While most of our clients focus on Student visas, many also want to invite their parents for convocation or visit Germany for tourism. For this, you need the Schengen Type C Visa.

Unlike the National Visa (Type D), this is strictly for stays under 90 days. Here is everything you need to know to get it approved in 2026.

1. Which Type C Category Do You Need?

“Tourist Visa” is a general term. You must select the exact category on your Videx form:

• Visiting Family & Friends: If your child is studying in Germany and invites you. This has the highest success rate if you have a Sponsor Letter.

• Tourism: If you are booking hotels and traveling alone. (High rejection rate for young, single applicants).

• Business: For attending trade fairs or meetings (Requires an invitation from a German company)

   

2. The “Verpflichtungserklärung” (The Secret Weapon)

If you are visiting a relative (e.g., your child who is a student), do not just use a simple typed invitation letter. Ask your host in Germany to get a Verpflichtungserklärung (Declaration of Commitment).

• What is it? A formal legal document signed at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany.

• Cost: ~€29.

• Why use it? It proves the host takes full financial responsibility. It is 10x more powerful than showing your own bank statements.

Attention North India Applicants

• As of January 19, 2026, the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in New Delhi has relocated. If you are applying from Punjab, Haryana, or Delhi, please ensure you check the new address on the VFS website before your appointment!

3. The 90/180 Rule Explained

The Type C visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

• Example: If you stay in Germany for 80 days, you cannot leave and immediately return. You must wait outside the Schengen zone until the 180-day cycle resets.

4. Mandatory Checklist for 2026

Missing one document = Automatic Rejection.

• Travel Health Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 and be valid for the entire Schengen area (not just Germany).

• Flight Itinerary: confirmed round-trip tickets.

• Proof of Ties to Home: This is critical. You must prove you will return to India.

  • For Employees: Leave sanction letter + Salary slips.

  • For Business Owners: GST registration + ITRs.

  • For Retirees: Pension statements.

• Visa Fee (2026): €90 for adults (approx. ₹8,595) and €45 for children (6-12 years).

5. Common Rejection Reasons for Visitor Visas

• “Doubt of Return”: If you are young, unmarried, and unemployed, the officer will assume you plan to work illegally in Germany.

• “Sponge Booking”: Booking a hotel for the visa and canceling it immediately. Embassies now check active bookings!

External Resources (Official Links)

• VFS Global Germany (India): For booking appointments and tracking applications.

• Videx Form: The official online application form for Schengen visas.