Germany Visa Appeal Rules Have Changed: Here’s What to Know

A familiar part of the visa application process has ended in Germany: administrative visa decision appeals (or, visa remonstration).

Until July 1st, 2025, visa-hopefuls whose visa applications were rejected could go through an administrative process to appeal the final decision if they felt it was unjustly made.

This option is no longer available.

While this specific way of appealing a decision, referred to as the remonstration process, has been abolished, it doesn't mean you can't do anything if your visa was denied. It'll just be a legal process instead, which is also subject to fees.

We're here to tell you everything we know about this change, and the steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation.

Whether your visa was rejected due to a lack of financial proof, forgetting your mandatory Schengen travel insurance, or something else, you still have rights - and one of those is to appeal.

The end of Germany's remonstration process

When third-country nationals apply for Schengen visas, not all visa applications are approved. While this can be disappointing for applicants, it is sometimes the reality of the process.

Until recently, German visa applicants have been able to appeal application rejections through an administrative process.

Germany, after an initial testing period, has decided to do away with the free administrative appeal process.

My German visa was denied. Can I appeal the decision?

The termination has led to faster visa processing

Starting a couple of years ago, June 1st, 2023 to be specific, Germany began testing what it would be like without the remonstration process. This was piloted in several German visa sections, for both national visas (long-stay visas) and German Schengen visas (short-stay visas).

With this test, they found that getting rid of the remonstration process freed up staff's time for other tasks and functions. They even discovered that, in some cases, staff members were able to process more visa applications more quickly.

By removing the remonstration process, German authorities were able to process more visa applications, and at a faster rate.

Because of this, they've decided to permanently abolish this specific process for appeals.

Why is Germany ending its visa remonstration process?

What appeal options still exist?

There are still options for applicants whose visas have been denied. After all, according to the Schengen Visa Code, it is an applicant's right.

• Applicants can reapply for a visa at any time (in this case, you will need to restart the visa application process, including any and all fees).
• Applicants can file a lawsuit with the proper administrative court (subject to fees) in Germany.

To legally appeal a decision (at your own cost), you can follow the instructions given to you by the German embassy in your country of residence. Keep in mind that there will likely be a deadline that you have to file by. Don't worry, though - this information will be given to you if your visa application is denied.

When it comes to the legal process, the court cannot give you any information as to why your visa application was denied, nor any legal advice about what you should do. This is according to the German Embassy in India. That said, when a visa is denied, you will receive information about why it was rejected, but from visa authorities, not judicial ones.

The Germany Embassy in India also goes on to detail that a lawyer isn't required when filing a legal action in Germany, but that the legal action must be in German, contain the parties' full addresses, the reasons for filing the legal action, the legal basis, and the initial visa decision must be included.

All of that said, always follow the instructions given to you by the relevant embassy in your country of residence.

How can I appeal a decision on my Germany visa application?

The right to appeal a Schengen visa decision

Schengen visa applicants, whether their visas were approved or denied have several rights.

The right to appeal

According to the Schengen Visa Code, all visa applicants must have the option to appeal a visa decision, but that doesn't mean it has to be free of charge.

Different Schengen countries can offer different methods for appeal, whether it's a free administrative process (as Germany used to offer), or a judicial process that potentially comes with fees.

The key detail is that the ability to appeal needs to exist. In the case of Germany, it still does, even with the termination of their visa remonstration procedure.

Information about why a visa was denied

Member states (i.e., Schengen countries, such as Germany) are required to give visa applicants whose applications have been denied a reason for the rejection.

Whether it's an incomplete application, or not meeting application requirements (such as Schengen compliant travel insurance), it is country's responsibility to let you know the reason for refusal.

There are several different reasons a visa application can be rejected. Some of them include:

• Not providing proof of sufficient funds.
• Inadequate Schengen travel insurance.
• You have already stayed the maximum number of days in the Schengen area for the given period (90 days within any 180 day period).
• Etc.

There are other reasons a visa can be rejected. If yours is, you will receive information as to why when you are notified of the final decision.

Information about the appeal process

Regardless of what the appeal process is (if it's handled by visa authorities, through the legal system, etc.), it does have to be clear what steps you can take next to appeal, including how to go about it and how much it costs.

If your application for a German visa is denied, you will receive information about how to appeal, including applicable fees.

The right to reapply

As stated above, while it isn't an appeal, you do have the right to reapply for a visa if your application was denied.

On top of that, there isn't a time limit or mandatory waiting period between visa application attempts. You are able to reapply at any time.

When you reapply, you will need to start the process over and pay the applicable visa/service fees again, as they're non-refundable - even in the event of a rejection.

Still, the right to reapply and the right to appeal do not guarantee that your next visa application will be approved. Approval is never guaranteed.

It is up to the sole discretion of the Embassy.

Can I reapply for a German visa if my application was denied?