UK Visa from Germany: How to Get a British Visa in Berlin

Applying for a UK visa through Germany is becoming an increasingly popular solution for travelers, students, and business professionals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining a British visa in Germany, the required documents, and why the visa application center in Berlin is an optimal choice. Ready? Let’s get started!

Why Apply for a UK Visa Through Germany?

After Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the Schengen Zone, meaning that citizens of CIS countries need a separate entry permit to visit. Applying for a UK visa in Germany has gained popularity for the following reasons:

Lack of a British visa center in some countries;
Long waiting times for appointments in CIS countries;
Faster service and more efficient application processing;
Convenience for those already residing in Europe.

Thus, applying for a UK visa through Germany is a practical and convenient way to enter the UK—especially for those who live, study, or are temporarily staying in the EU.

Where Can You Apply for a UK Visa in Germany?

Several UK visa application centers operate in Germany, with the most popular one located in the capital. If you're looking for how to get a UK visa in Berlin, you're on the right track. Overall, you can apply in the following cities:

Berlin — the largest center, ideal for most applicants;
Düsseldorf — convenient for residents of western Germany;
Munich — a major center in southern Germany.

Who Can Apply for a UK Visa in Germany?

You don’t have to be a German citizen to apply. Foreign nationals legally residing in Germany are also eligible, including:

Students with a German study visa;
Employees with a valid German work visa;
Refugees with temporary or permanent status;
CIS nationals temporarily staying in Germany.

Important: You must provide documentation proving legal residence in Germany — a residence permit, visa, or registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung).

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Visa from Germany

Determine the Visa Type

Start by identifying the visa type you need: tourist, student, work, business, etc. The most common option is the Standard Visitor Visa, suitable for tourism, visiting relatives, or short-term business trips.

Complete the Online Application

Go to the official UK Visas and Immigration website (gov.uk), create an account, select your application country (Germany), and complete the form in English. You’ll need to provide details such as the purpose of your visit, travel dates, itinerary, and financial situation.

Pay the Visa Fee

The Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) costs approximately €115 (may vary with exchange rates). Payment is made online using a bank card.

Book an Appointment at a Visa Center in Germany

Once the application form is submitted and the fee is paid, schedule an appointment at one of the visa centers (Berlin, Düsseldorf, or Munich). This is done via the TLScontact platform — the UK’s official visa partner.

Prepare Your Documents

Required documents include:

Valid passport;
Proof of legal residence in Germany;
Printed application form and appointment confirmation;
Financial documents (bank statements, employment letter, etc.);
Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.);
Travel itinerary (flight tickets, trip plan).

Visit the Visa Application Center

On your appointment date, visit the chosen visa center to submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo). Your documents will then be forwarded to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing.

Visa Processing Time and Delivery

The average processing time is 15 working days, but priority and super priority services are available for an additional fee, potentially reducing the wait time to 5 or even 1 working day.

You can receive your approved visa via:

Mail;
In-person pickup at the visa center;
Courier service (if available).

As you can see, applying for a UK visa through Germany is an excellent option for anyone temporarily or permanently residing in the EU. If you’re considering applying from Berlin, be sure to gather all required documents in advance, review current requirements, and submit your application with enough time for processing. This approach will help you avoid delays and obtain your British visa in Germany smoothly and efficiently.