Germany Schengen Visa Process Easier for Indians

Germany relaxes visa appointment rules for applying for a Schengen visa from India. 

Recently, on November 21, 2022, the German Missions in India announced that - 

• Schengen visa, also known as short-term visa, processing had been centralized at the German Visa Centre in Mumbai.  
• Hence, (1) appointments for Germany Schengen Visas can now be booked and (2) Germany Schengen visa applications can now be submitted in “all Visa Application Centres run by VFS Global all over India, regardless of your place of residence”. 

Further, if the VFS Global VAC closest to your home town is already fully booked, you could check for any Schengen visa appointment slots available in any of the other major Indian cities. 

With the announcement, there is no longer any restriction on which Germany VAC an individual planning to go to Germany on a Schengen short stay visa from India can apply at. 

Will the VAC relaxation apply to German student visas also?

No. The relaxation is only for those applying for a Schengen Visa through the German Missions in India. There is no such VAC relaxation for those applying for - 

• Germany study visa
• Germany National visa (D-visa category)
• Family reunion visa

What is Schengen?

Schengen refers to the passport-free zone in the European Union that covers a majority of the European countries. Schengen Areas is the largest free travel area in the world. 

What is a Schengen Visa?

A short-stay visa, a Schengen Visa allows an individual to travel to any country in the Schengen Area and remain for up to 90 days for either tourism or business. As there are are no border controls within the Schengen Zone, you can - 

• Enter,
• Freely travel within, and
• Leave 

from any of the Schengen member countries. 

Those looking to work, study, or live in any of the Schengen countries for over 90 days will have to apply for a National Visa of their specific destination in Europe. A Schengen Visa will not be applicable in such a situation. 

Which countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?

There are 26 countries that you can visit with a Schengen short-stay visa.

What are Schengen visa requirements for Indian passport holders?

Indian passport holders must get a Schengen visa to visit any country in the Schengen Zone. Generally, the following documents will be required for applying for a Schengen visa from India - 

• Schengen visa application form
• Recent passport format photographs
• Valid Indian passport
• Proof of legal residence in India
• Travel insurance
• Cover Letter stating purpose and itinerary
• Flight bookings 
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, ration card etc.)
• Proof of funds

Other documents might be required based on your employment status in India. You can apply 3 months before your intended travel date. 

What is the cost of Schengen visa?

The cost for a Schengen visa application is as follows - 

For more information, get in touch today!