Do German Student Visa Documents Require Notarization or Attestation? 2026 Guide for Indian Students

Written by: Sanju Prasad  | Edited by: Swapnil Vyawahare

Reviewed by: Professional Attestation & Apostille Consultants team of PEC Attestation

Quick Answer: No Traditional Attestation Required

German student visa documents do NOT require traditional Indian attestation or apostille for visa purposes in 2026. This is a critical distinction that many Indian students misunderstand. Germany has changed its document verification policy, and understanding this change is essential for a smooth visa application process.

The German government no longer recognizes Indian attestation or apostille stamps for visa purposes. Instead, Germany has implemented its own document verification process that may be initiated directly by the German Embassy or Consulate General in India. This verification process is conducted at the source level and may involve additional fees ranging from ₹2,000 to over ₹40,000 depending on document complexity.

Understanding Notarization vs. Attestation vs. Verification

Before diving into the specifics for German student visas, it's essential to understand the differences between these three document authentication processes:

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the process where a licensed Notary Public in India certifies that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original. This is the first step in the document authentication chain and establishes basic document authenticity.

For German student visa purposes:

• Notarized copies of academic documents (mark sheets, degree certificates) may be required
• The notary must be a licensed professional under Indian law
• Notarization alone is insufficient for German visa applications

What is Attestation?

Attestation is a multi-level verification process where documents are verified by various authorities:

1. State Level: Sub-Registrar Office (SDM) or Home Department attestation
2. Central Level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation
3. Embassy Level: Final attestation by the destination country's embassy

For German student visa purposes:

• Traditional Indian attestation is NOT required or accepted
• The German government explicitly does not recognize Indian apostille or attestation stamps
• This policy change has simplified the process for Indian students

What is German Document Verification?

Germany has implemented its own verification process that replaces the traditional attestation requirement:

1. The German Embassy or Consulate General may initiate verification
2. Documents are verified at their source (issuing institution)
3. Verification fees apply: approximately €23.97 per document
4. Additional verification fees range from ₹2,000 to ₹40,000

Complete Document Checklist for German Student Visa (India 2026)

Based on the official German Embassy guidelines, Indian students must prepare two identical sets of the following documents:

1. Identity and Application Documents

Document	Requirements
Valid Passport	Issued within the last 10 years, at least 2 empty visa pages, minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay
Visa Application Form	Completed VIDEX form, signed, 2 copies required
Declaration Form	In accordance with Section 54 of the Residence Act, signed, 2 copies
Additional Contact Form	Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information, 2 copies
Biometric Photos	3 current, identical passport-size photos with specific dimensions
Passport Copy	Clear A4 size copy of passport data page

2. Academic Documents

Document	Requirements
Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid)	Official admission letter from recognized German university
APS Certificate	Mandatory for most Indian students - validates academic credentials
Academic Transcripts	Mark sheets from 10th, 12th, and all university semesters
Degree Certificates	Bachelor's degree (for Master's applicants), all other degrees if applicable
Diploma Certificate	If applicable to your academic background
Curriculum Vitae	Current, up-to-date CV outlining educational and professional journey

3. Language Proficiency Documents

Document	Requirements
German Language	TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Institut, or ÖSD certificate (minimum B2 level)
English Language	IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge Assessment English (minimum B2 level)
Validity	Certificate must not be older than 1 year

4. Financial Documents

Document	Requirements
Blocked Account (Sperrkonto)	Minimum €11,904 per year (€992 per month) deposited
Blocked Account Confirmation	Official confirmation from German bank
Alternative: Scholarship Proof	German/EU scholarship or stipend documentation
Alternative: Verpflichtungserklärung	Formal obligation letter from sponsor living in Germany
Proof of Tuition Payment	If university charges fees

5. Health Insurance Documents

Document	Requirements
Travel Health Insurance	Coverage for first 90 days starting from entry date
Minimum Coverage	At least €30,000 or equivalent

6. Additional Documents

Document	Requirements
Motivation Letter	Duly signed statement explaining motivation for chosen subject, study in Germany, and university choice
Proof of Accommodation	May be requested by German mission

APS Certificate: The Mandatory Document for Indian Students

The Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Prüfstelle - APS) certificate is a crucial document that Indian students must obtain before applying for a German student visa.

Who Needs APS Certificate?

The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students unless one of the following exceptions applies:

• You obtained a non-German degree in Germany
• You intend to pursue PhD/Post Doc studies in Germany
• You have received a scholarship/stipend from German or EU public funds
• Your studies are based on non-Indian school graduation (e.g., International Baccalaureate)
• Your prior degree is non-Indian (e.g., British Bachelor, Turkish Master)

APS Certificate Requirements

For most Indian students (bachelor's program applicants), the APS process requires:

1. Original academic documents: 10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet, all university semester mark sheets and transcripts
2. Degree certificates: If already completed
3. Document verification: The APS verifies document authenticity directly with Indian institutions
4. Fees: Approximately ₹18,000 (non-refundable)

APS Certificate Processing

• Processing Time: 4-8 weeks
• Fee: ₹18,000
• Validity: Once issued, the certificate is valid for your visa application

Documents Requiring Notarization (Where Applicable)

While traditional attestation is not required, certain documents may still need notarization or certified copies:

Documents That May Require Notarization:

1. Academic Transcripts: Certified true copies by a Notary Public
2. Degree Certificates: Notarized copies for submission
3. Mark Sheets: Certified copies from all academic levels
4. Birth Certificate: If required for any purpose
5. Marriage Certificate: If applicable to your application

Important Notes on Notarization:

• Notarized documents are certified true copies, not original attestations
• The German Consulate can also certify copies directly (fee: €23.97 per document)
• Documents larger than A4 size cannot be certified by the Consulate
• Original documents must be presented along with copies

Step-by-Step Application Process for Indian Students (2026)

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation (4-6 months before intended travel)

Step 1: University Admission

• Apply to German universities through uni-assist or directly
• Receive your Zulassungsbescheid (Letter of Admission)

Step 2: APS Certificate Application

• Submit academic documents for APS verification
• Pay the ₹18,000 fee
• Await processing (4-8 weeks)

Step 3: Financial Preparation

• Open a German blocked account with €11,904 minimum
• Transfer funds to the blocked account
• Obtain official confirmation letter

Step 4: Language Proficiency

• Take required language test (TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, or TOEFL)
• Ensure minimum B2 level achievement
• Obtain official score report

Step 5: Health Insurance

• Purchase travel health insurance with €30,000+ coverage
• Ensure coverage starts from your intended entry date

Phase 2: Document Collection (2-3 months before application)

Step 6: Document Preparation

• Collect all original documents
• Get required documents notarized
• Arrange two identical sets
• Do NOT staple documents

Step 7: Translation (if required)

• Translate documents to German or English if not already in these languages
• Use certified translation services
• Submit translated versions with original documents

Phase 3: Visa Application Submission

Step 8: Online Registration

• Register on the Consular Services Portal (CSP)
• Complete the online application form
• Upload required documents

Step 9: Schedule Appointment

• Book biometric appointment at VFS Global or German mission
• Available locations: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata
• Check slot availability (popular times fill quickly)

Step 10: Document Submission

• Attend appointment with all original documents
• Submit two identical sets
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo)
• Pay visa fee: €75 (adults) or €37.50 (minors under 18)

Phase 4: Processing and Outcome

Step 11: Visa Processing

• Processing time: 4-8 weeks typically
• May be extended based on workload and verification requirements
• Track application status online

Step 12: Visa Decision

• Receive passport with visa sticker (if approved)
• Receive rejection letter with reasons (if denied)
• Appeal or reapply if necessary

German Embassy and Consulate Locations in India

Indian students must apply to the German mission based on their jurisdiction:

Location	Jurisdiction
Embassy, New Delhi	Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh
Consulate General, Mumbai	Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Consulate General, Bengaluru	Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep
Consulate General, Chennai	Tamil Nadu (part), Andhra Pradesh (part) - check specific jurisdiction
Consulate General, Kolkata	West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura

Fee Structure (2026)

Visa Fees

Category	Fee
Student Visa (Adults 18+)	€75 (approximately ₹7,000)
Student Visa (Minors under 18)	€37.50
Children (0-17 years)	€37.50

Additional Fees

Service	Fee
APS Certificate	₹18,000 (non-refundable)
Document Verification	€23.97 per document (through German mission)
Complex Document Verification	₹2,000 - ₹40,000+ depending on complexity
Blocked Account Setup	€70 - €150 (varies by provider)

Payment Methods

• German Embassy, New Delhi: Cash in Indian Rupees
• German Consulates: Demand draft from any Indian national bank (not older than 2 months)
• VFS Global: Cash or card depending on location

Processing Timeline (2026)

Standard Processing

Phase	Duration
APS Certificate	4-8 weeks
Blocked Account Setup	1-2 weeks
Visa Application Processing	4-8 weeks
Total Estimated Time	8-16 weeks

Peak Season Considerations

• Summer Intake (March-July): High demand, longer waiting times
• Winter Intake (September-December): Moderate demand
• Booking Appointments: VFS slots may be limited during peak seasons
• Recommendation: Apply 3-4 months before intended travel date

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Traditional Attestation

Problem: Spending money and time on traditional Indian attestation Solution: Germany does NOT require or accept Indian attestation for visa purposes

Mistake 2: Missing APS Certificate

Problem: Applying without mandatory APS certificate Solution: Obtain APS certificate before scheduling visa appointment

Mistake 3: Incomplete Document Sets

Problem: Submitting incomplete or mismatched document sets Solution: Prepare two identical sets, verify completeness before submission

Mistake 4: Incorrect Financial Documentation

Problem: Blocked account not meeting minimum requirements Solution: Ensure €11,904 minimum deposit with proper confirmation

Mistake 5: Expired Language Certificates

Problem: Submitting language certificates older than 1 year Solution: Take fresh test or ensure certificate is within validity period

Mistake 6: Stapled Documents

Problem: Stapling documents together Solution: Submit loose or punched documents, never stapled

Key Takeaways for Indian Students (2026)

1. No Traditional Attestation Required: Germany does not accept or require Indian attestation or apostille stamps
2. APS Certificate is Mandatory: For most Indian students, the APS certificate is essential and takes 4-8 weeks to obtain
3. Two Identical Sets: Prepare two complete, identical document sets with originals and copies
4. Blocked Account Essential: Minimum €11,904 per year in a blocked account is required
5. Book Appointments Early: VFS slots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons
6. Processing Time: Allow 8-16 weeks total for complete process
7. Document Verification: Germany may verify documents at source with additional fees
8. Language Requirements: Minimum B2 level in German or English is typically required

Conclusion

Understanding the document requirements for German student visas in 2026 is crucial for Indian students planning to study in Germany. The key distinction is that Germany has replaced traditional attestation with its own verification process, which simplifies the documentation requirements while ensuring document authenticity through direct verification.

The most critical steps for Indian students are:

1. Obtain your APS certificate early (4-8 weeks processing)
2. Set up your blocked account with €11,904 minimum
3. Prepare two identical document sets with notarized copies
4. Schedule visa appointments well in advance
5. Budget for potential verification fees

By following this comprehensive guide and preparing your documents carefully, you can navigate the German student visa process successfully and begin your academic journey in Germany without unnecessary delays or complications.