Schengen Visa from India: A Complete Guide
Schengen Visa from India: A Complete Guide
A Schengen visa is a short-stay permit or tourist/visitor visa that allows you to visit 27 European countries in the Schengen Zone. The Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 3 months (90 days) within 6 months for tourism and visit your family or loved ones in the Schengen countries.
| Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia |
| Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland |
| France | Germany | Greece | Hungary |
| Iceland | Italy | Latvia | Lithunia |
| Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands | Norway, |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania | Slovakia |
| Slovenia | Spain | Sweden, | Switzerland. |
Schengen visa validity
The validity of a Schengen visa depends on the type of visa issued and your travel history. Here find the Schengen visa validity below:
1. Single-Entry Visa
- Valid for one entry into the Schengen Area.
- Once you leave, you cannot re-enter, even if you have remaining days.
- Stay permitted: Up to 90 days within 180 days.
2. Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV)
- Allows unlimited entries within the visa validity period.
- Stay permitted: 90 days per 180-day period.
- Validity options: 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years, depending on your travel history and visa approval.
Schengen visa from India
Meet Mr Chetan, who got his Schengen visa from India through Aptech Visa Consultancy.
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Schengen visa fees from India
The cost of a Schengen visa from India is based on the number of applicants in the application. Please note that the Schengen visa costs are payable in Indian rupees (INR) and may vary slightly based on the consulate's exchange rate.
As of the year 2025, the Schengen visa fee from India has been revised as follows:
VFS Services value added Charges for Schengen visas these services are optional.
Mode of payment:
You can pay the Schengen visa fee from India and VFS service charges through the following mode.
✅ Cash
✅ Visa, Master Card, American Express and Rupay
✅ Demand Draft (in favour of VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd)
✅ UPI
As of the year 2025, the Schengen visa fee from India has been revised as follows:
| Application | Schengen visa fee in Euro | Schengen visa fee in Indian Rs. |
| Schengen visa fee from India for an adult | €90 | Rs. 9100 |
| Schengen visa fee from India for Children aged 6 to 12 | €45 | Rs. 4600 |
| Schengen visa fee from India Children under 6: | 00 | 00 |
| VFS Services Charges | Rs. 1697 |
VFS Services value added Charges for Schengen visas these services are optional.
| VFS services | The fee in Indian Rs. |
| Courier Service – | Rs. 602 |
| SMS Service | Rs. 129 |
| Premium Lounge | Rs. 2710 |
| Photocopy | Rs. 6 |
Mode of payment:
You can pay the Schengen visa fee from India and VFS service charges through the following mode.
✅ Cash
✅ Visa, Master Card, American Express and Rupay
✅ Demand Draft (in favour of VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd)
✅ UPI
Schengen visa requirements
To apply for a Schengen visa from India, you need to meet the following requirements.
1) Travel purpose:
You need to provide a clear purpose for your visit to Schengen countries. You can provide a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose and details of the trip, such as tourism, visiting family members, attending seminars, or medical purposes.
1) Travel purpose:
You need to provide a clear purpose for your visit to Schengen countries. You can provide a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose and details of the trip, such as tourism, visiting family members, attending seminars, or medical purposes.
2) Strong Home Ties:
You must convince the visa officer that you will return to your home country after the trip. You can provide the following evidence to prove your strong home ties:
a) Employment proof (NOC/ leave approval).
b) Property ownership documents (if applicable).
c) Family ties (marriage certificate, children’s details).
3) Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is one of the most essential requirements for a Schengen visa. You must have travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000 for medical expenses, including medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Please note your travel insurance must be Valid for the entire Schengen Area and the whole duration of your stay.There are several reputable insurance providers in India, such as TATA AIG and ICICI, that offer Travel insurance policies for Schengen visas. The cost of Schengen travel insurance for a Schengen visa is around Rs. 4000 – Rs. 4500.
4) Travel itinerary:
A travel itinerary plays a crucial role in Schengen visa approval, and it is an essential requirement for a Schengen visa as it provides a clear and structured overview of your planned trip. It helps the visa officer assess your plans and determine if you meet visa requirements. So your travel Itinerary Clearly outlines where you will go, what you will do, and for how long. And don’t forget to attach \ flightreservations, hotel bookings, and travel insurance. Any discrepancies can raise suspicions and lead to visa refusal.
5) Strong Finance :
To get a Schengen visa approved, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient finances to support your travel and enough funds to cover your stay, travel, accommodation, and other expenses. The minimum fund requirement for a Schengen visa varies by country, duration, and number of family members in the application. Typically, you need to show between €6700 and €7200 per month per person, depending on the destination.
6) Detailed cover letter :
A well-crafted cover letter is one of the critical requirements of a Schengen visa. The detailed cover letter not only improves your chances of getting a Schengen visa but also saves your processing time. Your cover letter clearly explains your travel plans, financial stability, and intent to return. Make sure your letter is well-structured, factual, and supported by documents.
7) Proof of Accommodation:
You should have confirmed Hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host if staying with family/friends.
8) Compliance with 90/180 Rule:
The 90/180 rule is a key requirement for Schengen visa holders. It regulates how long a non-EU traveller can stay in the Schengen Area within a given period.
Understanding the 90/180 Rule
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180 days in the Schengen Zone. The 180-day period is a rolling window, meaning the visa officer will check the last 180 days from your entry date. The 90 days can be consecutive or split across multiple trips within the 180 days.
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Schengen visa processing time
The standard Schengen Visa Processing Time is 15-45 working days from the date of application submission. However, the Aptech visa consultancy would advise you to applyat least 4-7 weeks before travel to avoid delays.
How to Speed Up Schengen Visa Processing?
To expedite your Schengen visa application or speed up your Schengen visa Please follow the below Tips
1) Apply Early:
How to Speed Up Schengen Visa Processing?
To expedite your Schengen visa application or speed up your Schengen visa Please follow the below Tips
1) Apply Early:
The important part is to get a visa appointment as early as possible probably6-8 weeks before your travel date.
2) Submit Complete & Accurate Documents:
2) Submit Complete & Accurate Documents:
Before submitting your visa application, you need to make sure you are submitting a complete & accurate application, so double-check requirements before submission.
3) Book an Early Appointment
3) Book an Early Appointment
Find the Schengen visa open slots at the VFS or consulate websites before peak seasons.
How to apply for Schengen visa from India?
Applying for a Schengen visa from India involves a structured process. Follow these steps carefully to increase your chances of approval.
Step 1: Identify the visa center:
The first step is to determine which visa center you need based on the area of jurisdiction. However, for applying for a Schengen visa for less than 6 months, you can select a visa centre as per availability.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents:
To begin your Schengen visa application, the next step is organising your documents.Please note that the document requirements for a Schengen visa may vary from case to case or as per the applicant’s situation.
However, please find the list of documents required for a Schengen visa.
✅Duly filled out Schengen visa application form
✅ Valid Passport
✅Recent passport-sized photograph
✅Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
✅Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies).
✅Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, ITR, sponsorship letter if applicable).
✅Cover letter explaining trip details & purpose.
✅Employment proof (job letter, business registration, student ID, etc.).
✅Visa fee receipt
Step 3: Book a Visa Appointment:
The next step is to select a Visa Application Centre (VFS) and schedule an appointment for both the Schengen visa application and Biometric Collection. Please ensure to apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel, as slots fill up quickly.
Step 4: Attend Your Visa Interview & Submit Biometrics:
After getting the appointment date for a Schengen visa, please visit the visa centre on your appointment date along with all your documents. The documents collection officer will collect your documents and provide instructions on biometrics (fingerprints). and will also need to pay the visa fee. The collection officer may ask you questions about the purpose of your trip, accommodation and stay. Please answer all the questions about your trip honestly and confidently.
Step 5: wait for Your Application Decision:
Once approved, VFS will notify you. You can now collect your passport by visiting the office or receiving it via courier.
Step 6: Fly to your Destination:
Now catch your flight and explore iconic cities like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Berlin and enjoy hassle-free travel across multiple European countries
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Schengen visa documents required from India
Applying for a Schengen visa, you requires a set of documents to support your Schengen visa application. Please find below is documents needed for a Schengen visa to ensure a smooth visa application process.
1. Schengen Visa Application Form:
✅ You need to provide a fully completed & signed Schengen visa application form. Please ensure all details match your supporting documents.
✅ You need to provide a fully completed & signed Schengen visa application form. Please ensure all details match your supporting documents.
2. Valid Passport:
✅ You need to provide a passport with a validity for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen Zone.
✅ Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
✅ You need to provide a passport with a validity for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen Zone.
✅ Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
3. Passport-Size Photographs:
✅ Two recent passport-size photos (not older than 6 months).
✅ Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
✅ White background, neutral expression, no glasses (unless medically necessary).
✅ Two recent passport-size photos (not older than 6 months).
✅ Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
✅ White background, neutral expression, no glasses (unless medically necessary).
4. Travel Itinerary & Flight Bookings:
✅ You must include your Round-trip flight reservation or detailed flight itinerary.
✅ Entry and exit dates matching your travel plan.
✅ You must include your Round-trip flight reservation or detailed flight itinerary.
✅ Entry and exit dates matching your travel plan.
5. Travel Insurance:
✅ You must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in travel insurance
✅ Covers medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation in all Schengen countries.
✅ Valid for the entire stay in the Schengen Zone.
✅ You must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in travel insurance
✅ Covers medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation in all Schengen countries.
✅ Valid for the entire stay in the Schengen Zone.
6. Proof of Accommodation:
✅ Hotel booking confirmations or a rental agreement.
✅ If staying with family/friends, provide an invitation letter and their residence proof.
✅ Hotel booking confirmations or a rental agreement.
✅ If staying with family/friends, provide an invitation letter and their residence proof.
7. Proof of Financial Means:
✅ Don’t forget to attach your Last 6 months’ bank statements
✅ You can also provide Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2 years.
✅ If you are an employee then provide Salary slips and if you are the owner then your business proof.
✅ Sponsorship letter (if someone else is funding your trip).
✅ Don’t forget to attach your Last 6 months’ bank statements
✅ You can also provide Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2 years.
✅ If you are an employee then provide Salary slips and if you are the owner then your business proof.
✅ Sponsorship letter (if someone else is funding your trip).
8. Detailed Cover Letter:
✅ Your cover letter must include the purpose of your trip.
✅ explain travel plans including travel dates, itinerary, accommodation details, and financial proof.
✅ Addresses the consulate/embassy where you are applying.
Please note A well-written cover letter can improve your visa approval chances!
✅ Your cover letter must include the purpose of your trip.
✅ explain travel plans including travel dates, itinerary, accommodation details, and financial proof.
✅ Addresses the consulate/embassy where you are applying.
Please note A well-written cover letter can improve your visa approval chances!
9. Employment Documents:
✅Employer NOC (No Objection Certificate) stating position, salary, and leave approval.
✅For business owners/self-employed: Business registration certificate, Company bank statements.
✅For students: NOC from the educational institution.
✅For retired applicants: Pension statements or proof of retirement funds.
✅Employer NOC (No Objection Certificate) stating position, salary, and leave approval.
✅For business owners/self-employed: Business registration certificate, Company bank statements.
✅For students: NOC from the educational institution.
✅For retired applicants: Pension statements or proof of retirement funds.
10. Additional Documents (If Required):
✅For minors:
✅For minors:
- Birth certificate.
- Parental consent letter (if traveling alone or with one parent).
- Passport copies of parents/guardians.
✅For family visits:
- Invitation letter from the host.
- Host’s passport copy & proof of residence.
✅ For business visa:
- Invitation letter from the company in the Schengen country.
- Business trip agenda and accommodation proof.
Tips to Strengthen Your Schengen Visa Application:
✔ Ensure documents are complete and properly formatted.
✔ Maintain a healthy bank balance (€3,000-5,000 recommended for a short trip).
✔ Write a detailed cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
✔ Avoid fake bookings; use refundable flight and hotel reservations.
✔ Apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
🚀 Need help with preparing Schengen visa application documents including flight reservations, travel insurance, or a cover letter? Let me know! 😊 Our Schengen visa consultants will connect your son
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People Also Asked
Q. What is a Schengen Visa?
Schengen Visa is basically a short duration of stay which allows EU national to travel within the Schengen Area. It is basically group of 29 European Countries where you can stay up-to 90 Days to a 180 Day period. If you have got one visa, you can move to the other Schengen countries, which includes, France, Germany, Spain, Italy etc.
Q. Do Indians need a Schengen Visa?
Yes, Indian Citizens need a Schengen VIsa to travel and explore Schengen Countries in Europe. This visa allows to stay upto 90 days, whether you are going there for Tourism, Business, Visiting family, or attending any event.
Q. How long can I stay in Europe with a Schengen Visa?
You can stay upto 90 days to 180 days.
Q: What documents are required for a Schengen Visa?
To apply for Schengen visa, you need to a valid passport, completed application form, photograph, you also need to show proof of travel arrangements, accommodation detail, and proof of Financial proofs and travel insurance.
Q: How much does a Schengen Visa cost for Indians?
The Standard Schengen Visa fees is 90 Euros for Indians.
Q. How long does it take to process a Schengen Visa?
The process time for Schengen visa is approximately 15 working days from the date of your biometrics and appointment submission.
Q. Which countries are included in the Schengen Area?
Schengen includes 29 Countries:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria (joined 2025)
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania (joined 2025)
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Q: Can I work or study on a Schengen Tourist Visa?
No, you cannot study on a Schengen Tourist Visa. This visa only allows you to visit the Schengen on Tourist, Business, visiting family and Friends.
Q: Can I get a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?
Yes, you can get multiple entry visa for schengen if you want to travel in and out of Schengen multiple times. The approval depends on factors liek travel history, purpose of visits, supporting documents.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen Visa?
Yes, to apply for Schengen Visa you must have a travel insurance which covers minimum medical coverage of 30,000 Euros which shoudl be valid for your entire duration and it should be valid for all 29 countries.
Q. Can I apply for a Schengen Visa without a confirmed hotel booking or flight?
It is important to show proof of accommodation when you are applying for a Schengen visa, it doesn't mean that you must book non-refundable flight and hotel bookings. It makes your application stronger if you show confirmed bookings.
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