Germany Visa RequirementsFor Turkey passport holders
Germany is the most popular European destination for Turkish citizens due to the large Turkish diaspora, but a Schengen visa is required, applied at the German Consulate in Istanbul or Ankara, at EUR 80.
Turkey passport holders require a visa to enter Germany.
Apply at the German Consulate General in Istanbul, the German Embassy in Ankara, or through VFS Global centers. The EUR 80 fee applies. For family visits, an invitation letter (Verpflichtungserklaerung) from a German resident relative is helpful. Book appointments well in advance, especially before summer holidays.
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Turkey to Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany hosts Europe's largest Turkish community, with over 3 million Turkish-origin residents particularly concentrated in Berlin, Cologne, and Stuttgart. Millions of Turkish tourists visit Germany annually to see family, for business, and tourism. Despite these strong ties, Turkish citizens still require a Schengen visa. The German Consulate General in Istanbul processes more Schengen applications than almost any other consulate in Turkey.
Practical Tips
Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Pegasus, and Eurowings all operate direct flights between Istanbul and multiple German cities including Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg. Germany's efficient rail network (Deutsche Bahn) makes intercity travel easy. The euro is the currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens need a visa for Germany?
Yes. Germany is a Schengen member and Turkish citizens must obtain a Schengen visa before visiting. The fee is EUR 80. Applications go through the German Consulate General in Istanbul, German Embassy in Ankara, or VFS Global.
Why does Germany have such a large Turkish community?
Germany and Turkey signed a labor recruitment agreement in 1961, bringing thousands of Turkish guest workers (Gastarbeiter) to Germany. Many settled permanently and brought their families. Today over 3 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany, making it one of Turkey's most important diaspora communities.
What documents are most important for a German Schengen visa application from Turkey?
For tourism: flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements. For family visits: invitation letter (Verpflichtungserklaerung) from the German resident, plus their residence permit copy. Employment proof or enrollment letter is important to show ties to Turkey.
What are the direct flight options from Istanbul to Germany?
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul to Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. Lufthansa and Pegasus also fly between Turkey and Germany. Flight times range from 3 to 4 hours.