🇮🇳 Schengen Visa for Indians 2026
Planning a Europe trip from India? This complete guide covers everything Indian passport holders need to know about applying for a Schengen visa - from documents and fees to VFS appointment booking and approval tips.
What's Covered
📋 Quick Overview for Indian Applicants
📄 Documents Required for Indians
✅ Mandatory Documents
- Valid Indian Passport
- Valid for 3+ months beyond return date
- At least 2 blank pages
- Issued within last 10 years
- Passport Photos - 2 recent photos (35×45mm, white background)
- Visa Application Form - Completed and signed
- Travel Insurance - €30,000 coverage, valid in all Schengen countries
- Flight Reservation - Round-trip booking (refundable recommended)
- Hotel Booking - Accommodation for all nights
- Bank Statements - Last 3-6 months with bank seal
- Cover Letter - Explaining trip purpose and itinerary
- Travel Itinerary - Day-by-day plan
✅ For Salaried Employees
- Employment letter (on company letterhead)
- Last 3 months salary slips
- Form 16 or ITR (last 2-3 years)
- Company ID card copy
- Leave approval letter
✅ For Business Owners/Self-Employed
- Business registration (GST certificate, Udyam, etc.)
- Company bank statements (6 months)
- ITR for last 3 years
- CA-certified financial statements
- Business card
✅ For Students
- Bonafide certificate from college/university
- Student ID card copy
- NOC from institution
- Parent's financial documents (if sponsoring)
- Sponsorship affidavit (if applicable)
💰 Schengen Visa Fees for Indians (2026)
| Category | EUR | INR (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+ years) | €90 | ₹8,100 |
| Children (6-11 years) | €45 | ₹4,050 |
| Children (under 6) | FREE | FREE |
VFS Service Charges (Additional)
| Country | VFS Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| France | ₹2,535 |
| Germany | ₹2,420 |
| Italy | ₹2,300 |
| Spain | ₹2,425 |
| Netherlands | ₹2,560 |
| Switzerland | ₹3,200 |
📍 VFS Global Centers in India
Most Schengen countries use VFS Global for visa applications in India. Here are the main cities:
- New Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
- Pune
- Goa (Panaji)
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Bhubaneswar
- Guwahati
Pro Tip: Book your VFS appointment well in advance, especially during peak travel season (April-August). Slots fill up quickly!
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Decide Which Embassy to Apply
Apply to the country where you'll spend the MOST nights. If equal nights, apply to your first entry country.
Step 2: Gather Documents (2-3 weeks)
- Request bank statements from your bank
- Get employment/business letters
- Get passport photos taken
Step 3: Book VFS Appointment Online
- Visit the VFS website for your destination country
- Create account and select appointment slot
- Choose nearest VFS center
Step 4: Book Travel Arrangements
- Book refundable flight reservations
- Book hotel accommodations (refundable)
- Purchase travel insurance
Step 5: Fill Application Form
- Download from embassy or VFS website
- Fill completely - no blank fields
- Sign where required
Step 6: Attend VFS Appointment
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring all original documents + photocopies
- Give biometrics (fingerprints + photo)
- Pay fees (card or demand draft)
Step 7: Track & Collect
- Track application online
- Collect passport when notified (or opt for courier delivery)
💳 Bank Balance Requirements for Indians
| Country | Per Day (EUR) | Per Day (INR) | 10-Day Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 | ₹5,850 | ₹58,500 |
| Germany | €70 | ₹6,300 | ₹63,000 |
| Italy | €70 | ₹6,300 | ₹63,000 |
| Spain | €65 | ₹5,850 | ₹58,500 |
| Switzerland | €100 | ₹9,000 | ₹90,000 |
| Greece | €50 | ₹4,500 | ₹45,000 |
⏱️ Processing Time from India
- Standard Processing: 10-15 working days
- Peak Season (Apr-Aug): 15-30 working days
- Complex Cases: Up to 45 days
Recommendation: Apply 4-6 weeks before travel. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
✅ Tips for Indian Applicants
- Apply Early - Don't wait until last minute, especially for summer travel
- Strong Financial Proof - Show 3-6 months of consistent bank balance
- ITR is Important - File your income tax returns, it shows financial credibility
- Property Documents - If you own property, include copies as proof of ties
- Stable Employment - Long tenure at job helps show you'll return
- Travel History - Previous international travel (especially developed countries) helps
- Don't Overstay - If you have visa, return before expiry to build travel history
- Honest Application - Never provide false information
- Cover Letter - Write a clear, detailed cover letter explaining your trip
- Organized Documents - Present documents neatly in order
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bank balance is required for Schengen visa from India?
You need approximately ₹5,000-9,000 per day of travel depending on the destination. For a 10-day trip, maintain ₹50,000-90,000 in your account for at least 3 months. Show consistent balance, not sudden deposits.
Can I get a Schengen visa without ITR?
While not always mandatory, ITR significantly strengthens your application. If you don't have ITR, provide strong alternative financial proof like bank statements, FD certificates, and property documents.
Is interview required for Schengen visa from India?
Not always. VFS staff may ask basic questions during submission. Sometimes applicants are called for interviews at the embassy, but this isn't common for straightforward tourist applications.
Can I apply from a different city?
Yes, you can apply at any VFS center in India, regardless of where you live. However, some embassies prefer you apply from your jurisdiction.
How long is the Schengen visa valid for Indians?
First-time applicants typically get a visa valid for their travel dates (or slightly longer). Repeat applicants may get multiple-entry visas valid for 1-5 years.
🇮🇳 Ready to Apply from India?
Start gathering your documents today. The key is preparation, organization, and honesty. Millions of Indians successfully get Schengen visas every year!