10 European Countries That Issued the Most Schengen Visas to Indians

dailyblitz.de 5 часы назад

If your summer plans involve French bistros and Viennese orchestras, securing a Schengen visa should be at the top of your to-do list.

According to the European Commission’s 2024 State of Schengen report, Indians submitted 1.1 million visa applications in 2024, so competition remains stiff in 2025.

Top European Countries for Indians

When it comes to scheduling appointments, timelines vary dramatically by country and city. According to VFS, Switzerland currently offers next-day visa appointments in major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, making it an ideal country to apply.

For France, the earliest available slots are for May 26 in New Delhi and May 28 in Mumbai. In contrast, Portugal is offering next-day slots in Mumbai, but not in Delhi or Bengaluru, where availability is more erratic.

With such varied wait times and approval rates across countries, planning is essential. To save time and effort, it’s smart to consider which countries approve a higher number of visa applications. Here are the Top 10 European Countries for Indian Schengen Visa Approvals.

1. Switzerland (Total Visas Approved: 191,162 | Approval Rate: 87.94%)

Switzerland takes the crown as the most generous Schengen visa issuer for Indians, approving an impressive 191,162 visas out of 217,373 applications. The Alpine nation’s nearly 88% approval rate reflects its welcoming stance toward Indian tourists and business travellers.

Switzerland’s appeal is undeniable – from the majestic Matterhorn to the pristine lakes of Lucerne and the cosmopolitan charm of Zurich and Geneva. The country’s robust tourism infrastructure caters perfectly to Indian travellers, with many hotels and restaurants familiar with Indian dietary preferences.

Swiss cities like Interlaken serve as gateways to adventure sports, while destinations like Jungfraujoch offer breathtaking mountain experiences. The efficiency of Swiss visa processing, combined with next-day appointment availability in major Indian cities, makes it an attractive first choice for Schengen applications.

2. France (Total Visas Approved: 165,564 | Approval Rate: 83.63%)

France remains a perennial favourite among Indian travellers, approving 165,564 visas from 197,959 applications. Despite the 83.63% approval rate being slightly lower than Switzerland’s, France’s absolute numbers reflect its enduring popularity.

Paris alone attracts millions of Indian visitors annually, drawn to iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Beyond Paris, France offers diverse experiences – from the lavender fields of Provence to the glamorous French Riviera, the wine regions of Bordeaux, and the winter sports paradise of the French Alps.

The country’s excellent rail connectivity through the TGV network makes exploring multiple regions convenient. French cuisine, fashion, and culture hold special appeal for Indian travellers, while the presence of established Indian communities in major French cities provides additional comfort for first-time visitors.

3. Germany (Total Visas Approved: 126,812 | Approval Rate: 88.70%)

Germany boasts the highest approval rate among major visa-issuing countries at 88.70%, approving 126,812 visas from 142,955 applications. This impressive success rate reflects Germany’s systematic and fair visa processing approach.

The country appeals to diverse Indian travellers – business professionals attending trade fairs in Frankfurt and Hamburg, tourists exploring fairy-tale castles in Bavaria, history enthusiasts visiting Berlin’s museums, and those seeking Christmas market experiences in cities like Dresden and Cologne.

Germany’s central European location makes it an excellent base for exploring neighbouring countries. The nation’s excellent public transportation, from the efficient Deutsche Bahn railway system to comprehensive urban transit networks, ensures smooth travel experiences. German cities offer excellent Indian restaurants and cultural centres, making Indian travellers feel welcome.

4. Spain (Total Visas Approved: 80,806 | Approval Rate: 83.13%)

Spain approved 80,806 visas from 97,204 applications, maintaining a solid 83.13% approval rate.

The Iberian Peninsula offers incredible diversity – from the architectural wonders of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia to Madrid’s world-class Prado Museum, the Moorish heritage of Andalusia, and the pristine beaches of Costa Brava and Costa del Sol. Spanish culture resonates with many Indians, particularly the vibrant festivals, warm hospitality, and emphasis on family gatherings. The country’s relatively affordable costs compared to other Western European destinations make it attractive for Indian families and budget-conscious travellers.

Spain’s culinary scene, from traditional tapas to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants, provides memorable gastronomic experiences. The presence of direct flights from major Indian cities has further boosted Spain’s popularity.

5. Netherlands (Total Visas Approved: 75,727 | Approval Rate: 83.21%)

The Netherlands approved 75,727 visas from 91,003 applications, achieving an 83.21% approval rate. Despite its small size, the Netherlands offers remarkable diversity and efficiency that appeals to Indian travellers.

Amsterdam’s famous canals, world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and liberal atmosphere attract diverse visitors. The country serves as an excellent introduction to European culture, with English widely spoken and a very international outlook. Dutch tulip gardens in spring, charming windmills, and historic cities like Utrecht and The Hague provide quintessential European experiences.

The Netherlands’ excellent connectivity – both within the country and to neighbouring European destinations – makes it ideal for first-time European visitors. The presence of major international companies also attracts significant business travel from India.

6. Italy (Total Visas Approved: 53,539 | Approval Rate: 88.69%)

Italy maintains an impressive 88.69% approval rate, approving 53,539 visas from 60,365 applications.

The birthplace of the Renaissance continues to captivate Indian travellers with its unparalleled artistic heritage, from Rome’s ancient Colosseum to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and Venice’s romantic canals. Italian cuisine holds special appeal for Indians, with pasta, pizza, and gelato being universally loved. The country’s regional diversity offers something for every traveller – the fashion capital of Milan, the scenic Amalfi Coast, the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the cultural treasures of Sicily.

Italy’s relatively affordable costs in southern regions make it accessible to various budget ranges. The warmth of Italian hospitality and the country’s relaxed lifestyle resonate well with Indian cultural values.

7. Austria (Total Visas Approved: 33,896 | Approval Rate: 77.91%)

Austria approved 33,896 visas from 43,504 applications, with a 77.91% approval rate. This Alpine nation offers a perfect blend of imperial grandeur and natural beauty.

Vienna’s coffee house culture, classical music heritage, and stunning architecture attract culture enthusiasts, while Salzburg’s Mozart connection and fairy-tale charm appeal to diverse travellers. Austria’s mountain regions provide excellent skiing in winter and hiking opportunities in summer. The country’s central European location makes it an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries.

Austrian efficiency in public services and transportation ensures smooth travel experiences. The nation’s emphasis on quality over quantity in tourism results in less crowded attractions compared to other popular European destinations.

8. Belgium (Total Visas Approved: 26,556 | Approval Rate: 90.56%)

Belgium achieves the highest approval rate at 90.56%, approving 26,556 visas from 29,322 applications. Though smaller in absolute numbers, this exceptional success rate makes Belgium an attractive option for Indian applicants.

The country offers unique experiences – from Brussels’ Grand Place and European Union institutions to Bruges’ medieval charm and Antwerp’s diamond heritage. Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer culture provide memorable culinary experiences.

The country’s compact size allows visitors to explore multiple cities easily, while its central location provides excellent access to neighbouring France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Belgium’s multilingual environment and international outlook create a welcoming atmosphere for Indian travellers.

9. Greece (Total Visas Approved: 28,230 | Approval Rate: 68.15%)

Greece approved 28,230 visas from 41,418 applications, resulting in a 68.15% approval rate – the lowest among the top 10 countries. Despite this lower success rate, Greece remains popular for its ancient history, stunning islands, and Mediterranean charm.

The country offers incredible value for money, with beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Acropolis, and charming island destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Greek cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavours, appeals to many Indian palates.

The warmth of Greek hospitality and the country’s relaxed island lifestyle provide perfect vacation experiences. However, applicants should ensure their documentation is particularly thorough, given the lower approval rates.

10. Sweden (Total Visas Approved: 28,109 | Approval Rate: 85.33%)

Sweden rounds out the top 10, approving 28,109 visas from 32,939 applications with an 85.33% approval rate.

The Nordic nation appeals to travellers seeking unique experiences – from Stockholm’s archipelago and medieval old town to the Northern Lights in Lapland and the midnight sun phenomenon. Sweden’s reputation for innovation, design, and sustainability attracts tech-savvy and environmentally conscious Indian travellers. The country’s excellent English proficiency and international outlook make navigation easy for visitors.

Swedish culture’s emphasis on work-life balance and outdoor activities provides insights into alternative lifestyle approaches. The presence of major Indian tech companies and professionals in Swedish cities has also strengthened cultural connections.

Bottom Line

So there you have it – your roadmap to European adventures, complete with approval rates. Armed with this knowledge, you can now approach your Schengen visa application with confidence.

Whether you choose Switzerland’s mountains, France’s romance, or Germany’s efficiency, remember that behind every approved visa stamp is a bureaucrat who decided your documentation looked sufficiently convincing.

Pack your patience along with your passport, practice your best “responsible tourist” face for the embassy interview, and prepare to join the ranks of Indians who’ve successfully navigated the Schengen maze!

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Indians Can Travel to 58 Visa Free Destinations in 2025

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