SchengenDoc

VFS Global Schengen visa appointments

VFS Global runs visa application centres for many Schengen consulates, including Germany in several countries. Which centre you use depends on the consulate of your main destination and the country you live in, not on your preference.

What the visa centre does — and doesn't

  • It books appointments, takes your documents, fingerprints and photo, collects fees, and returns your passport.
  • It does not decide your application. The consulate makes every decision, and the centre has no say in the outcome.
  • Consulates may use an external provider under Article 43 of the EU Visa Code; Article 17 limits the extra service fee the centre may charge. Read the Visa Code.

How to book safely

  1. Work out your main destination (where you spend the most nights). That consulate handles your file.
  2. Open that consulate's official website and follow its appointment link. Don't search for the booking site directly — copycat sites exist.
  3. Don't pay agents who claim special access to slots. Consulates such as Germany's state that outside agencies cannot influence appointments or decisions.
  4. Have your file complete before the appointment: incomplete files are a common reason for refusal or a second visit.

Appointment reality check: the slot wait comes first

The legal decision clock only starts once your application is lodged. Before that, you need an appointment — and how long that takes depends on your consulate or visa centre, not on the law.

  1. Stage 1 — Appointment

    "The applicant may be required to obtain an appointment for the lodging of an application. The appointment shall, as a rule, take place within two weeks from the date when it was requested." (Art. 9(2))

  2. Stage 2 — Decision

    "Applications shall be decided on within 15 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible." (Art. 23(1))

  3. Stage 3 — Possible extension

    "That period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed." (Art. 23(2))

When you can apply (Art. 9(1))

  • Earliest: 6 months before the start of your trip (9 months for seafarers).
  • Latest: 15 calendar days before the start of your trip.

Have your documents ready before booking, so you can take a cancelled slot if one opens up.

Check your actual wait

Start from your destination consulate's website — it names the centre it uses. Our provider guides:

Source: consolidated EU Visa Code. Full processing-times guide

Where VFS Global is the checked channel

Each row was checked against an official consulate or provider page. Providers change, so confirm before you book.

Get your file ready before the appointment

SchengenDoc builds the cover letter, day-by-day itinerary and personalised checklist for the consulate you apply to.

Complete visa file — $19

Prefer to do it yourself?Read our free sample letters

Traveling with someone? Share this page

Other guides: TLScontact · BLS International. SchengenDoc is independent and not affiliated with any visa centre or consulate.