How Zubin Karkaria Built VFS Global into the World’s Biggest Visa Processing Giant
In the world of visa processing, one name stands out—VFS Global. What started as a simple idea by Zubin Karkariain 2001 has transformed into the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology company, serving over 64 governments across the globe. But how did he do it? How did a single entrepreneur revolutionize an industry and build a billion-dollar empire? Let’s dive into the incredible journey of Zubin Karkaria and his game-changing vision.
The Problem That Sparked the Idea
Before VFS Global existed, visa application processes were often chaotic. Long queues, overwhelmed embassies, and inefficiencies plagued travelers seeking entry into foreign countries. Governments struggled to handle the sheer volume of applications, leading to delays, errors, and frustration.
Karkaria, who was working for the travel giant Kuoni Group in India at the time, saw a golden opportunity. He realized that if embassies outsourced their visa services to a specialized provider, the process could be faster, more secure, and cost-effective. This would not only improve efficiency for governments but also enhance the overall experience for travelers.
Armed with this insight, he proposed the idea to his company, and in 2001, VFS Global was born as a subsidiary of Kuoni Group.
The First Breakthrough: Convincing the Government
Getting a government to trust a private company with visa processing was no easy feat. Many embassies were skeptical about outsourcing such a sensitive function.
The game-changing moment came in 2001 when VFS Global secured its first major contract—handling UK visa applications in Mumbai. This was a make-or-break moment. If they failed, the idea of outsourcing visa services could collapse.
But Karkaria and his team delivered flawless execution. The success of the UK contract opened doors to other governments, proving that VFS Global could handle visa processing with precision, security, and professionalism.
Scaling the Business: A Global Expansion Strategy
After the initial success, Karkaria knew he had a limited window to dominate the industry before competitors emerged. His strategy was simple yet aggressive:
1. Expand Fast – VFS Global targeted more governments, winning contracts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
2. Leverage Technology – They built state-of-the-art digital systems to streamline visa applications and reduce errors.
3. Enhance Security – With increasing concerns over data privacy, VFS Global invested heavily in cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
4. Provide End-to-End Services – They didn’t just process visas; they also offered biometric data collection, passport delivery, and appointment scheduling.
By 2007, VFS Global had become the leading player in visa outsourcing, operating in multiple countries and handling millions of applications.
The Billion-Dollar Exit: From Kuoni to EQT
As VFS Global grew, its parent company, Kuoni Group, faced financial struggles. In 2016, Kuoni decided to sell VFS Global to EQT Partners, a Swedish private equity firm, in a deal reportedly worth over $1 billion.
This move gave VFS Global the financial backing to expand even further, and under EQT’s ownership, the company continued to dominate the market, refining its technology and increasing its global footprint.
VFS Global Today: An Industry Titan
Fast forward to today, and VFS Global is a monopoly in the visa outsourcing industry, operating in over 144 countries and handling more than 225 million applications since its inception.
With a client list that includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the European Union, VFS Global has cemented itself as a mission-critical partner for global mobility.
Lessons from Zubin Karkaria’s Success
1. Find a Problem and Solve It – Karkaria saw a problem in visa processing and created a solution that governments couldn’t resist.
2. Build Trust First – He focused on delivering flawless execution to gain credibility with governments.
3. Move Fast and Scale Aggressively – Once he proved his model, he expanded quickly before competitors could catch up.
4. Leverage Technology – By making security and efficiency a top priority, VFS Global became the preferred choice for governments worldwide.
5. Be Adaptable – Even after selling the company, VFS Global continued to innovate, ensuring its dominance in a rapidly changing world.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Innovation
Zubin Karkaria’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, innovation, and execution. What started as an idea to solve a bureaucratic problem turned into a global empire that has reshaped international travel forever.
His story proves that vision, persistence, and strategic execution can transform even the most challenging industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or dreamer, Karkaria’s rise with VFS Global is an inspiration that proves great businesses don’t just serve customers—they solve problems at scale.
