a bright background, must be submitted with your application form.
  • A valid passport or other valid travel documents, as well as a photocopy of the first page, should be submitted. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip.
  • You are required to present a confirmed travel itinerary or a preliminary ticket booking. You do not have to buy a flight ticket before you are granted your visa.
  • You are required to provide proof of hotel accommodation in Germany for the entire duration of your stay, such as a confirmed hotel booking clearly showing the name and contact details of the hotel.
  • If you are visiting family or friends living in Germany, you are to submit an original letter of invitation stating the contact details (name, home address and phone number) of your host in the country.
  • The invitation letter should also state the purpose of your travel, the relationship between you and your host, the duration of your stay and indication of who is covering the costs of your travel.
  • To show that you can finance your whole trip and have at least €105 ($117) to spend per day, you are to provide proof of financial solvency. This could be your recent payslips or your bank account statements for the last 3 months.
  • You may also provide any other documents showing your financial status and personal ties in Ethiopia, such as title deeds or lease agreements for a property, vehicle registration card, etc., marriage certificate, birth certificate/s of children.
  • For proof of employment status:
    • If you are an employee, you are to provide proof of your employment in the form of a signed and dated employment contract, showing your data and the contact details of your employer as well as a leave of absence letter and the date you are to return to work.
    • If you are self-employed, you should submit proof of business certification such as the Business Licence and the company's certified bank account statements for the last three months.
    • If you are a student, you must provide a letter from your school containing your name and your parents' names, the date you were enrolled, your present class, a leave of absence from the school, school holidays and the contact details and name of the school representative.
    • If you are retired, you should provide documents that prove that you are receiving a pension or other financial support.
  • You must submit your visa application form in person as your fingerprints will be captured.
  • Adequate health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 and valid for the whole Schengen Area is required.
  • Minors travelling to Germany should present the original copy of their birth certificate, copy of both parents’ ID cards and passports and a legalised written consent letter from both parents if the minor is travelling alone, or from the parent that is not travelling with the child.
  • Proof that you have paid the visa fee must be submitted.

Germany Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The German business visa is a short-stay Schengen visa that is issued to foreign nationals who intend to travel to Germany to engage in any form of business activity such as a business meeting, business summit, trade fair or other related activities.
  • A completely filled and signed visa application form (category C) must be submitted. Invalid applications or incomplete visa application forms will not be accepted for processing and you will have to make a new appointment.
  • 1 recent clear and coloured passport-size photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), with a bright background, must be submitted with your application form.
  • A valid passport or other valid travel documents, as well as a photocopy of the first page, should be submitted. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip.
  • You are required to present a confirmed travel itinerary or a preliminary ticket booking. You do not have to buy a flight ticket before you are granted your visa.
  • You are required to provide proof of hotel accommodation in Germany for the entire duration of your stay, such as a confirmed hotel booking clearly showing the name and contact details of the hotel.
  • To show that you can finance your whole trip and have at least €105 ($117) to spend per day, you are to provide proof of financial solvency. This could be your recent payslips or your bank account statements for the last 3 months.
  • You may also provide any other documents showing your financial status and personal ties in Ethiopia, such as title deeds or lease agreements for a property, vehicle registration card, etc., marriage certificate, birth certificate/s of children.
  • For proof of employment status:
    • If you are an employee, you are to provide proof of your employment in the form of a signed and dated employment contract, showing your data and the contact details of your employer as well as a leave of absence letter and the date you are to return to work.
    • If you are self-employed, you should submit proof of business certification such as the Business Licence and the company's certified bank account statements for the last three months.
    • If you are retired, you should provide documents that prove that you are receiving a pension or other financial support.
  • You must submit your visa application form in person as your biometric information will be collected.
  • Adequate health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 and valid for the whole Schengen Area is required.
  • You are required to submit a signed letter of invitation from the inviting German organisation. The invitation must contain the following:
    • applicant’s personal data,
    • purpose of travel to Germany,
    • duration of intended stay in Germany,
    • who will be financially responsible for the applicant for the entire duration of stay,
    • date and contact details of the inviting organisation, and
    • formal obligation, if the inviting organisation will e financially responsible for the applicant.
  • If you are travelling to Germany to attend a conference which requires prior registration, you are required to provide proof of registration and receipt for the registration fee.

Germany Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements


  • Ethiopians who want to travel to Germany for medical treatment require a short-stay visa for medical purposes.
  • A completely filled and signed visa application form (category C) must be submitted. Invalid applications or incomplete visa application forms will not be accepted for processing and you will have to make a new appointment.
  • 1 recent clear and coloured passport-size photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), with a bright background, must be submitted with your application form.
  • A valid passport or other valid travel documents, as well as a photocopy of the first page, should be submitted. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip.
  • You are required to present a confirmed travel itinerary or a preliminary ticket booking. You do not have to buy a flight ticket before you are granted your visa.
  • You are required to provide proof of accommodation in Germany for the entire duration of your stay.
  • To show that you can finance your whole trip, including payment for the medical treatment and other related costs, you are to provide proof of financial solvency. This could be your recent payslips or your bank account statements for the last 3 months. You are also required to show proof of pre-payment of the treatment.
  • For proof of employment status:
    • If you are an employee, you are to provide proof of your employment in the form of a signed and dated employment contract, showing your data and the contact details of your employer as well as a leave of absence letter and the date you are to return to work.
    • If you are self-employed, you should submit proof of business certification such as the Business Licence and the company's certified bank account statements for the last three months.
    • If you are retired, you should provide documents that prove that you are receiving a pension or other financial support.
  • You must submit your visa application form in person as your biometric information will be collected, unless in cases of serious illnesses.
  • You are required to present a letter from the medical institution or doctor in Germany showing the following:
    • proof of contact with your local doctor,
    • nature of the treatment you’re travelling to Germany for,
    • estimated time of recovery (and if there will be need for return visits),
    • the cost of treatment,
    • indication that the treatment can be performed in Germany and that the patient has been accepted.
  • You must also submit a letter signed by your local doctor in Ethiopia, not older than 3 months, providing background information about the medical treatment and confirming the need of specific medical treatment which will be provided in Germany.

Germany Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Ethiopians who intend to travel to Germany to study for a period longer than 3 months require a German national visa. This is a long-stay visa.
  • You are required to fill two visa application forms (category D).
  • 2 passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) should also be submitted. The photos must be taken with a bright background and clearly show your face.
  • A valid passport or other valid travel documents, as well as a photocopy of the first page, should be submitted. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip.
  • Your original Ethiopian ID card along with two photocopies should be submitted.
  • You are required to also submit your original birth certificate along with 2 copies.
  • The original and 2 copies of your Ethiopian school leaving certificate and school reports of the last 4 years of schooling must also be submitted.
  • An original and 2 copies of the letter of admission or certificate of enrolment from the German college or university you are travelling to study at must be submitted.
  • If you have an academic degree, you are required to provide the original and 2 copies as proof.
  • Letter of motivation, written by the applicant must be submitted.
  • You are required to provide proof of sufficient financial means to attend to your financial obligations while in Germany. This financial document, be it a formal obligation or a blocked account (after visa application, bursary certificate, etc) or scholarship certificate, must show that you can afford €853 per month for at least one year.
  • Proof of valid health insurance for Germany that covers at least 6 months should be submitted with 2 copies.
  • Evidence of language proficiency in the language of study should be submitted unless it is stated in the letter of acceptance that the language skills have already been considered in the admission procedure.
  • You are to submit your application form in person as your biometric information will be collected at the point of submission.

Germany Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Ethiopians who intend to travel to Germany to work as skilled employees for a period longer than 3 months require a German national visa. This is a long-stay visa.
  • You are required to fill two visa application forms (category D).
  • 2 passport photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) should also be submitted. The photos must be taken with a bright background and clearly show your face.
  • A valid passport or other valid travel documents, as well as a photocopy of the first page, should be submitted. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip.
  • Your original Ethiopian ID card along with two photocopies should be submitted.
  • Your original Ethiopian ID card along with two photocopies should be submitted.
  • The original copy of your work contract with your German employer along with two copies should be submitted. The contract should state the following:
    • the exact identification of the contracting parties,
    • place of work,
    • salary,
    • work conditions, working hours,
    • the time frame of the contract,
    • specific duties, and
    • job description
  • You are required to also submit a document showing consent of the German Federal Employment Agency.
  • You should also show proof of submission to the commercial register of the company/ organisation you will be working for.
  • The original and 2 copies of your Ethiopian school leaving certificate, proof of previous academic studies or professional training must also be submitted.
  • You must also submit proof of previous work experience.
  • Your original curriculum vitae along with 2 copies should be submitted.
  • If you are married and/or have children, you should submit an original and 2 copies of your marriage certificate and/or your child(ren)’s birth certificate(s).
  • Adequate health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 that is valid for the whole Schengen Area is required.
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee (€75) is required.

Germany Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Medical visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

75.00 (EUR)

Work visa

75.00 (EUR)

Germany Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Ethiopia

Location

Address

Addis Ababa

Yeka Kifle Ketema, Kebele 06, P.O. Box 660, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

www.addis-abeba.diplo.de

www.addis-abeba.diplo.de

(+251) 11-1-23 51 39

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit the required documents in my local language?

All required documents are to be in German, English or French. If they are not in these languages, the original copies should be supplied with a translation into German or English by an acknowledged translator along with one copy of the translation.

Do I have to submit my visa application in person?

You are to submit your visa applications in person at the visa section of the German Embassy in Addis Ababa as your fingerprints will be taken and stored at the point of submission. You may, however, not submit in person if your fingerprints had been collected during an earlier application for a visa and if that application was lodged no longer than 59 months ago or if you are below the age of 12.

How do I apply for a German visa?

You are to complete a visa application form via the German Embassy's online system for visa application. After you have completed this form, you are to print the form and book an appointment (also via the online system). After making an appointment, you are to take the printed form along with all other required documents for your visa type to your visa appointment.

How soon can I apply for my German visa?

Applicants are advised to book an appointment for a German visa up to 3 months in advance. Also bear in mind that longer waiting periods for the application of Schengen-visa (tourist, business, etc.) can be expected during and before the main season (summer holiday and travel season).