When applying for a Schengen visa, one of the requirements is to provide proof of financial means. This is to ensure that the visa applicant has enough funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the Schengen area.
Bullet points on the proof of financial means requirement:
- The proof of financial means requirement applies to all types of Schengen visas, including tourist, business, and study visas.
- The amount of funds required may vary depending on the duration of stay and the purpose of the visit.
- The funds should be readily available and in the applicant’s name.
- The applicant may be required to provide bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents to prove their financial means.
- In some cases, the applicant may also be required to provide a sponsorship letter or proof of accommodation arrangements.
In summary: Proof of financial means is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. The amount of funds required may vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay. The applicant should be prepared to provide bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents to prove their financial means. In some cases, a sponsorship letter or proof of accommodation arrangements may also be required
Looking for more information to help plan your travels? Check out our related pages for helpful tips and guidance. Whether you need to apply for a visa, find the right travel insurance, or learn about the documentation needed to prove your financial means, we have you covered. You can also find valuable information on flight itineraries, Schengen visa fees, and the ultimate travel guide to help you plan your trip from start to finish. And don’t forget to review our guide to the visa process, which outlines the steps you need to take to apply for a Schengen visa and enter Europe with confidence.
When applying for a Schengen visa, the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country that you plan to visit will ask for supporting documents, including proof of means of subsistence. This document is essential as it demonstrates that you have the necessary financial ability to travel and reside in the Schengen area while maintaining the standard of living of the hosting country.
There are various ways to prove your financial sufficiency when applying for a Schengen visa:
- Personal bank statements for at least three months
- Credit cards
- Cash
- Traveller’s cheques
- Payslips
- Proof of employment
- Documents to attest to a sponsor’s willingness to cover expenses
- Proof of prepaid accommodation
- Document about accommodation in private
- Proof of prepaid transport
- Other supporting documents as necessary.
The means of subsistence requirement is specified in the Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of The European Parliament and of The Council of 13 July 2009, also known as the Visa Code. This regulation outlines the criteria for obtaining a Schengen visa, including the requirement for proof of financial means.
What is means of subsistence for Schengen visa?
The means of subsistence refers to the funds necessary to cover the applicant’s expenses during their stay in the Schengen area. These expenses may include accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. The amount required for means of subsistence may vary depending on the duration of stay and the country being visited. It is important to ensure that the funds are readily available and in the applicant’s name. Proof of means of subsistence is one of the requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa.
Means of Subsistence for Austria
The Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria, as well as all Austrian Embassies and Consulates around the world, do not provide a clear and specific amount for the necessary means of subsistence required for Austria visa applicants. Instead, the amount of financial means required is determined on an individual basis, varying from case to case.
Information source: Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria
Means of Subsistence for Belgium
When applying for a Belgium Visa at a Belgian Embassy or Consulate, the Belgian Immigration Office requires that foreign nationals demonstrate they possess the necessary means of subsistence to enter and reside in the country. According to the Belgian Immigration Office, this amount is €95/day if staying in a hotel and €45/day when planning to use more affordable accommodations.
Information source: The Belgian Immigration Office
Means of Subsistence for the Czech Republic
When applying for a short-term Czech Republic visa at the Czech Embassy or Consulate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires that the applicant prove they have 1,100 CZK, equivalent to 42.50€ per day of stay. If the stay exceeds 30 calendar days, an additional amount of 33,000 CZK or 1,274€, as well as 4,400 CZK or 170€ per month of stay, must be attested. For long-term visas, the applicant must prove 15 times the subsistence minimum (2,200 CZK or 85€), as well as 33,000 CZK or 1,274€, and double the minimum each month of stay. For long-term business visas, the applicant must attest to having 50 times the subsistence minimum, which is 110,000 CZK or 4,245€. For long-term student visas, the applicant can attest to their financial sufficiency by providing a confirmation from a state authority or organization covering their expenses, in the amount of 2,200 CZK or 85€ per day of stay. It is important to note that individuals under the age of 18 must prove half or 50% of the required financial means when applying for a Czech visa.
Information source: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Means of Subsistence for Denmark
When applying for a Denmark Visa at a Danish Embassy or Consulate, the Visa Code of Denmark stipulates that the applicant must provide proof of financial means. The amount required is nearly 500 DKK or 67.24€ per day of stay if the applicant plans to stay in a hotel, while for cheaper means such as hostels, the required amount is 350 DKK or 47.07€ per day. However, if the applicant pays for accommodation in advance or a third party covers their accommodation, the required amount of financial means lowers.
Information source: The Ministry of Justice of Denmark
Means of Subsistence for Estonia
When applying for an Estonian Visa, foreign nationals must provide evidence of possessing sufficient financial means for the duration of their stay in Estonia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia indicates that the required amount is 100€ per day.”
Information source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Estonia.
Means of Subsistence for Finland
According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, foreign nationals applying for a Finland visa are required to demonstrate that they possess at least 30€ per day of stay in Finland to the Finland Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Means of Subsistence for France
According to the regulations set by the European Commission, individuals who wish to enter France after 19 June 2014 must demonstrate their financial means to the French Embassy or Consulate when applying for a France Visa. The required daily amount is 120€ if the applicant does not have proof of prepaid accommodation. However, if the accommodation is prepaid, the daily amount decreases to 65€ for the period of covered hotel accommodation, while the remaining amount must still be at least 120€. Cheaper forms of accommodation are also accepted, with a required daily amount of 32.25€.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Germany
When applying for a German visa, it is required that foreign applicants demonstrate to the German Embassy or Consulate that they possess 45€/day for the entire duration of their stay in Germany, according to the European Commission.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Greece
According to the European Commission, foreign nationals from non-EU countries who wish to apply for a Greek visa must demonstrate possession of at least 50€ per day and a minimum total amount of 300€ for a stay of up to 5 days to the Greek Embassy or Consulate. This requirement was established by the Common Ministerial Decision No 3021/22/10-f on December 24th, 2007. It’s important to note that minors are required to demonstrate only 50% of the regular amount.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Hungary
According to the European Commission, for a foreigner to enter and reside in Hungary through a Hungarian visa, they must provide 10,000 HUF or 24.30€ upon each entry as per the alien policing legislation of Hungary, Decree No 25/2001. However, there is currently no specified amount of means of subsistence needed for an applicant to attest to the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate at the time of applying for a visa.
Information source: The European Commission.
Means of Subsistence for Iceland
As the European Commission communicates, a foreign national, according to Icelandic Law when applying for an Icelandic Visa, must attest owning an amount of subsistence of 4,000 ISK or 28.80€/day to the Icelandic Embassy or Consulate. While the amount of money required for each entry to the territory of Iceland is 20,000 ISK or 144.02€.
Information source: The European Commission, Icelandic Law
Means of Subsistence for Italy
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, if you are applying for an Italian Visa to an Italian Embassy or Consulate, you need to attest to having the following amounts of means of subsistence:
- For stays up to 5 days, the overall amount is €269.60/person or €212.81/two or more persons.
- For stays of 6-10 days, the daily amount is €44.93/person or €26.33/two or more persons.
- For stays of 11-20 days, the overall amount is €51.64/person or €25.82/two or more persons, plus the daily amount is €36.67/person or €22.21/two or more persons.
- For stays over 20 days, the overall amount is €206.58/person or €118.79/two or more persons, plus the daily amount is €27.89/person or €17.04/two or more persons.
Information source: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy
Means of Subsistence for Latvia
When applying for a Latvian Visa to the Latvian Embassy or Consulate, foreign nationals must attest to having at least 14€/day for the duration of their stay, according to the Immigration Law of Latvia as communicated by the European Commission.
Information source: The European Commission, Immigration Law of Latvia
Means of Subsistence for Lithuania
When applying for a Lithuanian visa to the Lithuanian Embassy or Consulate, foreign nationals are required to attest that they possess 40€ per day for the duration of their stay in the Republic of Lithuania, as per the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of Lithuania.
Information source: The European Commission, the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens of Lithuania
Means of Subsistence for Luxembourg
No specific amount is stipulated for means of subsistence when applying for a Luxembourg visa to the Luxembourg Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Malta
A foreign national who applies for a visa to Malta needs to attest to owning €48 per day for the period of stay to the Malta Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Netherlands
A foreign national who applies for a Netherlands visa needs to attest to owning €34 per day for the period of stay to the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Norway
A foreign national who applies for a Norwegian visa needs to attest to owning at least 500 NOK (equivalent to €53.34) to the Embassy or Consulate. However, the exact amount may be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Information source: The European Commission, Section 17 (f) of the Norwegian Immigration Act
Means of Subsistence for Poland
A foreign national who applies for a visa to Poland needs to attest to owning the following amounts of means of subsistence to the Poland Embassy or Consulate:
- For stays up to 3 days: overall amount of 300 PLN or €67.76
- For stays exceeding 3 days: daily amount of 100 PLN or €22.59
- If accommodation costs are covered by a third party or prior to travel, the daily amount reduces to 20 PLN or €4.52
Information source: The European Commission, The Regulation of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Administration
Means of Subsistence for Portugal
The European Commission provides information that foreign nationals applying for a Portugal Visa to the Portugal Embassy or Consulate must attest to owning 40€/day in order to enter the territory of Portugal. Additionally, every foreign national entering Portugal must be able to provide an amount of 75€. However, foreign nationals who can prove that their accommodation and food expenses are covered during their stay in Portugal may be exempt from paying these amounts.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Slovakia
Under Article 4 of the Act No 48/2002 Coll. on stay of aliens and on amendment of certain acts, foreign nationals applying for a Slovak Visa to the Slovak Embassy or Consulate must attest to owning an amount of 56€/day for the duration of their stay in Slovakia.
Information source: The European Commission, Article 4 of the Act No 48/2002 Coll. of Slovakia
Means of Subsistence for Slovenia
According to the Article 7 of the Instructions on refusing entry to aliens, conditions for issuing visas at border crossings, conditions for issuing visas for humanitarian reasons and procedure for revoking visas, foreign nationals applying for a Slovenian Visa to the Slovenian Embassy or Consulate must attest to owning the amount of 70€/day for the duration of their stay in Slovenia. However, this amount is reduced to 50% or 35€ for minors, their parents, and legal representatives.
Information source: The European Commission, the Article 7 of “The Instructions”
Means of Subsistence for Spain
Concerning what the European Commission informs, under the Order of the Ministry of the Presidency of Spain (PRE/1282/2007), a foreigner who seeks to enter the territory of Spain needs to attest owning at least 100€/day, with a minimum of €900 per person regardless of the intended duration of the stay. The foreign national needs to attest to owning such amount to the Spain Embassy or Consulate when applying for a Spanish Visa.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Sweden
In accordance with the information provided by the European Commission, as of 15 November 2011, a foreigner who seeks to enter the territory of Sweden must be able to attest possessing 450 SEK or 48.26€/day of stay in Sweden, at the moment applying for a Swedish Visa to the Swedish Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission
Means of Subsistence for Switzerland
As the European Commission informs, according to the Swiss Aliens Act of 16 December 2005 (RS 142.20), a foreign national who wants to enter and reside in the territory of Switzerland must be able to attest owning at least 100 CHF or 92.34€/day on his disposition during its stay in Switzerland, while, in case the foreigner is a student possessing a valid student ID this amount reduces to 30 CHF or 27.70€/day. A foreigner is obliged to provide such proof of sufficient financial means, the moment applying for a Swiss Visa to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission, the Swiss Aliens Act (RS 142.20)
Means of Subsistence for Liechtenstein
According to information provided by the European Commission, a foreigner who wishes to enter Liechtenstein must be able to prove that they have nearly 100 CHF or 92.34€ per day of their stay available to them, similar to the requirement in Switzerland. However, if the foreigner is a student with a valid student ID, this amount reduces to 30 CHF or 27.70€ per day. To apply for a Liechtenstein Visa, the foreign applicant must provide proof of these funds to the Liechtenstein Embassy or Consulate.
Information source: The European Commission
Here are some common questions about the proof of financial means for visa:
What is proof of financial means for visa application?
Proof of financial means is evidence that an individual has enough money to support themselves during their stay in a foreign country.
How much money do I need to show for proof of financial means for a visa?
The amount of money required for proof of financial means varies depending on the country and the purpose of the visit. Generally, it is recommended to have enough money to cover all expenses during the trip, including accommodation, food, transportation, and any other expenses.
What documents can I submit as proof of financial means for a visa?
The documents that can be submitted as proof of financial means for a visa include bank statements, proof of employment or income, sponsorship letters, and tax returns, among others.
Can I use my bank statement as proof of financial means for a visa?
Yes, a bank statement can be used as proof of financial means for a visa application. However, it must be recent and show sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the trip.
How recent should my bank statement be for proof of financial means for a visa?
The bank statement should be recent, usually within the last three months, and should show sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the trip.
Can I submit my parents’ bank statement as proof of financial means for a visa?
Yes, in some cases, parents’ bank statements can be submitted as proof of financial means for a visa application, particularly if they are sponsoring the trip.
Do I need to have a certain amount of money in my bank account for proof of financial means for a visa?
The amount of money required for proof of financial means varies depending on the country and the purpose of the visit. Generally, it is recommended to have enough money to cover all expenses during the trip, including accommodation, food, transportation, and any other expenses.
Can I submit my income tax return as proof of financial means for a visa?
Yes, an income tax return can be submitted as proof of financial means for a visa application, particularly if it shows sufficient income to cover all expenses during the trip.
Do I need to show proof of financial means for a short-stay visa or only for long-stay visas?
Proof of financial means is generally required for both short-stay and long-stay visas. However, the amount and type of documentation required may vary depending on the duration and purpose of your stay.
Can I show proof of financial means in a currency other than the one used in the country I am visiting for my visa application?
In most cases, you will need to show proof of financial means in the currency of the country you are visiting. However, some countries may accept proof of financial means in other currencies as well. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for their specific requirements.
What if my sponsor is providing financial support for my trip? What documents do I need to submit as proof of financial means for a visa?
If your sponsor is providing financial support for your trip, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter of invitation from your sponsor, proof of their financial means, and a statement from them confirming their intention to support you financially during your stay.
How do I calculate the required minimum funds for proof of financial means for a visa application?
The required minimum funds for proof of financial means for a visa application will vary depending on the country you are visiting and the duration of your stay. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for their specific requirements.
Can I show proof of financial means through a letter of credit for a visa application?
In most cases, a letter of credit is not considered an acceptable form of proof of financial means for a visa application. You will need to provide other types of documentation such as bank statements, tax returns, or proof of employment.
What if I do not have enough funds for proof of financial means for my visa application?
If you do not have enough funds for proof of financial means for your visa application, your application may be denied. It is important to ensure that you have enough funds to support your trip before applying for a visa.
What happens if my proof of financial means for my visa application is insufficient?
If your proof of financial means for your visa application is insufficient, your application may be denied. It is important to ensure that you meet the financial requirements for your visa before submitting your application.