u/Ill-Pirate4249 — reddlx

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a sanity check from fellow remote contractors who have recently secured a Schengen visa (specifically Greece/GVCW). I have a company offsite in Zante (June 20-25) and plan to extend for 2 weeks of solo travel.

My Profile:

Role: Software Developer (3.5 YOE) for a UK-based startup.
Legal Status: Independent Contractor / Sole Proprietor (44ADA).
Income: Crossed ₹20L threshold recently; GST registration is in progress (not yet active).
Payment Method: Monthly IMPS transfers (direct INR conversion) matching my USD-pegged invoices. No SWIFT/FIRC available.
Travel History: One international trip to Dubai (2025) for a previous company offsite.

Documentation I can possibly submit:

Financials: Last 2/3 years’ ITR-V (44ADA) + 6 months of bank statements (signed/stamped).
Proof of Funds: Healthy 6-figure bank balance + Consolidated Account Statement (CAS) for my Mutual Fund portfolio to show long-term wealth.
Contract: Signed Service/Consultancy Agreement with the UK company.
Client Letter" Business Invitation Letter from the UK HQ (Digitally signed/stamped on letterhead) confirming sponsorship of the offsite.
Mapping: A table in my cover letter matching every Invoice to the corresponding IMPS credit in my bank statement.
Jurisdiction: Registered Rent Agreement for my flat in Pune (applying at GVCW Pune)
Ties to India: Rent agreement, 3.5 years of stable professional history, and a letter stating my intent to resume services from Pune post-trip. Perhaps mutual funds also?

My specific concerns:

Since I have no local Indian HR/Entity, Should I be ticking "Self-Employed"? For those in my scene, did the lack of a physically stamped NOC from the UK cause issues?
IMPS vs. FIRC: Has anyone been rejected because their "salary" comes via IMPS? I’m worried the embassy might see them as random domestic transfers despite the invoice mapping.
The GST Gap: Since my turnover is >20L but my GST is "pending," will the ITR and Contract be enough for the Greek embassy to see me as a legitimate business?

Lastly if an agent has really helped someone in a scene like me It would be great to know