UK Visa from Germany Fees and Requirements 2024

UK Visa from Germany Fees and Requirements 2024This comprehensive guide provides the latest entry requirements and visa fees for German citizens and residents. Since 1 January 2021, German nationals require a visa for work, study, or long-term stays in the UK, while short visits remain visa-free. For non-EU nationals living in Germany, like Indians and Pakistanis, a visa is necessary for any UK trip. UK visa fees from Germany is €138 for a six-month visit. The cost of student and spouse visa are €589 and €2,218, respectively. The UK visa fees from Germany is €864 for skilled worker visa application.


UK Visa Fees Germany 2024 Expert Guidance for Residents
Uk Visa Fees Germany 2024 Expert Guidance For Residents

1. Overview: Emigrate to UK from Germany


Visa Requirements for German Citizens

UK Visa Fees for German Citizens (2024)

  • Tourist Visa: €138 (6 months)
  • Student Visa: €589
  • Skilled Worker Visa: €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years)
  • Spouse Visa: €2,218

UK Visa Processing Time from Germany (2024)

UK Visa from Germany for Non-EU Citizens

UK Visit Visa for Pakistani and Indian Nationals in Germany

  • Purpose:
    • For short holidays or visits to the UK from Germany.
  • Processing Time:
    • Typically 10-15 working days for non-settlement visas, including visit visas.
  • Priority Services:
    • Available for faster processing in Germany.
  • Application Submission:
    • Biometric submissions usually occur at TLS application centers in German cities.
  • UK Visa Application Centre Germany
    • Berlin
      • Chausseestraße 18/18a, 10115 Berlin, Germany
    • Düsseldorf
      • TLScontact Deutschland GmbH, Bismarckstraße 101, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
    • Munich
      • Altheimer Eck 11, 1st floor, 80331 München, Germany
UK Visas for German Citizens
Infographic Detailing Key Metrics For Uk Visas For German Citizens, Including Success Rates, Processing Times, Fees, And Priority Service Options.

2. UK Visit Visa from Germany 2024


German citizens, as non-visa nationals, typically do not need a visa for short stays up to six months in the UK. However, non-EU nationals residing in Germany are required to obtain a visa for such visits. According to Paragraph V 1.3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, there are specific situations where German citizens must apply for a UK visa:

  • Intentions to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, or to announce such plans.
  • Planning a stay in the UK for more than six months.

For the year ending 2022, out of 322 German UK visitor visa applications, 311 were approved, leading to an 89.39% approval rate and a 5.79% refusal rate.

Standard Visitor Visa UK from Germany

The standard visitor visa is for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term studies, and other allowed activities. Germans and EU residents in Germany typically don’t need a standard visa to visit the UK. However, non-EU residents, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders, must apply for a standard visa to visit the UK.

Essential Criteria: UK Visit Visa from Germany

To secure a UK Visit Visa from Germany, applicants must satisfy several criteria:

UK Visit Visa Fee from Germany

As of 2023, UK visa fees from Germany are:

  • 6-month visa: €138
  • 2-year visa: €481
  • 5-year visa: €927
  • 10-year visa: €1,157

All these visas have a maximum stay limit of 180 days per visit. The standard processing time for a visit visa from Germany is usually three weeks. German citizens and residents in Germany can fast track the decision time within one week by purchasing the priority service for €601.

UK Tourist Visa from Germany

German nationals applying for a UK tourist visa need to:

  • Fill out an online application form.
  • Provide specific documents, including proof of intent to return to Germany, evidence of financial stability, and a detailed travel itinerary.
  • Pay the visa fee of €138 and submit biometric information at a designated visa application center.

Necessary Documentation for German Applicants:

  • Proof of Returning to Germany:
    • A letter from your employer or educational institution in Germany, confirming your commitments after your visit to the UK.
  • Financial Stability Evidence:
    • Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the UK.
  • Detailed Travel Plans:
    • Include confirmed bookings for accommodations and travel arrangements in the UK.

Snapshot: Other UK Visitor Visas from Germany

3. Student Visa UK from Germany 2024


The UK Student Visa permits German citizens to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles. In the year ending September 2022, 4,343 out of 4,312 German applications were approved, showing a 97.58% success rate.

UK Student Visa Fees from Germany

  • Standard Application Fee:
    • €589
  • Processing Time:
    • Approximately 3 weeks
  • Expedited Service:
    • Additional cost of €601 for faster processing

In addition to the visa fee, students from Germany must pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which amounts to £776.

Short-term English Language Visa

  • 6-11 Months Course: €240
  • 6-Month Course: €138

Work Rights for Students from Germany

4. UK Visas for German Citizens: Family Route


The UK Family Visa under Appendix FM allows German citizens to join family members who are either settled in the UK or are British citizens. Categories range from spouse visas to adult dependent relatives and parent of a British child visas. In the year ending September 2022, the success rate for German applicants stood at 84.44%, with 76 approvals out of 90 applications.

Spouse or Partner Visa UK for German Citizens

Other Family Visas

5. UK Work Visa for German Citizens


Can I work in the UK with a German Passport after Brexit?

After Brexit, German citizens need a work permit to work and do business in the UK. Germans often choose the Skilled Worker visa when seeking employment in the UK. Other options include the Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and Health and Care Worker visas.

According to data for the year ending September 2022, 4,564 Germans applied for a UK work visa. Out of the 4,820 processed applications, 4,471 were granted, reflecting a high success rate of 96.09%. On the other hand, 109 applications were rejected, yielding a refusal rate of 2.34%.

Skilled Worker & Health and Care Worker Visa

German citizens looking to work in the UK in skilled occupations have specific visa options available to them. The Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa are designed for Germans sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor and offer a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK.

  • Skilled Worker Visa
    • Purpose: For Germans in skilled roles with a licensed Home Office sponsor. Offers a route to permanent UK settlement.
    • Skilled Worker UK Visa Cost from Germany: €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years)
  • Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa
    • Purpose: For Germans in specific shortage occupations.
    • Fees: €662 (up to 3 years), €1,303 (over 3 years)
  • Health and Care Worker Visa
    • Purpose: For German health professionals like doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals, sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor. Leads to permanent UK settlement.
    • Health and Care Worker UK Visa from Germany Fees: €341 (up to 3 years), €662 (over 3 years)

Global Business Mobility Visa UK

An overview of the UK work visas under the Global Business Mobility category for German citizens, including their fees for 2024.

  • Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
    • Purpose: Ideal for senior managers or specialists from Germany transferring to a UK branch.
    • Fees: €864 (up to three years), €1,707 (longer than three years)
  • Graduate Trainee Visa
    • Purpose: For German individuals in graduate training programs leading to specialist roles in the UK.
    • Fees: €358
  • UK Expansion Worker Visa
    • Purpose: For German specialists or senior personnel looking to expand a business into the UK.
    • Fees: €358
  • Service Supplier Visa
    • Purpose: For German professionals providing services under UK trade agreements.
    • Fees: €358
  • Secondment Worker Visa
    • Purpose: Specifically for Germans seconded to the UK for significant contracts or investments.
    • Fees: €358

Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas

Below is a brief overview of various UK visa categories along with their associated fees for Germans looking to work or do business in the UK.

How to Apply UK Visa in Germany?
Comprehensive Infographic: Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For A Uk Visa From Germany

6. How to Apply for UK Visa from Germany?


A comprehensive guide tailored for Germans and residents in Germany detailing the steps for applying for a UK visa. Note: The estimated cost provided is for a UK visitor visa. Residents in Germany opting for priority service may complete the process within 5 working days instead of 15 working days.

Total Time: 30 days

  1. Determine the Visa Type

    Determine the Visa Type

    Identify the specific category of visa that aligns with your purpose for traveling from Germany to the UK.

  2. Create an Account

    Create an Account

    Navigate to the official UK government website dedicated to visas and immigration. Register an account on the UK Visas and Immigration platform.

  3. Complete the Application Form

    Complete the Application Form

    Fill out the designated online application form, double-checking that all information is consistent with your supporting documents.

  4. Pay the Visa Fee

    Pay the Visa Fee

    Following the completion of your form, the system will guide you to proceed with the application fee payment via the online payment gateway.

  5. Gather Your Supporting Documents

    Gather Your Supporting Documents

    Based on the visa type, gather essential documents like your German passport or resident permit, proof of finances, and UK accommodation details.

  6. Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Germany

    Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)

    If you’re not using the Immigration App for identity verification, it’s essential to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Germany.

  7. Attend Your Appointment

    Attend Your Appointment

    Visit the VAC, armed with all the supporting documents, and perform the biometric procedures as per the guidelines provided in your appointment confirmation.

  8. Wait for a Decision

    Wait for a Decision

    After submission, your application will be processed. You’ll be notified when the decision is finalized.

  9. Collection or Delivery of Passport

    Collection or Delivery of Passport

    Collect your passport with the visa attached from the VAC, or opt for courier delivery.

  10. Prepare for UK Arrival

    Prepare for UK Arrival

    With your visa in hand, prepare for your travel to the UK, ensuring you’re aware of the visa conditions.

Estimated Cost: 138 €

Supply:

  • Application form
  • Valid German Passport or Resident Permit
  • Recent passport-sized photos
  • Invitation letter (if applicable)
  • Payment for visa fee in EURO
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK

Tools:

  • Internet access
  • German Passport or Resident Permit
  • Financial documents

Materials: Printed GWF UK visa online application form. Financial Proof: Bank Statements for recent 6 months. Photocopies of Documents: Conveyance Deeds, Rental Agreements, Family Form.

7. UK Visa for German Citizens: Supporting Documents


Documents Required for UK Visa from Germany

Documentation Specific to Visa Type

For Applicants with UK-Based Sponsors

German residents or citizens with a sponsor in the UK should include their sponsor’s supporting documents. This is particularly important for visas typically requiring sponsorship, like family or employment-based visas.

Required Sponsor Documents:

Please Remember:

While sponsor documents can strengthen your application, fulfilling the primary visa requirements is crucial for German citizens and residents applying for a UK visa.

8. FAQs: UK Visa Fees Germany 2024


  1. How long can Germans stay in the UK?

    Germans can stay up to 180 days on a visitor visa. For other visa types like spouse, student, and work visas, the duration is defined by the visa validity. Germans can extend their stay by meeting Leave to Remain (LTR) requirements. Certain visa routes also allow for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual British citizenship.

  2. How Many Germans Live in the UK?

    As of 2020, around 136,000 German-born residents lived in the UK, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure may have changed and doesn’t include German descendants or naturalized citizens.

  3. Do UK Citizens need a visa for Germany?

    Short stays up to 90 days don’t require a visa. However, an ETIAS authorization is necessary.

  4. What Germans can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?

    Germans can reapply or seek Judicial Review. No appeal rights exist for visitor visa refusals. Appeals are possible on human rights grounds.

  5. Can Germans Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?

    Work is not permitted. Violations may lead to visa cancellation and re-entry bans.