How Indian passport holders get a visa for Germany: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India
- Government fee: €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel insurance mandatory.
- Processing time: Officially around 15 working days from receipt at the German mission, plus ~6 working days courier time. Realistically 3–6 weeks; up to 8 weeks in peak months.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen area
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 35/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended exit, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
- Completed VIDEX online application form with barcode, printed
- Two biometric photos (35×45 mm, white background, ICAO-standard)
- Cover letter with purpose and itinerary
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking
- Hotel bookings for every night / day-by-day itinerary
- Bank statements for last 3 months
- ITR for last 2 years
- Travel medical insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000 cover
- Employment proof / leave letter on company letterhead; for self-employed: GST and company registration
How & where to apply
Apply through the German Embassy New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata via VFS Global Germany. VFS Germany operates in 14+ Indian cities. The Schengen cascade now allows 2-year visas after 2 lawfully used Schengen visas in the last 3 years. VFS Global — Germany visa India (official partner)
Transit & connections
An ordinary Schengen visa lets you transit any Schengen airport landside.
Good to know
Germany VFS slots in Bangalore and Mumbai are historically tight — book 6–8 weeks in advance and consider alternate cities (Hyderabad, Pune) if needed. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://india.diplo.de/in-en
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Germany?
Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India. Germany VFS slots in Bangalore and Mumbai are historically tight — book 6–8 weeks in advance and consider alternate cities (Hyderabad, Pune) if needed.
What documents do Indians need for a Germany visa?
Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended exit, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years; Completed VIDEX online application form with barcode, printed; Two biometric photos (35×45 mm, white background, ICAO-standard); Cover letter with purpose and itinerary; Confirmed round-trip flight booking; Hotel bookings for every night / day-by-day itinerary; Bank statements for last 3 months; ITR for last 2 years; Travel medical insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000 cover; Employment proof / leave letter on company letterhead; for self-employed: GST and company registration
How long does a Germany visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Officially around 15 working days from receipt at the German mission, plus ~6 working days courier time. Realistically 3–6 weeks; up to 8 weeks in peak months.. Government fee: €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel insurance mandatory.. Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen area.
How do Indians apply for a Germany visa?
Apply through the German Embassy New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata via VFS Global Germany. VFS Germany operates in 14+ Indian cities. The Schengen cascade now allows 2-year visas after 2 lawfully used Schengen visas in the last 3 years. Official source: https://india.diplo.de/in-en