Find the Update on Schengen Visa Requirements

Table of Content

1 What is Schengen Visa?
2 Requirements for Schengen Visa

When it comes to applying for a Schengen visa application, many people feel anxious — and honestly, that’s fair. Between the paperwork, requirements, and different rules for each country, the process can seem confusing. The visa type, your travel purpose, and even your accommodation plans can all affect which documents you’ll need.

That’s where Blinkvisa comes in. Our visa experts handle every step — from reviewing your documents to applying on your behalf — so you don’t have to worry about the details. You simply submit your documents, pay the fee, and attend the interview on your scheduled date. We make it smooth, fast, and stress-free.

What is Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a travel document that lets you explore multiple European countries with just one visa. Instead of applying separately for each nation, this single visa gives you access to the Schengen Area, where border-free travel is allowed.

The original Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, and over time, more countries joined. As of November 2025, the Schengen Area includes 29 countries:

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

With one visa stamp, you can experience all these countries — their culture, food, art, nature, and more — without needing multiple visas.

Requirements for Schengen Visa

The documentation part of the visa application is often overlooked, but it’s actually the most crucial step. While requirements may vary depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, here are the core documents every applicant must submit:

Mandatory Documents:

Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. If you have a previous passport, include it too.
Visa Application Form: 2 copies printed, filled, and duly signed.
Travel Itinerary: You need to submit a complete itinerary mentioned dates of travel, hotel reservations, flight bookings, entry, and exit as well.
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.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter from your host.
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 traveler
- Combination of both
  - Note: Each country has its own requirement of how much amount should be available in the bank.
Proof of Paid Visa Fee should be provided while receiving your processed visa application. The fee is non-refundable in case of rejection.
Schengen Visa Cover Letter: Explain your reason for travel, trip plan, and what you intend to do during your stay.

Note: When you apply through Blinkvisa, you get 100% cashback on your visa fee , effectively making your visa cost-free.

Additional Documents required as per traveler’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 pay slip 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/ Business registration
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 Copy
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

Visa Fee Requirement for Schengen Visa Application

The Schengen visa fee was revised in June 2024. Current rates are:

Category	Fee (in €)	Approx. INR (₹)*
Adult	€90	₹8,200 – ₹8,500
Child (6–12 years)	€45	₹4,100 – ₹4,250
Child (below 6)	Free	Free

Important Note: Exchange rates vary by date and country. Service charges by VFS/BLS or consulates may apply. (Source: European Commission – Visa Fees)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a Visa on Arrival for Indians?

No, Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen visa in advance. There’s currently no visa-on-arrival option in any Schengen country.

2. Is the Schengen visa single or multiple entry?

It depends on the type you apply for — you can get a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. For more information read Short term visa in Visa Types.

3. Where can I apply for a Schengen Visa?

Apply through the embassy or visa center of the country you’ll visit first, or where you’ll spend the longest duration. You must apply from your country of residence (or a country where you hold a legal residence permit).

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.