A Schengen visa is a permit that allows you to enter and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which comprises 27 European countries, for short stays up to 90 days within 180 days, primarily for tourism or business purposes. It includes short-stay visas for travel or transit through a Schengen state and airport transit visas.

However, for stays longer than 90 days, such as studying, working, or living in a Schengen country, one must apply for a National Visa-D specific to that country, not a Schengen Visa.

Visa Application Whole Process

Understanding the whole process is crucial for anyone planning to visit the Schengen Area in Europe. This requirement depends on factors such as nationality, passport-type, the nature of your trip to the Schengen countries, and specific agreements between countries. In addition, you need to submit numerous documents and go through the process. These factors collectively determine whether you must obtain a Schengen visa for your intended purposes.