Q1: Germany visa processing time, what’s realistic?
A1: Typically 10-15 working days for straightforward tourist applications. Business visas can sometimes move faster if you have a solid invitation letter from the German company.

Q2: I’m self-employed, is that a problem for the application?
A2: It’s not a problem, but it does need more documentation. We’ll ask for things like your business registration, recent tax returns, and a letter explaining your travel purpose. It takes a bit more prep but it’s manageable.

Q3: Does travel insurance need to be German specifically?
A3: No, it needs to cover the whole Schengen area with at least €30,000 medical coverage. It doesn’t matter which country issues the policy as long as it meets that requirement.

Q4: What if I’ve been refused a Schengen visa before, does that affect a Germany application?
A4: It can come up during review, so we ask about previous refusals upfront. If there was one, we look at what likely caused it and adjust the new application so the same issue doesn’t repeat.

Q5: How far in advance should I start the process?
A5: At least a month before travel is a safe window. If your dates are flexible, even better, since appointment availability can shift depending on the time of year.