Germany Schengen Visa Application Guide

I wasn't initially planning to visit Germany again since I've already been to Berlin, and I usually prefer exploring new places. However, I decided to apply for a Schengen visa through Germany because I heard they are more generous with multiple-entry visas compared to the Netherlands. My ultimate goal is to use this visa for a trip to Vienna, Austria.

This is my third Schengen visa application, and I was really hoping to get a 6-month or 1-year multiple-entry visa. However, my Saudi Iqama (residence permit) expires on March 25, 2025, which might affect the visa duration.

My Travel History

Before applying for the Schengen Visa, I had traveled to several countries, including United Arab Emirates, Jordan, State of Palestine, Israel, Bahrain, Georgia, Armenia, Holy See, Turkey, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Qatar, Egypt, Serbia, North Macedonia, United States, Canada, Mexico and Italy. This travel history helped demonstrate my experience and reliability as a traveler.

The visa application process was handled by TLS Contact, not VFS Global. Their process is pretty straightforward, and I didn't opt for any premium services since the office wasn't crowded. 

Steps to Apply for the Schengen Visa

Step 1: Complete the requirements below

• Application form (VIDEX online)
• Original passport
• One recent biometric photograph (35mm X 45mm) – I got the photo taken inside TLS Contact for SAR 45
• Travel Health Insurance certificate with coverage of at least EUR 30,000 – I used my company insurance, but you can also get it from Tawuniya
• Hotel reservation and itinerary obtained through Booking
• Flight reservation – Booked through my company or you may message me for assistance
• Employment letter with Chamber of Commerce –Request from HR Department of your company. Emphasize that it should be with Chamber of Commerce stamp.
• Recent bank statements for the past 6 months - I am using SAB Bank and you may download the statements in the app. I produced this document during my salary date. 
• Exit & Re-Entry visa (in English and Gregorian calendar) - Request from HR Department of your company
• Photocopy of Residence Permit (Iqama) with translation - Send it to any translation agency. You may message me for assistance. 
• Checklist of Documents 

Step 2: Create Your TLScontact Account

Step 3: Make an appointment through Videx

Step 4: Submit your application on TLS Contact office which can be located in your appointment paper. In my case, I applied in Riyadh branch. 

Step 7: Collect your passport. I got my passport after 5 working days only. 

In total, I paid around SAR 600 for the visa application process.

Itinerary

Day 1: February 19

• Arrival in Berlin
  • Check into your hotel and relax after your journey.
  • Take a leisurely evening stroll around your neighborhood to get a feel for the city.

Day 2: February 20

• Explore Historic Berlin
  • Morning: Visit the Reichstag Building and ascend the dome for panoramic views (reserve in advance).
  • Afternoon: Walk through Brandenburg Gate and explore Unter den Linden.
  • Evening: Dinner in the Mitte district.

Day 3: February 21

• Museum Island
  • Morning: Visit the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Berlin Cathedral and stroll along the Spree River.
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Berlin State Opera.

Day 4: February 22

• Cold War Berlin
  • Morning: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery.
  • Afternoon: Explore Checkpoint Charlie and the DDR Museum.
  • Evening: Dinner in the trendy Kreuzberg district.

Day 5: February 23

• Art and Culture
  • Morning: Visit the Gemäldegalerie and the Kulturforum.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Bauhaus Archive.
  • Evening: Enjoy a show at the Friedrichstadt-Palast Theater.

Day 6: February 24

• Day Trip to Potsdam
  • Morning: Travel to Potsdam and visit Sanssouci Palace.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Dutch Quarter and the New Palace.
  • Evening: Return to Berlin and relax.

Day 7: February 25

• Modern Berlin
  • Morning: Visit the Berlin TV Tower and Alexanderplatz.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Hackescher Markt and the surrounding area.
  • Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg.

Day 8: February 26

• Jewish Heritage
  • Morning: Visit the Jewish Museum Berlin.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Holocaust Memorial and the Topography of Terror.
  • Evening: Dinner in the vibrant Neukölln district.

Day 9: February 27

• Parks and Gardens
  • Morning: Visit the Tiergarten and the Berlin Zoo.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Botanical Garden and Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at a local café.

Day 10: February 28

• Departure
  • Spend your final morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any missed attractions.
  • Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure.

I received the visa result in just 5 days and was granted a 45-day multiple-entry visa, valid from February 2, 2025, to March 4, 2025. I might have received a longer duration if my Iqama had a later expiration date.