75 euros is stated on the embassy website. What no one says clearly: Many applicants are waiting until the visa is in hand 500 to over 1,500 euros were spent – for translations, apostilles, Blocked account, health insurance and government fees. This page shows the full costs – by visa type, with realistic overall scenarios and the common mistakes when planning.
Official embassy fees 2025
All amounts in euros. Valid for applications to German diplomatic missions worldwide. Local additional fees for individual embassies not included.
Status: 2025. Basis: Fee schedule for consular official acts (GebOKonsA) and Residence Act. Local adjustments for individual embassies are possible - always check the current fee list of the responsible German mission abroad.
What the embassy doesn't mention
The 75 euro embassy fee is the smallest item. These costs are additional – and surprise many applicants.
Certified translations
All foreign language documents must be translated into German by a sworn translator. Per document: €40–150 depending on the scope and language.
Apostille and legalization
Documents from Hague Apostille Convention countries require an apostille. From other countries legalization by the German embassy is necessary. Costs vary greatly depending on the country of origin and authority.
Health insurance for visa application
For many visas you need travel or international health insurance as proof. Coverage at least €30,000 for Schengen visa, for national visas the requirement varies.
Blocked account (study visa)
A blocked account is required for the study visa €934 per month required – for 12 months i.e. €11,208. The money remains and is released monthly. Account setup fee: €50-150 one-time.
Photos, copies, postage, travel costs
Small but real post. Biometric photos, copies of all documents, shipping costs for the application folder or pick-up trips to the embassy.
Residence permit from the immigration authorities
The visa is just the entry document. You will then need to obtain a residence permit from the German immigration authorities be applied for. Fee: €100-200 depending on title type.
Realistic total costs
All amounts are estimates based on typical applications for 2025. Individual situations may vary.
Skilled worker visa § 18a – engineer from India
University degree with certificates in Hindi and English, Employer in Germany issues contract in German. Recognization certificate ENIC/NARIC is available. No family members on the application.
Study visa § 16b – Master’s degree from Morocco
Bachelor's degree in Arabic and French, must be translated into German. Blocked account for 12 months must be set up. Documents need an apostille from the Moroccan authorities.
Spouse reunification § 30 – Spouse from Nigeria
Marriage certificate and birth certificates from Nigeria. Goethe A1 certificate is available. Nigerian documents need legalization by the German Embassy Lagos. Most complex case for document certification.
What will be paid back – and what will not
The short answer: almost never. But there are exceptions – and important differences depending on the situation.
What many people plan incorrectly
These mistakes lead to unpleasant surprises – often exactly when things are most expensive.
"The visa costs 75 euros - no more."
The €75 is just the embassy fee. Translations, apostilles, health insurance and residence permits are also included. If you only budget €75, you will be surprised by the translation bill - and will have too little liquidity at the wrong time.
"If rejected, I get the money back."
No. The visa fee is a processing fee - it will be retained no matter what the decision is. All additional costs are also gone. If the application is rejected and a new application is submitted, the costs will be incurred a second time – in full.
"My English diploma doesn't need a translation."
All foreign language documents – including those in English – must be translated into German for the German visa process. English is no exception. Only in rare exceptions will the embassy accept English-language originals without translation.
"The blocked account money is lost if the visa is rejected."
Wrong. The money in the blocked account belongs to the applicant and will be paid back after the account is closed. What doesn’t come back: the setup fee (€50-150). The money itself is never “gone”.
"With the visa, I'm done with the administrative costs."
After entry, the immigration authorities come: residence permit, biometric residence permit, later if necessary settlement permit and naturalization. Each of these steps costs an additional €100-255 – not once, but with every extension or change.
"I can do the translation quickly myself or online."
Self-made translations are not accepted by German authorities. Neither do online tools. A sworn translation from an approved translator is required – with stamp, signature and job title. If you don't know this, you will have to have it translated again shortly before the appointment.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.