Schengen Work Visa for Indians: How to Apply & Requirements

Are you an Indian citizen looking to further your career in the Schengen area? Well, if so, then this blog is for you. We will discuss all you need to know about the Schengen work visa for Indians, such as application, requirements, and fees.

What Is A Schengen Work Visa?

The Schengen work visa is required if you want to be employed in one of the Schengen countries. The Schengen states provide a type C visa for short-stays and a type D visa for long-term stays. When applying for a work visa, you must apply for the type D visa, also known as the national visa. With the type D visa, you can apply for employment purposes, which will allow you to work in the Schengen area.

To work in a Schengen country, you must have a type D visa, and depending on the country, you might also need an employment card.

Different Types Of Work Permits

When travelling to the Schengen area for work, you must have a valid type D visa for employment. Here are some of the various European employment permit options that are provided depending on the country you visit:

• Special Skills Visa: Indians who meet the requirements and prove they have higher professional qualifications can apply for the special skills permit.

• International Service Providers: The international service offers investors, self-employers, and newly established businesses to work in the EU.

• Intra-Corporate Transfers: The intra-corporate transfer visa is used when an employee outside the EU is transferred to work in the Schengen area.

• Researches: Researchers who intend to conduct research or provide education on research in the Schengen state can apply for a research permit.

• Seasonal Workers: Indians who have an employment contract to work in the EU as seasonal workers must apply for this permit.

• EU Blue Card: The blue card permits Skilled workers to work and stay in a Schengen state. The blue card provides individuals with benefits, such as family reunification, a step to permanent residence, and equal work conditions.

Requirements For A Schengen Work Visa

You must provide all the required documents when applying for your Schengen work visa. Here is a list of documents you will need:

Required Documents For The Work Visa

• Passport: You must provide a valid passport with at least two empty pages.

• Photo: Passport-sized photos are required. The photos may not be older than six months. Each country has different requirements for the quantity of photos required.

• Application form: You need to complete the Schengen visa application form. You must complete the form online or on paper, depending on the country you visit.

• Employment Contract: A job offer or employment contract is required.

• Proof Of Financial Means: You must prove you have enough finances to cover your living expenses in the Schengen country.

• Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is required when travelling to the Schengen area.

• Proof Of Qualifications: Submit proof of your qualifications for your work field.

• Proof of Accommodation: You must show proof of accommodation by submitting a document, such as a rental agreement.

• Cover Letter: A Schengen cover letter from the employer stating the duration of your stay, position of employment, and salary.

Additional Documents

The embassy of the country you intend to work in might ask you for additional documents, such as:

• Sponsorship Letter: If your employer sponsors your accommodation or living expenses in Schengen, you must submit a sponsorship letter.

• Annexure Of Employment: Certain countries require you to submit an annexure of employment. This document will be available on the country's embassy website.

• Language Proficiency: Certain countries require you to speak a certain amount of their language. To prove this, you can submit proof of a language course.

• Invitation Letter: In certain cases, you might need to submit an invitation letter. The letter must be signed and state details such as proof of accommodation and length of stay.

It is important to remember that each country has specific documents required. Contact the embassy before applying for your visa to get the requirements for the specific country.

Applying For Your Schengen Work Visa

To apply for your work visa, you must submit the application at an embassy, consulate, or application centre. Let's look at the steps you need to follow when applying for your Schengen work visa from India:

1. 1

   Get A Job Offer Or Contract: Before applying for your work visa, you must ensure you have a work offer or approved work contract.

2. 2

   Collect The Required Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents, including the cover letter and invitation letter, if applicable, before applying for your visa.

3. 3

   Complete The Application Form: Ensure you complete the application form accurately and neatly. The application form can be completed online or on paper, depending on the country you travel to.

4. 4

   Make An Appointment: You must schedule a Schengen visa appointment before submitting your application. This can be done through certain embassies or application centres.

5. 5

   Attend Your Appointment: At your appointment, you must submit your application, attend a visa interview and provide your biometrics.

6. 6

   Pay The Visa Fee: Paying the work visa fees will happen at the embassy or application centre when submitting your application. The fee amount will depend on the country you are visiting.

7. 7

   Wait For Your Visa Outcome: Your work visa can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 12 weeks to be processed. Once your visa gets approved, you can collect it from the embassy or application centre.

Key Points About The Schengen Work Visa

We have now seen how to apply for our work visa. Let's look at some other important information regarding the work visa for Schengen:

What Are The Schengen Work Visa Fees?

Each country has its own visa policies and fees. Because of this, the work visa fees will vary depending on the country you apply for. Be sure to check the embassy website for the current fees for your destination.

There might be additional service fees depending on where you apply, either through an embassy or an application centre.

What Are The Work Visa Processing Times?

The processing times for the employment visa will vary depending on the country you apply for. Generally, the work visa takes 4 to 12 weeks to get processed.

The Schengen visa processing time varies depending on the workload of the embassy, the documents submitted, and the complexity of the application.

What Is The Validity Period For The Work Visa?

The validity period will depend on the work visa type and the country you apply for. Some visa types are valid for up to 12 months.

Conclusion

Indian citizens must apply for a type D visa when travelling to a Schengen country for work purposes. The Schengen work visa allows Indians to work in a Schengen country for up to 12 months. The fees and documents will vary depending on the country or type of employment visa you apply for.

Government Sources

At Atlys, we understand the significance of having precise and current information when seeking a visa. That's why the details in this guide come directly from reliable government sources, including:

• EU Immigration Portal.

• German Missions in India.

Keep in mind that fees and requirements for employment visas may change unexpectedly. Therefore, we recommend contacting the embassy for the latest information regarding the work visa.