When it comes to the application for a visa for the Schengen Zone, people get a little worried since the process and Schengen visa requirements are difficult to understand. It is actually understandable since the requirements depend on the type of visa being applied for, purpose of visit, duration of stay, accommodation arrangements, etc. For this reason, the probability of visa rejection increases either because the proper documents have not been submitted, or lack of any particular document which you missed. At Blinkvisa, we have our visa experts who can process your visa without any trouble.

Blinkvisa makes your visa application process smooth by assisting you at every step and even applies for the visa on your behalf. You only have to submit your documents, pay the fees, and then go for the interview on a scheduled date.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa is a stamp on your passport which allows you to travel to 26 different countries in ‘Schengen Zone’. Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985. This agreement basically allows you to travel between these 26 countries with only one single visa. You don’t have to get a visa again and again if you wish to explore multiple countries in Schengen zone. These countries are:

Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Iceland
France Germany Greece Hungary Italy
Latvia Spain Lithuania Luxembourg Netherlands
Norway Finland Portugal Slovenia Liechtenstein
Sweden Switzerland Slovakia Malta Poland

You can experience the cultures, food, language, arts, music, nature, and much more of all these countries on a single visa stamp.

Requirements for Schengen Visa

The documentation is one of the most underlooked parts of Schengen visa application but in fact, it is the most important one. The requirements of this visa are highly dynamic for each type and purpose of visa as well as the nationality.

There are some mandatory documents which are required to submit no matter what type of visa you applied for. These are:

  1. Passport: A passport with at least 6 months validity after the entry into the Schengen area. This passport must not be older than 10 years, that is it should’ve been provided under the last 10 years. You will also need to submit an old passport if you have one.
  2. Visa Application Form: 2 copies printed, filled, and duly signed.
  3. Itinerary: You need to submit a complete itinerary mentioned dates of travel, hotel reservations, flight bookings, entry, and exit as well.
  4. Travel Insurance: In order to enter Schengen territory, insurance of at least 30,000 Euros is mandatory in case of any illness or medical emergency.
  5. Proof of Accommodation: This is usually a hotel booking voucher where you’ll be staying in the Schengen Area. It can also be any one of the following:
    • Rental Agreement
    • Letter of Invitation from a host in Schengen if you’ve been invited
  6. Proof of Financial Means: A proof that you have sufficient balance for your expenses while on this trip. It can be any one of the following:
    • Bank Statement of the last six months not older than the last three days
    • Sponsorship Letter which mentions that the host will be taking care of the expenses of the traveller
    • Combination of both
      • Note: Each country has its own requirement of how much amount should be available in the bank.
  7. Proof of Paid Visa Fee should be provided while receiving your processed visa application. The fee is non-refundable in case of rejection.
      • Note: If you apply for a visa through Blinkvisa, you’ll get the 100% visa amount as cashback.
  8. Schengen Visa Cover Letter should also be accompanied explaining why you’re going, your plan of travel, and what will you do there.

Additional Documents required as per traveller’s current Employment Status

Depending on your current employment status, you may also need to furnish some additional documents specified below:

Student

  • Proof of enrollment in the college/university/institution of Schengen Area
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the college/university/institution
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the entire duration of your stay. Work contract or bank statement from your parents or host may suffice

Employee

  • Original signed letter from employer or recent payslip or employment contract
  • Bank statement of the last six months
  • Leave Approval letter from your Employer
  • You may also be asked for Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at Source of salary

Retired

  • Last six months pension statement

Self-Employed

  • Copy of business license
  • Bank statement of the company for the last six months
  • Income Tax Return (ITR)

Unemployed and Married to EU Citizen

  • Official Marriage Certificate
  • Spouse’s Passport
  • Confirmation of employment letter, at least three months old from spouse’s employer confirming the employment, position, and date of starting.

Minor

  • Birth certificate
  • Application form signed by both parents
  • If only one parent has custody of the child, the Family Court Order is required
  • Passports of both parents
  • Parental Authorization (Notarized) signed by parents if the minor is travelling alone

More documents required based on Visa Type

Airport Transit

  • Ticket to the final destination required
  • Visa to the final destination (if required)

Medical

  • Letter from the doctor in the home country explaining that you need medical treatment
  • Confirmation of the doctor’s / hospital’s appointment in EU
  • Proof of Financial Means and expenses for the treatment

Visa Fee Requirement for Schengen Visa Application

As mentioned, the visa fee for all Schengen countries is the same. As of current status and agreement, the fees for Schengen visa is given below.

Note: The fee for Schengen has been planned to increase as per mentioned below. This will be effective from 02 Feb 2020. (Source: The Financial Express)

Euro (€) USD ($) INR (₹) Proposed from 02-02-2020
Adult 60 70 4595.30 € 80
Child (6-12) 35 38.90 2680.60 € 40
Child (Below 12) Free Free Free Free

Important Note:

Actual visa fee is in Euros (€), and depending on the date you apply for and country you’re from, conversion rates will be different.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there any Visa on Arrival for an Indian?

No, there is no Visa on Arrival for Indians.

2. Is Schengen visa single entry or multiple entry?

Please read Short term visa in Visa Types.

3. Where can I apply for Schengen Visa?

You can apply from any country provided you can give the reason for doing so. E.g if you’re Indian currently staying in Dubai, you will have to give a valid reason as to why applying from Dubai.

4. How long can I stay in a Schengen country?

It depends on which visa you have opted for. Please read 90/180 rule to get clarification.