Schengen Visa- Types, Eligibility, Cost

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is an authorized document issued by a country in the Schengen region. This document allows you to enter and stay in the Schengen area for various purposes. The purposes include tourism, business activities, meeting friends and family, or studying. You can enter any of the 27 countries in the Schengen region with this visa.

*Looking to apply for a Schengen Visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.

What are the different types of Schengen Visas?

There are different types of Schengen Visas that you can select based on your intention of the visit. The different types of Schengen visas are as follows:

Type A Schengen Visa

You can stay at any airport in the Schengen area to catch a connecting flight with a Schengen Type A Visa or Airport Transit Visa. If you are traveling from a non- Schengen country to another non-Schengen country and waiting for the flight in the Schengen region, it is mandatory to apply for this visa. But, you are not permitted to enter the country in the Schengen region with this visa.

Type B Schengen Visa

You can apply for a Type B Schengen Visa to travel across more than one country in the Schengen region and go to a non-EU country. The visa has a validity of around 5 days.

Type C Schengen Visa

You can apply for a Type C Short Stay Visa to travel in the Schengen region for a period of 90 days in 6 months. You can select a Type C Schengen Visa based on the intention of your trip. The different categories of the Type C Short Stay Visa are as follows:

• Single-entry visa with the visa sticker having: Number 1

The single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen region only once. The visa will expire, once you leave the Schengen region, even though it has a valid period of 6 months.

• Double-entry visa with the visa sticker having: Number 2

The double-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen region two times in 6 months. The visa will expire when you exit the Schengen region after the second time.

• Multiple-entry visa with the visa sticker having: ? MULT ?

The multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the Schengen region multiple times for 90 days in the 6 month period.

Type D Schengen Visa

You can apply for a Type D Schengen Visa, also known as a Long-Stay Visa, to work, study, or settle in a country in the Schengen region. The Type D National Visas can be categorized as follows based on the intention of your journey:

• A Single-Entry Visa – You can apply for this visa if you want to stay in the Schengen region for a certain period
• A Multi-Entry Visa – You can apply for this visa if you want to enter the Schengen region multiple times

What is the purpose of applying for a Type D Schengen Visa?

You are eligible to apply for a Type D National Visa for the following purposes:

• Meeting family members and friends
• Tourism
• For the purpose of business
• To study in the Schengen region
• Participating in a training program
• Enrolled in an internship

What is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

The validity period of a Schengen visa is up to 6 months. You are eligible to travel across the Schengen region for 90 days. If you intend to travel multiple times to and from the Schengen regions then you are eligible for a Schengen Multiple Entry Visa.

What is the processing time for a Schengen Visa?????????????????????????????????????????

The processing time for a Schengen Visa may take around 15 to 45 days. In certain cases, the time taken to process a Schengen Visa may extend to 60 days. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead and apply for the visa weeks in advance to fasten the process.

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What is the cost for a Schengen Visa?

The cost for a Schengen Visa is listed in the following table:

What are the documents required to apply for a Schengen Visa?

The following documents are required while applying for a Schengen Visa:

General Documents

• A completed Schengen visa application form signed by the applicant
• A recent passport with a validity of 3 months
• Passport-size photographs that were taken in the last 3 months
• Travel itinerary specifying the travel dates of entry and exit from the Schengen region
• Travel health insurance amounting to €30,000
• Proof of residence for your stay
• Letter of purpose stating your intent in the country
• Letter of absence from the employer if you are working
• NOC letter from the current educational institution if you are studying
• Evidence of nationality or identity like birth or marriage certificate
• Sufficient funding to support your stay in the Schengen region
• Proof of bank statements for the last 3 months
• Letter of sponsorship- if someone is willing to sponsor you throughout your trip to the Schengen region. To prove validity, the sponsor's bank statement must be provided
• If you are working as an employee, you have to provide the salary payslips for the last 3 months or a contract of employment.
• If you are self-employed, you have to provide copies of your business license and bank statements for the last 6 months.
• Provide ITR Form
• Receipt of Schengen Visa application fee

Additional requirements based on the category

Retirees

• Provide the last 6 months' pension statement

Married to a citizen in the Schengen region and unemployed

• Submit the recent passport of your legal partner
• Marriage certificate recognized in the EU region
• A letter of Confirmation of the legal partner's Employment

What are the documents required for minors applying for a Schengen Visa?

You are required to submit the following documents as a legal parent or guardian of a minor when applying for a Schengen visa:

• Certificate of birth of the minor
• A signed application form by both the mother and father
• Authentic Passport or any ID as proof of both parents
• If you are a parent with complete custody of the minor, you have to submit a family court order.
• If the minor is travelling with a Schengen Visa alone, then a signed parental approval from the mother and father/ guardians is required.

What are the steps to apply for a Schengen Visa?

Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for a preferred Schengen Visa:

Step 1: Ensure your eligibility for the preferred Schengen Visa

Step 2: Select the country you are planning to visit

Step 3: Provide the essential information and documents

Step 4: Pay the application fee for the preferred Schengen Visa

Step 5: Schedule for an interview at the embassy

Step 6: Get a decision for the preferred visa application

Step 7: Migrate to the country of choice

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What are the eligibility criteria for a Schengen Visa?

To be considered for a Schengen Visa you have to meet the following criteria:

• A citizen of a non-EU country
• Valid intent of travel
• Recent passport with 3 months validity
• Travel health insurance of €30,000

Can you apply for a Schengen Visa after arriving in Europe?

No, it is mandatory to apply for a Schengen Visa before going to Europe. The process to apply for a Schengen Visa is very simple, and it allows you to visit most of the countries across Europe.

What is the list of countries in Europe that require a Schengen Visa?

There are 27 countries in Europe that require you to apply for a Schengen Visa as follows:

Is travel medical insurance required for a Schengen Visa?

Yes, travel medical insurance of €30,000 is required for a Schengen Visa as it aids during an unexpected crisis. The unexpected crisis includes health emergencies, travel losses like flight delays or cancelations, or even loss of passport.

How can Y-Axis assist you?

We at Y-Axis have an amazing team and offer you expert assistance with your selected Schengen Visa.

• Evaluate your selected Schengen Visa
• Help in arranging and reviewing the documents
• Support in completing the online visa application forms
• Provide complete guidance throughout the visa application process

Reach out to Y-Axis, for end-to-end support at every step of the process. Email to us at [email protected] or drop a message on our WhatsApp number 8802219999.