What is VFS Global?
Definition
VFS Global
VFS Global is the largest outsourced operator of Visa Application Centres (VACs). Consulates contract VFS Global to run the appointment booking, document collection, biometric capture and application transfer for visa applicants. VFS does not make the visa decision — that stays with the consulate.
Key facts
| Founded | 2001; head offices in Zurich and Dubai. |
|---|---|
| Operates in | 165 countries, 3,900+ application centres. |
| Government clients | 69, including most Schengen states, the UK, Canada, Australia and India. |
| What VFS does | Books the appointment, collects the application form, captures the biometric photo and fingerprints, ships the file to the consulate, returns the passport with the decision. |
| What VFS does NOT do | Decide whether the visa is granted. That decision is always made by the consulate, not by VFS. |
Why consulates outsource to VFS
Visa demand has grown faster than consulate staffing. Outsourcing the public-facing application centre to VFS lets the consulate scale appointment capacity without hiring more staff. The consulate keeps the decision-making role and the security of the visa file.
How a VFS appointment works
You book online through the consulate's VFS site, fill the application form, pay the service fee on top of the consular fee, attend the appointment in person, give fingerprints and a biometric photo at the desk, hand over your passport, and collect it back with the decision attached. The biometric photo is taken by the VFS officer; you cannot use a photo you brought yourself.
VFS competitors
TLScontact is the second-largest application-centre operator; BLS International and Capago also run centres for European consulates. Which operator serves which consulate depends on the market and changes when contracts are re-tendered, so a list of countries here would go stale within months. Always check the consulate's own website for the operator in your country. The service itself is interchangeable — they all handle the same appointment-and-transfer pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Does VFS decide whether I get the visa?
No. VFS is an administrative middleman. The visa decision is made by a consulate officer who reviews your file after VFS ships it. VFS staff cannot tell you the result during the appointment.
Why does the VFS service fee cost extra on top of the visa fee?
The consular fee (€90 for Schengen) pays the consulate. The VFS service fee pays for the application centre infrastructure — the booking system, the biometric capture device, the secure courier. Together they typically add €30–50 to the consular fee.
Can I skip VFS and apply directly at the consulate?
In most markets no — the consulate has fully outsourced application intake to VFS. A few low-volume consulates accept direct appointments by exception. Check the consulate website before booking.