🇪🇺 Schengen (Europe) visa — Indian passport.
Schengen visa is a single permit valid for 29 European countries. €90 fee (~₹8,500) + VFS service charge (~₹2,000) + insurance (~₹1,500). 15-30 day processing. Apply through the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most nights.
How to apply — 6 steps.
- 1
Choose your main-stay country
Identify the Schengen country where you'll spend the most nights. That's the embassy you apply to. France and Germany have the highest approval rates for Indians and easiest slot availability.
8-12 weeks before travel - 2
Book VFS slot
Go to the embassy-specific VFS site (vfsglobal.com/france-in-india, etc.). Slots fill 8-12 weeks ahead in summer. Book early.
8-12 weeks before travel - 3
Gather documents
See documents list. Bank statement (3 months, ₹3-5L closing), ITR (2 years), employer NOC, hotel bookings (refundable), flight reservations (Skyscanner hold or refundable fare), travel insurance €30,000 coverage.
2-3 weeks before slot - 4
Fill the Schengen visa application form
Online via the embassy site. Print, sign. Errors get auto-rejected — be careful with dates.
1 week before slot - 5
Attend VFS appointment
Bring all documents, originals + copies. Biometrics on the spot. Submit passport.
Slot day - 6
Wait + collect
15-30 working days. Track on VFS. Collect passport with visa sticker or get it couriered.
15-30 days
Document checklist.
- Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Recent photos (35×45 mm, white background)
- Visa application form (signed)
- Bank statement 3 months
- ITR 2 years
- Employer NOC + salary slips 3 months
- Hotel bookings (refundable)
- Flight reservations (held, not paid)
- Travel insurance €30,000 medical coverage
- Cover letter explaining trip
Why Indians get rejected.
- Insufficient financial documents — under ₹2.5L closing balance
- Strong ties to home country not demonstrated — single, no property, freelance
- Inconsistent travel history — first international trip applied for 30-day Schengen
- Booking pattern looks like a 'visa shopping' for residence — too many countries in 14 days
FAQ
How long does Schengen (Europe) visa take for Indians?
Processing time is 15-30 days. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel for safe margin.
How much does Schengen (Europe) visa cost for Indians in 2026?
₹8,500 per person (Q2 2026 official rate).
How long can Indians stay in Schengen (Europe)?
90 days per entry on the embassy visa. Extension possible from inside the country in most cases — check with local immigration.
Do Indians need a return ticket to enter Schengen (Europe)?
Yes — a confirmed return or onward ticket within the visa duration (90 days) is required at airline check-in and at Schengen (Europe) immigration. Open-jaw and circle-trip tickets qualify.