Note (02/02/2009): Please be advised, effective immediately this Disclaimer has to be completed by every Applicant for all the Schengen Countries with his / her Visa Form. It is already uploaded.

SCHENGEN STATE Please read this note for all Schengen Countries.

Schengen Territory: Indian Nationals can obtain short stay visa for a period ranging from one to ninety days, valid for all countries of the Schengen Territory i.e. Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland. The Schengen Convention is a great step towards freedom of circulation of people. Foreigners bearing a valid stay permit delivered by one of the Schengen states can leave and later re-enter the Schengen Territory without having to ask for a visa again, on condition that they have a valid passport and relevant travel document and a multiple entry visa. Application for visas have to be submitted with the competent Consular authorities, which are to be determined according to the following criter

If the Applicant intends to stay in one Country only, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the same Country. If the Applicant wishes to travel to several Member States, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the Country where the main purpose of travel lies, determined by the duration of the stay. If the main destination cannot be ascertained, the Country of the first port of entry into Schengen Territory is regarded as the competent Consular office for processing the application. Long term visas are still subject to the laws of the Country of Destination. They must be applied for at the Consular Authorities of the concerned Member States.

Note: Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

Tourist
For first time travelers (Applicants who have not traveled to any Schengen Country before).
The Applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and two empty pages. Photocopy of first and last page of passport along with observation pages is required. Two passport-size photographs (35 x 45 mm with 80% face) according to biometric specifications. One pasted on the application form, another clipped to the passport. One completed Schengen Visa Application Form stating the full Indian address and contact details under the Applicant's signature. All columns in the Visa Form must be completed to avoid delay or refusal. A signed and dated Declaration Form on true and complete information is also required. A similar declaration form must also accompany the Travel Health Insurance. Two Covering Letters from the Applicant are required: Personal Covering Letter. A Covering Letter from the Employer confirming employment, salary and sanctioned leave. Travel Health Insurance with its validity matching travel dates. In case of Sponsorship the following documents are required: A formal Obligation Letter (Verpflichtungserklarung) Photocopy of Sponsor's/ Host's passport and valid residence permit (A4 size). Proof of relationship with the Sponsor/ Host (family book, marriage certificate etc). Sponsor's bank statement Hotel Reservations for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen area. Confirmed Air tickets, also of flights within the Schengen Area. Personal bank statements for the last 6 months in original (online bank statements are not accepted). Proof of Income (Western Union slips) if applicable. Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years. The notary attested (if applicable) English translation of the following documents are required: If the Applicant is married and the name of the spouse is not endorsed on the passport, a copy of the Marriage Certificate is required. Photocopy of ration card. If Applicant is into agriculture, J forms and Jamabandi papers are needed. If Applicant is a minor, the Birth Certificate is required. If a parent/spouse of the Minor/ Applicant is deceased the Death Certificate is required. Divorce papers, if applicable. For Minor Applicant the following are required as support documents: A Letter from the School confirming current enrolment and sanctioned leave. A Consent Letter from both parents regarding the child's travel. A4 sized copy of Parents passports. Please ensure that the signature of the Parent under the passport picture is clearly readable. Both original and A4 sized copy of the Court Order regarding the child's custody, if applicable. Processing time is 7 to 10 working days. Visa for children below 6 years of age is Gratis (free).

With an authorization letter from the Applicant and a photo identity, an authorized person can undertake the submission and collection of the visa application and passport with VFS.


Business
The Applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and two empty pages. Photocopy of first and last page of passport along with observation pages is required. Two passport-size photographs (35 x 45 mm with 80% face) according to biometric specifications. One pasted on the application form, another clipped to the passport. One completed Schengen Visa Application Form stating the full Indian address and contact details under the Applicant's signature. All columns in the Visa Form must be completed to avoid delay or refusal. A signed and dated Declaration Form on true and complete information is also required. A similar declaration form must also accompany the Travel Health Insurance. Two Covering Letters from the Applicant are required: Personal Covering Letter. A Covering Letter from the Employer confirming employment, salary and sanctioned leave. Travel Health Insurance with its validity matching the travel dates. A Letter from the inviting Company in German language, confirming the invitation and coverage of costs according 66-68 AufenthG. Confirmed Hotel Bookings for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen Area. Confirmed Air Tickets, inclusive of flights within the Schengen area. Appointment Letter/ Salary Slip for the last 6 months and Transfer Letter (if applicable). Original personal Bank statements for last the 6 months containing account number and complete bank contacts like telephone numbers and Branch address. Online bank statements are not accepted. Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years. Company's Registration Certificate/ Proof of company/ Partnership deed. Company's Bank statement with transaction of the last 6 months also showing the account number and complete bank contacts including the telephone number (A4 size photocopy). Processing time is 7 to 10 working days. The visa fee for applicants applying to the German Visa Application Centre in North India is payable by a Bank Draft in favor of "The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, New Delhi". The Demand Draft should be in the name of the "Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai".