VFS Global Announces Centralization of Schengen Visa and Other Updates

VFS Global has recently issued a series of new updates for its Schengen visa applicants in India including changes in the process for appeals/remonstration requests and a revised fee structure for the Schengen as well as German National Visas.

Among these new updates, the important update is for the centralization of the Schengen visa (short-term visa) which allows applicants in India to get an appointment and submit the visa application at any visa application centre run by the VFS Global across India.

1. Centralization of Schengen Visa

The VFS Global in an update issued on its official website stated that as a result of the centralization of Schengen visa (short-term visa) processing at the German Visa Centre in Mumbai, you can now book appointments and submit your Schengen visa applications at any Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global in India, regardless of your place of residence.

If the Application Centre closest to your home town is fully booked, you can check for available appointment slots in other major Indian cities, according to the update.

Please keep in mind that this relaxation does not apply to applications for national visas (D-visa category), such as student visas, employment visas, or family reunion visas.

2. Change In Process for Appeals/Remonstrations

Apart from the centralization of the Schengen Visa the VFS also informed about the change in the process for appeals against visa refusals. As per the update issued by the VFS beginning Monday, December 5, 2022, you will no longer be able to file appeals or remonstration requests at VFS application centres in Mumbai for refusals of Schengen visas or national visas.

If you want to file an appeal or remonstration against a Schengen visa or national visa refusal in Mumbai, please click here for more information on the procedure.

3. Revised Visa Fees For Schengen and Germany Visas

The German Consulate General in Mumbai announced an increase in visa fees earlier this month. The revised fee for an adult applying for a Schengen Visa is now ₹6,800, with minors paying ₹3,400. The fee for a National Visa is now ₹6,600 for adults and ₹3,200 for minors.

For Schengen Visa:

• Current visa fees for a Schengen visa application of an adult amount to 6800 INR.
• The fee for a Schengen visa application for a minor amounts to 3400 INR.

For National Visas:

• The updated visa fees for a national visa application of an adult amount to 6400 INR.
• The fees for a national visa application of a minor amount to 3200 INR.

Please be prepared to pay these fees when applying for a visa at the German Consulate in Mumbai.

For more visa-related updates please visit: Visas & Passports Updates