Schengen Visa Code & 90/180-Day Rule
The Schengen Area comprises 29 European member states operating under a unified visa border code. A standard short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) permits eligible travelers to visit for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day window.
Under Article 5 of the Schengen Visa Code, applicants must submit their file to the competent member state:
- Sole Destination: If visiting only one European country, you must apply to that specific embassy.
- Main Destination: If visiting multiple states, you must apply to the state where you spend the longest stay (counted in nights).
- First Entry Point: If stays in multiple countries are of equal duration, you must apply to the embassy of the country of your first entry.
Schengen Visa Categories
Choose your primary travel purpose below to examine universal documentation checklists, specific financial thresholds, and processing rules:
Indian Domicile & Territorial Jurisdictions
Schengen consulates in India enforce strict territorial competence based on your residence history. Violating these domicile rules leads to immediate counter rejection.
- The 6-Month Residence Rule: You must apply at the processing hub responsible for the state where you have lived and worked for the last six months.
- Required Proof of Domicile: If your permanent passport address is different from your current region of submission, you must provide supporting evidence such as a registered lease agreement, employer transfer letters, or bank records showing regular local utility payments.
Biometric Collection Facilities
Schengen rules dictate that all short-stay applicants must enroll biometric data (10-digit fingerprints and photo). Select your city to check regional submission hubs, local jurisdictions, and appointment booking parameters:
