Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — Tourism Verified 2026-04-20Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens travelling to Germany for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure — up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
No visa is ever guaranteed — the final decision always rests with the Germany visa authority. We make sure your file is presented at its strongest.
Jurisdiction Notice — Germany Schengen Visa
SureshotVisa handles the New Delhi jurisdiction.
All Germany Schengen visa applications accepted in India are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai, for decision — but you must apply at the VFS Application Centre that matches your place of habitual residence. Choosing the wrong jurisdiction means your appointment is cancelled and the application is refused at the counter.
Covered States (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Haryana
- ✓Himachal Pradesh
- ✓Jammu and Kashmir
- ✓Punjab
- ✓Rajasthan
- ✓Sikkim
- ✓Uttar Pradesh
- ✓Uttarakhand
Covered UTs (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Chandigarh
- ✓NCT of Delhi
- ✓Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- ✓Lakshadweep (incl. Minicoy & Amini)
Outside these states/UTs? Germany splits Schengen applications across Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru consulates by residence. We can still guide you end-to-end — document checklist, appointment slot at the right VAC, and submission support. Contact us first before booking anything.
Processing
15 working days from when the application reaches the German Consulate General, Mumbai (not counting the up to 2 working days VFS takes to transport your file)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)
Starting Fee
€91
Apply At
14 VFS centres
Where do you stand?
Tell us your situation
Pick what fits — no long forms, just a quick WhatsApp or a call.
Why files get refused
Most Germany visitor visa refusals come down to a few fixable things
Refusals are common now, and the government fee is non-refundable. The good news: almost every reason below is something we can strengthen before you submit.
Wrong VFS jurisdiction — applicant's residence address doesn't match the VAC's coverage area
Insufficient funds — bank balance doesn't match declared trip cost
Weak ties to India — no clear return intent (job / property / family)
Travel insurance not from approved Indian insurer OR below €30,000 OR not covering full duration
Inconsistent itinerary — Germany marked as main destination but more nights booked in another Schengen country
Incomplete VIDEX form or missing barcode pages
What we actually do
We build a stronger file — you don't guess
Check your profile before filing
We tell you honestly if the case is ready — before you spend the government fee.
Review funds & ITR alignment
Bank statement, income and tax records presented the way officers expect.
Structure purpose & cover letter
A clear travel story that answers the officer's real questions.
Show strong ties to India
Job, business, property and family framed as genuine reasons to return.
Sponsor & invitation papers
If family is inviting you, we line their documents up with your profile — a common silent refusal trigger.
Guide the full submission
Online portal or VFS appointment, biometrics and passport steps — supported until the decision.
Refused before?
We rebuild refused Germany cases the right way.
Reapplying with the same file usually earns the same answer. We find the real reason first, then rebuild — no guarantees, just a properly prepared reapplication.
Before you reapply, we check:
- What your refusal letter actually says — and what it doesn't.
- Whether the officer's GCMS notes are worth pulling for the real reason.
- Which documents were weak: funds, employment, purpose, or ties.
- Whether reapplying now — or strengthening first — is the smarter move.
Same flat fee whether it's your first application or a reapplication. Read the refusal guide
Your whole Germany Tourist Visa,
handled for one honest price.
A strong Germany file clearly explains your travel purpose, funds, and ties to India. We structure and submit everything properly — so your case is presented clearly and professionally.
All-in · 18% GST included · no hidden charges
File-ready in 3–5 working days after documents
4.9★ · 90+ reviews · reply in 5 min
Everything below — included, nothing extra
- Document checklist
- Application form guidance
- Document review
- Cover letter
- Purpose of travel structure
- Financial proof review
- Sponsor document guidance
- Submission & appointment support
- Post-submission guidance
Not sure you qualify? Start with a refundable ₹499 possibility report — an honest Yes / Maybe / No, credited to this fee. Read the full guide
Price is for our consultancy service only and includes 18% GST. No agency can guarantee a visa — the final decision rests with the visa authority.
Your fee, justified
₹12,999 fee — what exactly is included?
Our professional fee isn't just form-filling. It covers complete Germany visitor visa preparation, document & refusal-risk review, financial-proof structuring, submission support and post-filing guidance. Tap any item to see what's inside.
Before we prepare your Germany visitor visa file, we understand your complete profile — every applicant is different, so no two files are built the same way.
- Purpose of travel
- Employment or business background
- Monthly income & savings
- Funds available for the trip
- Family ties in India
- Property / assets, if any
- Previous travel history
- Relatives, friends or a sponsor in Germany, if any
- Previous visa refusals, if any
- Planned trip duration
- Who is paying for the trip
- Whether the trip is realistic for your profile
A visitor visa isn't approved just because documents are attached — the purpose, funds, travel plan and return ties all have to support each other.
We don't hand everyone the same checklist. After understanding your profile, we build one for your exact case type:
- Salaried
- Business owner
- Self-employed
- Farmer / agriculture income
- Student or minor
- Retired parent
- Housewife / dependent
- Family visit
- Tourist visit
- Business visitor
- Previous refusal
- Sponsor-supported
- First-time traveller
This avoids missing key documents — and avoids piling on documents that aren't explained properly.
We review your documents before preparing and submitting, checking they're complete, readable, consistent and well-arranged:
- Passport & photographs
- Bank statements
- Salary slips
- ITR / Form 16
- Employment & leave-approval letters
- Business / GST / registration proof
- Income proof
- Property documents, if any
- Family & marriage documents, if applicable
- Invitation & sponsor documents, if applicable
- Previous refusal letter, if any
- Travel history, itinerary & stay proof
Funds are one of the most common refusal triggers. A high balance alone isn't enough if the money doesn't look genuine, stable, and tied to your income. We check:
- Whether the balance is reasonable for the trip
- Average balance vs trip cost
- Sudden large deposits that need explaining
- Salary / business income vs bank statement
- ITR vs income profile
- Whether you can afford the trip without leaning entirely on a sponsor
- Whether sponsor support is properly explained
- Whether funds look genuine and traceable
We help structure the financial side professionally so it reads as genuine, not borrowed for the application.
We help present a clear, realistic purpose — tourism, a holiday, a family/relative visit, an event, a business meeting, or parents visiting children — and make sure it lines up with your dates, funds, itinerary and documents.
A weak or vague purpose makes a file look doubtful. We keep it clear, simple and professional.
We prepare or structure the main explanation letter — a professional summary that makes your case easy for the officer to understand. It covers:
- Who you are and why you want to visit
- How long you'll stay and where
- Who is paying for the trip
- What you do in India
- Which financial documents are attached
- Your family ties in India
- Why you'll return after the visit
- If previously refused — what has changed since
This is not a guarantee letter — it's a clear, professional explanation of your case.
The officer must be satisfied you'll leave Germany after your authorized stay. We identify and present your reasons to return:
- Job continuity or business ownership
- Regular income source
- Spouse / children / parents in India
- Dependents and family responsibilities
- Property or assets in India
- Education or business commitments
- Previous travel compliance, if any
If someone in Germany is inviting you, we guide the sponsor-side documents:
- Invitation letter
- Sponsor status proof (passport / PR / citizenship)
- Sponsor employment & income proof
- Sponsor bank statement, if needed
- Relationship & communication proof
- Who bears expenses & stay arrangement
A sponsor supports the case but never guarantees approval — your own purpose, funds and ties must still be strong. We also flag if a file is leaning too heavily on the sponsor.
We guide or assist with the application form and details (online portal or the VFS/embassy form, depending on Germany), and check consistency between the form and your documents:
- Personal, passport & travel-history details
- Employment & education history
- Family information
- Purpose of visit & funding details
- Sponsor information, if applicable
- Previous-refusal declarations
- Background questions
- Correct document categories
Wrong, incomplete or inconsistent information can hurt this application — and future ones too.
How a file is lodged depends on the country — some are fully online, while others (most Schengen states) need you to complete the form first, then book a VFS appointment and submit a physical file in person. We guide the exact Germany process:
- Completing the application form first, where required, to unlock the appointment
- Booking the VFS / embassy appointment
- Arranging documents in the right order — for upload or the VFS counter
- Guiding the visa-fee payment
- Final review before submission or your VFS visit
- What to carry to the appointment (originals, photos, forms)
- Submitting / lodging and saving the confirmation
- What happens after submission
After submission, if biometrics are required, we guide you through:
- Biometrics Instruction Letter
- VFS appointment booking
- Documents to carry
- What to expect at the VFS centre
- How biometrics update in your application
- What to do once biometrics are done
Biometrics fee is separate, paid to the authority / VFS as applicable.
Our support doesn't stop at submission. We stay connected and guide you on:
- How to check application updates
- What official messages mean
- What to do if more documents are requested
- What to do after a Passport Request
- VFS passport submission & courier return
- Decision-update explanation
- Next steps after approval
- Basic guidance if refused
What's not included (paid direct, at actual cost)
- Government / embassy visa fee
- Biometrics fee
- VFS service charges
- VFS courier & SMS charges
- VFS premium-lounge charges
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Translation charges
- Notary / attestation
- Medical exam, if ever required
- Any other third-party charges
No agency can guarantee a visa — the final decision is always the visa officer's. Our role is to prepare, review, structure and present your file professionally from the documents and profile you provide.
Good to know before you apply
Rules that apply to every Germany visa type — worth a quick read so nothing trips up your file.
- 1You MUST apply at the VFS Application Centre covering your place of habitual residence. New Delhi jurisdiction covers Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand + UTs of Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep. Applying at the wrong VAC means your application is refused at the counter.
- 2Applications must be submitted NOT earlier than 6 months before and NOT later than 15 working days before intended travel.
- 3Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond scheduled return, issued within the last 10 years, have at least 2 blank pages, and must not have any observations on the data page.
- 4All documents, forms, and declarations must be submitted in German or English. Documents in other languages require certified German/English translation — missing translation = 'document not submitted'.
- 5Travel medical insurance must cover the ENTIRE duration of the Schengen trip, minimum €30,000 coverage, and is only accepted from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies (list at india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/1984578).
- 6Fingerprints are collected at VFS for every in-person submission unless collected within the last 59 months for a previous Schengen visa.
- 7Photo specs: 35×45 mm, white background, face 70–80% of frame, ≤6 months old. Name-observation passports are NOT accepted.
- 8Incomplete documentation alone is grounds for refusal — the visa section is NOT obliged to request missing documents before denying your application.
- 9A booked flight ticket does NOT lead to priority processing. Do not purchase tickets until the visa is issued; reservations are enough.
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens travelling to Germany for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure
- Multi-Schengen travellers where Germany is the main destination (most nights booked in Germany)
- Applicants with confirmed flight reservation, accommodation, and sufficient funds
- Applicants residing in New Delhi jurisdiction states (Haryana, HP, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, UP, Uttarakhand) or UTs (Chandigarh, NCT Delhi, A&N, Lakshadweep)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Anyone intending to work in Germany (tourist visa does NOT authorise paid employment)
- Stays longer than 90 days — apply for a National Visa D / Residence Permit
- Business meetings / sales / client visits — apply for Business Visa instead
- Visiting family or friends — apply for Visit Visa (Family & Friends) instead
Previously refused?
Same feeWe rebuild refused Germany cases the right way.
What it costs
Government & VFS fees
Paid directly to Germany / VFS — these are not our service fee, and we never mark them up.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult — Schengen Short Stay (Type C) | €91 |
| Children 6–12 years | €45 |
| Children below 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,022 |
Embassy fees are set in EUR by the German Consulate General, Mumbai — the INR charged at VFS varies with the daily exchange rate. New Visa Fee of €91 is effective from 29 January 2026 for all cities. VFS service charge of ₹2,022 (inclusive of CGST 9% + SGST 9%) is fixed. Fees are payable in Cash / Visa / Mastercard / Amex / Rupay / Demand Draft (in favour of VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd) / UPI. All visa fees, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome.
What to gather
Documents required
Having a document isn't the same as presenting it right — that's the part we handle.
Core Documents
7 items- VIDEX online application formRequired
Filled online at videx.diplo.de — print ALL pages including barcodes and sign.
- Signed Declaration of True and Complete InformationRequired
Mandatory §54 AufenthG declaration.
- Signed Declaration on Travel and Health InsuranceRequired
- Valid passportRequired
Issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, no observations on data page.
- Copy of biometric & address page of passport (DIN A4)Required
- Two biometric passport photosRequired
35×45mm, white background, 70–80% face coverage, ≤6 months old.
- Personal covering letterRequired
Proof of intended means of transport and itinerary.
Travel & Accommodation
5 items- Travel agency booking certificate OR detailed travel itineraryRequired
- Proof of accommodationRequired
Hotel reservations / rental of holiday home / campus residence. If staying with family/friend: sponsorship + private accommodation proof + host's address and passport/German ID copy.
- Accommodation proof for EACH Member State if travelling to multiple
- Flight reservationRequired
Do NOT purchase tickets until visa is issued — reservations only.
- Overseas travel medical insuranceRequired
€30,000 min coverage, valid all Schengen countries, covers entire stay. Only approved Indian insurers accepted.
Financial Documents
6 items- Sponsor documentation (if trip is sponsored)
Sponsor letter + passport copy + bank statements (last 3 months, stamped by bank) + relationship proof (marriage/birth certificate).
- If employed: Pay slips (3 months) + employment contract + leave sanction letter + bank statements (3 months) + ITR (last 2 years) or Form 16
- If self-employed / company owner: GST registration certificate + ITR (2 years) + bank statements (3 months)
- If retired: Pension statements (3 months) + income proof + bank statements
- If student: Enrolment certificate + NOC from school/university + bank statements
- If unemployed: Bank statements (last 3 months) stamped by bank
Civil Status & Family
4 items- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree / custody decree (if applicable)
- Birth certificate of children (if applicable)
- Death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
For Minor Applicants
5 items- Both parents must sign the application form + declarations
- Birth certificate of minor
- Passport copies of both parents (biometric + address page)
- If only one parent submits: Proof of single custody OR notarized consent letter from the non-present parent with passport copy
- If minor travels alone: Notarized written consent of BOTH parents/guardians
Required · optional / if applicable
The journey.
6 steps from intake to approval. Curved spine on the right shows the natural pace — never as linear as government sites pretend.
- 01
Fill VIDEX online
Complete the Schengen visa application form online at videx.diplo.de. Print ALL pages including barcodes and sign.
- 02
Prepare documents + sign declarations
Print and sign the Declaration of True and Complete Information + Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance. Gather all checklist items.
- 03
Book VFS appointment
Book biometrics appointment at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu — pick the VFS centre matching your jurisdiction (New Delhi VAC for Haryana/Punjab/UP/HP/J&K/Rajasthan/Sikkim/Uttarakhand + UTs).
- 04
Submit at VFS
Attend in person — give fingerprints (biometrics), submit documents, pay €91 + ₹2,022 VFS fee. Choose optional services (courier, SMS, premium lounge) if needed.
- 05
VFS forwards to Mumbai
All Indian Schengen applications for Germany are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai for decision. Add 2 working days transit.
- 06
Decision + passport return
15 working days standard processing. Collect passport at VFS or via courier. Refusal letter (if any) will state grounds.
What works
6 levers that flip a borderline case.
- Fill your VIDEX application online BEFORE visiting VFS — most VFS centres have limited PCs and on-site filling creates long queues.
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel as the sweet spot — early enough to handle extended processing, not so early that bookings expire.
- Book travel health insurance ONLY from the approved Indian insurers list — VFS rejects insurance from non-approved providers even if coverage exceeds €30,000.
- Carry ALL previous passports with old Schengen stamps — the consulate wants to see full travel history.
What kills cases
Top 3 refusal triggers we see.
- 1Wrong VFS jurisdiction — applicant's residence address doesn't match the VAC's coverage area
- 2Insufficient funds — bank balance doesn't match declared trip cost
- 3Weak ties to India — no clear return intent (job / property / family)
Download official forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens the official VFS Global page for Germany
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (VIDEX online)
MUST be filled online on the VIDEX website. Print ALL pages including the barcodes and sign. Paper-only forms are not accepted.
Declaration of True and Complete Information (§54 AufenthG)
Signed declaration confirming all application information is true. Mandatory for all categories.
Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance
Signed declaration confirming €30,000 minimum travel health insurance for the full duration of stay.
Power of Attorney — Annexure A
Only if the application is submitted via a representative or travel agent.
VFS Germany Downloads & Checklists
Per-category checklists (Tourism, Business, Visit, Airport Transit, Trade Fair, Culture/Sport, Medical, Student, Internship, Seamen).
VFS application centres
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
Frequently asked
Questions, answered straight
Yes — a Schengen visa issued by Germany lets you travel across all 29 Schengen countries (France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, etc.) for the validity period and stay allowance on the sticker. Germany should just be your MAIN destination (most nights).
Schengen short-stay visas are processed within 15 working days from when your application reaches the German Consulate General, Mumbai. Add up to 2 working days for VFS to transport your file. Peak season (summer, Christmas) can extend this.
Up to 6 months before travel. Applications submitted earlier than 6 months are returned. Minimum 15 working days before intended travel — later submissions may not be processed in time.
All Schengen visa applications accepted for Germany across every Indian VAC are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai for decision. You still apply at your jurisdiction's VFS (e.g. New Delhi for Punjab/Haryana residents).
Yes — German Missions accept travel medical insurance only from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies. Check the current approved list at india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/1984578.
Yes — a travel agent or representative can submit on your behalf with a signed Power of Attorney (Annexure A) + copy of their passport bio page. However, the representative CANNOT sign the application form on your behalf.
You'll receive a refusal letter with grounds. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the specific refusal reason. SureshotVisa's refusal-rebuild service specialises in decoding the real refusal reason and restructuring the case.
Still have a question about your case? Ask us directly — we usually reply in 5 minutes.
Before you apply
Two ways to file your Germany visa.
One quietly burns your fee, your trip and your record. The other gets it right the first time.
Do it yourself
The risky route
- You guess which papers Germany actually wants — one missing or wrongly-framed document triggers a refusal.
- You copy a cover letter off YouTube or Google — often the exact template embassies already flag as weak.
- You apply during a known peak-rejection window without realising it.
- Embassy & VFS fees are non-refundable — refused means your money, flights and leave are gone.
- One refusal stamp follows you for life — every future visa, anywhere, must declare it.
The gamble
One mistake = fee, flights & record gone
With SureshotVisa
Professionally guided
- A licensed consultant checks your case honestly before you spend a rupee on embassy fees.
- We build your Germany file the way the embassy approves — documents, cover letter, financials.
- We catch the weak-ties, funding and intent issues behind most Indian refusals — and fix them first.
- We've rescued hundreds of files that were already refused once and got them approved.
- Govt of Punjab licensed (Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024) · 1200+ approvals.
Typical result
1200+ approvals · refused files rescued
Why DIY goes wrong
How a self-filed application turns into a refusal.
- 1
You feel ready
A few YouTube videos make the process look simple.
- 2
You file it yourself
You submit a sensitive Germany visa file on your own.
- 3
One detail misreads
A small framing slip looks like weak ties or unclear intent.
- 4
Refusal
Now every future visa, anywhere, must declare it.
Once you've been refused, you learn the hard way how much the small details mattered. We'd rather you never collect that first stamp.
Trusted by travellers & families
We've helped many travellers & families get their Germany visa — the easy way.
From first-time Germany visa applicants to cases that were refused elsewhere, our licensed team has guided travellers & families through Germany's exact requirements — so the file is approved the first time, without the stress, guesswork or risk of a refusal.
Other Germany Visa Types
Germany Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay business visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, or contracts in Germany — up to 90 days.
View guideGermany Visit Visa — Family & Friends (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Germany — up to 90 days.
View guideGermany Airport Transit Visa (Schengen Type A)
Schengen airport transit visa for Indian citizens transiting through a German airport's international zone without leaving it.
View guideGermany Trade Fair / Exhibition Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian exhibitors and visitors of German trade fairs (Hannover Messe, IFA, Drupa, Automechanika, etc.).
View guideGermany Medical Treatment Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen visa for Indian citizens seeking specific medical treatment at a German hospital / clinic — up to 90 days.
View guideGermany Culture / Sport / Religious Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian artists, sportspeople, film crews, cultural performers, and religious workers invited to Germany.
View guideGermany Seamen Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian seafarers joining ships at German ports — requires CDC, shipping company invitation, and Indian agent documentation.
View guideGermany Guest Scientist / Research / Short-term Student Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian scientists, researchers, and students visiting Germany for research, academic programs, or short courses under 90 days.
View guideSource & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Germany website and Embassy of Germany. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.
Ready?
Want us to check your Germany visa case?
Share your travel purpose, employment/business profile, funds, and any previous refusal letter. We'll tell you honestly where your file stands.