How to Apply Schengen Visa From India: Documents List and Procedure

In order to acquire a Schengen visa from India, individuals are required to undergo a comprehensive application procedure. Familiarizing yourself with the application process and the necessary requirements will alleviate stress and increase your prospects of obtaining a visa to gain entry into any Schengen country.

Here are the 27 Schengen countries

A holder of a Schengen visa can travel to all 27 member countries of the Schengen Area:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

• Tourist visa: You need to apply for Tourist visa if you’re specifically visiting the Schengen area. Like, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain as a tourist to see the sights and explore the famous European landmarks.

Famous Schengen Countries for Indians: Switzerland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain

• Visitor visa. You need to apply for a visitor Schengen visa if you have a family member or a friend who lives in the Schengen Countries. For this type of visa, you are usually required to submit a letter of invitation from your friend/relative.

• Business visa. A business visa is issued if you have to conduct business in the Schengen area with a company or an individual. If another business invites you, you must provide a copy of the invitation letter. Also submit according to papers as proof to get a visa.

• Medical visa. To qualify for a Schengen medical visa, you must provide proof that you are visiting the Schengen area to complete medical treatments or procedures such as surgery. Usually, for a medical visa, you need to prove that you truly require medical attention and have the money to cover the costs of the treatments.

• Student visa. Only apply for this type of visa if you are visiting Schengen Area/EU for short-term studies not longer than 90 days. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a long-stay study visa for the country in which you plan to study.

• Visa for Official Visits. Visas for official visits are issued to those who will be entering the Schengen Area for formal events such as exchange programs, negotiations, consultations, and any similar occasions held in the Schengen Zone.

• Cultural exchange visa. Choose this type of Schengen visa if you visit the Schengen Area for cultural, sports, religious, and film crew events. In most cases, this type of visa is issued for the same amount of time it takes to complete the event/program/training/competition, and depending on your reason for visiting, different requirements apply.

• Transit visa. A transit visa is a short-term visa issued only to allow you to transit through the Schengen countries towards your final destination. You may not need a transit visa at all this depends on your nationality.

Follow the Steps to Obtain Schengen Visa

• Select the destination where you want to travel according to your purpose
• Book Online Appointment from VFS Global Website or Contact the nearest Travel agent to get the proper information.

Note: For each Appointment booking you need to VFS Charges. Which is non-refundable if you cancel your appointment

• Prepare a List of Documents required at the time of Application Submission.
• Submit your application on your appointment date and Pays the visa fees
• Wait for your Visa. (Processing Time: 10 to 15 Working Days)

Note: As of now in Some Countries Like Switzerland you might need to face the Visa Delays. So kindly check the Wait time for each visa and plan your travel accordingly.

• Appointment Confirmation. Take appointment confirmation with the application to enter in vfs centers.

• Application form. You must fill out the Schengen visa application form with all your information and required data. You can usually find a copy of the form at any of the websites of the visa centres or embassies in India, download the form, fill it out, and sign it.

>> Sample Schengen Visa Application Form

• Your Indian passport (original plus a copy). You must provide your original Indian passport along with a copy of your passport, which must have a three-month validity period from the date you leave the Schengen area. Your passport must also contain two blank pages and have been issued in the last 10 years.

• Identity photographs. You must submit two identity photographs following the Schengen visa photo guidelines; the photos must have been taken in the last six months. Please note that the number of photographs changes depending on which country you apply for the Schengen visa.

>> Click Here to Check Photo Requirements for Schengen Visa

• Civil status certificate. Please provide civil status documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, family certificate, or death certificate (if applicable).

• Proof of accommodation. You must submit proof of hotel bookings/reservations, Airbnb reservations, or proof that you will stay with a family member or friend.

• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A booked flight reservation from India to the EU and back. If you take any internal flights, you will have to include those tickets too.

• Travel health insurance. You must also provide a travel health insurance certificate that meets the requirements of the Schengen travel insurance guidelines. You need medical coverage of EUR 30,000 (equivalent to ₹ 2,604,743.80 as of January 2023) for any unexpected illnesses or injuries.

• Proof of paid visa fee. You must also include the receipt proving you have paid the required visa fee; otherwise, your application will not be processed.

• Cover letter. You may also be required to submit a cover letter for your Schengen visa application in India. The cover letter must contain information about why you are applying for a visa, what you plan to do during your stay, how long you will stay in the Schengen Area, etc.

• Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable). If you obtained a Schengen visa before applying for a new visa, you must submit copies of those previous permits.

• Birth certificate and proof of parental consent (if applicable). In cases where minors are applying for a Schengen visa, the application package must also contain their birth certificate and parental consent for travel if they travel alone or with only one parent/legal guardian. Please note that for minors, the application form must be signed by both parents/legal guardians (one is acceptable if extenuating circumstances apply).

• Proof of enough financial means. To obtain your Schengen visa, you must submit original copies of your bank account statements showing transactions in the last three to six months and the account balance or proof of regular income. Depending on your employment status, you also need to submit the following documents:
  • If employed:
    • An employment contract and certificate of annual leave from the employer.
    • Salary Slips (Last 3 Months)
  • If self-employed/freelancer:
    • Business license (if applicable).
    • Business bank statements.
  • If a student:
    • Certificate of registration at University, school, or college.
    • Your student ID card, a copy of the registration certificate from the faculty signed and stamped by the university, and your grades transcript.
    • Evidence of financial stability of your parents.
    • Proof of employment contract or proof of enough financial resources for your stay.
  • If retired:
    • Bank statement showing the pension received for the last six months.

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