The Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin is the main Thai diplomatic mission in Germany. It handles visa applications, consular affairs, and diplomatic relations for residents of Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringen. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of visa services, document requirements, and practical information for your embassy visit.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Royal Thai Embassy, Berlin (Konigliche Thailandische Botschaft) |
| Address | Lepsiusstrasse 64-66, 12163 Berlin |
| Phone | +49 (0)30 7948 1200 |
| Fax | +49 (0)30 7948 1511 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | berlin.thaiembassy.org |
| Jurisdiction | Northern and eastern German states (see above) |
Visa Section Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | Submission: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Monday - Friday | Collection: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Thai & German public holidays | Closed |
Important: The visa section operates independently from the main embassy. Submissions are morning only, collections are afternoon only. The embassy publishes an annual holiday calendar on its website — check it before planning your visit, as Thai holidays such as Songkran and the King's Birthday result in additional closure days.
German Nationals and Visa Exemption
German passport holders benefit from Thailand's 60-day visa exemption for tourism. This means most German tourists can enter Thailand without a visa and receive a 60-day stamp at immigration upon arrival.
You need to apply at the embassy if:
- Your planned stay exceeds 60+30 days (visa exemption plus a 30-day extension available within Thailand)
- You need a Non-Immigrant visa for work, business, retirement, or education
- You wish to obtain a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for frequent travel to Thailand
- You are applying for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Your nationality is not on Thailand's visa exemption list
Visa Types Handled
| Visa Type | Purpose | Fee (EUR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Single Entry | Tourism, up to 60 days | EUR 35 |
| Tourist Visa (TR) - Multiple Entry | Tourism, 6 months validity, 60 days per entry | EUR 175 |
| Non-Immigrant B | Business or employment in Thailand | EUR 70 |
| Non-Immigrant O | Retirement, family visit, marriage | EUR 70 |
| Non-Immigrant O-A | Long-stay retirement (1 year, for applicants 50+) | EUR 70 |
| Non-Immigrant ED | Education, study, or training | EUR 70 |
| Non-Immigrant IB/IM | Investment or media | EUR 70 |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Remote work, cultural activities | EUR 100 |
| Transit Visa | Transiting through Thailand | EUR 35 |
Fees may vary and are subject to change. The embassy typically accepts payment by Uberweisung (bank transfer) in advance or by EC-Karte (debit card) at the counter. Cash payments in euro may be accepted — confirm the current payment method on the embassy website before your visit.
How to Apply for a Visa
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Requirements
Before beginning your application, visit the embassy website to confirm:
- The correct visa type for your purpose of travel
- The specific document checklist for that visa type
- The current fee and accepted payment methods
- Whether an appointment is required
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents as listed for your visa type (see detailed checklists below). Make sure:
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date
- You have at least 2 blank pages in your passport
- All photocopies are clear and legible
- Documents not in German, English, or Thai are accompanied by a certified translation
Step 3: Submit Your Application
In Person:
- Visit the embassy visa section during submission hours (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
- Present your completed application form, passport, photos, and all supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Receive a collection receipt with the expected pickup date
By Post:
- Send your complete application package by registered mail (Einschreiben) to: Visa-Abteilung, Konigliche Thailandische Botschaft Lepsiusstrasse 64-66 12163 Berlin
- Include a pre-paid return envelope (Einschreiben Ruckschein) for the return of your passport
- Include proof of fee payment (bank transfer receipt)
Postal processing takes 10-15 working days from the date of receipt, plus transit time.
Step 4: Collect Your Passport
For in-person submissions, return to the embassy during collection hours (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM) on the date indicated on your receipt. Bring the collection receipt and a valid form of identification.
Required Documents by Visa Type
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
- Completed visa application form (downloaded from the embassy website)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
- One biometric passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within the past 6 months)
- Flight confirmation showing return or onward journey
- Hotel booking or proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Bank statement from the past 3 months showing a balance of at least EUR 1,500 per person
- Visa fee
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
- All documents required for a single entry tourist visa, plus:
- Bank statements for the past 6 months showing at least EUR 5,000
- Letter explaining travel plans and reasons for multiple entries
- Proof of stable income or employment (Arbeitgeberbescheinigung, pension statement, or Gewerbeanmeldung)
Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement, 1 Year)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 18 months
- One biometric passport photo
- Proof of age (50+) from passport or birth certificate
- Financial proof: bank statement showing savings equivalent to 800,000 THB, or pension documentation showing monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
- Police clearance certificate (Fuhrungszeugnis) from the Bundesamt fur Justiz, issued within the past 3 months
- Medical certificate from a licensed physician confirming absence of prohibited diseases (tuberculosis, leprosy, elephantiasis, drug addiction, third-stage syphilis)
- Health insurance policy valid in Thailand with minimum coverage of 40,000 THB for outpatient and 400,000 THB for inpatient care
- Visa fee
Non-Immigrant B (Business/Work)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One biometric passport photo
- Invitation letter from the Thai employer or business partner
- Thai company documents (company registration certificate, shareholder list, latest financial statements)
- Work permit approval letter from the Thai Ministry of Labour (if available)
- Employment contract or letter of assignment
- Visa fee
Non-Immigrant ED (Education)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One biometric passport photo
- Letter of acceptance from a Thai educational institution
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
- Transcript or academic records from previous education
- Visa fee
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- One biometric passport photo
- Proof of remote employment or freelance work (contract, client letters, evidence of digital nomad work)
- Financial proof (bank statements showing sufficient funds, typically equivalent to 500,000 THB)
- Health insurance with coverage in Thailand
- Visa fee
Processing Times
| Visa Type | In-Person Processing | Postal Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Single) | 2-3 working days | 7-10 working days |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple) | 3-5 working days | 10-14 working days |
| Non-Immigrant B | 3-5 working days | 10-14 working days |
| Non-Immigrant O/O-A | 5-7 working days | 10-15 working days |
| Non-Immigrant ED | 3-5 working days | 10-14 working days |
| DTV | 5-10 working days | 10-15 working days |
Express processing is not offered. Plan your application to allow sufficient lead time before your departure date.
Getting to the Embassy
The embassy is located in the Steglitz district of Berlin, a residential area south of the city centre.
By Public Transport
- U-Bahn: U9 to Rathaus Steglitz station, then a 10-minute walk south along Lepsiusstrasse
- S-Bahn: S1 to Botanischer Garten station, then a 5-minute walk
- Bus: Several BVG bus routes stop near Lepsiusstrasse
By Car
Street parking is available in surrounding residential streets (observe Parkzone regulations). The embassy has no dedicated visitor car park.
What to Expect
The visa section entrance is clearly signposted. You may pass through security screening. A numbered queuing system is used during busy periods. Staff communicate in Thai, German, and English.
Other Thai Diplomatic Missions in Germany
Residents of southern and western German states fall under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Frankfurt or Munich:
| Mission | Location | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Thai Embassy | Berlin | Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringen |
| Royal Thai Consulate-General | Frankfurt am Main | Hessen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland |
| Royal Thai Consulate-General | Munich | Bayern, Baden-Wurttemberg |
Tip: Apply at the mission responsible for your state of residence. Applications submitted at the wrong mission may be redirected, causing delays.
Consular Services
The embassy also provides the following non-visa services:
- Document legalization — Authentication of German documents for use in Thailand (requires prior Apostille from German authorities)
- Thai passport services — Issuance and renewal for Thai nationals living in Germany
- Civil registration — Birth, marriage, death, and divorce registration for Thai nationals
- Notarial services — Certification and witnessing of documents
- Consular assistance — Emergency support for Thai nationals in distress
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa for Thailand? For tourism stays of up to 60 days, no. German passport holders receive a visa exemption stamp on arrival. For longer stays or non-tourist purposes, a visa is required.
Can I apply at the embassy if I live in Munich? No. Residents of Bayern (Bavaria) should apply at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Munich. The Berlin embassy serves northern and eastern German states only.
How long before my trip should I apply? Apply at least 4 weeks before your departure. During busy travel seasons (November-February), allow 6 weeks.
What happens if my application is incomplete or rejected? Incomplete applications are returned without processing. Rejected applications do not receive a fee refund. In either case, you may resubmit with corrected or strengthened documentation.
Can I extend my visa while in Thailand? Yes. A tourist visa or visa exemption can be extended by 30 days at any Thai Immigration office within Thailand for 1,900 THB. See our tourist visa extension guide for details.
Final Thoughts
Germany is one of the largest source markets for tourism to Thailand, and the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin handles a high volume of applications efficiently. For most German tourists, the visa exemption means no embassy visit is needed. If you do require a visa, prepare your documents meticulously, respect the submission hours, and apply with plenty of time to spare. The embassy website is the definitive source for the latest requirements, fees, and holiday closures.
