Schengen Visa Requirements and Types of Visas to Apply From India

Schengen Visa Requirements are quite strict considering that it is a one of a kind visa that allows its holder to travel to more than 29 countries in Europe without the need of any other visa. This visa is issued in a country officially in the Schengen area and provides access to most or all the 29 countries inside that area. The number of countries depends upon the type of Schengen visa. 

Over the years, Europe has become one of the most sought after travel destinations for Indians for the purpose of Tourism, Business and visiting family or friends. It is no wonder that many people apply from India for Schengen Visa so as to visit 29 countries there with ease. There are many types of Schengen visas and the requirements of each visa to apply from India are also different. In this article we would look at the Schengen Visa Types and Schengen Visa Requirements (for each visa) needed to apply from India.  

Four Types of Schengen Visas to Apply from India: 

There are four types of Schengen Visas to apply from India. These visas depend on the motive and duration of the visit. The four type of Schengen Visas are as follows:

1. Type A Visa: This type of Schengen visa is issued to a person who is transiting through an international transit area of any airport in a country in the Schengen Area. The validity of a Type A visa is for 24 hours. 
2. Type B Visa:  This type of Schengen Visa is issued to a person who is transiting through a country in the Schengen Area from a Non-Schengen Country to another Non-Schengen Country. Even if you are not planning to stay in a country in the Schengen area you have to get this visa for layover. The validity of a Type B visa is for a maximum of five days. 
3. Type C visa: This type of Schengen Visa is issued to a person who wants to stay for a short term in the Schengen Area. Also known as tourist visas, these visas are issued for various reasons such as tourism etc. With this visa, you can stay in the Schengen visa area for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.  
   Based on your travel requirements, you can choose between a Schengen single-entry visa, double-entry visa, or multi-entry visa.
4. Type D visa: This type of Schengen Visa is issued to a person who wants to work and stay in a country in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, Also known as a national visa, a D type is a long-term Schengen visa, which is issued by a Schengen country. With this visa, you can travel to or relocate from India to any of the Schengen area states (based on national visa issuance). 

Documents for Schengen Visa Requirements to apply from India:

Some of the standard documents required for any type of Schengen Visa:

1. A duly signed and filled application form
2. A valid Indian passport with at least three months validity from the date of departure from the Schengen area. It should also have three blank pages.
3. Two clear photographs not older than six months
4. Proof of Accomodation
5. Flight Tickets
6. Valid Travel Insurance with a coverage of € 30,000
7. Proof of Travel Funds for the duration of the stay. 
8. Biometric Information
9. Fee Payment Receipt
10. Cover Letter detailing the purpose and duration of your visit

Additional Documents that may required for specific types of Schengen Visa:

Additional Specific Documents – 

1. Offer letter from a university or institute (student visa)
2. Offer letter from an employer in Europe (Schengen work visa)
3. Valid business licence (Schengen business visa)

A point to be noted is that Travel Insurance is an important document without which your application is bound to be rejected. 

Getting a Schengen Visa for Short or Long trips is only possible if you choose the right visa category. You must assess your travel plans and apply for the required Schengen Visa. If you don’t intend to stay in Schengen Area but just want to transit within 24 hours through the same, Type A visa will be suitable, if you want to transit as well as stay up to 5 days in Schengen area Type B visa, if you want to visit for more than five days but less than 90 days then Type C visa and if you want to live and work there then Type D visa is a must. 

You must assess your travel needs and itinerary to plan and apply for the required Schengen visa – tourist visa or long-term work or study visa in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. 

Moreover utilize the services of a visa consultancy to ensure your visa application is complete , ensuring no hiccups and a great visa process throughout. 

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