10.1 Summary of Fees (as of: according to information sheets)
- Schengen Visas: €90 (adults), €45 (children 6–12), children under 6 free of charge; payment in GHS or by credit card, non-refundable.
- National visas: €75 (€37.50 for minors), payment in GHS or by credit card, non-refundable.
10.2 Processing Times
- Schengen visa: approx. 14 days, maximum 45 days.
- National visas: depending on the category, often 4–8 weeks or longer (skilled workers, family reunification, au pairs, study), as German immigration authorities and, if applicable, the Federal Employment Agency are involved.
10.3 Practical Information for Ghanaian Applicants
- Plan Ahead: Schengen applications must be submitted at least 15 days before travel, but can be filed up to 6 months in advance; for national visas, begin the process several months before your planned entry if possible.
- **Note the document order: ** The Embassy requires originals + copies in the order specified in the respective information sheets; incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed.
- No agencies: Appointment booking is free of charge; the Embassy expressly advises against booking appointments through agencies or third-party providers.
- Note legal changes: Income limits, fees, and criteria (e.g., Blue Card thresholds, definition of skilled workers, Opportunity Card) may change annually; always check the embassy’s current information sheets and the BMI/“Make it in Germany” websites.