

Visa Application Channels
Processing Time
15 to 45 daysPlatforms to Apply
OnlineSchengen Visa for Indians
A Complete Guide to Visa Types, Fees, and the Process
Planning a visit to Europe? Whether it’s to explore iconic cities, attend business meetings, or reunite with family and friends, the Schengen Visa is your gateway to 27 European countries. This guide will take you through everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements and application steps to crucial tips that will help you smoothly navigate the visa process.
What is the Schengen Visa for Indians?
Schengen visa process for Indians
Frequently asked F2F Interview Question
Photo Requirements
Printed Photos
Number Required: 2 identical printed photos Purpose: Required if applying using a paper form
Digital Photos
Number Required: Identical printed photos Purpose: Required for online passport applications
General Rules for Digital and Printed
- Must be taken within the last month - New photos are needed for each passport, even if your appearance hasn’t changed - Your application will be delayed if photos do not meet the rules - Assistance is available for disabled applicants
Size Printed Photos:
Dimensions: 45mm high by 35mm wide
Digital Photos
Dimensions: Must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall File size should be between 50KB and 10MB
Size of Your Image for Printed and Digital
The Schengen visa photo size (from the crown of your head to your chin) must be between 29mm and 34mm high
Quality of Printed and Digital Photos
- Must not be a cut-down version of a larger photo - Must be printed to a professional standard - Must be clear, in focus, and in color on plain white photographic paper with no border - Should not have any creases, tears, or markings on both sides - Must not be altered by computer software
Do’s and Don’ts for F2F Schengen Visa Interview
For the Schengen visa application, a face-to-face interview (f2f) is not required. Therefore, there are no specific do’s and don’ts for an interview.
Tips and Tricks
Schengen VISA Eligibility Criteria for Indians
Standard Schengen Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians
Valid Passport
You must hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least two blank pages.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
You should demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your entire stay. This includes covering accommodation, travel, and living expenses without relying on public funds.
Intent to Leave the Country
You need to provide evidence that you intend to leave the country at the end of your visit, such as a return or onward ticket, proof of employment in your home country, or other ties that necessitate your return.
No Intention to Work
You must not intend to seek or undertake employment during your visit to any country. Your visit should be purely for tourism, family, or business purposes allowed under the standard visitor visa.
No Criminal Record
You should not have a criminal record and must comply with the laws of that specific country during your stay. A clean legal history is crucial for visa approval.
Medical Insurance (Recommended)
While not mandatory, it is recommended that you have travel medical insurance to cover any potential health issues during your stay.
Sponsored Schengen Visa Eligibility Criteria For Indians
Valid Passport
You must hold a valid Indian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least two blank pages.
Proof of Sponsorship
You need to provide a letter of sponsorship from a Schenege resident, company, or organisation, outlining their relationship to you, the purpose of your visit, and their commitment to cover some or all of your expenses.
Sufficient Funds
You should demonstrate that either you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to support your stay, covering all expenses related to your visit.
Accommodation Arrangements
You must provide evidence of where you will be staying, whether it’s with your sponsor, in a hotel, or another arrangement.
Intent to Leave the Country
You need to show proof of your intent to leave the Country at the end of your visit, such as a return ticket or commitments in your home country
No Intention to Work
You must not intend to seek or undertake employment during your stay.
No Criminal Record
You should have no criminal record and must intend to comply with all laws during your visit.
Proof of Relationship
If you are visiting a relative, you need to provide proof of your relationship with the sponsor, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents
Most Common Reasons for visa rejection for Schengen
Insufficient Evidence of Funds: If the applicant cannot prove that they have enough financial resources to cover their stay in the Schengen, their application might be refused.
Lack of Ties to Home Country: Failure to demonstrate strong ties to India, such as a stable job, family, or property, can lead to a visa refusal. The Schengen authorities want to be sure that the applicant will return home after their visit.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Providing incorrect or incomplete details in the application form or supporting documents can result in a refusal.
Previous Immigration History: A history of overstaying or breaching visa conditions in the past can negatively impact the current application.
Unclear Travel Purpose: If the purpose of the visit is not clearly defined or supported by adequate documentation, the visa might be refused.
Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria: Not meeting the specific eligibility criteria for the visa type being applied for can lead to a refusal.
Unsatisfactory Accommodation Details: Not providing clear and credible information about accommodation arrangements during the stay can be a reason for refusal.
Health or Character Issues: Concerns related to health or criminal record may also lead to a visa refusal.
How Are Schengen Visa Rejections Conveyed?
- Refusal Notice
You will receive a written notice of refusal from the embassy or consulate where you applied. This notice will outline the reasons for your visa rejection, typically based on non-compliance with visa requirements.
- Detailed Reasons for Refusal
The refusal letter will include specific reasons for the rejection, such as insufficient financial proof, lack of travel insurance, incomplete documentation, or doubts about your intention to return to your home country. The letter provides clear references to the legal provisions or regulations that were not met.
- Right to Appeal
The refusal notice will inform you if you have the right to appeal the decision. Most Schengen countries offer the possibility of appealing, provided the appeal is lodged within a specific period (usually 15-30 days) after the refusal notice. The letter will outline the steps required to file an appeal. Alternatively, applicants may choose to reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal.
- Administrative Review
In some cases, you may be allowed to request an administrative review if you believe the decision was made in error. The review involves having the visa application re-examined, although new documents cannot be added during this process.
- Accessing the Refusal Notice Online
If your application was submitted through a visa service provider like VFS Global, you may be able to access the refusal notice via the online portal using your application reference number.
- Supporting Documentation Returned
If your visa is rejected, you will typically receive your passport back along with any original documents submitted. Photocopies of the application form and supporting documents may be retained by the consulate or embassy.
Documents Required
Standard visa
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages)
- Visa Application Form
- Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months)
- Travel Itinerary (details of flights to and fro, accommodation, and planned activities)
- Proof of Accommodation (hotel bookings, rental agreements, or invitation letter)
- Flight Bookings (confirmed flight reservations for the entire duration of the stay)
- Travel Insurance (recommended, covering the entire stay)
- Employment and Income Proof:
- For salaried applicants: recent payslips, employment letter, and ITR
- For self-employed applicants: business registration documents, recent bank statements, and ITR
- Cover Letter (explaining the purpose of visit and intent to return)
- Previous Travel History (copies of visas and entry/exit stamps)
Sponsor Visa
- Valid Passport (with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages)
- Visa Application Form
- Sponsor's Invitation Letter (detailing the relationship, purpose of visit, and commitment to covering expenses)
- Proof of Sponsor's Legal Status (copies of sponsor’s passport, visa, or residence permit)
- Sponsor's Financial Documents (bank statements, employment details, and ITR)
- Proof of Relationship (if applicable, documents like birth/marriage certificates)
- Your Financial Proof (bank statements, if applicable)
- Travel Itinerary (details of flights, accommodation, and planned activities)
- Flight Bookings (confirmed flight reservations for the entire duration of the stay)
- Proof of Accommodation (sponsor's address or other accommodation details)
- Travel Insurance (recommended, covering the entire stay)
- Employment and Income Proof:
- For salaried applicants: recent payslips, employment letter, and ITR
- For self-employed applicants: business registration documents, recent bank statements, investments, and ITR.
- Cover Letter (explaining visit purpose, sponsor’s details, and intent to return)
- Previous Travel History (copies of visas and entry/exit stamps)
Additional points to keep in mind
Travel Insurance: Having travel and medical insurance covering your stay is strongly recommended to show preparedness for emergencies.
Children’s Biometrics Requirement: Children under 5 only need to provide a photograph, not fingerprints, during their biometric appointment.
Biometric Exceptions: Applicants with certain medical conditions may be exempt from providing biometrics, provided they submit supporting medical documentation.
Consent Letters for Minors: If a child is travelling without both parents, a letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) and their passport copies are required.
Birth Certificate for Children: A child’s birth certificate may be required to verify the relationship between the child and the accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s).