Germany · Schengen Type C
Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) from India
The Germany tourist visa from India is a short-stay Schengen Type C visa for up to 90 days. We prepare your complete, embassy-ready file for ₹10,000 — you pay the embassy fee separately at VFS.
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This complete guide to the Germany tourist visa from India covers who needs a Germany tourist visa from India, the documents and bank balance required, the fees, processing time, VFS centres across India, and how to handle a rejection. FastVisa123 builds your entire Germany tourist visa from India file for ₹10,000.
Germany tourist visa from India at a glance
Visa type
Schengen Type C — short-stay tourist
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Entry type
Single, double or multiple (consulate decides)
Processing & appointment
≈15 working days for a first-time application. In peak season or when re-applying after a rejection, getting a slot can take up to ~3 months — apply early.
Where you apply
VFS Global — New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi, Goa, Jalandhar & Lucknow
Schengen access
Travel freely across all 27 Schengen countries
What is a Germany Schengen Type C visa?
The Germany tourist visa from India is a Schengen Type C short-stay visa that lets you visit Germany — and the rest of the Schengen Area — for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If Germany is your main destination, you apply through the German consulate via VFS Global in India.
It is not a work or long-stay residence visa. For stays longer than 90 days, study, or employment, you would need a national (Type D) visa instead. For the official rules see German Missions in India.
Best for
- Tourism & sightseeing
- Visiting family or friends
- Short business meetings / events
- Multi-country Schengen trips
Fee breakdown
A Germany tourist visa from India has two fees — the one you pay us, and the one you pay the embassy. Together they cover everything.
Our service fee
₹11,800 / applicant
Online · ₹10,000 + 18% GST = ₹11,800 · GST invoice provided, claim input credit with your GSTIN
- VFS appointment booking
- Personalised cover letter
- Schengen-compliant travel insurance
- Dummy round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel bookings for the visa file
- Day-wise itinerary
- Application form filling & document review
- WhatsApp support throughout
Embassy / consulate fee
~₹10,000 (€90 + VFS)
Paid directly at VFS on appointment day
- Embassy / Schengen visa fee — €90 (≈ ₹10,000)
- VFS service / biometric charge (varies by city)
- Optional add-ons — courier return, premium lounge & SMS updates are charged extra at VFS
Set by the German consulate / VFS; may change with the EUR/INR rate. Optional courier and SMS services are additional. If your visa is rejected, the embassy keeps its fee.
Total cost ≈ ₹21,800 per applicant (₹10,000 to us + ≈ ₹10,000 embassy/VFS), plus any optional VFS courier/SMS charges. Children under 6 pay a reduced embassy fee (~₹3,500).
Documents required
For a Germany tourist visa from India, a few documents come from you. The rest, we prepare for your file.
Everyone uploads
- Passport (front & back, 6+ months validity)
- Passport photo, 35×45 mm, white background
- Signature on white paper
- Bank statement — last 3 months (see financial requirement below)
If salaried
- Salary account statement — last 3–6 months
- NOC from employer (on letterhead)
- Last 3 salary slips
- Form 16 / latest ITR
If self-employed
- Current account statement — last 3–6 months
- Udyam Aadhaar / GST certificate
- Last 2 years of ITR
If a student
- Bonafide / NOC from college
- Sponsor’s bank statement & ITR
- Relationship proof with sponsor
We prepare for you
- Round-trip flight ticket reservations
- Hotel bookings for your full stay
- Day-wise travel itinerary
- Schengen travel insurance (€30,000)
- Cover letter & filled application form
How much balance do you need?
The required balance depends on your travel itinerary and trip length. The embassy guideline works out to a minimum of around €1,100 (≈ ₹1,20,000) in available funds. To present a genuinely strong file, however, we recommend holding at least ₹2 lakh+ as a stable bank balance over the last 3–6 months, together with a regular monthly income flow. Salaried applicants submit their salary account statement; self-employed applicants their current account statement. Avoid sudden large deposits just before applying — consistent funds matter more than a one-time top-up.
How your Germany tourist visa from India application works
1
Upload documents
Share your passport, photo, bank statement and employment proof.
2
Pay ₹11,800
Secure UPI / card / net banking. We start the same day.
3
We build your file
Cover letter, flights, hotels, itinerary, insurance — in 3–5 working days.
4
Visit VFS
Pay the embassy fee, submit biometrics, await the decision.
Worried about rejection?
A Germany tourist visa from India can be refused: in 2024 roughly 1 in 6 Indian Schengen applications were refused. The most common reasons are doubts about your intent to return, weak financial proof, an unclear itinerary, or invalid insurance — all of which a properly built file addresses.
Already rejected? We offer a free review of your refusal letter and tell you honestly whether a stronger re-application or a formal appeal is your best move.
How we lower your risk
- Consulate-style cover letter tailored to your profile
- Finances presented the way officers expect
- Itinerary, flights & hotels that line up perfectly
- Schengen-compliant €30,000 insurance
- Honest profile check before you pay
Why Indian travellers choose FastVisa123 for a Germany tourist visa from India
Embassy-ready files
Built to the German consulate’s exact requirements.
WhatsApp-first support
No office visits — everything online.
Made for Indian profiles
ITR, Form 16, NOC, Udyam — we know the paperwork.
Ready in 3–5 days
Fast turnaround once you’ve uploaded your documents.
Honest & transparent
We never promise approval — the embassy decides.
All India VFS centres
Metro and Tier-2/3 cities supported.
Germany tourist visa from India — FAQ
Where is your office? Can I visit you in person?
FastVisa123 operates fully remotely across India. We do not have a walk-in office or a fixed location to visit, and that is deliberate: working online and over WhatsApp keeps our fee low and lets us help applicants in any city. If you would like to talk to us directly, we can schedule a virtual meeting on request.
How much bank balance do I need for a Germany tourist visa?
The required balance depends on your itinerary and trip length. The embassy guideline works out to a minimum of around €1,100 (≈ ₹1,20,000) in available funds. To present a strong file, we recommend you hold at least ₹2 lakh+ as a stable balance over the last 3–6 months, plus a regular monthly income flow. Salaried applicants submit their salary account statement; self-employed applicants submit their current account statement.
What is the income requirement, and which account statement do I submit?
Beyond a healthy balance, the consulate wants to see regular income. If you are salaried, attach your salary account statement (last 3–6 months) with salary slips and Form 16 or ITR. If you are self-employed, attach your current (business) account statement plus GST or Udyam registration and the last 2 years of ITR.
How long does the Germany tourist visa take, and how soon can I get an appointment?
Processing is about 15 working days from biometrics for a first-time application. Appointment slots open up to 3 months ahead, but in peak season (May to August and December) or when re-applying after a rejection, the wait for a slot can stretch up to about 3 months. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
What happens to the appointment timeline if my visa was rejected?
After a rejection you can re-apply, but appointment availability is often tighter and securing a new slot can take up to around 3 months in busy periods. We first give you a free review of your refusal letter and tell you honestly whether a stronger re-application or a formal appeal is the better route.
Which VFS centre should I apply at and can I choose any city?
Germany runs VFS Global centres in 14+ Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi, Goa, Jalandhar and Lucknow. We book the appointment for you at the city you prefer.
What exactly does FastVisa123 prepare for my file?
For your ₹10,000 service fee we prepare your round-trip flight ticket reservations, hotel bookings for your full stay, a day-wise travel itinerary, Schengen-compliant travel insurance with €30,000 cover, a consulate-style cover letter and your filled application form, and we book your VFS appointment.
Why is there an embassy fee on top of your ₹10,000 and are there extra charges?
Our ₹10,000 covers document preparation only. The embassy or Schengen visa fee is about €90 (≈ ₹10,000), paid at VFS on your appointment day, along with the VFS service charge. Optional VFS add-ons such as courier return of your passport, premium lounge and SMS updates are charged extra and are your choice.
Is travel insurance included?
Yes. A Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance policy covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation, valid across all 27 Schengen states for your full trip, is included in our service.
Do I need to book actual paid flights and hotels before applying?
No. We provide verifiable flight ticket reservations and hotel bookings for the visa file. Book your actual paid tickets and accommodation only after your visa is approved.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries on a Germany visa?
Yes. A Schengen Type C visa issued by Germany lets you travel across all 27 Schengen countries, provided Germany is your main destination.
What is the difference between visa validity and length of stay?
Validity is the window during which your visa can be used; length of stay is how many days you may remain, which is up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period for a Type C visa.
Can someone sponsor my trip?
Yes. A sponsor submits their bank statement, ITR and proof of relationship, plus a sponsorship affidavit. This is common for students and homemakers without their own income.
I am a freelancer or consultant, what do I submit instead of an NOC?
Submit your current account statement, GST or Udyam Aadhaar registration, and the last two years of ITR in place of an employer NOC. A short business profile or client invoices strengthen the file.
What are the most common reasons Germany tourist visas get rejected?
The frequent reasons are doubts about your intention to return to India, insufficient or unstable finances, an unclear itinerary, missing documents, and travel insurance that does not meet the €30,000 all-Schengen rule.
What happens if my visa is rejected, can I appeal?
You can re-apply with a corrected, stronger file or lodge a formal appeal. We review your refusal letter for free and recommend the route with the best chance for your case.
Is the ₹10,000 fee refundable if my visa is rejected?
No. The fee covers the work we complete to prepare your file, which is done regardless of the embassy decision. We are upfront about your chances before you pay and never promise approval.
Can I change my travel dates after I pay?
Your cover letter, itinerary, flights and hotels are built around your declared dates, so confirm them before we start. Changes after preparation begins may require rebuilding parts of the file.
Do you serve clients outside metro cities?
Yes. We help applicants from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India, entirely online and over WhatsApp, with the appointment booked at your nearest VFS centre.
How much bank balance do I need for a Germany Schengen visa?
There is no single official figure, but consulates look at your last 3–6 months of statements as a pattern, not just the closing balance. Plan for roughly €70–100 per day of your trip — about €700–1,000 visible for a 10-day visit — plus a comfortable buffer; many Indian applicants keep ₹2 lakh or more steady. Avoid a sudden large deposit right before applying, as unexplained money raises doubts. A stable, well-funded account held over several months is far more convincing than a one-time top-up.
How many days before travel should I apply for a Germany visa?
You can lodge your application up to 6 months before departure and must apply at least 15 calendar days before you travel. For first-time applicants we recommend booking your VFS appointment 4–8 weeks ahead, because slots fill quickly in the summer and holiday seasons. Applying early also leaves room for any extra checks the consulate may run.
How long is a Germany Schengen visa valid and can I get multiple entry?
A short-stay (Type C) visa lets you stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. First-time applicants are often granted a single-entry visa matching their travel dates. Once you have used two Schengen visas correctly within three years you can qualify for a 2-year multiple-entry visa, and later a 5-year one, as long as your passport has enough remaining validity.
Do I have to give biometrics every time I apply for a Germany visa?
No. Your fingerprints and photo are captured once at the visa centre and stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 59 months — about five years. Within that period you can apply for any Schengen country, including Germany, without giving biometrics again, although the consulate can still ask you to appear in person if needed.
How long does Germany visa processing take?
Standard processing is around 15 calendar days from your appointment, but it can extend to 30–45 days during peak season or if additional document checks are required. Never book non-refundable flights or hotels before your visa is approved — we provide refundable reservations that satisfy the embassy without putting your money at risk.
What are the most common reasons Germany visas get rejected?
The single biggest reason is weak or inconsistent financial proof, followed by doubts about your intention to return to India (weak ties), an unclear travel purpose or itinerary, non-compliant insurance, and applying to the wrong country. Before we file, we pre-check your file against each of these exact grounds so the application answers them in advance.
Which Schengen country should I apply to if I’m visiting several?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights — your main destination. If the nights are split equally, apply to the country you enter first. Applying to an ‘easier’ country when it is not your real main destination breaks the main-destination rule and is a common cause of refusal.
Can I apply for a Germany visa after a previous Schengen rejection?
Yes. There is no mandatory waiting period and a past refusal does not bar you. Your new application simply has to clearly fix the reason you were refused and disclose your travel history honestly — all consulates can see your history through the shared VIS. Many Indian applicants succeed on the second attempt once the original issue is addressed.
Do I need a confirmed flight and hotel booking for a Germany visa?
You need reservations covering your full trip — a flight itinerary and hotel bookings for every night — but not paid, non-refundable tickets. We arrange refundable/confirmed-style bookings that meet embassy requirements, so you don’t spend on tickets before your visa is granted.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Germany tourist visa?
Yes. You must hold travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. A missing or non-compliant policy is a frequent rejection reason, so we arrange a compliant policy as part of our service.
What does FastVisa123 charge for a Germany visa and is GST included?
Our professional service fee is ₹10,000 plus 18% GST — ₹11,800 in total. The embassy and VFS fees are separate and paid directly to them. We issue a proper GST invoice, so if you have a GSTIN you can claim the input credit on our fee.
What is the 90/180 rule for a Germany Schengen visa?
A short-stay Schengen visa lets you spend a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen area — not only Germany. Every day you are physically inside Schengen counts, and the 180-day window keeps moving, so track your days to avoid an overstay. This limit applies no matter how many entries your visa allows.
What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry Germany visa?
A single-entry visa lets you enter the Schengen area once — if you leave, the visa is used up even if days remain. A multiple-entry visa lets you enter and exit as often as you like during its validity, as long as you respect the 90/180-day limit. First-time applicants usually get single-entry matching their trip, while frequent, compliant travellers can earn 1-, 2- or 5-year multiple-entry visas.
What are the Germany visa requirements for children and minors?
For a minor you typically need the child’s passport and photos, birth certificate, the visa form signed by both parents or guardians, copies of both parents’ passports, and a notarised consent/NOC if the child travels with only one parent or alone. The parents’ financial documents prove funding. We prepare the complete minor file so nothing is missed.
What if my bank balance fluctuates a lot — will it affect my Germany visa?
Consulates look at the overall pattern over 3–6 months, not a single day’s figure, so normal salary credits and spending are fine. What raises doubts is a large, unexplained lump sum deposited just before applying. Keep a healthy average, avoid last-minute big deposits, and be ready to explain any large credit — we review your statements and flag anything that needs a covering note before you file.
I’m a housewife with no independent income — how do I get a Germany visa?
You can apply as a dependent: your spouse or a close family member acts as sponsor and provides their bank statements, income proof, ITR and a sponsorship/cover letter confirming they will fund your trip. Add your marriage certificate and proof of relationship. A strong sponsor and clear ties to India make these applications very achievable, and we structure the entire sponsored file for you.
I’m unemployed — can I still get a Germany Schengen visa?
Yes. Without a job you strengthen the file with other evidence: sufficient personal savings with a healthy 6-month balance, a sponsor’s documents if someone is funding you, and property or fixed deposits showing ties to India, plus a clear, honest cover letter explaining your situation and travel purpose. The key is proving you can fund the trip and will return.
How can a retired person apply for a Germany visa?
Retirees should show pension statements or proof of regular retirement income, bank statements with a comfortable balance, fixed deposits or investments, and property documents — all of which demonstrate funds and strong ties to India. A short cover letter explaining the trip rounds it off. Retired applicants often have strong profiles thanks to savings and clear roots at home.
How can a self-employed person or business owner get a Germany visa?
Submit your business registration or GST certificate, the last 6 months of current-account statements, business and personal ITRs, and proof of the firm’s standing. A cover letter on company letterhead explaining the trip and your role helps. A stable, running business is excellent evidence of both funds and ties to India.
How do I show strong ties to India for a Germany visa?
Ties reassure the consulate you will return home. The strongest are a stable job (with a leave-approval/NOC letter) or a running business, property ownership, family responsibilities such as a spouse, children or dependent parents, and financial roots like fixed deposits. The more of these you document, the lower the perceived risk — and ‘intention to return’ is one of the biggest factors in approval.
Do I need a cover letter for my Germany visa, and what should it include?
A cover letter is strongly recommended. It should state your purpose of travel, exact dates, a brief day-wise itinerary, where you will stay, who is funding the trip, your ties to India, and confirmation you will return on time. A clear, consistent cover letter ties your whole file together — we draft one tailored to your profile.
I’ll be staying with a friend or relative in Germany — do I need an invitation letter?
Yes. If you stay privately rather than in a hotel, your host should provide an invitation letter with their details and address, a copy of their ID or residence permit, and sometimes proof of accommodation; in some countries this is an official sponsorship/attestation document. We tell you exactly what your host in Germany needs to provide.
Can I apply for a Germany visa if I overstayed a Schengen visa before?
You can still apply, but a previous overstay is a serious red flag and may have triggered an entry ban, so honesty is essential — it is visible in the system. Be ready to explain the circumstances and present a much stronger file (finances, ties, clear purpose). We assess your history first and advise candidly on your realistic chances before you spend on a fresh application.
Are income tax returns (ITR) mandatory for a Germany visa?
ITRs are not always strictly mandatory, but they are among the most convincing proof of income and stability, so submit the last 2–3 years if you have them. If you have not filed, compensate with strong bank statements, salary slips, Form 16, or a sponsor’s ITR, and explain the gap honestly in your cover letter.
Is a visa interview mandatory, and what happens on the appointment day?
Unlike some countries, Schengen tourist visas usually do not involve a formal interview — your appointment is mainly to submit documents and give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Occasionally the consulate may ask a few questions. Arrive with your full document set and appointment confirmation; the visit itself is typically quick.
Key facts at a glance
90 / 180
Max stay: 90 days in any 180-day period
€30,000
Minimum travel medical insurance cover
15 days
Apply at least 15 days before travel (up to 6 months ahead)
~15%
India’s 2024 Schengen refusal rate
Sources & official references
This guide is based on official EU and consular rules. Visa decisions rest solely with the authorities — always confirm current requirements before you apply.
Ready to apply for your Germany tourist visa from India?
Upload your documents and pay ₹10,000 to get your embassy-ready Germany tourist visa from India file in 3–5 working days.
Start your Germany visa application
Share a few basic details and our team will review your profile and reply on WhatsApp, usually within a few hours.
What’s in your ₹10,000 file
Visa refused before — even with a strong profile? See how to reapply or appeal the right way →
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Local Schengen visa filing assistance, including help for applicants refused despite a strong profile.