Schengen for Germany, which category? which documents? MFA certified marriage cert ok

**Gavva** · 6th Jul 2011, 16:25

Hi people, hope you're all well.

I know there is another thread on the subject of schengen visas and marriage certificate for Germany, but I have decided to start a new one rather than potentially take that one off topic (Mods, please move this where ever is most appropriate, many thanks).

My wife and I wish to travel to Germany to attend a friend's wedding in Frankfurt in September, have read the info on the German Embassy website but have a few queries I would love to pick brains about if possible.

I know they are all free (bonus!) but what category of visa does my wife actually require? Is it a 'Visitors Visa', a 'Tourist Visa', or is 'Spouses of a European Union Citizen' a separate visa altogether from these? It's unclear (at least to me it is) on their website, and they all seemingly require different documentation. I'm a little confused by what my wife needs to submit exactly.

We wish to send my wife's application by post, am I correct in thinking the documents she will definately need are (+copies):-
1. Her passport.
2. Application form printed off web, with passport photo.
3. My passport (spouse passport)
4. Our marriage certificate. Will the Thai original with an English translation done in Thailand certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suffice or do I need a new translation done here in the UK?
* Our address in Germany. Will the address of a hotel we MAY stay at be ok or do they want to see documentary proof such as a booking confirmation, or should we put the address of the person inviting us to his wedding (their seems to be conflicting info on the Embassy website)?

If I was 100% sure about what visa my wife is supposed to apply for I think I could answer this myself, but what else do we need? Tourist Visas bang on about needing confirmed hotel bookings, evidence of funds, travel insurance, evidence of employment etc, whilst Visit visas require one to show an invitation and passport copy form the host in Germany - I'm confused!

I'll try to keep this short and round this up now but thanks for any help with this, it's greatly appreciated as always.

Gav

**KhunIanB-UK** · 6th Jul 2011, 17:46

Most of the info here:- http://www.london.diplo.de/Vertretun...timmungen.html

"
Documents required for spouses of EU nationals:

EU-national's passport + copy
applicant's passport + copy
marriage certificate + copy
address in Germany
visa application form with one passport picture

Application by post
You may apply by post:

If you are a spouse of an EU or German national "

Worth applying by post and stressing "Schengen Application for Spouse of EU National - Please Expedite" ;-)

On most Schengen forms there are questions marked with an * to denote as Spouse of EU National that information is NOT required, they are just supposed to ask the basics and rush the visa to you. Where the requirements mention address above, just give them the details of the hotel you plan to stay at, you don't need proof/confirmation/booking. It is only if it were an application from a non-EU National spouse that information WOULD be required.

The form is here:- http://www.london.diplo.de/Vertretun...rm__seite.html

**Merseymike** · 6th Jul 2011, 17:53

On the assumption that you're either British or of another EEA nationality, then it's as the spouse of an EU citizen that your wife should apply, and she needs to submit the documents you list. Your Thai marriage certificate and translation should be fine as they are, and I'd enter your pal's address on the form.

**Gavva** · 6th Jul 2011, 20:18

Nice one guys, thanks so much for your input, my questions have been answered - I love this site!

**melnathan** · 7th Jul 2011, 21:58

Don't forget the self addressed registered return envelope. Having recently been to Breman for the same reason every thing above is correct.

Have a great time but you will notice how expencive most things are in Germany.

Melnathan

**ash** · 7th Jul 2011, 22:03

Have a great time but you will notice how expencive most things are in Germany.

Its cheaper than France and Switzerland ???????????

**Gavva** · 8th Jul 2011, 08:19

As long as it's cheaper than here, I'm happy

**Wolfy** · 11th Jul 2011, 22:20

Good one. Germany's brilliant and the Krauts aren't as sauer as most Brits would have you believe. I prefer knackerwurst myself after a few Bitburgers.

Bitte ein Bit !!

**Gavva** · 12th Jul 2011, 10:20

sending off for the schengen visa this week, both got the time off booked - can't wait!

danke (spelt correct???) for all your input Hans Grubers

**Merseymike** · 12th Jul 2011, 11:52

Originally Posted by Gavva

...danke (spelt correct???) ...

Spot on! You're evidently fluent.

Don't forget that when you're drinking with Germans, it's bad form to tuck in to your beer before saying 'prost' and chinking glasses with your drinking buddies. As you chink glasses, you should look the person in the eye.

**Wolfy** · 12th Jul 2011, 12:23

And don't mention the War !!

**bifftastic** · 12th Jul 2011, 15:40

Originally Posted by Wolfy

And don't mention the War !!

you started it...

**sisaket** · 12th Jul 2011, 19:25

i dont think the costs in germany s much more than here , we were over last month , car nt say the same about Oslo though that is DEFO is much more expensive...

**ddwjg** · 13th Jul 2011, 02:28

Just seen this on msn.uk.

http://money.uk.msn.com/news/world-e...the-world-2011

Dave.

**bifftastic** · 15th Jul 2011, 03:24

Please excuse the 'bump' on this thread

Is it the case that my wife (who is currently in Thailand) can apply for a Schengen visa for free and they have to give it to her? Or is that only for those resident in the EU?

Just occurred to me that it might be worth getting one for her visit to the UK as we might want to nip over the water, but won't bother if it's going to be a pain!

Cheers,

Biff