🇩🇪 German Embassy Dublin: Germany Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Planning to visit Germany from Ireland? This complete guide covers everything about applying for a German Schengen visa in Dublin: embassy contact information, VFS Global application process, specific requirements for Irish residents, and tips for a successful application.
German Embassy Dublin - Contact & Location
🏛️ Embassy Address:
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
31 Trimleston Avenue
Booterstown, Co. Dublin, A94 KF66
Ireland
📞 Contact Information:
Phone: +353 (0)1 269 3011
Email: info@dublin.diplo.de
Website: dublin.diplo.de
🕒 Embassy Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Visa Section: By appointment only through VFS Global
Where to Apply: VFS Global Dublin
German visa applications are processed through VFS Global visa application center in Dublin.
VFS Global Address:
1st Floor, 5 Harcourt Road
Dublin 2, D02 XY47
📞 VFS Contact:
Phone: +353 (0)1 687 9400
Website: www.vfsglobal.com/germany/ireland
Application Process:
- Register and book appointment at www.vfsglobal.com/germany/ireland
- Fill out German Schengen visa application form online
- Prepare all required documents
- Attend VFS appointment for document submission and biometrics
- Pay visa fee (€80) and VFS service charge (€30)
- Track application status online
- Collect passport with visa decision
German Schengen Visa Requirements from Ireland
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
- ✅ Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond planned return)
- ✅ Old passports (if available, showing previous travel history)
- ✅ Completed German visa application form (signed and dated)
- ✅ Two biometric passport photos (35mm x 45mm, recent, white background)
- ✅ Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
- ✅ Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary
- ✅ Flight reservations (round-trip, showing entry and exit from Schengen)
- ✅ Accommodation proof (hotel bookings, Airbnb, or invitation letter)
- ✅ Travel health insurance (€30,000 minimum, covering all Schengen countries)
Additional Documents for Ireland Residents
- ✅ IRP Card - Irish Residence Permit (copy of both sides)
- ✅ Irish work permit - Critical Skills, General Employment, or other permits
- ✅ Employment letter - From Irish employer, stating position, salary, employment dates, and approval for leave
- ✅ Irish bank statements - Last 3 months, stamped by bank
- ✅ Irish payslips - Last 3 months showing regular income
- ✅ Proof of residence in Ireland - Utility bill, rental agreement, or Irish address confirmation
For Students in Ireland
- ✅ Student enrollment letter from Irish university/college
- ✅ Student ID card
- ✅ No objection certificate from educational institution
- ✅ Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsor documents)
Financial Requirements
Germany requires proof of €60 per day of your planned stay in Germany/Schengen Area.
| Trip Duration | Minimum Required | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | €300 | €600-800 |
| 7 days | €420 | €1,000-1,200 |
| 10 days | €600 | €1,500-2,000 |
| 14 days | €840 | €2,000-2,500 |
| 30 days | €1,800 | €3,000-4,000 |
Your Irish bank statements should show this amount plus evidence of regular income and financial stability.
Processing Time & Visa Fees
Processing Time from Dublin
- Standard processing: 10-15 working days
- Peak season (June-August): 15-20 working days
- Urgent cases: Can sometimes be expedited (contact VFS)
- Long-stay visas (Type D): 30-45 days or longer
The German embassy in Dublin is known for thorough processing, which can take slightly longer than some other embassies, but decisions are typically reliable.
Visa Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12+ years) | €80 |
| Children (6-12 years) | €40 |
| Children under 6 years | Free |
| VFS Global service fee | €30 |
| Total (Adult) | €110 |
Payment methods at VFS: Debit card, credit card, or cash (Euros).
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
You should apply for a German visa if:
- Germany is your main destination (most nights)
- Germany is your first entry point (if spending equal time in multiple countries)
- You're visiting only Germany
Step 2: Book VFS Appointment
- Visit www.vfsglobal.com/germany/ireland
- Create an account with email and password
- Select "Ireland" as country and "Germany" as destination
- Choose visa type (usually "Schengen Visa - Tourism")
- Select available appointment date/time
- Receive confirmation email
- Book 3-4 weeks in advance (slots fill quickly)
- Mid-week (Tue-Thu) mornings have better availability
- Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible
Step 3: Prepare Documents
- Download and fill German visa application form
- Get passport photos taken (comply with biometric standards)
- Request employment letter from your Irish employer
- Get Irish bank statements stamped at your branch
- Book flights (refundable recommended) and hotels
- Purchase travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- Write cover letter explaining trip purpose
- Make photocopies of all documents
Step 4: Attend VFS Appointment
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early at VFS (5 Harcourt Road)
- Bring original documents + photocopies
- Submit documents to VFS staff for verification
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Pay visa fee and service charges
- Receive tracking number/receipt
Step 5: Track Application
- Use VFS tracking portal with your reference number
- Check status: "Received" → "Under Process" → "Processed" → "Ready for Collection"
- Average wait: 10-15 days
Step 6: Collect Passport
- Collect in person at VFS (2:00-4:00 PM weekdays)
- OR choose courier delivery to Irish address (€15-20)
- Check visa sticker details carefully
Tips for Successful German Visa Application from Ireland
1. Demonstrate Strong Ties to Ireland
Germany wants to ensure you'll return to Ireland after your trip:
- Ongoing employment contract in Ireland
- IRP valid beyond return date
- Irish rental agreement (long-term lease)
- Family in Ireland (spouse, children)
- Student enrollment continuing after trip
2. Be Detailed and Precise
Germans value precision and thoroughness:
- Exact dates for every activity in your itinerary
- Specific hotel addresses in Germany
- Detailed cover letter with clear structure
- Accurate information on application form (double-check everything)
3. Show Financial Stability
- Irish bank statements with regular salary deposits
- Consistent balance over 3-6 months (no sudden large deposits)
- Irish payslips matching bank deposits
- Sufficient funds (recommended 50% above minimum)
4. Quality Documentation
- All documents in English or German (translations if needed)
- Clear photocopies (not blurry or faded)
- Organized in logical order
- No missing pages or incomplete forms
5. Travel Insurance
- Must explicitly state €30,000 medical coverage
- Valid for all Schengen countries
- Covers entire trip duration + a few extra days buffer
- Includes repatriation coverage
Common Reasons for German Visa Rejection
- Insufficient proof of financial means - Bank balance below €60/day requirement
- Incomplete documentation - Missing IRP, payslips, or other required documents
- Questionable purpose of visit - Vague itinerary or unclear travel plans
- Weak ties to Ireland - No convincing reason to return (e.g., IRP expiring during trip)
- Invalid travel insurance - Coverage insufficient or doesn't meet requirements
- Incorrect application - Wrong embassy (should apply elsewhere if Germany isn't main destination)
- Previous Schengen violations - Overstays or ban records
- Inconsistent information - Contradictions between documents or with interview answers
If rejected, the decision letter will specify the reason. You can appeal or reapply after addressing the issues.
Frequently Asked Questions - German Visa Dublin
How long does it take to get a German visa from Dublin?
Standard processing is 10-15 working days. During peak summer season (June-August), it can take up to 20 working days. The German embassy is thorough, so applications may take slightly longer than French or Spanish visas, but the approval rate is good if documentation is complete.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a German visa?
Yes! A German Schengen visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries. However, Germany should be either your main destination (most nights) or first point of entry. You can then travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Do I need to know German language for the application?
No. All communication at VFS Dublin is in English. Documents can be in English. German language knowledge is not required for tourist visas. If you have documents in other languages, you may need English/German translations.
What if I'm visiting Germany and other countries equally?
If spending equal nights in Germany and another Schengen country, apply at the embassy of your first point of entry. For example, if flying into Berlin but spending equal time in Berlin and Paris, apply for a German visa.
Can I work in Ireland while my German visa application is being processed?
Yes, absolutely. The German visa application doesn't affect your Irish work permit or IRP status. You continue working normally in Ireland. VFS only keeps your passport for about 10-15 days.
What if my passport expires in 4 months?
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from the Schengen Area. If it expires in 4 months and you're traveling for 2 weeks, that leaves only 3.5 months, which is cutting it close. Ideally, renew your passport first or ensure you have at least 6 months validity to avoid issues.