We would like to circulate some important messages regarding the processing for Schengen visa applications.

The following group of applicants is affected by this update:

- All Schengen Applicants, especially Business and Trade fair exhibitors/visitors

1. In order to further streamline the process we have updated our Checklists. You may only use the new formats from now onwards: https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/1908750

One of the most important changes is:
If the sponsor of your business/ trade fair trip is the company: from now onwards we no longer require companies bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank!
BUT we still need: Acknowledgement of the company's ITR Returns for the last three years
(latest first, for example, 2022-2020)

2. Please keep in mind that the processing time for Schengen visa starts only once the application reaches the Consulate. This might take up to SIX working days depending on the delivery conditions and public holidays. Therefore, please account for delays in the visa processing time during the holiday season.

Due to the peak season it currently takes an average time of 15 days to process your Schengen visa application.
Please take this into account before filing your application.
If your travel date is imminent or lies within two weeks of application date, please check if you can postpone your trip! We cannot guarantee a last minute issuance of any visa!

3. As a result of centralization of Schengen visa (short term visa) processing in German Visa Centre Mumbai, we are pleased to inform about the following relaxation regarding appointment bookings:

Appointments can be booked and Schengen visa applications can be submitted in all Visa Application Centres run by VFS Global all over India, regardless of your place of residence. If the Application Centre closest to your home town is already fully booked, please feel free to check for available appointment slots in one of the other major Indian cities.

This relaxation does not apply to applications for national visas (D-visa category) such as student, employment or family reunion visas.

Please bear in mind that this information does not pertain to National visa applications.