Important changes to German visa policy: abolition of the visa refusal appeal procedure from July 1, 2025

From July 1, 2025, Germany will abolish the procedure for appealing visa refusals, which will create additional difficulties for those who have been refused a visa. Now, if your application is rejected, you will have to resort to more complicated and costly methods of appeal through the courts.

Previously, applicants who were denied a visa could submit a written objection to the same embassy or consulate that issued the decision. This allowed them to submit additional documents or explanations that may have been overlooked during the initial review. However, the results of a pilot project launched on June 1, 2023, showed that the abolition of the appeal procedure freed up a significant number of specialists in visa departments. This, in turn, led to an increase in the processing speed of new applications for both Schengen and national visas.

From July 1, 2025, the only way to appeal will be to apply to a German administrative court. This process will require the services of a lawyer, payment of court costs, and may take up to two years, which will be impractical for many travelers, especially those applying for short-term visas. As an alternative, it will be possible to submit a new application from scratch.

For anyone planning a trip to Germany for any purpose, it is extremely important to obtain the correct visa. We recommend that you prepare your documents in advance and, if necessary, seek the assistance of visa consultants or lawyers. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and significantly increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

The specialists at Visa-Navigator.com are ready to support you and provide the necessary advice at every stage of the visa application process. By contacting us, you can prepare for your trip to Germany as effectively as possible, reducing the risk of rejection and avoiding potential complications.

Stay up to date with all changes in visa policy and receive the latest travel planning recommendations by following the news on the Visa-Navigator.com website.