The Rule: Apply to Your Main Destination
Apply to your sole Schengen destination, or your main destination by length or purpose of stay. If no main destination can be established, apply to the country whose external Schengen border you enter first. Appointment availability does not change which country is responsible.
Processing Time Is Separate from Appointment Waiting
The normal Schengen decision period is 15 calendar days after an admissible application is lodged, with up to 45 days for further scrutiny. Appointment waiting, delivery to the consulate and passport return add time. This is not a ranking of the fastest country or a promise of a decision before your flight.
Check Current Appointments
Use the appointment provider linked by the mission responsible for your application. German short-stay applicants may use another VFS centre within India if their nearest centre is full; this permission does not apply to German national D visas.
Your Application Is Assessed Individually
The German mission explicitly says that submitting its checklist documents does not guarantee approval. Prepare evidence for your purpose, means of support and intention to leave. Do not treat previous visas or travel history as a guaranteed approval advantage.
Pro Tips for Indians
1. Apply 4-6 weeks before travel (up to 6 months in advance allowed).
2. Your itinerary should logically support your chosen embassy.
3. Don't fake your itinerary to game the system — embassies check.
4. Hotel bookings should match your stated itinerary.
5. Get travel insurance that covers ALL Schengen countries.
6. Check the entry count and dates on the visa actually granted; repeat travel does not guarantee a multiple-entry visa.
7. Apply to your sole or main Schengen destination by length or purpose; if no main destination can be established, use the first-entry rule.