Greece Visa Guide for Indian Citizens 2026

Quick Facts — Indian Applicants

Schengen visa required for all Indian passport holders, for all purposes of travel
Apply via VFS Global India — available in 10+ cities across the country
Processing time: 15–30 working days from the date of submission
Both tourism and business visas are available; purpose must be clearly stated
Multiple-entry visas are possible for frequent travellers with a clean travel history

Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Greece?

Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa before travelling to Greece or any Schengen Area country. There is no visa-on-arrival arrangement for Indian citizens, and electronic travel authorisation does not apply.

A Schengen Type C visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen member states. If Greece is your main destination or the first Schengen country you will enter, you must apply at the Greek visa centre operated by VFS Global in India.

Which Consulate Should You Apply At?

Apply at the consulate of the Schengen country where you will spend the most nights. If you plan to spend 7 nights in Greece and 3 in Italy, apply through the Greek visa centre. If your days are equal, apply at the country of first entry.

VFS Global India — How to Apply

VFS Global operates the Greek visa application centres across India on behalf of the Embassy of Greece. All biometric data collection, document submission, and fee payment happens at VFS. The actual visa decision is made by the Greek consulate.

VFS Application Centres in India

Greek visa applications from Indian citizens are accepted at the following VFS Global locations:

Mumbai

New Delhi

Chennai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Hyderabad

Ahmedabad

Pune

Chandigarh

Cochin

How to Book Your Appointment

Visit the official VFS Global India portal for Greece and select your nearest application centre
Create an account or log in to the VFS applicant portal
Complete the online application registration and upload a photo
Select an available appointment slot (book as early as possible — slots fill quickly in summer)
Receive your appointment confirmation by email
Attend in person with all original documents and photocopies on the appointment date

Appointment Availability

Appointment slots at popular centres like Mumbai and Delhi can fill up 4–6 weeks in advance during the April–September peak season. For summer travel, start your appointment search at least 8–10 weeks before your intended departure date.

Required Documents for Indian Applicants

The following documents are required for a standard Schengen tourist or business visa application from India. All documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date and a minimum of 2 blank pages
2 recent passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 3 months)
Completed Schengen visa application form, printed, signed in full
Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen countries for the full duration of stay
Bank statements for the last 3–6 months (savings and/or salary account)
Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2–3 financial years — a key India-specific document
Form 16 (for salaried employees) issued by your employer for the most recent assessment year
Salary slips for the last 3 months
Company ID card and leave approval letter confirming approved leave for travel dates
Hotel bookings for the entire duration of stay
Return flight itinerary (booking confirmation, not a paid ticket)
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit, itinerary, and ties to India
Proof of residence in India (Aadhaar card, utility bill, or rent agreement)
For self-employed: CA-certified financials, GST registration, company registration (see below)

Bank Statement Requirements for Indian Applicants

Your bank statements are one of the most scrutinised elements of an Indian Schengen visa application. The consulate is looking for evidence that you can fund your trip and have genuine financial roots in India that ensure you return.

Savings vs. Salary Account

If you hold both a salary account (where your employer deposits your monthly salary) and a savings account, it is generally advisable to submit statements from both. The salary account demonstrates income, while the savings account shows reserves.

What the Consulate Looks For

Consistent monthly credits matching your stated income from your employer or business
A balance proportionate to your trip cost (flights, accommodation, daily expenses) over the period
No large, unexplained deposits made shortly before the application date
Normal spending patterns consistent with life in India

Avoid This Mistake

A common mistake is having a friend or family member transfer a large sum into your account to boost your balance before applying. This practice, known as "credit washing," is easily identified by consulate officers and is a leading cause of refusal. Your balance should represent genuine savings built over time.

How Much Should You Have?

While no official minimum is published, a practical guideline for Indian applicants is to demonstrate a balance of at least ₹2–3 lakh or equivalent for a standard 10–15 day trip, alongside a consistent income that clearly covers travel costs. Higher balances improve confidence.

For IT Professionals & Remote Workers

India has one of the world's largest IT workforces, and a significant number of Schengen visa applications come from software engineers, IT consultants, and technology professionals. Greek consulates are familiar with this applicant profile and your application will benefit from a particularly well-structured document set.

Salaried IT Employees

For employees of Indian IT companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, etc.) or multinational firms, a strong application includes:

Employer letter on company letterhead with your designation, salary, joining date, and approved leave
Office ID card copy
Form 16 and last 3 salary slips
Bank statements showing regular salary credits

Remote Workers & Digital Nomads

If you work remotely for a foreign employer or as a freelancer, Greek consulates may request additional evidence of your work arrangement. Provide:

A letter from your employer confirming remote work arrangement and location of tax residency
Freelance contracts or client invoices showing regular income
Foreign income transfer records into your Indian bank account

Greece also offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers wishing to stay longer than 90 days. This requires proof of a minimum monthly income of €3,500 and is a separate application from the standard Schengen visa. Contact us to discuss whether this suits your situation.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is a 12-month renewable permit for non-EU nationals who work remotely. It does not allow you to work for Greek clients or employers. It is ideal for Indian IT professionals who wish to live in Greece while working for their existing non-Greek employer or clients.

Students Applying for a Greece Visa

Indian students — whether at Indian universities or studying abroad — can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for tourism or family visits. The application process is the same, but the supporting documents differ.

Student-Specific Documents

College or university enrollment certificate confirming current student status
Student ID card (front and back)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your institution confirming approval for the absence period
Leave certificate if the travel falls during term time
Bank statements in your own name, or parents' bank statements with a sponsorship letter if parents are funding the trip
Parent's ITR and Form 16 if they are the financial sponsor

For Students Funded by Parents

If a parent or guardian is sponsoring your trip, include their bank statements (last 6 months), ITR, and a signed sponsorship letter addressed to the Greek consulate. Ensure consistency between the sponsor's financial documents and the trip costs.

Family Travel from India

Families travelling together to Greece each need their own individual Schengen visa. Each family member must be listed on the application and have their own supporting documents, though documents like hotel bookings and flight itineraries can be shared.

Spouse Documentation

Marriage certificate (certified copy)
If one spouse is sponsoring the other, include the sponsor's financial documents and a letter confirming sponsorship
Both spouses' bank statements or a joint bank statement

Children

Birth certificate for each child
If only one parent is travelling with the child, a notarised consent letter from the absent parent is required
School enrollment certificate and NOC from school for the travel period
Children aged 6–11 pay a reduced visa fee of €40; children under 6 are exempt from the fee

Processing Times & Appointment Availability

Standard Processing Time

Most Indian applicants receive a decision within 15–30 working days of submitting their application. This is the target processing time set by the consulate, though some applications may take longer due to complex cases or high volume periods.

Seasonal Variations

Greece is one of the world's most popular summer holiday destinations, and visa processing volumes spike significantly between April and August. During peak season:

Appointment slots at major VFS centres (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore) fill 4–6 weeks in advance
Processing times may extend beyond 30 working days
Premium VFS services (priority processing) may be available at additional cost

Peak Season Warning

If you are planning to visit Greece in June, July, or August, begin your application process no later than March or April. Waiting until May to start will significantly reduce your appointment options and may leave insufficient processing time.

When to Apply

You may submit your application from 6 months up to 15 days before your planned travel date. For summer holidays, we recommend applying 8–10 weeks before departure. Avoid applying more than 6 months in advance as your application will be returned.

VFS Global Locations in India for Greek Visa

VFS Global manages Greek visa applications at application centres across India. You can apply at any VFS centre regardless of which Indian city you reside in, though travelling to your nearest centre is more practical.

The following cities have VFS Global application centres accepting Greek visa applications:

Mumbai

New Delhi

Chennai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Hyderabad

Ahmedabad

Pune

Chandigarh

Cochin

Always verify current locations, hours, and any appointment availability directly on the VFS Global India website, as service coverage may change.

Passport Return Options

VFS offers courier passport return at most centres. This allows you to have your passport delivered to your registered address after processing, saving you an additional trip to the centre. The service carries an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Schengen visa fee for Indian applicants?

The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (approximately ₹7,000–7,500 at current exchange rates). Children aged 6–11 pay €40. Children under 6 are free. VFS Global also charges a service fee on top of the consulate fee. Both fees are non-refundable.

Can I get a multiple-entry Schengen visa as an Indian citizen?

Yes. Multiple-entry visas are issued at the consulate's discretion. First-time applicants typically receive a single or double-entry visa. Applicants with a clean history of previous Schengen travel and strong financial profiles are more likely to be granted multiple-entry visas, sometimes valid for 1–5 years.

Is ITR mandatory for a Greece visa application from India?

ITR (Income Tax Returns) is not officially mandatory but is strongly recommended and is commonly requested for salaried and self-employed applicants. It is one of the most powerful documents to demonstrate your financial standing and ties to India. Submit the last 2–3 years where possible.

Can I apply without a confirmed hotel booking?

Technically, proof of accommodation is required. However, you do not need to pay for hotels in advance. Most booking platforms (Booking.com, hotels directly) allow free cancellation reservations that can serve as proof. Use these for your application, then adjust once your visa is approved.

What if my passport is under renewal?

You must apply with a valid passport. If your passport is being renewed, you will need to wait until it is returned before submitting your visa application. Plan your timeline accordingly, especially if travelling during peak season.

Can I travel to other European countries with a Greek Schengen visa?

Yes. A Schengen visa issued by Greece is valid for all 27 Schengen countries. You can freely travel between them during your authorised stay period. Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia have recently joined the Schengen Area, expanding the territory covered.

I have a US visa — does that help my Greek visa application?

A valid US visa or green card does not provide visa-free access to Greece, but it significantly strengthens your application. A US visa demonstrates that you have already been vetted by a demanding immigration authority, have travel history, and are likely to return to your home country. Always include copies of any valid visas in your application.

Can a self-employed Indian applicant get a Schengen visa?

Yes, absolutely. Self-employed applicants are routinely approved. The key is providing comprehensive proof of your business — GST registration, company registration, CA-certified accounts, business bank statements, and a cover letter that clearly explains your business and confirms you have staff or commitments that require you to return to India.