Welcome
General visa information
Welcome to Germany!
Important
Starting on Friday, 15th March 2019, the Ministry of the Federal Republic of Germany has assigned the company VFS Global to accept Schengen visa applications on behalf of the German Embassy in Vientiane. Applications for German Schengen visas or Schengen visas for the countries the German Embassy represents according to bilateral Schengen representation agreements (Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain) will be accepted at the
VFS Global Visa Application Centre located at Watnak Quartier, Thadeua Road, Watnak Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane (opposite to the Lao German Technical College).
Visa applicants schedule an appointment in advance with VFS Global for submitting their visa application and for undergoing the biometric procedure. Appointments can be scheduled through the website of VFS Global
On the VFS Global website you will also find the electronic application form as well as checklists on the relevant supporting documents you need to submit:
http://www.vfsglobal.com/Germany/Laos
The further processing and decision-making will still be handled by the Embassy. The usual processing time at the Embassy for Schengen visa applications is up to five working days.
At the end of the process the passports will be handed out to the applicants by VFS Global. VFS Global will charge a handling fee of 30, - EUR (in Lao currency) per visa application but also offers additional services against a service charge.
Use of the services provided by VFS Global is on a voluntary basis. However, applicants who wish to file their application at the Embassy can book an appointment through the Embassy's appointment system. Please bear in mind that the waiting period for such an appointment can be significantly longer than the waiting period at VFS Global.
General Visa information
Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany you can either apply for a short-term “Schengen visa” or for a long-term “German national visa” for stays over 90 days.
The German Embassy in Vientiane also currently issues Schengen visa in representation of the following Schengen Partners:
Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain
Due to the introduction of VIS (biometrics) all applicants need to appear in person to have their fingerprints taken.
Visa application forms need to be filled out completely and handed in with all required documents (see separate information sheets). Incomplete visa applications will not be accepted. Please also check that all forms are signed.
Upon receipt of the visa: Please verify your visa immediately and check if all information is correct. The Embassy cannot claim responsibility for any damage caused by errors on the visa. If you notice an error please let the visa section know right away so it can be rectified; later corrections might not be possible.
Please note that a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen countries, as the final authorization remains with the immigration officials at the respective borders.
The purpose of the visit may not be altered after entering the Schengen territory.
Processing time for Schengen visa application at the German Embassy in Vientiane:
Schengen-visa (maximum duration of stay 90 days):
Generally up to 5 working days
In any case it is advisable to apply for a visa well ahead of time, especially since processing times can always vary due to technical Problems.
Processing time for German national visa (stay in Germany for more than 90 days):
As long-term visa can only be issued after approval by the competent Aliens’ Office in Germany and due to long mailing times applications take 2 months on average.
Visa Information Sheets and Application Forms
Tourist visa application CHECKLIST
Visit visa application CHECKLIST
Business visa application CHECKLIST
Electronic Schengen Visa Application Form (VIDEX): http://videx.diplo.de
Schengen Visa Application Form (PDF)
General Data Protection Regulation
General Data Protection Regulation_CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
Information Sheets for Long-Term Visa Applications
Please note that the following information is only available in German, as the applicant must have sufficient German language skills as requirement when applying for family reunion.
Merkblatt Visum Ehe- und Lebenspartnernachzug
Merkblatt Visum zur Eheschließung oder Schließung einer eingetragenen Lebenspartnerschaft
Online application form for national long-term visa: http://videx-national.diplo.de
Application form national long-term visa
General Data Protection Regulation
General Data Protection Regulation_CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT
For information concerning all other types of long-term visa please send an e-mail to the visa section of the German Embassy.
http://vientiane.diplo.de/la-en/botschaft/kontakt-formular
Additional content
New rules for the immigration of skilled workers to Germany will enter into force in early 2020. The new law extends the opportunities for qualified professionals from outside the European Union to come to work in Germany.
Germany opens labour market for skilled workers from non-EU countries