Processing time
Embassy India tourism checklist: within 15 working days after the file reaches the visa section, not VFS. No status emails inside that window. No fast-track.
Stay period
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, even on a 1–5 year multiple C. Employment on a C may be capped at 90 days per year on the FAQ.
Validity
As issued. Indian nationals living in India: Embassy cascade page — C2 after 2 lawfully used Schengen visas in the last 3 years, then C5 as the regular cascade; not an entitlement. Passport must still be valid 3 months after the sticker ends or they get a shorter band (e.g. C4 instead of C5).
Visa Fees and Charges
Multiple entry
Adult Schengen C. Pay at the end of the VFS appointment. Not refunded if refused. INR follows the Embassy table
Multiple entry
Child 6–12
Multiple entry
Child under 6
VFS service — pay when booking. Amount as the centre quotes in INR
| Entry | Label | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry | Adult Schengen C. Pay at the end of the VFS appointment. Not refunded if refused. INR follows the Embassy table | €90 |
| Multiple entry | Child 6–12 | €45 |
| Multiple entry | Child under 6 | €0 |
| — | VFS service — pay when booking. Amount as the centre quotes in INR | As quoted |
About This Visa
Indian ordinary-passport holders need a Schengen C for a stay up to 90 days. Usual staff path: VIDEX (print every page including barcodes), sign the declarations, then lodge at any VFS Global centre in India. Do not use visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu — it does not load. Book as the Embassy India pages say (helpline 022-67866013). Holiday C is not the Consular Services Portal — that is national visas.
VFS does not decide. Schengen files from any Indian centre go to Consulate General Mumbai. D-visas stay with the mission of residence — not this holiday path.
Documents Required
Embassy of Germany in India — tourism
- VIDEX form: all pages and barcodes, signed. Handwritten only if they cannot use VIDEX
- Passport: issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after return, 2 empty pages. Copy of biodata and address pages
- One biometric photo 35 × 45 mm, white background, 70–80% face, under 6 months
- Cover letter with itinerary. Agency certificate or travel plan. Flight reservation
- Hotel, holiday home, or campus in each Schengen stop
- Visiting relatives or friends: host letter, signed confirmation, address proof, copy of host passport or German ID. If a German/EU host pays: formal obligation letter
- Own funds even if sponsored. Employed: 3 months payslips, contract, leave letter, 3 months stamped bank statements, ITR last 2 years or Form 16. Self-employed: GST / registration, ITR or Form 16, 3 months statements. Retired: 3 months pension and/or property income. Student: enrolment and NOC
- Indian sponsor: letter, passport copy, 3 months statements; marriage or birth certificate if spouse or parent. Company sponsor: 3 years ITR acknowledgements
- Insurance min. EUR 30,000, whole Schengen, whole stay. Indian policies from the Embassy approved list. German or English, or a proper translation
- Minor: both parents sign, birth certificate, parent passport copies, notarised consent if one parent is not travelling
