Schengen Visa Guide for Indians 2025 — Documents, Fees & Tips

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa allows Indian passport holders to travel across 27 European countries — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and more — with a single visa. It is one of the most popular visas applied for from India.

Types of Schengen Visa

There are three main types:

• 1Type A — Airport Transit Visa (for layovers only)
• 2Type C — Short Stay Visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) — most common for tourists
• 3Type D — National Long Stay Visa (specific to one country)

Required Documents

You must submit the following documents at the embassy or VFS Global:

• 1Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
• 2Schengen visa application form (filled and signed)
• 32 recent passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm, white background)
• 4Travel itinerary with confirmed flight bookings
• 5Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host
• 6Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for all Schengen countries
• 7Bank statements for last 3-6 months
• 8ITR (Income Tax Returns) for last 2 years
• 9Salary slips for last 3 months (for salaried employees)
• 10Leave approval letter from employer
• 11NOC from employer on company letterhead
• 12Property documents or other financial proof

Bank Balance Required

There is no fixed rule but embassies generally expect:

• 1Minimum ₹2–3 lakh in your account during the travel period
• 2Average monthly balance should reflect your income level
• 3Large cash deposits just before applying are viewed negatively
• 4Credit card statements can supplement but not replace bank statements

Fees & Processing Time

The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 (approximately ₹8,000). VFS Global service charges are additional (~₹2,200). Processing time is typically 15–30 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.

Which Embassy to Apply At?

Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most days. If equal time, apply at your first entry country. For example, if visiting Italy for 5 days and France for 5 days but entering via Italy, apply at the Italian embassy.

Tips to Avoid Rejection

• 1Show strong ties to India — property, family, job (proves you will return)
• 2Provide a detailed and realistic travel itinerary
• 3Ensure travel insurance covers the entire trip duration
• 4Don't show a near-empty bank account — maintain healthy balance
• 5Prior international travel (especially USA, UK, UAE) strengthens your profile
• 6Apply for a realistic trip duration — don't ask for more days than you need
• 7Cover letter explaining your trip purpose helps significantly