10 Sep 2024
Fulfilling visa requirements for travel might seem challenging, considering all the nitty-gritty one must dive into while applying. Whether you want to travel to Germany for work, studies, research or recreation, it is essential to understand what kind of visa suits you best and its requirements. Regardless of the purpose of travel, the more organized and informed you are during your visa application process, the more hassle-free your trip to Germany will be. Like many others, you too can become a Sri Lankan expat with enough professional and financial stability to make a money transfer from Germany to Sri Lanka.
As dull as it might sound, choosing a suitable visa before initiating your application procedure is crucial. Below is a list of visas to choose from, depending on the purpose of your travel to Germany:
The Schengen visa allows a short stay of up to 90 days, so it works best for people planning a vacation, visiting loved ones or a quick business trip. The visa is valid for Germany and other countries considered in Schengen states, such as Poland, New Zealand, Latvia, Austria, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Iceland.
The German Embassy in Colombo primarily handles applications for travel to Germany. Make sure you apply as early as 6 months before your trip and submit your online application at least 15 days before your trip’s schedule. In some cases, visa processing can take as much as a month and a half.
You’ll need to register for an appointment online through an external service provider called VFS and enter the “waiting list.” General requirements include a valid passport, proof of financial means, and no existing reason for expulsion. To ensure that all your documents are complete, view the appropriate checklist provided by the embassy on their website, depending on the purpose of your travel.
The National Visa is best for those who wish to stay longer. It is usually for people who plan on working, studying, academically researching, setting up a business or reunifying their families in Germany. Many people who find jobs or run businesses in Germany send money online to Sri Lanka from Germany while also saving up.
For more detailed information, you’ll need to review the information leaflets for your particular case. It is crucial to understand that if your application form is submitted incompletely, you will have to redo the entire process again, so make sure the form is correctly filled out with the attached documents required by the embassy.
National Visa processing usually takes around 3 months, but applying for family reunions might take 6 months or more. Additionally, if you wish to reunite with someone with subsidiary protection status in Germany, you’ll need pre-approval from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) before applying at the Embassy.
If you wish to send money to support your family back home, applying for a national visa (long-term visa) would suit you.
If you are only transiting through Germany, you might require a Transit Visa, but that depends on the nature of your travel and your final destination. Still, trying to figure out what visa applies best to you? Try the visa navigator on the German embassy’s official website.
Your goal should be to secure your German or Schengen Visa on your first attempt, and you must ensure you follow all the steps correctly to do so.
If one of your visa requirements is learning basic German knowledge, you’ll need authentic sources to learn the language. According to the official German embassy website, people studying German at the Goethe Institute will likely attain a German language certificate.
Once you know the type of visa you need and all visa requirements have been arranged, book an appointment online with VFS or the German Embassy. Emails or phone calls won’t work in this case. You will receive a registration confirmation and then an appointment date. This may take a few days, so make sure your schedule is aligned with the waiting time. According to the new Visa Code, Schengen visa applications can only be submitted through external service providers like VFS Global.
Fulfilling visa requirements for a Schengen or German National visa is relatively easier if you remain organized and consult authentic sources. This is important as many Sri Lankans look for opportunities abroad not only to enhance their lifestyle and careers but also to send money to Sri Lanka from Germany so they can support their families back home.
You can use online money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer for quick and secure transfers. This flexibility ensures that you can support your loved ones back home anytime.
Exchange rates fluctuate; check your transfer service for the most current rates before sending. By doing so, you can maximize the amount your recipient receives.
Using reputable transfer services like ACE Money Transfer ensures your money is transferred securely. These services often employ robust security measures to protect your funds and personal information.
Costs vary by service provider but are generally lower while remitting via online transfer services. You can find a service offering low fees and fast transfers by comparing options.
Typically, you’ll need the recipient’s full name, bank details, and the amount you wish to send. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in processing.
