How Does VFS Global Visa Center Work in 2025?

We, as Vizam.az, can assist you with your visa application.

If you are planning a trip to a European country and need to apply for a visa, your path will most likely pass through VFS Global. VFS Global is one of the world's leading service providers for simplifying and speeding up the visa application process. Operating since 2001, the company provides modern technologies and innovative services to make the lives of visa applicants even easier by 2025. Millions of people apply for visas through VFS Global every year, and this service allows travelers to complete their visa application conveniently, securely and quickly. VFS Global not only provides visa application processing, but also offers many additional services such as biometric data collection, document verification and visa outcome tracking. The company operates in more than 140 countries around the world and has more than 2000 centers, which makes it a leader in the global visa services market.

In this blog, you will find answers to all the important questions about the VFS Global visa process, the documents required for the application, the procedure for online registration and appointment, as well as how far in advance you should apply for a visa. Our goal is to explain to you in clear and simple language the stages you will encounter when applying for a visa.

VFS Global Services: Which Countries Are Eligible?

If you are looking to apply for a visa to travel, work, study or for medical treatment abroad, VFS Global will likely be your primary point of contact during your application process. Many embassies and consulates in Azerbaijan work with VFS Global to process and pre-screen visa applications.

VFS Global does more than just collect documents — it also handles biometrics, visa status tracking, translation and photo services, premium services, and embassy delivery and return.

Currently, the countries you can apply for a visa through VFS Global in Azerbaijan are: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway.

Additional services:

Courier service - For the convenience of applicants, the company can enter into agreements with transportation companies to deliver your documents and passports to you in a more secure manner. Transportation companies deliver your documents and passports to your address once, regardless of the region of Azerbaijan.
Application Form Filling - Applicants can also use the application form filling service at the Visa Application Center.
Photocopying - Applicants can also use our photocopying service at our Visa Application Center.

VFS Global Additional Services Prices (per person)

How far in advance can I apply for a visa?

Visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended trip. As a rule, visa applications should be submitted at least 15 calendar days before the start of the planned trip. In justified cases of special urgency, the embassy may accept visa applications less than 15 calendar days before the start of the planned trip.

Complete List of Documents Required for Visa Application

We present a list of general and additional documents required for visa applications to travel to Schengen countries in 2025. These documents are relevant for Azerbaijani citizens who wish to obtain a visa through VFS Global.

List of documents for Azerbaijani citizens applying for a Schengen visa and other short-term visas

General documents (mandatory for each applicant):

Visa application form – Completed in English or German, completely and clearly.
Passport – Must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area. Non-citizens of Azerbaijan must also present a residence permit card. This card must also be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area.
1 biometric photo – 3.5x4.5 cm, ICAO standard, taken within the last 6 months and affixed to the application form.
Travel insurance – Must be valid for the entire period of your stay in the Schengen area, and must cover medical expenses and return travel expenses of at least 30,000 euros.
Invitation letter – If there is an inviting person: Electronic Sponsorship Letter (EVE) from Austria or a written sponsorship letter from a family member

Note:

Copies of documents that must be submitted:

Copy of passport data page and Schengen visas, entry and exit stamps obtained in the last 3 years

Copy of ID card

For non-citizens of Azerbaijan – Copy of residence permit card

It is important that the documents you submit are complete and correct for your visa application to be successful. Please note that any inconsistencies in the documents may lead to the visa being rejected. Therefore, please ensure that all documents are correctly translated, up-to-date and submitted in A4 format.

Visa Fees

The main visa fees for those who will participate in the visa application are as follows:

In addition to the visa fee, the applicant must pay 33 AZN (17.9 EUR) (including 18% VAT). In addition, the visa fee is free for children aged 0-12.

General rules at the Visa Application Center

Meeting day:

Biometrics

Your visa application will not be processed without biometric information.

Your fingerprints and facial features will be scanned. The digital fingerprint scanner will not be able to capture your fingerprints if there is any ink, liquid or medical fluid on your fingers.

The fingertips must be free of any decorations, cuts, abrasions or other marks as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable fingerprint scans.

The photograph must be without head coverings, a clear face and no glasses, except for medical or religious reasons.

Exceptions

Exceptions to biometrics (fingerprinting)

If you are under 12 years of age and are unable to provide fingerprints. In this case, you must provide a medical certificate stating that you are unable to provide fingerprints.

Note: Your fingerprints will remain in the system for 59 months

Since the system cannot check your previously submitted fingerprints when submitting your documents to the Visa Application Center, you may be called to the Visa Application Center later to provide your fingerprints. You may also be called for an interview for some reasons.