Germany entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Kazakhstan passport holders need a visa to enter Germany for any purpose. You must apply at a German embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead: appointments can fill up weeks in advance, especially in summer 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
You need a Schengen visa to enter Germany. Apply at the German embassy or consulate in Kazakhstan at least 15 working days before your trip. Use the official portal to find the application form and appointment booking.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Border officers at German airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from a host in Germany ready to show.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash to prove you have at least €45 per day for your stay. Officers rarely check this for visa holders, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Appointments fill up fast
German embassy slots in Kazakhstan often book out 2–3 months in advance, especially during summer. Check the portal weekly and book the moment you have travel dates. Last-minute appointments are rare.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
A German-issued Schengen visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You don't need separate visas for each country.

What happens at the border

1
Book an appointment
Go to the German embassy in Nur-Sultan (Astana) or the consulate in Almaty. Appointments are booked online through the embassy's visa portal. Slots open 2–3 months ahead — book as soon as you know your travel dates.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, insurance, flight reservation, accommodation proof, bank statements. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy keeps copies and returns originals.
3
Attend the visa interview
Show up at the embassy or consulate on time. Bring all documents in a folder. The officer will ask about your trip, your job, and your plans. Answer honestly and briefly. They may ask for additional documents on the spot.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. You'll get a call or email when your passport is ready for pickup. Track online if the portal allows.
5
Collect your passport
Pick up your passport at the same embassy or consulate. If approved, the visa sticker will be inside — check the dates and spelling of your name immediately. If denied, you'll get a letter explaining why.
Download Germany Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180 days
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For one-time entry; must leave and re-enter for new stay.

Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180 days
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.

National visa (D visa) for long stay
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€75 (~$82 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires separate application.

work visa
EU Blue Card (Germany)
4 years, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Germany. Requires a university degree and minimum salary threshold. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply
student visa
German Student Visa
Up to 2 years (renewable)
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a German university. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds (€11,208/year in blocked account).
Apply
digital nomad visa
Freelancer Visa (Germany)
1–3 years, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For self-employed individuals in certain professions (e.g., IT, arts). Requires proof of clients and sufficient income. No specific digital nomad visa exists, but this is the closest option.
Apply
investor visa
Self-Employment Visa (Germany)
3 years, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs starting a business in Germany. Requires a viable business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Visa application service feePaid to visa application center (e.g., TLScontact).€20 (~$22 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period.€50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €5,000

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Germany

Transit visa required

Kazakhstan passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to transit through German airports, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of certain visas.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
  • Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or the USA
  • Holders of a valid UK visa (including biometric residence permit)
Transit hubsFrankfurt Airport (FRA) · Munich Airport (MUC) · Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Health & vaccines for Germany

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Present in forested areas of southern Germany; vaccination recommended for hikers.

Lyme diseaseModerate risk

Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

Seasonal influenzaLow risk

Common in winter months; vaccination recommended for vulnerable groups.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Berlin
Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24, 13353 Berlin
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.

Munich
Kreisverwaltungsreferat München - Ausländerbehörde
Ruppertstraße 19, 80337 München
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00

Handles visa extensions and long-term permits; bring all documents.

Practical information for KZ travellers

Country basics
CapitalBerlin
LanguageGerman
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs (Type A/B) do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water quality. Safe to drink everywhere.
Emergency numbers
Police110
Medical112
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Germany — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Kazakhstan passport holders at any German airport. You must get a Schengen visa from a German embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. If additional documents are requested, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
€80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, free for children under 6. The fee is non-refundable even if the visa is denied. Payment is made at the embassy or visa center in local currency (KZT) at the current exchange rate.
Yes, you need a flight reservation showing your entry and exit dates. You don't have to buy the ticket before approval — a hold or reservation from a travel agency is acceptable. But once the visa is issued, you'll need a real ticket to board.
No. Schengen short-stay visas (type C) are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in a ban from the Schengen area.
You'll receive a written explanation. You can appeal within 30 days by writing to the embassy. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents. Address the specific reason in your appeal.
Yes, for most applicants. You must appear for a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo) at the German embassy in Nur-Sultan or the consulate in Almaty. Exceptions only for children under 12 or if you've given biometrics in the last 59 months.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.