There are quite a few misunderstandings about the role of Vfs global in the Schengen visa process. For example, some visa applicants believe that they are responsible for the assessment and granting of a Schengen visa. That is not correct. That is why in this article we will discuss the responsibilities of Vfs global.
Vfs global, previously known as 'Visa Facilitation Services Global', is a company that assists in the procedure for request a visa and passport issues for governments and diplomatic missions around the world. The company was founded in 2001 as a project within the Swiss travel organization Kuoni, founded by CEO Zubin Karkaria. In 2016, Kuoni was purchased by EQT Partners, a global investment firm based in Stockholm. At the time, Kuoni had three business units, including VFS Global, which was growing the fastest.
Vfs global works for 67 governments worldwide, has 3427 application centers and offices in 147 countries. Since 2001, they have processed more than 257 million applications. VFS Global is headquartered in Dubai, (United Arab Emirates) and is originally a Swiss company (part of EQT, a private equity firm headquartered in Stockholm). Most of VFS Global's shares are owned by investment firm Blackstone.
VFS Global works for the Dutch government
VFS Global works like external service provider for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2018, after a global tender, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs chose VFS Global as an external service provider for the provision of visa services, in eight of the nine regions worldwide.
Vfs global operates as an external service provider for the Dutch government in Africa, North America, Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe and India.
VFS Global is responsible, among other things, for the provision of Schengen visa services, Caribbean visa services, national long-stay visas, Dutch travel documents and civic integration exams.
Schengen Visitor Insurance OOM
Do you need travel insurance for a visa application? The Schengen Visitor insurance from OOM Verzekeringen is the best choice! This Dutch insurer from Rijswijk specializes in Schengen insurance.
The Schengen Visitor insurance offers visa guarantee (if the visa is refused, you get the premium back) and extensive coverage up to €500.000. With a low premium starting at €1,60 per day, it is a reliable and affordable choice. You can take out the insurance online immediately, and you will receive the policy within an hour.
✔ More than meets all requirements for a Schengen visa application.
✔ Affordable and good: From €1,60 per person per day.
✔ The policy by email (iDEAL, credit card or PayPal) within 1 hour.
✔ Also for people over 70 years old
✔ Coverage for medical costs up to €500.000
✔ VISA GUARANTEE: If your Schengen visa is rejected, you will receive the premium back.
✔ Liability coverage can optionally be included in the insurance.
The Schengen Visitor insurance is the best choice for the successful application for a Schengen visa!
Would you prefer to receive the policy in English? Click here: Calculate premium and finalize.
More information about OOM's Schengen insurance:
- Coverage overview Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Policy conditions Schengen Visitor Insurance
- Schengen Visitor Insurance Insurance Card
Activities of VFS Global in obtaining a Schengen visa
VFS Global specializes in providing visa and consular services for many countries, including Schengen countries. The role of VFS Global in the Schengen visa application process can be summarized as follows:
- Provision of information: VFS Global provides information on the visa requirements, documentation and procedures for applying for a Schengen visa for different countries. This information is usually available on their website and through their customer service.
- Appointment system: VFS Global operates an online appointment system that allows applicants to make an appointment to submit their visa application at a VFS Global application center or an embassy/consulate.
- To file a request: Applicants can submit their Schengen visa application at a VFS Global application center. VFS Global collects the necessary documents, checks that all required information is present and accepts the visa fee on behalf of the embassy or consulate.
- Biometric data: VFS Global collects the biometric data (fingerprints and photo) of the applicant, if required, and forwards them along with the application documents to the appropriate embassy or consulate.
- Request Processing: VFS Global acts as an intermediary between the applicant and the embassy/consulate and forwards the application to the embassy or consulate for review and decision-making.
- Return of passports: After the Embassy or Consulate has made a decision on the visa application, VFS Global will return the passport with the visa (if approved) or an explanatory letter (if rejected) back to the applicant. Applicants can collect their passport from the VFS Global center or choose to have it delivered by courier.
It is important to note that VFS Global has no influence on the visa application decision itself. This decision is taken exclusively by the embassy or consulate of the relevant Schengen country. In the case of the Netherlands, this is the Consular Service Organization (CSO) in The Hague.
Consular Service Organization (CSO) in The Hague
VFS Global takes the visa application form and supporting mandatory documents, such as proof of a medical travel insurance, in. They check whether the application is complete and send the documents, together with the passport of the visa applicant, to the CSO in The Hague for assessment. The Consular Service Organization (CSO) processes all visa applications and applications for Dutch travel documents abroad.
