VFS Global Dublin: Complete Guide to Schengen Visa Application Center

· 8 min read

VFS Global Dublin is the main visa application center for multiple Schengen countries in Ireland. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: location, appointment booking, hours, what to bring, and what to expect during your visit.

VFS Global Dublin Location & Contact

📍 Address:
VFS Global
1st Floor, 5 Harcourt Road
Dublin 2, D02 XY47
Ireland

📞 Contact:
Phone: +353 (0)1 687 9400
Email: info.ie@vfshelpline.com
Website: www.vfsglobal.com

🚇 How to Get There:

  • Luas: Green Line to Harcourt Street (2-minute walk)
  • Dublin Bus: Multiple routes stop on Harcourt Street (10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 44, 140)
  • Parking: Limited street parking; use Q-Park Harcourt Square (5-minute walk)
💡 Pro Tip: The building is right beside the Luas stop. Look for the VFS Global sign on the first floor. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find the entrance and go through security.

Countries Processed at VFS Dublin

VFS Global Dublin processes visa applications for the following Schengen countries:

  • ✅ France - Tourist, business, family visit visas
  • ✅ Germany - All Schengen visa types
  • ✅ Spain - Short-stay and long-stay visas
  • ✅ Italy - Tourist and business visas
  • ✅ Netherlands - All visa categories
  • ✅ Belgium - Short-stay visas
  • ✅ Portugal - Tourist and business visas
  • ✅ Austria - Schengen visas
  • ✅ Greece - Tourist visas (seasonal)
  • ✅ Poland - Short-stay visas
  • ✅ Czech Republic - Tourist visas
  • ✅ Denmark - All categories

Note: Some countries like Switzerland and Norway have their own embassy visa sections and don't use VFS Dublin.

How to Book an Appointment

  1. Visit VFS Website: Go to www.vfsglobal.com and select your destination country
  2. Create Account: Register with your email and create a password
  3. Fill Application Form: Complete the online visa application form
  4. Choose Appointment: Select available date and time slot
  5. Pay Appointment Fee: Pay the VFS service fee (separate from visa fee)
  6. Receive Confirmation: Get appointment confirmation email with reference number
⚠️ Important: Appointments fill up quickly, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Tuesday-Thursday mornings typically have more availability than Mondays or Fridays.

Appointment Fees (2026)

Service Fee
Standard Appointment Free (included in visa fee)
VFS Service Fee €25-€30
Courier Return €15-€20
SMS Tracking €3
Photo Service €12
Document Scanning €5 per page

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Essential Documents

  • ✅ Printed appointment confirmation
  • ✅ Original passport (valid 3+ months)
  • ✅ Old passports (if any)
  • ✅ IRP card (Irish Residence Permit)
  • ✅ All required documents (originals + photocopies)
  • ✅ Visa fee payment (€80 adults, €40 children 6-12)
  • ✅ VFS service fee payment

Payment Methods Accepted

  • 💳 Debit card
  • 💳 Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • 💵 Cash (Euros)
💡 Pro Tip: Bring both originals and photocopies of all documents. VFS staff will verify originals and keep the copies. Some applicants bring extra photocopies just in case.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Security Check (5 minutes):

    Enter building, go through security screening. No large bags allowed inside. Small handbags and document folders are fine.

  2. Check-In (5-10 minutes):

    Show appointment confirmation at reception. Receive token number and wait in designated area.

  3. Document Review (15-20 minutes):

    VFS staff checks all your documents for completeness. They'll point out any missing items or issues.

  4. Biometrics Collection (5 minutes):

    Fingerprints scanned digitally. Photo taken (if required). This is quick and painless.

  5. Payment (5 minutes):

    Pay visa fee and VFS service charges at payment counter.

  6. Receipt & Tracking (2 minutes):

    Receive payment receipt and tracking number. Keep this safe - you'll need it to track your application.

Total Time: Expect to spend 45-90 minutes at VFS, depending on crowd levels.

⚠️ Waiting Times: Mornings (9-11 AM) tend to be busiest. Late morning (11 AM-12 PM) or early afternoon slots usually have shorter waits. Fridays are the quietest day of the week.

Biometrics Requirements

All first-time Schengen visa applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). This data is stored in the VIS (Visa Information System) for 5 years.

Who Is Exempt?

  • Children under 12 years old
  • Applicants who provided biometrics in the last 5 years (bring previous visa)
  • People physically unable to provide fingerprints

Biometric Process

The process is completely digital and takes about 5 minutes:

  1. Both hands' fingerprints scanned
  2. Digital photo taken (if your photo doesn't meet standards)
  3. Data uploaded to VIS system

After Submission: Tracking Your Application

Online Tracking

Track your application status using:

  • VFS tracking portal: www.vfsglobal.com/ireland/tracking
  • Your tracking/reference number (on receipt)
  • Passport number

Application Status Meanings

Status Meaning
Application Received VFS has your documents, not yet sent to embassy
Under Process at Embassy Embassy is reviewing your application
Processed Decision made, passport returning to VFS
Ready for Collection Passport available at VFS for pickup

Processing Times by Country

  • 🇫🇷 France: 7-10 working days
  • 🇩🇪 Germany: 10-15 working days
  • 🇪🇸 Spain: 10-20 working days
  • 🇮🇹 Italy: 15-20 working days
  • 🇳🇱 Netherlands: 10-15 working days

Collecting Your Passport

Collection Options

Option 1: Collect in Person (Free)

  • Visit VFS during collection hours
  • Bring your receipt and ID
  • Someone else can collect with authorization letter

Option 2: Courier Delivery (€15-€20)

  • Passport delivered to your Irish address
  • Tracked courier service
  • Signature required on delivery

Collection Hours

Monday-Friday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(Closed weekends and Irish public holidays)

Frequently Asked Questions - VFS Dublin

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No, VFS Dublin operates by appointment only. You must book online in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted.

What if I miss my appointment?

You'll need to rebook a new appointment online. Most embassy fees are non-refundable, but you can use the same application for a new slot. Try to reschedule at least 24 hours in advance if possible.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

No, you must attend in person for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Exceptions are only made for children under 12, applicants with previous biometrics, or those with medical conditions preventing attendance.

Is VFS Global the embassy?

No, VFS is an external visa application center that collects documents on behalf of embassies. Your application is processed by the actual embassy/consulate. VFS just handles document collection and return.

What if VFS says I'm missing a document?

VFS staff will tell you if anything is missing. You can either submit what you have (and risk rejection) or cancel and rebook after getting the missing document. For non-critical documents, submitting with an explanation letter sometimes works.