Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- TLScontact processes German Schengen and national visa applications for UK residents on behalf of the German Embassy in London.
- Applicants book through the German Embassy appointment system or VIDEX online application first, then attend TLScontact.
- UK centres typically run in London and Edinburgh.
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for Schengen short stays. TLScontact is for long-stay, work, student, family reunion and EU Blue Card visas.
- TLScontact does not decide visas. The German Embassy or Consulate decides.
Address and Contact Details
TLScontact runs German visa application centres in the UK on behalf of the German Embassy in London and the German Consulate in Edinburgh. The London centre is typically the main hub for England and Wales, while Edinburgh covers Scotland and Northern Ireland.
To find the current address, open uk.tlscontact.com and select Germany. The portal shows the exact address, postcode, opening hours and contact details for each city.
Verify the current TLScontact Germany centre address before travelling. The German Embassy in London also publishes the address and instructions at uk.diplo.de.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
TLScontact Germany in the UK processes the full range of German visas, including:
- Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism, business or visits up to 90 days, for nationalities not visa-exempt.
- National long-stay visa (Type D) for stays over 90 days.
- Employment visa for general skilled workers.
- EU Blue Card for highly qualified specialists with a job offer above the salary threshold.
- Visa for vocational training (Berufsausbildung).
- Visa for job seeking (Chancenkarte / Opportunity Card).
- Student visa.
- Student applicant visa (Studienbewerbervisum).
- Family reunion visa for spouses, registered partners and minor children.
- Self-employment and freelance visa (Selbstandige Tatigkeit / Freiberufler).
- Research visa.
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, business or visits to Germany of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open the German Embassy in London website uk.diplo.de and choose the relevant visa category.
- Complete the VIDEX online application form at videx.diplo.de.
- Book an appointment through the German Embassy appointment system if required for the category, or proceed directly to TLScontact for biometrics.
- Open uk.tlscontact.com and create an account.
- Pay the TLScontact service fee online.
- Book a date and time at London or Edinburgh.
- Print the appointment letter with barcode and bring the original VIDEX form with photograph attached.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed TLScontact appointment letter with barcode.
- Printed and signed VIDEX application form with photograph.
- Current passport with at least three months validity beyond intended departure from Schengen.
- Old passports if requested.
- Passport-style photographs to Schengen specification (35mm x 45mm, biometric).
- Proof of UK residency (BRP, vignette, settled status, or utility bill).
- Schengen travel insurance with minimum 30,000 euros medical cover for short-stay visas.
- Supporting documents for the visa category: employer contract, university admission letter, family relationship proof, language certificates (where required), proof of qualifications.
Processing Times and Fees
Schengen visa fee is 90 euros for adults and 45 euros for children 6 to 11 (under 6 free). Long-stay D visa fee is typically 75 euros, with reductions for students. TLScontact service fee in the UK is in addition to consular fees.
Processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days if further checks are needed. National long-stay visas including Blue Card and employment can take 4 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer if the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fur Arbeit) needs to consent to the job.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa to work in Germany?
Yes for any stay over 90 days. For employment in Germany, a long-stay D visa or EU Blue Card is required, applied for through TLScontact.
What is the EU Blue Card?
It is a residence permit for highly qualified workers with a recognised university degree and a job offer in Germany at or above a defined salary threshold. It allows easier access to permanent residence after a shorter period.
What is the Chancenkarte?
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is a points-based visa for skilled workers to enter Germany to seek a job, even without a confirmed offer. Eligibility is based on qualifications, experience, language and age.
Why do I have to use VIDEX?
VIDEX is the official German visa application system. It generates the application form and barcode that TLScontact scans into the German embassy file.
Can I send my passport by post to TLScontact Germany?
Biometrics must be taken in person. Postal submissions are limited to specific cases where biometrics are not required or already on file.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced uk.tlscontact.com (London and Edinburgh), the German Embassy in London (uk.diplo.de), VIDEX, and gov.uk foreign travel advice for Germany. Fees and visa categories evolve, so we have linked to the official portals for live information.
