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Basics
How Do I Apply for a Schengen Visa From India, Step by Step?
7 min readPublished Updated By the Unbordr visa desk
Quick answer
Pick your main-destination country, build a consistent document file, book a VFS appointment, attend in person for biometrics, pay the fees (~₹11,000–16,000 all-in), then wait roughly 15 days and collect your passport.
The seven steps
- Choose the country. Apply through your main destination, where you spend the most nights (or first entry, if nights tie). Getting this wrong is a procedural refusal.
- Choose the visa type. Usually short-stay Type C: tourism, family/friend visit, or business. Match it to your real purpose.
- Build the file. Passport (valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages), form, photos, proof of funds, flight reservation, hotel bookings, itinerary, €30,000 insurance, cover letter, employment/business proof. Every document must agree with every other.
- Book the VFS appointment. Online, and competitive in peak season. Apply 6–8 weeks ahead, more in summer.
- Attend and give biometrics. In person, photo and fingerprints. First-timers always enrol; recent enrollees may be exempt for ~59 months.
- Pay the fees. €90 (~₹8,000–8,500) plus the VFS charge; ₹11,000–16,000 all-in. Non-refundable, even on refusal.
- Wait and collect. Official processing is 15 calendar days (longer in peak). Track online, collect the passport, then check the sticker carefully.
The honest summary: the process isn't hard, but it's unforgiving of inconsistency. Most refusals come from a sloppy file, not a difficult one.
People also ask
How long does a Schengen visa take from India?
Officially about 15 calendar days, though peak season (March–August, December) can run several weeks longer.
How early should I apply?
Apply 6–8 weeks before travel in normal periods, and earlier in peak season when appointment slots are scarce.
Which country should I apply through?
Your main destination, where you'll spend the most nights. If nights tie, apply through your country of first entry.
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