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The Schengen Area currently includes 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. *Note that work visas for Schengen countries typically fall under national (Type D) visas rather than short-stay Schengen (Type C) visas, as they are for stays longer than 90 days. We will focus on the procedures for long-stay work visas where possible, based on the latest information available as of April 2025.

General Notes on Schengen Work Visas for Indians:

• Work Visas (Type D/National Visas): Schengen countries issue national visas for work purposes, which allow stays longer than 90 days. These are distinct from short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) used for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. Each country has its own requirements for work visas, often involving a job offer, work permit, and proof of qualifications.
• Application Process: Most Schengen countries require Indian applicants to apply through VFS Global Visa Application Centres in India, though final decisions are made by the respective embassies or consulates. Appointments are generally mandatory and must be booked in advance.
• Common Documents: While requirements vary by country, typical documents for a work visa include a valid passport, application form, photographs, job offer letter, work permit (if applicable), proof of qualifications, financial means, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate.
• Embassy Jurisdiction: Some countries have specific jurisdictional requirements based on the applicant’s place of residence in India, often determined by the address in the passport or other proof of residence.

Schengen Countries: Embassy Visa Appointment Procedures, Mandatory Documents for Work Visas, and Embassy Addresses in India

1. Austria

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Applications for long-stay visas (Type D) must be submitted through VFS Global. Book an appointment online via the VFS Global website (visa.vfsglobal.com).
• Appointments can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance but no later than 15 days before travel. Processing typically takes 15–45 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa duration, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages).
• Completed and signed Type D visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, ICAO standards).
• Job offer letter from an Austrian employer.
• Work permit approval from the Austrian Labour Market Service (AMS).
• Proof of qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, professional licenses).
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements for the last 3 months).
• Health insurance covering at least €30,000, valid for the entire stay in Austria.
• Police clearance certificate from India.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria.
• Travel itinerary and proof of intent to return to India (e.g., employment contract end date).
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Austria, New Delhi: EP-13, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

2. Belgium

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment through VFS Global. Applications for long-stay visas must be submitted in person at a VFS Global Centre.
• Processing time: 15–60 days, depending on the complexity of the work permit approval.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay).
• Long-stay visa application form (Type D), filled and signed.
• Two passport-sized photographs (ICAO standards).
• Job offer letter from a Belgian employer.
• Work permit (Type A, B, or C) issued by the Belgian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications and professional experience.
• Medical certificate proving good health (from a recognized doctor).
• Health insurance covering the stay in Belgium.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of financial means and accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi: 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

3. Bulgaria

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Bulgaria is part of the Schengen Area but issues its own national visas for work. Apply through the Bulgarian Embassy in New Delhi; appointments must be booked directly via the embassy’s website or email.
• Processing time: Approximately 30–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Job offer from a Bulgarian employer.
• Work permit issued by the Bulgarian Ministry of Labour.
• Proof of qualifications and work experience.
• Health insurance valid in Bulgaria.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation and financial means.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Bulgaria, New Delhi: 16/17, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

4. Croatia

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or directly at the Croatian Embassy in New Delhi. Appointments are booked online via the embassy’s website or VFS Global.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract with a Croatian employer.
• Work permit issued by the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Croatia, New Delhi: A-15, West End Colony, Block A, West End Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

5. Czech Republic

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment through VFS Global. Long-stay visa applications must be submitted in person.
• Processing time: Up to 90 days for work visas.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Long-stay visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract or job offer.
• Work permit or employee card (issued by Czech authorities).
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance covering the entire stay.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation and financial means.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of the Czech Republic, New Delhi: 50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

6. Denmark

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Applications are handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Danish Embassy. Book an appointment online via the VFS Global website.
• Processing time: 15–90 days, depending on the work permit process.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Long-stay visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Job offer or employment contract.
• Work permit (e.g., under the Danish Positive List Scheme or Pay Limit Scheme).
• Proof of qualifications and experience.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Denmark, New Delhi: 33-B, Dr. S Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

7. Estonia

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through the Estonian Embassy in New Delhi or VFS Global. Appointments must be booked via the embassy’s website or VFS Global.
• Processing time: 30–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Estonia, New Delhi: C-15, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

8. Finland

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Applications are submitted through VFS Global. Book an appointment online via the VFS Global website.
• Processing time: 15–90 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Residence permit application form (for work).
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit (processed via the Finnish Immigration Service).
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Finland, New Delhi: E-3, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

9. France

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment via VFS Global (vfsglobal.com). Applications for long-stay visas must be submitted in person.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Long-stay visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract validated by the French Labour Ministry (OFII).
• Work permit (if applicable, depending on the job type).
• Proof of qualifications and experience.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of France, New Delhi: 2/50-E, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of France, Mumbai: Wockhardt Towers, East Wing, 5th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051.

10. Germany

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment through VFS Global (visa.vfsglobal.com). There are specific categories for business travelers, but work visa appointments follow the standard process.
• Processing time: 15–90 days, depending on the work permit process.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Long-stay visa application form (VIDEX format).
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract or job offer.
• Work permit or approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if required).
• Proof of qualifications and professional experience.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Declaration of accuracy of information.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Germany, New Delhi: 6/50G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of Germany, Mumbai: Hoechst House, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021.

11. Greece

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global. Book an appointment online via the VFS Global website.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Greek authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Greece, New Delhi: 4, Kalyani Avenue, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019 (Note: The embassy in New Delhi has limited consular services; applications are often processed through VFS).

12. Hungary

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Hungarian Embassy. Appointments are booked online.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Hungarian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Hungary, New Delhi: 2/50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

13. Iceland

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Iceland’s visa applications are handled by Norway in India (as per web ID: 23). Apply through VFS Global under Norway’s jurisdiction.
• Processing time: 15–45 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Residence permit application form (processed via the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration).
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Icelandic authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Iceland does not have an embassy in India. Applications are processed through the Embassy of Norway, New Delhi: 50-C, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

14. Italy

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment through VFS Global.
• Processing time: 15–90 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit (Nulla Osta) issued by Italian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Italy, New Delhi: 50-E, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai: Kanchanjunga Building, 72, G Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026.

15. Latvia

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Latvian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Latvian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Latvia, New Delhi: B-8, Anand Niketan, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

16. Liechtenstein

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Liechtenstein does not have an embassy in India. Visa applications are handled by the Swiss Embassy.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Same as Switzerland (see below).
• Embassy Address in India:
• Handled by the Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

17. Lithuania

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Lithuanian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Lithuania, New Delhi: D-1/29, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057.

18. Luxembourg

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi (Luxembourg does not have its own embassy in India).
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Same as Belgium (see above).
• Embassy Address in India:
• Handled by the Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi: 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

19. Malta

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Maltese High Commission in New Delhi.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Maltese authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• High Commission of Malta, New Delhi: N-60, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110017.

20. Netherlands

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Book an appointment through VFS Global (netherlandsworldwide.nl). Applications must be submitted in person.
• Processing time: 15–90 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Long-stay visa application form (MVV).
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit (if applicable, e.g., for non-EU highly skilled migrant programs).
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of the Netherlands, New Delhi: 6/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of the Netherlands, Mumbai: Forbes Building, 1st Floor, Charanjit Rai Marg, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001.

21. Norway

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global (norway.no). Norway also handles applications for Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark in Sri Lanka.
• Processing time: 15–45 days (may extend to 90 days if referred to the Directorate of Immigration).
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Residence permit application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Norwegian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Norway, New Delhi: 50-C, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

22. Poland

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Polish Embassy in New Delhi. Jurisdiction is determined by the place of issue or address in the passport (gov.pl).
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Polish authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Poland, New Delhi: 50-M, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of Poland, Mumbai: Manavi Apartments, 2nd Floor, 36, B.G. Kher Marg, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006.

23. Portugal

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Portuguese authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Portugal, New Delhi: 4, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

24. Romania

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Romanian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Romania, New Delhi: A-1/11, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057.

25. Slovakia

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global or the Slovak Embassy in New Delhi.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Slovak authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Slovakia, New Delhi: 50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

26. Slovenia

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through the Slovenian Embassy in New Delhi (gov.si). Residence permits are often applied for by employers in Slovenia.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Slovenian authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance (minimum coverage €30,000).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Slovenia, New Delhi: 46, Poorvi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057.

27. Spain

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Spanish authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Spain, New Delhi: 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110011.
• Consulate General of Spain, Mumbai: Marathon Futurex, A Wing, 11th Floor, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

28. Sweden

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global. Sweden’s applications in Sri Lanka are handled by Norway.
• Processing time: 15–90 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Residence permit application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by the Swedish Migration Agency.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi: 4-5, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.

29. Switzerland

• Visa Appointment Procedure:
• Apply through VFS Global.
• Processing time: 15–60 days.
• Mandatory Documents for Work Visa:
• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay).
• Type D visa application form.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Employment contract.
• Work permit issued by Swiss authorities.
• Proof of qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Embassy Address in India:
• Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021.
• Consulate General of Switzerland, Mumbai: 102, Maker Chambers IV, 10th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021.

General Observations and Recommendations:

• Recurring Issue with Names in Documents: Genuine Schengen visa applications, including for work visas, require the full name (first name and surname) as per the passport. Ensure your passport reflects your full name, and double-check that all application forms match this exactly.
• Appointment Challenges: Securing appointments can be difficult due to high demand, especially in peak seasons. Plan to schedule at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Processing Times: Work visa processing can take longer than short-stay visas due to the need for work permit approvals. Apply as early as possible (up to 6 months in advance) to avoid delays.
• Biometrics: Most Schengen countries require biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for visa applications. If you’ve provided biometrics for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you may not need to do so again, unless specified.
• Health Insurance: A common requirement across all Schengen countries is health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire stay.

If you need specific details for a particular country, assistance with document preparation, or further clarification, let us know, and we can tailor the needs for you !

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