Schengen visa for Indians | Europe Visa
Start your visa application journey with confidence – choose our professional Visa service today!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Contact Us
Schengen Visa | Schengen visa for Indians | Schengen visa From India
A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Schengen Visa for Indians
Are you an Indian traveler dreaming of exploring the picturesque landscapes, historic wonders, and vibrant cultures of Europe? The Schengen visa is your ticket to this incredible journey. It allows you to visit multiple European countries within the Schengen Area with a single visa. To make your European adventure a reality, here’s a comprehensive guide on obtaining a Schengen visa for Indians from destination experts.
What Is Schengen Visa From India?
A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to visit and travel within the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa permits you to stay in any of the Schengen countries for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen Area includes popular European destinations like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and many more.
Key Information for Indian Travelers
Before you embark on your Schengen visa journey, it’s essential to understand the basics:
1. Purpose of Travel
You must have a clear and legitimate reason for your visit, such as tourism, business meetings, attending conferences, or visiting family and friends. Your purpose of travel will determine the type of Schengen visa you should apply for.
2. Schengen Area Countries
Determine the Schengen countries you plan to visit. You must apply for your Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination. If you intend to visit multiple countries with no clear main destination, apply at the embassy of your first point of entry into the Schengen Area.
3. Application Timing
The Schengen visa application process can be time-consuming. Start your application process at least 3 to 6 months before your intended travel dates, especially if it’s your first time applying.
4. Required Documents
The list of required documents for a Schengen visa can vary based on your purpose of travel and the specific embassy or consulate you’re applying to. Common documents include a completed application form, recent passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.
5. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory. It should provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. Ensure your insurance is valid for your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
6. Financial Proof
You’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to cover your stay and return to India. Bank statements, income tax returns, and sponsorship letters are often required to prove your financial stability.
7. Visa Fee
Be prepared to pay a non-refundable visa fee. The fee amount varies depending on the embassy or consulate processing your application.
8. Biometrics
You will be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process.
9. Interview
In some cases, applicants are called for an interview at the embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions related to your travel plans, financial status, and ties to India.
Required Documents for Schengen Tourist Visa Application
- Passport: Original Passport with validity of minimum six months (from the date of return) and minimum two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Photo Specification: Two recent passport size coloured photographs with matt or semi matt finish, 60%-80% face coverage, white background and without border (Size: 35mm x 45mm)
- Covering-Letter: from applicant on business letter head mentioning name, designation ,passport number, purpose and duration of visit in brief. The letter should be duly signed by authorized signatory with company stamp.
Please Note : Covering letter on Letterhead if applicant is Self Employed or on plain paper if Employed . - Sponsored Visit
a) Invitation Letter legalized from the Town Hall.
b) Passport copy.
c) Resident permit copy (in case of referee being a non-Dutch national)
d) Financial proof of the referee i.e. salary slips, bank statements - Airline Reservation : Ticket Itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation : Hotel confirmation/Guarantee of host for the entire period of stay in Schengen area.(Please Note: Hotel should match the ticket dates and maximum stay should be in the longest stay country)
- Medical : Original Medical travel Insurance for the stay. (Please Note : Insurance has to be done by the Authorized Insurance companies)
- Financials:-
a) Personal ITR for last 3 years / Form 16A
b) Original Bank Statement for last six months with Bank Seal and Sign. Note :Bank statement Should be on A4 Size Paper.
c) Salary slips for last three months
d) Record of ownership of real estate, share certificates, deposits, investments. - Proof of Employment and leave letter on company’s letterhead.
Types of visa application
- Tourist Visa
- Transit Visa
- Visitor Visa
Required Documents for Schengen Business Visa Application
- Passport: Original Passport with validity of minimum six months (from the date of return) and minimum two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Photo Specification: Two recent passport size coloured photographs with matt or semi matt finish, 60%-80% face coverage, white background and without border (Size: 35mm x 45mm)
- Covering-Letter: covering letter from applicant on business letter head mentioning name, designation, passport number, purpose and duration of visit in brief. The letter should be duly signed by authorized signatory with company stamp
(Please Note : Covering letter on Letterhead if applicant is Self Employed or on plain paper if Employed.) - Invitation letter from the company
- Airline Reservation : Ticket Itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation : Hotel confirmation/Guarantee of host for the entire period of stay in Schengen area. Please Note: Hotel should match the ticket dates and maximum stay country
- Medical : Original Medical travel Insurance for the stay (Please Note : Insurance has to be done by the Authorized Insurance companies)
- Financials:-
a) Personal ITR for last 3 years / Form 16A
b) Original Bank Statement for last six months with Bank Seal and Sign.(Note :Bank statement Should be on A4 Size Paper.)
c) Salary slips for last three months.
d) Record of ownership of real estate, share certificates, deposits, investments.
9. Proof of Employment and leave letter on company’s letterhead.
** For your kind information Approval and Rejection is sole discretion for the embassy. Destination experts is not liable for any rejection.
