Many foreigners live in Indonesia for work, study, or even as digital nomads. But when it comes to traveling to Europe, they still need a Schengen visa. The good news is, foreigners can apply directly in Indonesia as long as they hold a valid residence permit.
This article will walk you through the requirements, the easiest Schengen countries to apply for from Indonesia, approval rates by nationality, and tips to ensure a smooth application.
Key Requirements for Foreigners Applying Schengen Visa in Indonesia
Unlike Indonesian citizens, foreigners must prove legal residency in Indonesia before applying. Most Schengen embassies in Jakarta require proof of residence valid for at least 90 days.
Here’s what you need to prepare:
- KITAS/KITAP or a valid residence permit
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of domicile in Indonesia (rental contract or utility bill)
- Bank statements (local or international) with sufficient funds
- Flight reservation & hotel bookings
- Schengen travel insurance covering at least €30,000
👉 Note: Applications with only an Indonesian tourist visa are usually not accepted.
Easiest Schengen Countries for Foreigners to Apply from Indonesia
Several embassies in Jakarta are considered more “foreigner-friendly” for legal residents of Indonesia. Here are 5 Schengen countries with relatively high approval rates:
1. Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Applications via VFS Global Jakarta
- Global approval rate > 90%
- Transparent process, popular among expats and students
2. Germany 🇩🇪
- Accepts applications from foreigners with residence permits over 3 months
- Approval rate globally around 93–95%
- Clear appointment system and efficient processing
3. France 🇫🇷
- Applications via TLS Contact Jakarta
- Approval rate globally about 92%
- Detailed documentation required, but high success with complete files
4. Italy 🇮🇹
- Applications via VFS Global
- Very high approval rate globally, up to 98%
- Often chosen as the first entry point for Schengen trips
5. Spain 🇪🇸
- Applications via BLS International
- Approval rate close to 90%
- Structured process, relatively flexible for foreigners with valid documents
Approval Rates by Nationality
Even if you apply from Indonesia, the approval rate depends on your nationality. Statistics generally follow the global trend:
- Russia: ~89%
- India: ~82%
- Philippines: ~92%
- Nigeria: ~55–60%
- China: ~95%
📌 This means Chinese or Filipino applicants usually have higher chances than Nigerian or Indian applicants. However, applying from Indonesia with strong local documents (residence permit, sponsor, bank account) can increase your chances compared to applying from your home country.
Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application in Indonesia
- Apply to the correct embassy – Submit to the country of your first entry or where you’ll stay the longest.
- Provide complete local documents – KITAS/KITAP, company sponsorship letters in Indonesia, and local bank accounts are strong supporting evidence.
- Book early appointments – Apply at least 1 month before travel to avoid delays.
- Use official visa centers if needed – VFS Global, TLS Contact, or BLS International streamline the process.
- Be honest and consistent – Make sure all details match between your passport, residence permit, and supporting documents.
Conclusion
Foreigners living in Indonesia can successfully apply for a Schengen visa without returning to their home country, as long as they have a valid residence permit and complete documents. Countries like Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are known for being expat-friendly in Jakarta.
While approval rates depend on nationality, preparing strong local documents and applying through the right embassy significantly improves your chances.
✅ Need Help with Your Schengen Visa Application?
At Azra Solutions, we assist both Indonesians and foreigners living in Indonesia with their visa needs. From document review, appointment booking, to consultation with experienced agents — we make your Schengen journey smoother.
👉 Contact Azra Solutions today to start your application with expert guidance.
