Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — BusinessVerified 2026-04-20Germany Business Visa (Schengen Type C)
The Germany Business Visa (Schengen Type C) is for Indian professionals travelling to Germany for business meetings, establishing contacts, negotiations, conferences, or short consultancy engagements on behalf of a company in India. Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
Jurisdiction Notice — Germany Schengen Visa
SureshotVisa handles the New Delhi jurisdiction.
All Germany Schengen visa applications accepted in India are forwarded to the German Consulate General, Mumbai, for decision — but you must apply at the VFS Application Centre that matches your place of habitual residence. Choosing the wrong jurisdiction means your appointment is cancelled and the application is refused at the counter.
Covered States (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Haryana
- ✓Himachal Pradesh
- ✓Jammu and Kashmir
- ✓Punjab
- ✓Rajasthan
- ✓Sikkim
- ✓Uttar Pradesh
- ✓Uttarakhand
Covered UTs (New Delhi jurisdiction)
- ✓Chandigarh
- ✓NCT of Delhi
- ✓Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- ✓Lakshadweep (incl. Minicoy & Amini)
Outside these states/UTs? Germany splits Schengen applications across Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru consulates by residence. We can still guide you end-to-end — document checklist, appointment slot at the right VAC, and submission support. Contact us first before booking anything.
Processing
15 working days from when the application reaches the German Consulate General, Mumbai (not counting the up to 2 working days VFS takes to transport your file)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Starting Fee
€91
Apply At
14 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Germany visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1You MUST apply at the VFS Application Centre covering your place of habitual residence. New Delhi jurisdiction covers Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand + UTs of Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep. Applying at the wrong VAC means your application is refused at the counter.
- 2Applications must be submitted NOT earlier than 6 months before and NOT later than 15 working days before intended travel.
- 3Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond scheduled return, issued within the last 10 years, have at least 2 blank pages, and must not have any observations on the data page.
- 4All documents, forms, and declarations must be submitted in German or English. Documents in other languages require certified German/English translation — missing translation = 'document not submitted'.
- 5Travel medical insurance must cover the ENTIRE duration of the Schengen trip, minimum €30,000 coverage, and is only accepted from approved Indian Travel Insurance companies (list at india.diplo.de/in-en/service/-/1984578).
- 6Fingerprints are collected at VFS for every in-person submission unless collected within the last 59 months for a previous Schengen visa.
- 7Photo specs: 35×45 mm, white background, face 70–80% of frame, ≤6 months old. Name-observation passports are NOT accepted.
- 8Incomplete documentation alone is grounds for refusal — the visa section is NOT obliged to request missing documents before denying your application.
- 9A booked flight ticket does NOT lead to priority processing. Do not purchase tickets until the visa is issued; reservations are enough.
- 10If you plan to work in Germany on a Schengen Visa (even short engagements), check with the inviting company whether Federal Employment Agency pre-approval (Einvernehmen / Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is required. The host obtains this directly at the Federal Employment Agency — the visa section cannot apply for it. Missing approval = automatic rejection.
Who Can Apply
- Indian professionals travelling for business meetings, negotiations, or contracts in Germany
- Employees attending conferences, training, or trade events (not exhibitors — use Trade Fair visa)
- Company owners / directors visiting German partners, suppliers, or clients
- Consultants delivering short-term services to a German client
Not eligible under this visa:
- Stays longer than 90 days — apply for National Visa D / work permit
- Any paid employment in Germany (work may require Federal Employment Agency pre-approval)
- Exhibitors at trade fairs — apply for the Trade Fair / Exhibitors visa instead
Previously Refused?
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult — Schengen Short Stay (Type C) | €91 |
| Children 6–12 years | €45 |
| Children below 6 years | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,022 |
Embassy fees are set in EUR by the German Consulate General, Mumbai — the INR charged at VFS varies with the daily exchange rate. New Visa Fee of €91 is effective from 29 January 2026 for all cities. VFS service charge of ₹2,022 (inclusive of CGST 9% + SGST 9%) is fixed. Fees are payable in Cash / Visa / Mastercard / Amex / Rupay / Demand Draft (in favour of VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd) / UPI. All visa fees, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !VIDEX online application form
Printed with all barcode pages, signed.
- !Signed Declaration of True and Complete Information
- !Signed Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance
- !Valid passport
Valid 3 months beyond return, 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years.
- !Copy of biometric & address page (DIN A4)
- !One biometric photo 35×45mm
White background, 70–80% face coverage, ≤6 months old.
- !Personal covering letter
Proof of intended means of transport and itinerary.
Business Documentation
- !Original covering letter from your Indian company on company letterhead
Must state: name of traveller, passport number, purpose of trip, duration, brief itinerary.
- !Certificate of Incorporation + GST Registration + Proof of Company Registration
Submit ALL three in addition to the covering letter.
- !Invitation letter from German business partner (in German or English)
Must state: activities planned, business relationship between companies, products/services traded. For consultancy: confirmation letter from the German client.
- ○Detailed schedule of business meetings
ONLY required for stays over 30 days.
- ○Further Schengen appointments (if applicable)
Signed invitation letter from the Schengen business partner on company letterhead.
- ○Federal Employment Agency approval
ONLY for international staff exchange or contracts for work and services — rejection risk if required but missing.
Accommodation & Travel
- !Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservations OR inviting company arranging accommodation (must be confirmed in invitation letter — then point 12 below can be skipped).
- !Flight reservation
Do NOT purchase tickets until visa is issued.
- !Overseas travel medical insurance — €30,000 min, approved Indian insurer
Financial Documents (Applicant)
- !Pay slips last 3 months + employment contract + Leave Sanction letter
If you are employed.
- ○Company registration certificate + GST number + ITR last 2 years + bank statements
If you are a company owner / self-employed.
- !Applicant's bank statements last 3 months, stamped by bank
Pages in continuation must be separated — passbook copies not accepted.
- !ITR acknowledgment for last 2 assessment years OR Form 16
Sponsor Documentation (if sponsored)
- ○If sponsored by Indian resident: Sponsor letter + sponsor's passport copy + bank statements (3 months) + relationship proof
- ○If sponsored by German/EU resident: Sponsor letter + passport copy + German residence permit (if applicable) + Verpflichtungserklärung (if provided)
- ○If sponsored by Indian company: ITR acknowledgment for last 3 years + company incorporation + GST registration
- ○If sponsored by German company: Sponsor letter + passport copy + German residence permit (if applicable)
Civil Status
- ○Marriage certificate / divorce decree / custody / birth certificate of children / death certificate of spouse
If applicable. Single applicants need no civil status document.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Fill VIDEX online
Complete application at videx.diplo.de. Print with barcodes, sign.
Collect company documents
Covering letter on letterhead + Certificate of Incorporation + GST Registration + Proof of Company Registration. Invitation letter from German partner.
Check if FEA pre-approval is needed
If your trip involves staff exchange or work contracts, the German host must obtain Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) pre-approval BEFORE you apply. Missing this = rejection.
Book VFS appointment
At visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/deu — select the VAC matching your residence jurisdiction.
Submit at VFS + biometrics
In-person submission. Pay €91 + ₹2,022. Optional: courier / SMS / premium lounge.
Decision from Mumbai Consulate
Application forwarded to German Consulate General Mumbai. Standard 15 working days processing.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (VIDEX online)
MUST be filled online on the VIDEX website. Print ALL pages including the barcodes and sign. Paper-only forms are not accepted.
Declaration of True and Complete Information (§54 AufenthG)
Signed declaration confirming all application information is true. Mandatory for all categories.
Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance
Signed declaration confirming €30,000 minimum travel health insurance for the full duration of stay.
Power of Attorney — Annexure A
Only if the application is submitted via a representative or travel agent.
VFS Germany Downloads & Checklists
Per-category checklists (Tourism, Business, Visit, Airport Transit, Trade Fair, Culture/Sport, Medical, Student, Internship, Seamen).
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Business Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions focused on business visa criteria. Business applications face different scrutiny — the embassy wants clear purpose, genuine business relationships, and verifiable host.
Who is inviting you to Denmark / the Schengen country?
What form will the invitation take?
How long have you had a business relationship with the Danish host?
How long is your business trip?
What's your role in your Indian company?
What's your Indian company's annual turnover?
Helps establish legitimacy of the business case.
How often do you travel internationally for business?
Have you used a Schengen visa before?
Any previous visa refusals (business or otherwise)?
Your return-to-India anchor?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Fill your VIDEX application online BEFORE visiting VFS — most VFS centres have limited PCs and on-site filling creates long queues.
- Apply 3–4 weeks before travel as the sweet spot — early enough to handle extended processing, not so early that bookings expire.
- Book travel health insurance ONLY from the approved Indian insurers list — VFS rejects insurance from non-approved providers even if coverage exceeds €30,000.
- Carry ALL previous passports with old Schengen stamps — the consulate wants to see full travel history.
- Your cover letter should match the trip: matching hotel nights, matching itinerary, and matching financial strength.
- If travelling across multiple Schengen countries, make sure Germany is your MAIN destination (most nights) — otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most nights.
- Ask the German host to confirm accommodation in the invitation letter — this lets you skip separate hotel bookings.
- If the trip involves any 'work' beyond meetings (training others, installing equipment, delivering services), confirm with the German company whether FEA pre-approval is required — skipping this is a common rejection cause.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Missing Federal Employment Agency pre-approval when the visit category required it
- 2.Invitation letter missing key details (relationship between companies, activities planned)
- 3.Company documents incomplete (COI, GST, company registration — need ALL three)
- 4.Bank statements not stamped by the bank or provided as passbook copies
- 5.Wrong VFS jurisdiction chosen for the applicant's residence
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Business and Trade Fair visa?+
Do I need Federal Employment Agency approval?+
Can I extend my Germany business visa?+
Can my German host sponsor me instead of me showing funds?+
Which VFS centre do I apply at?+
How long does processing take?+
Let us prepare your Germany Business Visa — (Schengen Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Germany Visa Types
Germany Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C — Short Stay)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens travelling to Germany for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure — up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Germany Visit Visa — Family & Friends (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Germany — up to 90 days.
Germany Airport Transit Visa (Schengen Type A)
Schengen airport transit visa for Indian citizens transiting through a German airport's international zone without leaving it.
Germany Trade Fair / Exhibition Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian exhibitors and visitors of German trade fairs (Hannover Messe, IFA, Drupa, Automechanika, etc.).
Germany Medical Treatment Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen visa for Indian citizens seeking specific medical treatment at a German hospital / clinic — up to 90 days.
Germany Culture / Sport / Religious Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian artists, sportspeople, film crews, cultural performers, and religious workers invited to Germany.
Germany Seamen Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian seafarers joining ships at German ports — requires CDC, shipping company invitation, and Indian agent documentation.
Germany Guest Scientist / Research / Short-term Student Visa (Schengen Type C)
Schengen short-stay visa for Indian scientists, researchers, and students visiting Germany for research, academic programs, or short courses under 90 days.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Germany website and Embassy of Germany. Last verified 2026-04-20. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.