Embassies & VFS Global
Find the right embassy or visa application center for your target country. Not every European country has an embassy in Bangladesh — learn which embassy handles which countries and how VFS Global fits in.
- Complete list of European embassies in Dhaka
- Which embassies handle non-resident country visas
- VFS Global explained — what it is and when you need it
- Step-by-step visa application process
Embassies & VFS Global
Find where to apply for your European work visa from Bangladesh.
Not Every Country Has an Embassy in Bangladesh
Out of 30+ European countries, only about 12-15 have embassies or consulates in Dhaka. For the rest, another country's embassy handles their visa applications. This page tells you exactly where to go for each country.
European Embassies & Consulates in Dhaka
These countries have a physical embassy or consulate in Bangladesh where you can apply directly.
| Country | Embassy / Mission | Location | Also Handles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Embassy of Germany | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | Direct applications + VFS Global |
| France | Embassy of France | Gulshan-1, Dhaka | Monaco |
| Italy | Embassy of Italy | Baridhara, Dhaka | San Marino |
| Netherlands | Embassy of the Netherlands | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | VFS Global for processing |
| Sweden | Embassy of Sweden | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | Iceland (consular matters) |
| Denmark | Royal Danish Embassy | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | -- |
| Norway | Royal Norwegian Embassy | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | -- |
| Turkey | Embassy of Turkey | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | -- |
| Poland | Embassy of Poland | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | -- |
| Romania | Embassy of Romania | Baridhara, Dhaka | Moldova (limited services) |
| Hungary | Embassy of Hungary | Gulshan-2, Dhaka | -- |
| Greece | Honorary Consulate | Dhaka | Limited services only |
| Spain | Honorary Consulate | Dhaka | Full visa via VFS Global / New Delhi |
No Embassy in Bangladesh -- Where to Apply
These countries do not have an embassy in Dhaka. Your application is handled by another embassy or through VFS Global.
| You Want to Go To | Apply At | Location | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | Austrian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka or travel to Delhi |
| Belgium | Belgian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Switzerland | Swiss Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Czech Republic | Czech Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Finland | Finnish Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Portugal | Portuguese Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Ireland | Irish Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Apply online + post documents |
| Croatia | Croatian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Contact embassy directly |
| Slovakia | Slovak Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Slovenia | Slovenian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Contact embassy directly |
| Lithuania | Lithuanian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | VFS Global Dhaka |
| Latvia | Latvian Embassy, New Delhi (or Berlin) | New Delhi / Berlin | Contact embassy directly |
| Estonia | Finnish Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Finland handles Estonian visas |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Contact embassy directly |
| Malta | Maltese Embassy, New Delhi (or Rome) | New Delhi / Rome | VFS Global or direct |
| Luxembourg | Belgian Embassy, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Belgium handles Luxembourg visas |
| Cyprus | Cyprus High Commission, New Delhi | New Delhi, India | Contact directly |
| Iceland | Swedish Embassy, Dhaka / Danish Embassy | Dhaka / Copenhagen | Sweden or Denmark handles Iceland |
Note: New Delhi is the most common alternate location because many European countries have their South Asia regional embassy there. You may not need to travel -- VFS Global in Dhaka can often collect your documents and biometrics on behalf of these embassies.
What is VFS Global?
The world's largest visa outsourcing company -- and how it affects you.
VFS Global is a private company that governments hire to handle the administrative work of visa applications. They do NOT make visa decisions -- embassies do. VFS Global only collects your documents, takes your biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and forwards everything to the embassy for a decision.
Think of it this way:
Prepare documents and fill out forms
Collects documents, takes biometrics, sends to embassy
Reviews and makes the final visa decision
VFS Global Dhaka
VFS Global has an office in Dhaka that handles visa applications for multiple European countries. This is extremely helpful because:
No Travel to India
Submit your application in Dhaka instead of flying to New Delhi. Saves money and time.
Biometrics in Dhaka
Fingerprints and photos taken locally. No need to visit the embassy in person.
Track Your Application
Get a tracking number to check your visa application status online.
Passport Returned Safely
Collect your passport with visa from VFS Dhaka or opt for courier delivery.
Is VFS Global Obligatory?
It depends on the country. There is no single answer -- each embassy decides how it accepts applications:
| Scenario | Countries | VFS Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy processes directly | Poland, Hungary, Romania, Denmark, Norway | No -- Apply at embassy |
| VFS Global is mandatory | Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Finland, Portugal, Slovakia, Lithuania | Yes -- Must use VFS |
| Both options available | Germany (embassy or VFS), Italy, France, Sweden | Optional -- Your choice |
| Online application system | Ireland | No -- Apply online |
VFS Global Costs & What You Pay
When applying through VFS Global, you pay two separate fees:
This is the official government fee for processing your visa. For Schengen visas: ~EUR 80. For national work visas: EUR 75-120 depending on the country.
This is VFS Global's fee for collecting and forwarding your application. Typically BDT 2,000-4,500 (~$18-40 USD) depending on the country and services selected.
Optional Premium Services
VFS offers paid add-ons like SMS tracking (BDT 200), courier return (BDT 500-800), premium lounge access, and form-filling assistance. These are not required -- only use them if you find them convenient.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Through VFS Global Dhaka
Book Appointment Online
Visit the VFS Global website for your target country. Create an account and book an appointment at VFS Dhaka. Appointments fill up fast -- book 2-3 weeks in advance.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather: completed visa application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos, work contract from employer, travel insurance, bank statements, educational certificates, and medical certificate if required.
Fill the Visa Application Form
Download and complete the visa form for your specific country. Some countries use online forms (e.g., Germany's VIDEX system). Print and sign it. Our AI tools can help you prepare supporting documents.
Visit VFS Global Dhaka
Arrive on your appointment date with all documents. VFS staff will check your documents, collect the visa fee + service fee, and take your biometrics (fingerprints + photo).
Track and Wait
You will receive a tracking number. Use it to check your application status online. Processing takes 2-8 weeks depending on the country and visa type.
Collect Your Passport
Once processed, collect your passport from VFS Dhaka or opt for courier delivery to your home address. Check your visa details carefully for errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying at the wrong embassy. If you want to go to Austria, do NOT apply at the German embassy -- check which embassy handles Austria (it is the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi or VFS Global Dhaka).
Confusing Schengen visa with work visa. A Schengen visa is for short visits (90 days). For work, you need a national visa (Type D). The process and requirements are different.
Going to VFS without an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted. Always book online first.
Paying agents to "speed up" the process. No agent can influence the embassy's decision. If someone promises guaranteed visa approval, it is a scam.
Not checking passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel date and have at least 2 blank pages.
VFS Global vs. Applying at the Embassy Directly
| VFS Global | Embassy Direct | |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment wait | 1-2 weeks | 2-6 weeks (often longer) |
| Extra cost | BDT 2,000-4,500 service fee | No extra fee |
| Location | VFS office, Dhaka | Embassy, Gulshan/Baridhara |
| Tracking | Online tracking available | Usually phone/email only |
| Document check | Basic check at submission | Often more thorough |
| Decision maker | Embassy (same) | Embassy (same) |
Key point: The decision is always made by the embassy. VFS Global is just the middleman. Using VFS does not increase or decrease your chances of getting a visa.
VFS Global Dhaka Office
Address
Shezad Palace, 2nd Floor
32 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan-1
Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Working Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday - Saturday: Closed
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Prepare Your Application
Build Your CV
Create a European CV to attach to your visa application
Document Checker
AI checks if your documents are complete for your target country
Visa Eligibility Checker
Check if you qualify for a work visa in your target country
Pre-Departure Checklist
Everything to prepare before you leave Bangladesh
- Only apply through official embassy websites or VFS Global's official website. There are many fake websites.
- No agent can guarantee a visa. If someone promises 100% approval, it is a fraud.
- VFS Global staff will NEVER ask for money outside the official counter. Report any such request.
- The official VFS Global website for Bangladesh varies by country -- always access it from the embassy's own website link.
- Keep copies of all receipts, tracking numbers, and submitted documents.
