German citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich.
Do Germans Need a Visa for China?
German passport holders have two options:
- Visa-free (15 days) — Tourism, business, family visits. No advance application needed.
- Chinese Visa — Stays longer than 15 days, work, study, journalism, etc.
15-Day Visa-Free Entry
Germany was one of the first European countries included in China's visa-free expansion, making travel much more convenient.
Eligibility
- Valid German passport (6+ months remaining)
- Purpose: tourism, business, family visits, or transit
- Proof of onward travel (may be requested)
No extensions possible. Overstay fine is 500 RMB per day (maximum 10,000 RMB). Severe overstays can result in detention and deportation.
Common Visa Types
| Type | Purpose | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| L Tourist | Sightseeing, visiting friends/family | 30-90 days |
| M Business | Business meetings, trade fairs | 30-90 days |
| X1/X2 | Study in China | X1: >6 months, X2: ≤6 months |
| Z | Work in China | 90 days entry + residence permit |
| F | Visits for exchanges, research | Up to 180 days |
Application Requirements
📄 All Visa Types
- German passport (valid 6+ months, 1+ blank visa page)
- Completed COVA online form (printed + signed)
- One recent photo (48×33mm, white background)
- Previous Chinese visas (if applicable)
- Visa fee payment (EC card or credit card)
🏖️ Tourist Visa (L) Extras
- Hotel bookings for entire duration
- Flight itinerary (round trip)
- Travel plan / daily itinerary
💼 Business Visa (M) Extras
- Invitation letter from Chinese company
- Letter from German employer
- Proof of business relationship
Step-by-Step Application
1 Fill Out COVA Online Form
Complete the application at cova.mfa.gov.cn. Print the confirmation page and the completed form.
2 Book Appointment Online
Schedule through the visa centre website. Walk-ins are not accepted. Peak season (summer, Oktoberfest period) wait times can be 3-4 weeks.
3 Attend Appointment
Bring all original documents and copies. Submit application, provide fingerprints (ages 14-70), and pay the fee.
4 Collect Passport
Standard processing: 4 working days. Collect in person or use the courier service (available at most centres).
Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee (EUR) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (single entry) | €85.50 | 4 working days |
| Regular (multiple entry) | €166.50 | 4 working days |
| Express (2-3 days) | + €30 | 2-3 working days |
| Postal return | + €25 | + 2-3 days |
German citizens can get 10-year multiple-entry visas for €166.50. Great value for frequent travelers to China.
Chinese Visa Centres in Germany
Serves: Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia
Serves: Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland
Serves: Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Bremen
Serves: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg
Common Mistakes
Chinese visas require EXACTLY 48×33mm photos. German passport photos (35×45mm) don't fit. Use the photo service at the visa centre if unsure.
Apply at least 2 months before travel. Appointments fill up fast, especially during summer and trade fair seasons.
You need hotel bookings for every night. If staying with friends, you need an official invitation letter with their Chinese ID and address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in China on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist or visa-free entry is illegal and can result in fines, detention, deportation, and a lifetime ban.
Do I need a transit visa?
If you're transiting through China for less than 24 hours and staying in the international transit area, you don't need a visa. For longer transits, check the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
Can I apply by post?
First-time applicants must attend in person for biometrics. If you've had a Chinese visa with fingerprints since 2018, you may be eligible for postal applications.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa in Germany?
Standard processing is 4 working days after your appointment. With express service, 2-3 working days. But remember to account for appointment wait times too.