The German consulate in Karachi is one of the most important consulates in Pakistan. It provides a wide range of services to both German and Pakistani citizens. In this blog, Graana gives an account of all the services offered by the consulate.
About German Consulate Karachi
The German consulate in Karachi was established in 1952, soon after Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule. At that time, Karachi was the capital of Pakistan and a major hub of trade, industry, and culture.
Initially, the consulate was located in a rented building in the central business district of the city. Its main functions were to provide consular services to German citizens and to promote bilateral relations between Germany and Pakistan in the fields of politics, economy, and culture.
Over the years, the consulate has played an important role in strengthening the ties between the two countries. It has facilitated numerous exchanges of delegations, businesspersons, scholars, artists, and tourists between Germany and Pakistan. It has also supported various cultural events, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of both countries.
In 1992, it moved to its current location in the upscale neighbourhood of Clifton. The new building was designed by a German architect and built in collaboration with Pakistani contractors. Today, the German consulate in Karachi is one of the largest and busiest German consulates in the world. It serves a wide range of stakeholders, including German citizens, Pakistani citizens, Afghan applicants, and others who require visa, passport, or legal services.
It also fosters close cooperation with the Pakistani government, civil society, and private sector to promote mutual understanding and development. The consulate’s website and social media channels provide up-to-date information and engaging content to its audience.
Services Offered by the Consulate
The German consulate Karachi offers the following services in Pakistan:
- Visa Services
- Passport Services
- Legal Services
- Cultural Services
- Emergency Services
Visa Services
The consulate offers a range of visa services to facilitate travel to Germany and the Schengen Area. It provides guidance on required documents, visa fees, and processing times for different types of visas, to help applicants prepare their application properly. The visa services are designed to be efficient, transparent, and client-oriented.
The consulate’s website includes a Visa Wizard that helps applicants determine which visa category they should apply for, based on their purpose of travel and duration of stay. It also provides a list of required documents, visa fees, and processing times.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the information and prepare their application accordingly to avoid delays or rejections.
- b) Short-term/Schengen – The German Consulate in Karachi issues short-term visas for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Schengen visas are valid for all countries in the Schengen Area, including Germany, and allow multiple entries. Applicants must provide a confirmed travel itinerary, travel health insurance, proof of financial means, and a valid passport. The processing time for Schengen visas is usually around 10 working days.
- c) Long-term – The consulate issues long-term visas for stays over 90 days for various purposes, such as work, study, or other. These visas require additional documents, such as a residence permit, a health certificate, and a criminal record certificate. The processing time for long-term visas can vary depending on the complexity of the application, but it usually takes several weeks.
- d) Afghan Applicants – It also processes visa applications for Afghan citizens who are residing in Pakistan. Afghan applicants must provide additional documents, such as a travel permit from the Afghan authorities and proof of legal residence in Pakistan. The consulate advises applicants to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates, as the processing time can be longer due to the security clearance process.
Passports and ID Cards
The consulate issues German passports and ID cards to German citizens living in Pakistan. Applicants must submit their application in person and provide proof of German citizenship, such as a birth certificate or German ID card. Passport applications require biometric data (fingerprints and pictures), and can take up to six weeks to process. ID card applications require a recent passport-size photograph, and can take up to four weeks to process.
Legal Services
It also provides legal services to German citizens living in Pakistan. This includes notarisations, certifications, and legalisation of documents such as power of attorney, contracts, and affidavits. The consulate can also assist with civil status matters, such as marriage, birth, and death certificates, and provide information about German family law, inheritance law, and other legal issues.
Cultural Services
The consulate promotes German heritage in Pakistan by organising cultural events, supporting German language courses, and providing information about German cultural institutions and opportunities. The consulate also maintains a library with a large collection of German books, magazines, and newspapers.
Additionally, it supports cultural and academic exchange programs between Germany and Pakistan, such as scholarships and internships.
Emergency Services
It provides emergency assistance to German citizens in distress, such as in case of accidents, illness, arrest, or other emergencies. The consulate can issue emergency travel documents, contact family members or friends, provide information about medical facilities and legal representation, and liaise with local authorities. The consulate also maintains a 24/7 emergency hotline for German citizens in Pakistan.
Location, Timings, and Contact Information
| Address | Phone | |
| 92-A/7, Block 5, Clifton, Karachi | +92 21 3587 3782 | info@karachi.diplo.de |
The German consulate in Karachi has a dedicated and professional team that works diligently to provide quality services to its clients. Its staff members are fluent in several languages, including German, English, Urdu, and other regional languages, and are always ready to assist clients regarding their queries and concerns.
The consulate’s office hours are from Monday to Thursday, 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM, and from 08:00 AM to 01:30 PM on Friday. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on public holidays in both Germany and Pakistan.
To contact the German consulate, clients can call +92 21 3587 3782 during office hours. Its website, provides comprehensive information on its services, procedures, and events, as well as relevant links and resources.
Clients can also follow the consulate on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to stay informed about its activities. These social media channels provide regular updates on visa appointments, consular emergencies, cultural events, and other relevant details, plus they offer a platform for feedback and suggestions from clients.
The German consulate in Karachi plays an important role in promoting trade, cultural exchange programs, and diplomatic relations between Germany and Pakistan. Its staff provides a wide range of services to German citizens living in Pakistan and Pakistani citizens who are interested in travelling to Germany.
For more information, visit Graana.com.
