Nothing from the embassy for weeks. The employer is waiting. The move-in date is getting closer. Visa delays are more common than you think - and usually solvable, if you know what's behind it.
What really happens
Processing status, typical time periods and what lies behind the silence.
Cause 1
In more than half of all delayed cases the cause is not the embassy, but in the documents submitted. Missing translations, expired documents, incorrect forms. If you check your application again yourself, you will usually find the problem.
Check documents – before the embassy does it
The embassy often only checks documents weeks after they have been received. If she finds defects, she sends a letter of subsequent demand – that takes another few weeks. Then the deadline only begins. If you submit everything correctly in advance, you will save 4-8 weeks.
Cause 2
Germany checks all visa applicants against national and European databases. There are additional ones for citizens of certain countries or certain professions Verification steps – which neither the applicant nor the employer can change. The only thing that helps here is to wait and cooperate fully.
What happens in the background
Every application is automatically checked against the Schengen Information System (SIS II), Interpol and national databases compared. For name or date of birth hits - including false positives - the application is checked manually. That takes time.
For sensitive professions (military technology, nuclear science, IT security research, dual-use goods), the embassy obtains a statement from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This process can take 3-6 months - without being informed.
For national D visas, the processing department checks whether the applicant has expired the visa would realistically leave. family members in the country of origin, Property or professional license in your home country can help here. None of these criteria are official – but they are assessed unofficially.
Some embassies are structurally overloaded: Dhaka (Bangladesh), Lagos (Nigeria), Bogotá (Colombia), New Delhi (India), Cairo (Egypt) regularly record Appointment waiting times of 3-6 months before the application is even processed. Book an appointment as early as possible – even before all the documents are ready.
Real waiting times 2025
This information is based on reported waiting times for 2024/2025. Embassy workloads change. Use as a basis for planning – not as a guarantee.
12-20 weeks
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal
Appointment in New Delhi, Mumbai or Dhaka: often 4-8 weeks just for the appointment. Book as early as possible.
16-24 weeks
Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Algeria
Security testing is systemic. Cairo: Appointments are often fully booked for months. Start planning early.
10-18 weeks
Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal
Lagos: structurally overloaded. Use extensions in Abuja if possible.
8-16 weeks
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan
Verification times vary greatly depending on your profession and previous passports.
6-12 weeks
Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil
Bogotá: a disproportionate number of applications. Secure appointments early. Brazilian citizens can enter the country without a visa.
4-8 weeks
Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania
Significantly shorter waiting times. Embassies in these countries work more efficiently - you can still submit all documents.
Cause 3 & options for action
There is a right time to follow up - and a wrong time. If you get annoying too soon, you will harm yourself. If you react too late, you lose deadlines. These steps will help in this order.
When which step makes sense
Before you even ask: check all submitted documents again. Are translations correct? Are all forms completely filled out? Is the email address in the application current and accessible? Often the additional request is already in the spam folder.
A brief, factual email to the embassy with the application number and full name. No demands, no emotional formulation. Just inquire once – not weekly. Multiple messages flag the file and can actually slow down processing.
Many employers and universities have experience with visa waiting times. If you communicate early, you can usually agree on a later start date. Surprises are worse than transparency. An employer can ask the Foreign Office directly – that actually has an effect.
For cases over 6 months: Contact the Bundestag Petitions Committee or contact the Bundestag member of the future place of residence. Members of parliament have an official right to information from authorities. This way is free and legitimate.
After more than 3 months without a decision, an action for failure to act is possible according to Section 75 VwGO. Only makes sense if the requirements for the visa are clearly met and all other steps have been exhausted. Consult a lawyer who specializes in immigration law.
Which increases the delay
Ask too early and too often
Weekly emails to the embassy appear in the file. Clerks do not react more quickly under pressure - sometimes on the contrary. Make a written request after 12 weeks - then wait.
Overlooking additional claim deadlines
If the embassy writes, a deadline is set - usually 4-8 weeks. If you miss them, the application will be closed. Check emails daily. Also spam folders. Especially after 6-8 weeks.
Not communicating the start date to the employer
If you do not inform your employer or university, you risk having your contract terminated Loss of study place. Communicate early and plan buffers. Most employers are experienced with visa wait times – if you include them.
Interpreting silence as rejection
A rejection comes in writing – always. No response after 8 weeks does not mean rejection, but ongoing processing. As long as no decision has been received, the application continues.
Book your flight and apartment too early
Cancellable bookings or flexible tickets are more expensive – but significantly cheaper as non-cancellable costs in the event of delays. Booking cannot be canceled until the visa has been issued.
Numbers you need to know
§ 75
VwGO – action for failure to act Possible after 3 months without notification. Only makes sense if the requirements are clearly met. Get a lawyer involved.
4–8
Weeks deadline after additional request Missed deadline = closed application without decision. Check emails daily.
12 weeks
Earliest reasonable request time Beforehand you only get standard answers. A single written request – then wait.
§ 82
Residence Act – Obligation to cooperate Applicants must provide all requested documents in full. Failure to cooperate can be viewed as a withdrawal.
Next steps
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.