VFS Document Verification & Attestation Checklist
Updated 31 August 2026
Executive Summary: The 2-Set Stacking Rule
When submitting your National Student Visa (Subtype D) application at VFS Global in India, you MUST present Two Identical Physical Document Folders:
THE 2-SET PHYSICAL FOLDER LAYOUT
| SET A (Originals) | Original Physical Documents |
|---|---|
| (Passport, APS, Transcripts, Degree, IELTS) | |
| SET B (Photocopies) | Clear A4 Single-Sided Photocopies |
| (Identical duplicate stack of Set A) |
Complete Physical Stacking Order (Top to Bottom)
Arrange both Set A and Set B in the exact numerical order listed below. This matches the VFS submission officer's checklist:
- PRINTED & SIGNED VIDEX APPLICATION FORM: - Printed from digital.diplo.de with barcode page at the end. - Signed in blue ink by the student (2 signatures at the bottom).
- BIOMETRIC PHOTOGRAPHS (3 Copies): - 35mm x 45mm, light grey/white background, 70-80% face coverage.
- VALID INDIAN PASSPORT: - Original Passport + 2 Photocopies of Data Pages (Front & Back).
- ORIGINAL APS CERTIFICATE: - Original APS Verification Certificate from APS India (DE-QUAL-01).
- OFFICIAL ADMISSION LETTER (Zulassungsbescheid): - Printout of university admission or enrollment letter (DE-APPLY-04).
- BLOCKED ACCOUNT CONFIRMATION (Sperrbescheinigung): - Official Expatrio/Fintiba PDF showing €11,904 locked (DE-FUND-02).
- HEALTH INSURANCE CONFIRMATION: - German Public Health Insurance (TK/Barmer) or Travel Insurance PDF.
- ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS (IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER): - B.Tech / B.Sc Degree Certificate (or Provisional Degree). - Consolidated Marksheet & Semester Transcripts (Semesters 1 to 8). - Class 12th & Class 10th Passing Certificates & Marksheets.
- STANDARDIZED TEST SCORECARDS: - IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT Scorecard (DE-QUAL-04). - GRE / GMAT Scorecard (if applicable: DE-QUAL-06). - Goethe German Certificate (A1/A2/B1 if applicable: DE-QUAL-05).
- ACADEMIC SOP & EUROPASS CV: - Printed Statement of Purpose & Tabular Europass CV (DE-QUAL-07).
Biometric Photograph Specifications (35mm x 45mm)
German visa photos are strictly audited against biometric standards. Do NOT submit generic Indian passport photos!
BIOMETRIC PHOTO AUDIT CHECKLIST
| Size Dimensions | 35mm width x 45mm height |
|---|---|
| Face Coverage | 70% to 80% (Head height from chin to top 32-36mm) |
| Background Color | Neutral Light Grey or Pure White (No patterns) |
| Facial Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Eyeglasses | No tinted lenses or thick frames (No reflections |
Attestation & Notary Rules for Indian Applicants
Parents often ask: "Do I need to get my documents apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or notarized by a lawyer?"
The Official Rule:
- Standard Student Visas Do NOT Require MEA Apostille: The German Embassy in India relies on your APS Certificate (APS Certificate Guide) to verify the authenticity of your Indian B.Tech degree.
- Notary Stamps: Plain single-sided A4 photocopies of your original degree and transcripts are fully accepted at VFS when presented alongside your original physical documents.
4 Submission Day Rules for VFS Appointments
- Arrive 15 Minutes Early: If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled VFS appointment window, the security system cancels your slot.
- Carry Cash / UPI for VFS Fees: Pay the VFS Logistics Fee (~₹1,500 INR) + German Embassy Visa Fee (€75 / ~₹6,800 INR). Most VFS centers accept UPI, Credit Card, or Cash.
- Double-Check Passport Validity: Ensure your Indian passport has at least 12 months of validity remaining from your intended travel date.
- Collect the VFS Receipt & Tracking ICR: VFS issues an ICR (In-Clinic Receipt) with your Application Reference Number (e.g.
DEAC/123456/7890/01). Use this number to track your passport courier status.
to prepare for questions asked by VFS submission officers and consulate officials.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Will VFS keep my original Indian degree certificate?
NO. VFS officers inspect your original B.Tech degree, transcripts, passport, and APS certificate in front of you, hand them back immediately, and retain only the passport and the photocopy folder (Set B).
What if my original B.Tech degree is not yet issued by my Indian university?
You can submit a Provisional Degree Certificate (PDC) issued on official university letterhead, signed by the Controller of Examinations, alongside your 8 semester marksheets.