Schengen Visa: Requirements, Fees, and Application Process

Planning to explore Europe’s diverse cultures, historic landmarks, and scenic landscapes? Indian citizens applying for Schengen Visa are in a position to move freely across 29 member states of the Schengen Area using only one permit. Schengen Visa makes travelling more convenient by eliminating the need to obtain a variety of national visas and instead obtaining a single document, which can be used to travel in any country within the Schengen area whether the trip is tourism, business related or a transit.

This comprehensive guide is designed to assist Indian applicants with detailed information on visa types, eligibility criteria, required documents, the 90/180-day stay rule and the step-by-step application process. It includes information on how to prepare sufficient financial evidence, purchase travel insurance, and meet the requirements of the embassy, among other things, thus providing applicants with the entire range of tools to enhance their chances of successful results. If you’re an Indian traveler looking to experience Europe with ease and confidence, understanding the Visa process is your first step.

What is Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa is a temporary visa that can be used by the travellers to visit any of the 29  countries in Europe and spend no more than 90 days in any of the these countries within a 180 days time frame.It is perfect in tourism, businesses or family visits. Using a single visa, you can interchange between various countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain. You have to obtain the visa in the country, which you will be spending most of your time.

What are the different types of Schengen visit visas?

  • Tourist/Business/Visit (Short Stay – Type C): For short stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Covers purposes like tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends.
  • Airport Transit Visa (Type A): For travelers transiting through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
  • Transit Visa (Type B): For short land or sea transit through one or more Schengen countries, typically valid for up to 5 days.
  • National Visa (Type D) – for long-term stays: For stays over 90 days for purposes such as study, employment, research, or family reunification in a specific Schengen country.
  • Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV) – for exceptional cases: Issued only for the specific Schengen countries mentioned on the visa. Granted in humanitarian or emergencies.

Documents needed for a Schengen visa from India

  • Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages
  • A duly signed and filled application form.
  • 2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
  • Cover letter detailing the purpose and duration of your visit
  • Original updated Bank Statement (last 6 months);
  • Income Tax Returns/Form 16 for last 3 years;
  • Confirmed return flight tickets
  • Hotel reservation.
  • Day wise Itinerary;
  • Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000).

Employment Proof:

1. If Employed:

  • Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature
  • Last 3 months salary slip.

2. If Self-Employed:

  • Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership Deed / GST certificate

What is the procedure for applying for a Schengen visiting visa?

Here are the steps to follow:

Gather Required Documents:

  • Passport: Make sure your passport is valid, less than 10 years old and still has at least 3 months of validity from the date you plan to go.
  • Photographs: Submit 2 recent photographs with a matte background, displaying the face size of 70-80% (35X45 mm).
  • Flight Bookings: Present a return ticket booking that has been made to and from the Schengen area.
  • Travel Itinerary: Create an extensive travel schedule including the activities, dates and accommodations in detail for your stay within the Schengen Area.
  • Accommodation: Include a letter from your host stating evidence of where you’ll be staying, e.g., hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings or an invitation letter.
  • Travel Insurance: Buy travel insurance for at least €30,000 that covers the whole Schengen period.
  • Financial Documents: Depending on your status:

    – For Employed: Upload your employment contract, leave sanction letter from your employer, and ITR documents.

    – For Self-Employed: Include a clear, readable copy of your business license. Additionally, provide company bank statements going back 6 months and the IT-201 Income Tax Return document.

    – For Students: Submit an enrollment proof along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college/university.

  • Proof of Legal Residence: In case of non-Indian citizens, submit proof of your lawful stay in India.
  • Additional Documents: You should submit additional documents based on the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family reasons, etc.), i.e., an invitation letter, a marriage certificate and no-objection certificates.

Schedule an Appointment:

Please visit the embassy/consulate’s website to schedule an appointment for visa submission. Expect to pay the cost of the visa from India (which can depend on your country of origin and type of visa).

Attend the Visa Appointment:

  • Please come to the embassy/consulate on the date/time specified. Carry all the necessary documents in original and Xerox copies.
  • You may also need to give fingerprints and a photo at your appointment.

Await Visa Processing:

  • Visa processing times may vary, but you can usually expect to hear in

Schengen visa processing time from India

The average processing time for a Visa is approximately 15 working days. Take this time frame into consideration when you are planning your trip and visa application. Please ensure you apply for a visa online well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient processing time, especially during peak seasons.

 Travel Visa Processing Time:
  • Processing time: 20-25 days
  • Stay period: Upto 3 months
  • Validity: 6 month
  • Entry: Single/Multiple

Benefits of Taking a Tourist Visa:

It offers several advantages due to the Schengen Area’s unique arrangement of 29 countries:

Multi-Country Travel: With a single visa, you can visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area. This convenience simplifies travel, allowing you to experience diverse cultures and landscapes across Europe in one trip.

Time and Effort Savings: A visa for India residents simplifies the process by eliminating the need for separate visa applications and payments in each country you wish to visit. This method saves time and lessens the burden of administration for multiple visa applications.

Streamlined Passport Entry: Once you have a visa stamp in your passport, you can travel to all 29 countries. This advantage equals less time wasted on bureaucratic check-in processes and more time to enjoy your stay.

FAQs about Schengen Visa:

Q1: What is a Schengen Visa for Indians?

A: A Schengen Visa allows Indian travelers to visit 27 countries in Europe with one visa, eliminating internal borders in the Schengen Zone.

Q2: What documents are required for a Schengen Visa from India?

A: To apply for a Schengen Visa from India, you need a valid passport, travel insurance, hotel bookings, financial proof, and flight itinerary.

Q3: How long does it take to process a Schengen Visa for Indian citizens?

A: The Schengen Visa processing time for Indian citizens is 15–25 working days, so apply well in advance of your travel date.

Q4: How long can I stay in the Schengen Area?

A: You can stay within the territory not more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Q5: Can I reapply if my visa is rejected?

A: Yes. You can either appeal the decision or correct the issues mentioned in your refusal letter and reapply.

Q6: Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

A: Yes. Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage is required for medical emergencies and must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Learn more about the Schengen Visa for Indian citizens

For more information about Schengen Visa Click Below Links

Checklist of Schengen Countries:

AustriaBelgium | Czech RepublicDenmarkEstonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | IcelandItaly | Latvia | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal | Slovakia | Slovenia | SpainSweden | Switzerland | Croatia