Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen short-stay Type C) process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Confirmation that Indian citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Germany for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

   • Passport criteria: issued within the past 10 years; at least three months’ validity beyond the return date; two blank pages.

   • Purpose restrictions: genuine tourism, visiting family/friends, or short unpaid events only. No paid work, study, settlement, or business activities.

   • Requirement to demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, property, family) and intent to return.

2. Comprehensive Document Checklist & Evidence

   • Completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form (from the official portal).

   • Signed declarations and a cover letter detailing purpose, dates, funding, and itinerary.

   • Original passport and copies of relevant pages (biometric, address, previous Schengen visas).

   • Two biometric passport photos (35×45 mm, white background, recent).

   • Round-trip flight reservation and full travel itinerary.

   • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings or host invitation with ID/residence permit).

   • Travel insurance covering all Schengen states for at least €30,000.

   • Evidence of sufficient funds: 3–6 months’ bank statements (first and last three pages), salary slips, and income-tax returns or Form 16.

   • Proof of employment/business: employer’s leave letter or business registration and tax returns; pension proof for retirees; student enrollment certificate.

   • Documentation of ties to India: employment letters, property deeds, or family records.

   • For minors: birth certificate, parent passports, notarized consent letters, and school proof.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Allowed: tourism, visiting friends/family, cultural or sporting events, short non-award courses (≤ 90 days), and transit.

   • Not allowed: any paid employment, business operations, long-term or award-bearing studies, religious residency, or intent to overstay.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Strict adherence to the official VFS/embassy checklist only listed documents accepted; extraneous papers may trigger rejection.

   • Bank statements limited to the most recent months (first/last three pages).

   • Enhanced scrutiny of accommodation, insurance, itinerary, and funds apply at least eight weeks before travel.

   • Biometric exemptions if collected within the last 59 months; otherwise, provide new fingerprints and photo.

   • Digital applications and document uploads are mandatory; health and entry regulations may change always verify current rules.

5. Application Workflow

   • Submit the application and uploads online via VIDEX or VFS portals.

   • Book and attend a VFS appointment for document submission and biometrics.

   • Monitor status online; collect and verify your passport upon approval.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility and recommend the correct visa category.

   • Provide a tailored, up-to-date document checklist and review all paperwork (including translations).

   • Manage online form submissions, digital uploads, appointment scheduling, and status tracking.

   • Proactively address additional requests and common errors to reduce refusal risk and delays allowing clients to focus on their travel plans.

   • Disclaimer: All visa decisions rest solely with German/Schengen authorities; while professional support minimizes errors and improves application quality, no service can guarantee 100% approval or accelerate official processing.