Germany remains a popular destination for international travelers, as demonstrated by the 1.4 million visa applications it received in 2023. Of these, 14.3 percent (208,155) were rejected, but many applicants persist, repeatedly applying despite setbacks. Among the nationalities seeking entry to Germany, three stood out for submitting the highest number of visa requests.
Egyptian Nationals: A Growing Interest in Germany
In 2023, Germany attracted a significant number of Egyptian visa applicants. Egyptians submitted 46,991 visa applications, representing 24.9 percent of all the country’s visa requests for the year. Germany's appeal as a destination for education, work, and travel has made it a primary choice for Egyptians.
Belarusian Applicants: Leading the Charge
Belarus topped the list in terms of total visa applications to Germany. Belarusian citizens submitted 163,979 Schengen visa applications in 2023, with 52,301 of them directed at Germany alone. This accounted for 31.8 percent of all visa requests from Belarus, making Germany a key destination for Belarusians.
Kosovar Nationals: A Last Surge Before Visa Liberalization
Kosovar citizens filed 64,965 Schengen visa applications to Germany in 2023, making up 53.8 percent of their total applications. Despite Kosovo's upcoming visa liberalization in 2024, which allows visa-free entry to Germany, Kosovars remained highly active in applying the previous year. Switzerland followed as the second-most popular destination, receiving 33,255 applications from Kosovo.
Germany and France: Leading Schengen Destinations
Germany and France continue to dominate as top destinations for Schengen visa applicants, receiving millions of requests annually. While France processed a higher volume of applications, its rejection rate of 16.7 percent exceeded Germany’s 14.3 percent, making Germany a slightly more favourable option for those seeking visas.
This trend highlights Germany's significant role in global mobility and its enduring appeal to various nationalities despite the challenges some applicants face.