How to Get a Schengen Visa for Indians in 2026

What is a Schengen Visa for Indians?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows Indian passport holders to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the actual duration of stay granted can vary depending on the country you apply to and the purpose of your visit.

You can apply for it if you’re visiting Europe for tourism, business, visiting family, medical purposes, or short-term study.

2026 Update :

The EU is gradually transitioning to the Digital Schengen Visa, meaning online applications and digital visa issuance may begin rolling out depending on the country.

List of Schengen Countries (29 Countries as of 2025)

As of 2025, the Schengen Area has 29 member countries, including recent entrants :

Bulgaria and Romania completed their integration by lifting internal air and sea border controls in 2024 and fully joined with land border controls removed by 2025.

What is the success rate of the Schengen Visa for Indians?

The Schengen visa success rate for Indians in 2025 remains highly promising at around 85%, supported by a global refusal rate of 14.8%. For India specifically, the trend remains positive that 116,953 visas were approved in 2024, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

However, the approval rate of Schengen visa for Indians varies depending on the country you apply to. Popular destinations like France, Switzerland, Greece and Iceland consistently grant the highest number of visas to Indian travellers and generally maintain lower refusal rates. This makes them more favourable options for Indian applicants seeking hassle-free processing.

On the other hand, certain Schengen countries have stricter evaluation standards. For instance, Malta recorded a refusal rate of nearly 38.5%, making it one of the toughest countries to secure a Schengen visa from.

Overall, the Schengen visa success rate for Indian citizens remains strong, and with proper documentation and clear travel intent, most applicants have an excellent chance of approval. To know more about the Schengen visa rejections you can read our latest blog here.

Expert Insight from CanApprove:

Countries with higher tourist volumes often process Indian applications more efficiently. Applying through France, Switzerland, or Iceland is usually smoother unless your itinerary requires otherwise.

Schengen Visa Requirements for Indians

Here are the mandatory requirements for a Schengen Visa for Indians:

1. Valid Passport

2. Schengen Visa Application Form

3. Photographs

4. Travel Itinerary

5. Travel Insurance

6. Proof of Financial Stability

7. Purpose of Travel Documents

Expert Tip:

Consulates carefully inspect financial stability and itinerary consistency. Any mismatch increases refusal risk.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in India (Step-by-Step)

Here is the simple process for how to apply for a Schengen Visa for Indians:

Step 1: Choose the Country to Apply

Apply at:

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Step 3: Book Visa Appointment

Step 4: Prepare All Required Documents

Step 5: Attend the Biometrics & Submission Appointment

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Schengen Visa Fees for Indians (Updated 2025)

The Schengen visa fee for Indians in 2025 is as follows:

Additional charges may apply for:

Schengen Visa Processing Time for Indians

The processing time for a Schengen Visa for Indians like Schengen visa usually takes:

Apply at least 30–45 days before travel to avoid delays.

Expert Tips to Improve Your Visa Approval Chances

Here are expert tips to increase your Schengen Visa India approval rate:

Maintain Strong Financial Proof

Ensure bank statements show consistent balance and healthy transactions.

Avoid Suspicious Travel Itineraries

All bookings must be verifiable and realistic.

Submit Complete Documentation

Any missing document increases the risk of refusal.

Choose a High-Approval Country

France, Switzerland, Greece and Iceland usually offer quicker and smoother processing.

Mention Clear Purpose & Return Assurance

Show strong ties to India through:

Apply Early

Early applications reduce risk of delays and rejections.

Real Success Story: Mr. Rajeesh from Coimbatore Got His Schengen Visa to Germany

One of our success stories is Mr. Rajeesh from Coimbatore, who received his Schengen Visa to Germany on his very first attempt.

He approached us with a simple travel plan but was unsure about documentation, financial proof, and Germany-specific visa requirements. Our team helped him with a complete document review, a clear travel itinerary, strong financial presentation, and a well-structured cover letter that highlighted his purpose of travel and ties to India.

We also guided him through VFS appointment booking, biometrics, travel insurance, and provisional bookings ensuring every document met Schengen standards.

Thanks to a thoroughly prepared application, his visa was approved smoothly without any additional queries.

Success stories like Rajeesh’s show how the right guidance can make Schengen visa approval faster, easier, and stress-free for Indian travellers.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Schengen Visa for Indians becomes a smooth and predictable process when your documents are complete, your travel plans are clear, and your financials are strong. Now that you understand the steps, requirements, fees, and expert tips, you’re fully prepared to apply with confidence and look forward to a hassle-free European journey.

When you’re ready to start your application, partnering with an experienced immigration consultancy like CanApprove makes sure that accuracy, guidance, and a higher chance of approval. With the right support, your Schengen visa is truly within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions