April 16, 2025
Are you planning a trip to Europe and wondering how to apply for a Schengen Visa from India? This guide by Clear My Udaan breaks down the key requirements—especially around passport photo, travel medical insurance, and bank balance—to help you prepare a flawless Schengen visa application.
🌍 What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel freely across any of the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Whether it’s for tourism, business, or transit, this visa eliminates the need for separate visas for each Schengen member state.
🛂 Types of Entries:
- Single Entry
- Double Entry
- Multiple Entry (Ideal for travelers visiting multiple countries)
📌 Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa from India?
- Indian citizens with a valid Indian passport.
- Foreign nationals legally residing in India.
- Non-residents can apply from India if they provide valid reasons and proof of legal presence.
📑 Schengen Visa Document Checklist (Tourist)
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be issued within last 10 years, valid for 3+ months after trip, and have 2 blank pages. |
| Visa Application Form | Filled and signed. |
| Recent Passport-Size Photo | Must meet Schengen photo requirements (explained below). |
| Flight Bookings | Confirmed return and internal travel itineraries. |
| Hotel Bookings | Proof of accommodation in all Schengen countries being visited. |
| Cover Letter | Purpose, travel dates, and passport details. |
| Travel Medical Insurance | Coverage of at least €30,000, valid across the Schengen Area. |
| Appointment Confirmation | VFS or embassy appointment slip. |
| Bank Statement | Updated statement from last 3–6 months. Not older than 15 days. |
| ITR (Income Tax Return) | Last 1–2 years’ returns. |
| Additional Documents | Varies by consulate or embassy. |
🧳 Schengen Visa Requirements for Business Travelers.
- Additional documents for a Schengen Business Visa include:
- Business Invitation Letter from Europe
- Employer Letter from India
- Proof of Trade Relations (contracts, invoices)
- Company Bank Statement
- Conference/Event Invitations
- Business Registration Certificate
- Detailed Itinerary for business meetings or events
🧒 Special Schengen Visa Requirements by Applicant Type
🧑🎓 Students
- School/University Admission Letter
- Financial support documents (bank/scholarship)
👩💼 Employed Individuals
- Employment letter + salary details
- Payslips (last 3–6 months)
👨💼 Self-Employed
- Business registration documents
- ITR + business/personal bank statements
🧑🤝🧑 Minors
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ consent letter (notarized)
- Parent’s ID proofs
💰 Financial Requirements for Schengen Visa
- 1. Minimum Bank Balance
- To prove sufficient means:
- Maintain INR 3,00,000 or more in your account
- Cover €50–€150 per day per applicant for the trip duration
- 2. Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Submit personal ITRs for the past 1–2 years to confirm financial stability
📸 Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 35mm x 45mm |
| Face Coverage | 70–80% of the frame |
| Quality | Sharp, color photo, no creases |
| Background | Plain, light-colored |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Headgear | Only for religious reasons (face must be fully visible) |
| Glasses | Eyes clearly visible; no reflection or tinted lenses |
🛡️ Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel medical insurance is mandatory. Your policy must:
- Cover a minimum of €30,000
- Be valid across all Schengen countries
- Cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Be valid for your entire stay
👉 Provide a certificate or policy document with your visa application.
✋ Biometrics for Schengen Visa (India)
All applicants must provide biometric data:
- Fingerprints (stored for 5 years in the VIS)
- Digital photograph (taken during appointment)
✅ Biometrics Exemptions:
- Children under 12 years
- Physically incapable of giving fingerprints
- Heads of State or Government officials
🔑 Final Tips for Schengen Visa Success
- Always submit genuine documents
- Ensure your bank balance and ITRs support your stay
- Book your appointment early, especially during peak travel seasons
- Consider using a visa consultant like Clear My Udaan for a smoother process
📞 Need Help With Your Schengen Visa Application?
Contact Clear My Udaan – your trusted visa consultant in India.
We offer end-to-end support including document checklists, visa appointment booking, travel insurance, and itinerary planning.
📧 Email: info@clearmyudaan.com
🌐 Website: www.clearmyudaan.com
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9737222109
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