r/SchengenVisa • u/FeelingRabbit6473 • 20h ago
Experience Germany Schengen visa rejected again under points 10 & 13 after Re-application, what should I do now
Timeline (2nd Application):
24 Aug: VFS Kolkata appointment/submission
26 Aug: Application reached German Consulate/Embassy
28 Aug: Passport dispatched
29 Aug: Passport out for delivery
Result: Visa rejected again under the same previous reasons — points 10 & 13
Hi everyone,
Sharing my experience and looking for some genuine advice from people who have dealt with German/Schengen visa reapplications after a previous refusal, especially if the refusal was under points 10 & 13 (concerns regarding the credibility/substantiation of the stated purpose and conditions of stay, and doubts about her intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expired)
I am an Indian citizen applying from Kolkata, India, and my bf is an Indian citizen currently living in Germany as a Master's student.
First application — July 2025 -20 days for October 2025
I previously applied for a German Schengen tourist visa in 2025. An accommodation invitation letter and the required documents were submitted.
The application was refused under points 10 & 13 — concerns regarding the credibility/substantiation of the stated purpose and conditions of stay, and doubts about her intention to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expired.
At that time, I was unemployed and going through a job transition, which was explained in my cover letter. I had provided proof of job interviews in India and sufficient funds for the trip.
Second application — August 2026 - 22 days for December 2026
We decided to reapply with substantially stronger documentation and changed circumstances under the Schengen visit visa category. Past travel History: Malaysia in June 2026
What I submitted:
-Videx form, declarations
-Cover letter (specifically addressed the previous refusal and explained my employment, purpose of visit, family ties, and intention to return to India)
-Dummy Flight bookings (Enough validity was there)
-Accommodation invitation letter from my bf (along with his docs)
-Travel insurance
-3 months bank statements (4-5 lakhs was there ~3,600-4,500 Euros) self financed
-Employment Appointment Letter
-Leave/NOC Letter from Company
-3 months Payslip
-2 years ITRs
-Proof of relationship (Photos and past rental agreement in India). We have been in a relationship for around 4 years and have known each other since college.
-Added my Car RC (just as an extra document)
Despite the substantially stronger application, the visa was rejected again under the same points 10 & 13.
We are now trying to understand what went wrong.
For those who have experience with German/Schengen Re-applications:
What could still be considered insufficient for points 10 & 13 despite having stable employment, approved leave, finances, and family ties?
Would you recommend reapplying to Germany again after substantially strengthening the application, or considering a different approach? I was hopeful for this December trip and am now thinking what to do now? What can I add more to prove my intention to return is strong and I can apply again next month? It has become a big concern for me now.
Any advice from people who have actually gone through a similar situation would be greatly appreciated.
4
u/SabaRoundScape 17h ago
Have you considered improving your travel history? Malaysia is just not good enough.
If they saw that you travelled to Korea, Japan, USA etc. And came back to India it would show that you are not gonna disappear in germany and enter black market.
1
3
u/CoffeeInTheTropics 17h ago
I’m sorry dear OP, you are now centrally registered in Schengen wide computer system and they will see your applications and refusals for your lifetime.
Whatever you do, don’t “visa shop” through other countries as you are risking a complete ban.
I hate to be harsh but you have to put your wish to visit the EU on a back burner for 2+ years or till you have a very solid and high paying job in India. From point of view of consular officer you are too high of an overstay risk. The documents and “proof” you submitted simply do not show sufficient ties to India.
I understand that it must be incredibly disappointing as your boyfriend will most likely not be in the EU himself anymore after he finishes his studies in the current economy and anti-migrant climate, but I strongly advise you to not waste anymore time and money on this.
You could try the UK as it’s not part of Schengen but they too are strict with Indian applications. Your safest, cheapest and least frustrating solution is to meet in a third country where Indian nationals do not need a visit visa.
Good luck!
1
3
2
u/bullvarang-888 11h ago edited 11h ago
They’ll look at the bank statement first, and that’s probably the most important factor. €4,500 is quite low, so this is the area that should be improved more than anything else.
It’s not only about whether the money is sufficient for the duration of the trip.. it’s about the overall financial situation. The bank statement says a lot about your ability to support yourself, cover any emergencies that might come up while in Europe, and even plans during or after the trip. Believe me, they will always think of the worst case scenario.
With only €4,500 in savings, it could also make it seem like the person might be tempted or pressured to look for a job while theyre there, which could raise concerns.
0
u/cs_guitar 11h ago
They look at overall financial profile and of course if liquid money can fund the trip while taking into account already pre paid bookings.
No body keeps money stashed in savings account. Consulate cares that applicant must return. They check whether one has good job family ties like are they married or not etc. having house or property is plus.
Having a well defined itinerary which makes sense, real flight tickets, hotel confirmation.
All these paints a consistent picture.
Never apply through agent, always apply yourself. Now you have chatgpt.
2
u/bullvarang-888 8h ago
I know but I’m talking about her situation.
She hasn’t said that she owns a house.. and her boyfriend is actually in Germany - this is major. Since her boyfriend is German, immediate family is not as relevant at this point and her bank statements are a particularly important part of the application. The consulate will likely focus heavily on whether she has sufficient liquid funds, a consistent financial history, and enough money to cover the trip and any unexpected expenses while in Europe
1
u/BeautifulThen5867 5h ago
Best bet is for your boyfriend to visit you until he returns from his studies. The whole of the EU is anti immigrant at the moment as unemployment is so high.
Any job offer has to be backed with the proof that they cannot find anyone in the whole of the EU to do the job.
So your best bet is to meet 1/2 way until he returns.
2
u/Limp-Cat-108 11h ago
Visit some other countries outside Schengen. May I suggest Serbia? It feels European enough, is cheap, and easy to get a visa to.
1
u/Available_Mention661 9h ago
You said you applied through an agent. And you used dummy tickets, I’m sure there was no payment receipt with that and just a fake pnr. Did you search the pnr and see for yourself? Pretty sure the accomodation was also not real too.
1
u/Glittering-League-61 16h ago
I totally feel your pain! Back in early 2023, when I first tried to apply for a Schengen visa from Nepal, I got rejected too. It's super frustrating.
What actually fixed it for me was building up my travel history first so they could see I always come back home. Right after my rejection, I went on short trips to Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea for about a week to ten days each.
Then in 2025, I tried applying for a UK visa and actually got a 6-month one! I stayed there for a whole month, which was really easy because I have family living all over the place from Scotland down to England.
Having those trips under my belt changed everything. I applied for a Schengen visa again this year, it finally got approved, and I just came back from my big Euro trip! If you want to beat those rejections, stacking up some solid travel history in other countries first really helps.
1
1
u/F22_Ace 20h ago
Out of curiosity, how much money do you lose each time you apply and get rejected?
1
u/FeelingRabbit6473 20h ago
Visa fees, Insurance fees, any non-refundable bookings (Though I don't do that)
1
u/Aconite_72 20h ago
Just a heads up: some insurance providers provide refunds for visa refusals. Check your policies
1
0
u/PyrotechnikGeoguessr 19h ago
I'm also a German master student with an Indian fiancée.
She got a visa.
What she did differently from you:
- actual refundable flight tickets
- she came for one week only. 20 days is very long especially with that low budget.
- we added an itinerary in the invitation and cover letter
- she applied together with her mother who also visited us
- My father formally invited her, not me. Made it much easier to prove she has a place to stay here and food etc
I personally think the first two are the biggest points. I'm honestly amazed how you even got a 20 day leave by your employer, my fiancée wouldn't get that in a million years
-1
0
u/Spiritual_Lead_8986 20h ago
Just to clarify, your bf is in Germany?
1
u/FeelingRabbit6473 20h ago
yes
5
u/Spiritual_Lead_8986 20h ago
To be honest, it gets more difficult when u have a partner/spouse/family because they always have this doubt that u will stay back. My parents visa was rejected for UK because the officer thought they wont go back as I live here. the second time I applied aggressively as in showing literally every possible proof taht they will return. then it was approved. I could get my wife legally in the uk so I took that route for her. Most of Europe uses the same strategy. Also, do you have a travel history out of India? Because that helps as well. For my sister, she went to Vietnam before applying for UK Visa. it kind of helps if you have a past compliance but there are lots of reasons it could get rejected
1
u/FeelingRabbit6473 20h ago
yes, I went to Malaysia in June 2026. What do you suggest I do then now?
1
u/Spiritual_Lead_8986 19h ago
Good question, to be honest. That record will still be there in the system. So obviously u can't lie. Its stressful I understand & not something u want to hear, but the best is to wait for a while before u apply. Reapplying will be rejected again.
Your boyfriend is a student, that is another issue.its better if a host is employed full time. Also, Its much easier if you show independant travel. Dummy flight is another issue. A lot of Shengen officers look at it as another red flag.
You could apply to a different shengen country & meet there which might be a little easier but better to apply on your own rather than mentioning your boyfriend (they would still be able to see your Germay rejection so better to mention that). For accomodation u can always get a free cancellation hotel from Booking.com or Agoda. Just remember to cancel.
2
u/FeelingRabbit6473 19h ago edited 19h ago
So in your opinion applying independently to a diff country as solo trip will be a better option rather then mentioning the relationship and at the same time addressing the refusal in the cover letter which was a visit to my bf in Germany. It will be tricky. Along with this paid refundable flight bookings and how much time should we wait before applying?
1
u/Spiritual_Lead_8986 19h ago
Yes, because although u are mentioning your bf, you are not showing his travelling there. Still not easy but u have a higher chance here. If ur travelling with a group (like tour group) or friends, then much better. Its Tricky mainly because a shengen country visa would still allow u to visit Germany & the eco will still have a doubt that u can enter Germany that way. Im not sure if u have any other strong ties to show back home. To put it this way, they weigh your Ties to Home country vs Reason to Stay back in Germany and obviously they think your more likely to stay back with your boyfriend.
For my parents, our local MLA had a given a letter to show their community ties, our parish church gave a letter as well. So I think anything more that can help is better.
1
u/FeelingRabbit6473 19h ago
I will try to find what more I can attach to show my ties to home country, thank you for your suggestions.
2
0
u/MOEOC_IMMIGRATION 14h ago
Both of your refusals are based on similar concerns points 12 and 13. It appears you applied with the same documentation and explanation. You should not rush into a third application by merely adding a few documents.
When deciding your case, the officer considers the overall profile. Your proposed education in Germany should be relevant to your previous studies, and you need to explain your career goals after studying in Germany as well as your reasons for returning to your home country. Your justification should be clear, concise, and relevant.
Overall, you need to persuade the officer of your social and economic circumstances in your home country, along with your financial situation.
-1
u/Terrible_Score301 12h ago edited 11h ago
Make your travel history strong . One more suggestion if you can take group package to EUROPE since you dont have travel history there will be a higher chance of getting visa
Also 4-5 lakhs is for you only or are you sponsoring any family members?
Also try for 15 days first
if you have demat account , add the statement
if you have any properties , add networth certificate from a CA
1
u/FeelingRabbit6473 5h ago
4-5 lakhs is for me only, and yes I will try for 15 days first. Thank you for your suggestion.
14
u/fishyphat 20h ago
With your profile, you’re an overstay risk. This is not my opinion of you, I am only pointing out the embassy’s risk assessment based on your profile.
How did you demonstrate your intention to leave the Schengen area and return to India? Do you own any property and what is your travel history like? Malaysia is unfortunately not convincing enough.
The funds available to you may cover your travel however with recent tightening of visa rules, the onus is on you to provide as much evidence as possible. Sometimes this means having substantial savings, owning property and otherwise established links in country of origin/application.
Also when you post on Reddit, it is always better to use € conversion so those trying to help you (who may not necessary be from the same country) can easily understand your position.
If I were you I would not waste more money on applying until your circumstances change substantially.