What is the remonstration procedure?
The remonstration procedure gave applicants whose visas were rejected the opportunity to submit a written appeal within one month - directly to the embassy or consulate. The decision was then reviewed internally and could be reversed under certain circumstances.
Legally, this procedure was not mandatory, but was previously offered voluntarily by the Federal Foreign Office.
Why is the procedure being abolished?
The decision is based on a pilot project that has been carried out at numerous German visa offices abroad since June 2023. The remonstration procedure was partially suspended.
With positive effects: The processing of visa applications has become more efficient and faster, and the waiting times for a decision are shorter, according to the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. The authority is certain that all applicants will ultimately benefit from the permanent elimination of the objection procedure.
What does this mean in concrete terms for applicants?
Applicants whose visas have been refused can no longer hope for a free review by the embassy or consulate.
- You still have the option of appealing against the visa refusal to the Berlin Administrative Court.
- The possibility of submitting a new visa application - for example with additional or improved documents - also remains unchanged.
The abolition of the remonstration procedure affects both Schengen visas for short stays and national visas - for example, for family reunification, skilled workers, training or studies.
Apply for the visa digitally
At the same time as abolishing the remonstration, the Federal Foreign Office has expanded and simplified the digital application process via the "Auslandsportal". Since January 1, 2025, national visas can generally be applied for online.
The aim is to improve the quality of applications and thus avoid rejections from the outset.
