Germany has changed its visa application system, and the update affects millions of applicants worldwide. As of July 1st, 2025, the German Federal Foreign Office has officially abolished the remonstration procedure for visa rejections globally. What does this mean for anyone planning to visit, work, or study in Germany — in particular, for you or your friends planning to get or renew a German visa? Read this article to find out!
Remonstration procedure before the changes
The new reality: What's changed
What these changes mean for expats
Remonstration procedure before the changes
Before dwelling on the changes, let us remind you about the process before them. The remonstration procedure allowed visa applicants to challenge rejection decisions directly through German embassies and consulates. They could request a review of their visa rejection relatively quickly, submit additional documents, and/or ask about specific reasons for denial.
Key features of the old system included:
- Free of charge: the applicant did not need to pay any additional fees.
- Administrative review: Handled internally by the Federal Foreign Office.
- Relatively fast: Typically processed within 3 months (yes, that is fast – we’re talking about the German visa, after all!).
- Accessible: Could be submitted directly to the embassy or consulate.
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The new reality: What's changed
We hope that you will never experience a German visa rejection — but if you do, you have two options after July 1st, 2025: reapply or initiate a court appeal.
Option 1: Reapplication
If your German visa application is rejected, you can reapply anytime. However, you'll need to start the entire application process from scratch, which means paying fees and providing documents.
Fees: you'll need to pay the full visa fee again — no discounts for reapplying
Documents: You'll need to collect all the necessary documents and maybe improve or add missing ones. Address the reasons for rejection — find out why things did not work out the first time, and get your German visa.
Option 2: Court appeal
The only formal appeal route is now through the Administrative Court in Berlin, which is longer, more complex and more expensive than the application or the reapplication. You will need to cover legal fees and court costs and wait for up to 2 years for resolution.
More articles for expats in Germany:
What these changes mean for expats
If you are planning to apply for a German visa, keep in mind these tips.
Start in advance
The application process may take time — do not put off submitting your documents to get your German visa ready sooner.
Explore specific rules
Brazilians, Nigerians, and NRIs are all non-EU residents, but that doesn't mean the application process will be the same for them. Customise your documents list depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay in Germany.
Be attentive to details
Double-check your documents and deadlines — be careful to avoid visa reapplication. Use this checklist:
- Complete paperwork: Ensure all required documents are included and properly formatted
- Clear financial records: Provide comprehensive proof of funds and income sources
- Detailed explanations: Include cover letters explaining your circumstances and intentions
- Professional translations: Use certified translation services for non-German documents
Seek advice
Do not hesitate to contact local communities on Reddit, Facebook, or any other media you trust.
Stay optimistic
Even if your visa is rejected, do not panic. Address the reasons for denial, prepare better and go through the process once again.
