PinoySignal: Setting an Appointment at the German Embassy by Shanaz Well, www.pinoysignal.com

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MARRYING A FOREIGNER>German-Filipino Marriage

Setting an Appointment at the German Embassy
Shanaz Well, March 2009

At the time I made an appointment with the German Embassy in Manila, here are the following list-to-do things which I did:

1. I need to prepare the following documents before making a call:

a. duly filled up application forms, which you can download from the embassy's website. Be extra careful in filling up the form. Check your spellings. Check if you are filling up the right data on the proper spaces provided. If you have a child before you marry your German spouse, fill up item number 8 on your application form. (See Visa Application for your Child) Being the parent of this child, you can bring him along later on your travel, after both visa were approved by the German embassy. Just in case you want to bring your child, fill up the form with just, fair, and honest details. Fill-up a separate application form for the visa application of your child. Items 9, 10, & 18 can apply if you wish to bring your child with you.
b. valid passport. Take note of the expiration date, date of release of your passport, which DFA field office issued your passport, and the spelling of every name written therein.
c. NSO birth certificate
d. NSO marriage contract
e. NSO certificate of marriage (CEMAR)
f. copy of your spouse's federal identity card (Der Personalausweis). Be careful of umlauts (ä, ö, ü) when you fill up the application form. These are important characters in the German alphabet, which are not normally found in the English alphabet.

2. When all documents in number 1 list are on hand, you are ready to set an appointment at the German Embassy. You can make an appointment by dialing any of the following numbers:
1-909-101-7777 (PLDT: only landline, SMART: only mobile phone)
1-903-101-7777 (Bayantel: only landline)
1-900-101-7777 (Globe: landline and mobile phone)
(Accessibility: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Please take note of the days and time of accessibility. The embassy are very strict in implementing these. For me, the best time to call is first hour in the morning. I did once a call in the afternoon and I noticed that the lines were busy. That was just my observation but of course you can make a call anytime 8am to 6pm, Mondays through Saturdays. Please take note also that the numbers listed above are only applicable in the Philippines.

The following are the rates when using their appointment system.
LANDLINE – CALL CENTER:
Within Metro Manila: PLDT: 32,- PhP/Min; Bayantel: 32,- PhP/Min; Globe: 32,- PhP/Min
From outside Metro Manila: PLDT: 37,- PhP/Min; Bayantel: 36,50 PhP/Min; Globe: 37,- PhP/Min
MOBILE TELEPHONE – CALL CENTER:
Within Metro Manila: Smart: 39,50 PhP/Min; Globe: 39,50 PhP/Min
From outside Metro Manila: Smart: 39,50 PhP/Min; Globe: 39,50 PhP/Min

In my case, I used my smart mobile phone, loaded a minimum of Php2000 worth of phone cards to make the call, charged my mobile battery full, and expected a continuous conversation to the call center agent making an appointment for me.

Another way of setting an appointment
You can directly go to the office of the German Embassy in this address:
25/F Tower 2, RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Ave.
Makati City, Metro Manila

Personal appearance is what they need. Bring your valid passport. This is free of charge because you don't need to call any number. However, this kind of appointment can be availed only on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2pm to 3pm. I didn't avail of this service so I cannot discuss in detail the process how to make an appointment by appearing personally to the embassy on the designated time and days.

I live 5-6 hours-drive away from the Embassy. It would be more convenient for me to set an appointment using their call center appointment system. I don't need to travel as far as Makati City, where the Embassy is. I could have spent more if I will appear personally and avail the "free of charge" appointment system. I think so. If you are an applicant from the Visayas or Mindanao, you would agree with me. However, it is always your personal choice which appointment system you want to avail.

3. What transpires during the phone call?
Inform at once the call center agent that you want to make an appointment for your visa application at the German Embassy. He will then ask different questions while he fills up your data in their database. Take note that the information you give when you were making the appointment can be a reference data during your interview. Rule of the thumb, always tell the truth.

When the call center agent is satisfied with all the information you gave him, he will reiterate the following requirements (also stated in German Embassy website) you need to bring on your appointment date and follow instructions carefully:
a. 3 application forms duly filled up completely
b. 4 pictures (see photo dimension in their website). Three (3) of these pictures must each be glued to the application forms, the fourth must be attached with a paper clip to the passport (please do not staple). You must write your complete name and date of birth on the back of the picture.
c. valid passport
d. payment (Please visit their website for latest fees.)
e. Security questionnaire (Sicherheitsbelehrung) answered completely and signed by the applicant (2 copies); available at the reception area of the Embassy or on the website of the Embassy
f. NSO Birth Certificate
g. NSO Marriage Contract
h. NSO Certificate of Marriage (CEMAR or Advisory on Marriages)
i. Proof of Basic Knowledge of the German Language
j. Copy of the federal identity card of the German spouse
k. Declaration to be signed by every applicant (Questionnaire for use under Section 54(6) of the Residence Act)
l. Additional declaration of applicants for a family reunion visa
m. Health insurance from Germany

In some instances, you will be required additional documents. Before the call ends, the call center agent will give your appointment date, time, and a reference number you need to show at the reception area of the German Embassy. For a detailed information about your visa application and other inquiries, it is always best to consult the German Embassy. What was written here are just personal guidelines. The rules can be changed by the German Embassy anytime.