Schengen Visa Application Requirements

As part of the Schengen visa application process, certain required documents must be submitted when applying for a visa to Europe. The Schengen States have established a list of the required documents for each type of entry into their territory, and these requirements are largely consistent across all of them.

This article provides a checklist of the generally required documents for obtaining a Schengen Visa, as well as the specific required documents for each visa type. Additionally, a brief summary is included for each requirement and its specifications.

What Documents are Required when Applying for a Schengen Visa?

When applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to provide various documents as part of the application process. The Schengen States have created a list of the required documents for each purpose of entry into their territory, and these requirements are generally the same for a stay in each of them. Here is a list of the generally required documents:

Schengen visa application form: This is the first document that you will need to submit. You can download the form from the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen State you wish to visit.
Passport: You must provide a valid passport or travel document that is no older than 10 years and has a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
Photograph: You will need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs, taken against a white background.
Travel itinerary: This includes details of your intended travel, such as transportation bookings (flight booking – onhold tickets) and hotel booking (Get Best Deals here).

Travel health insurance: You will need to provide proof of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be in the form of bank statements or a letter from your employer.
Proof of accommodation: You will need to provide proof of your accommodation in the Schengen Area, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host.
Letter of intent/Cover Letter: This is a letter that explains the purpose of your trip and your plans while in the Schengen Area.
If anyone Sponsering you then Sponsership Letter.

Additional requirements depending on the purpose of your visit:

Tourism: proof of travel itinerary, proof of paid fee for tourist services, proof of paid fee for package travel, and/or invitation letter from the host
Business: invitation letter from the company or organization, proof of paid fee for business meetings or events, and/or trade fair invitation
Visiting family or friends: invitation letter from the host, proof of relationship, and/or proof of accommodation
Study: acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of tuition payment, and/or proof of scholarship
Employment: work permit, employment contract, and/or approval from the relevant authorities

It is important to note that all documents must be submitted in either English, French, or the official language of the Schengen State you plan to visit. If any of your documents are not in one of these languages, you must provide an official translation.

Do Embassies Require Additional Documents Beside the Ones That Are Listed?

Yes, Embassies may require additional documents beside the ones that are listed as part of the Schengen visa application requirements. The Embassy may request additional documents depending on the case, the applicant’s profile, and the purpose of the travel.

In addition, it is important to note that each Embassy has its own set of requirements and procedures, so it is advisable to check with the Embassy where you plan to submit your visa application to ensure that you have all the necessary documents.

Schengen Visa Requirements According to Applicant’s Employment Status

The required documents for a Schengen visa application may vary depending on the applicant’s employment status. Below are the different categories and their specific requirements:

Employed:

- A signed employment contract with the employer, which indicates the duration of employment, salary, and job position.
- Leave approval from the employer stating the duration of absence from work.
- A letter from the employer, which guarantees that the applicant will return to their home country after the trip.

Self-employed:

- A business license or a certificate of registration.
- Company bank statements for the last 6 months.
- Tax return statements (ITR) of the last 2 years.

Students:

- Proof of enrolment at a university or educational institution.
- No-objection certificate from the school or university stating the duration of the trip.
- Financial proof, such as a bank statement, that indicates the availability of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip.

Retired individuals:

- Pension statements or any other document proving the receipt of a pension.
- A bank statement that shows the availability of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip.

Unemployed:

- Proof of any other sources of income or support from friends or family.
- A bank statement that shows the availability of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of the trip.

Note that these are general requirements and may vary depending on the embassy or consulate handling the visa application. It is best to consult the embassy or consulate website or contact them directly to confirm the specific requirements.

What Documents are Required for Schengen Visa for Minors?

When applying for a Schengen visa for minors, some additional documents are required along with the standard documents mentioned earlier. Here are the documents that are typically required:

Birth certificate: The original birth certificate of the minor must be provided, along with a copy of it.
Passport copies: Copies of the passports of both parents, as well as the minor’s own passport, must be provided.
Parental authorization: A notarized parental authorization letter must be provided. This letter should indicate the name and relationship of the person who will be responsible for the minor during their stay in the Schengen area.
Proof of financial means: Proof that the minor has enough funds to cover their stay in the Schengen area must be provided. This can be in the form of bank statements or traveler’s checks.
Travel itinerary: The itinerary of the minor’s trip, including the dates and places of stay, must be provided.
Accommodation proof: Proof of accommodation must be provided, which can be in the form of a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen area.

It’s important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the minor and their trip. It’s recommended to check with the embassy or consulate where the visa application will be submitted to ensure that all necessary documents are provided.

Specific Documents Required According to Schengen Visa Type

In order to get a Schengen visa, you’ll need to submit additional documents along with the other paperwork you submitted for your visa type. These documents depend on the visa type you’re applying for.

If you want to travel to Europe, you will need to get different documents for each country you plan to visit. For example, if you want to travel to Germany, you will need a passport, a visa, and a residence permit.

What are Documents Required when Applying for an Airport Transit Visa?

In addition to the common documentation required for all Schengen visa types, applicants for an airport transit visa (ATV) will need to provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa for the country of final destination, if required.
Proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed airline ticket, to a third country or the country of final destination.
Proof of entry into the country of final destination, if required.
Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate where the visa application is submitted.

It’s important to note that the requirements for an ATV may vary depending on the country, as each Schengen state has its own regulations for issuing visas. It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you will be transiting through for further information on specific requirements.

What are Documents Required when Applying for a Visa to Visit Relatives or Friends?

In addition to the common documents required for a Schengen visa, there are some additional documents that may be required when applying for a visa to visit relatives or friends. These include:

Invitation letter: An invitation letter from the host in the Schengen area is required. The letter should state the purpose and duration of the visit, as well as the host’s relationship to the applicant, contact details, and address.
Proof of accommodation: Proof of accommodation during the stay should be submitted. This can be in the form of hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from the host.
Proof of financial means: The applicant must show evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the visit, such as bank statements or proof of employment.
Proof of relationship: In addition to the invitation letter, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents to prove their relationship with the host, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.
Health insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage is required. The insurance policy must cover the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen area and provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.

It is important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the consulate or embassy where the application is being submitted. It is recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

What are the Document Requirements when Applying for a Tourist Visa?

When applying for a tourist visa to visit the Schengen area, in addition to the common documentation mentioned earlier, the following documents are required:

Travel itinerary: This document should include details of the places you will be visiting during your stay in the Schengen area, including travel dates, accommodation, and activities planned.
Proof of accommodation: This document is required to show the place where you will be staying during your visit, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or letters of invitation from friends or family members.
Financial means: You will need to show that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in the Schengen area. This can be proven through bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter from your employer.
Travel insurance: You will need to provide proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency hospital treatment for a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Employment status: If you are employed, you will need to provide a letter from your employer stating your job position, salary, and length of employment. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide proof of your business registration and financial status.
Previous travel history: If you have traveled outside of your home country before, you should provide details of your previous travel history, including the countries you have visited and the length of stay in each country.
Invitation letter: If you are visiting friends or family in the Schengen area, you should provide an invitation letter from your host, which includes their contact information, a brief description of your visit, and the duration of your stay.

What are the Document Requirements when Applying for a Business Visa?

When applying for a business visa, in addition to the common documentation required for a Schengen visa, you may also need to provide the following:

Invitation letter from the company or organization in the Schengen country: This letter should explain the purpose and duration of the visit, and should be on the company’s official letterhead.
Certificate of employment: This document should state your job position, length of employment, and monthly salary.
Business registration documents: If you are a business owner, you may need to provide documentation such as a business license or registration certificate.
Proof of financial means: You may need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses and stay in the Schengen country.
Travel itinerary: This should include information on your planned activities during your stay, such as meetings, conferences, or trade shows.
Evidence of accommodation: You may need to provide proof of where you will be staying during your visit, such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
Health insurance: You will need to provide proof of health insurance that is valid in the Schengen country and covers any medical expenses that may arise during your stay.

What are the Document Requirements when Applying for a Training Visa?

When applying for a training visa, in addition to the common documentation required for a Schengen visa application, you may be asked to provide:

Proof of enrollment: You will need to provide proof of enrollment in a training program or course in the Schengen area. This can be in the form of a letter of acceptance or enrollment from the educational institution.
Training plan: You may be asked to provide a detailed training plan, outlining the specific courses, modules or projects you will be undertaking during your training program.
Training agreement: Some countries may require you to provide a training agreement or contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of your training program, including the duration of the program, the responsibilities of the host organization and your obligations as a trainee.
Proof of financial means: You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your training program in the Schengen area. This can include bank statements, salary slips or a letter from your sponsor.
Accommodation proof: You may be asked to provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements during your training program, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host organization.
Travel itinerary: You may be required to provide a detailed itinerary of your travel plans, including your arrival and departure dates, as well as any other travel plans you have within the Schengen area.

What are the Document Requirements when Applying for a Medical Visa?

When applying for a medical visa to visit Europe, the required documents in addition to the common documentation are:

Medical report: A medical report from the hospital or doctor in Europe that is going to provide medical treatment for the patient. This report should include the patient’s medical condition, the expected treatment, and the estimated cost of the treatment.
Appointment letter: A letter from the medical institution in Europe that confirms the patient’s appointment for the medical treatment.
Proof of payment: A proof of payment for the medical treatment, which may include bank statements or credit card statements.
Accommodation: Evidence of where the patient will be staying during the treatment, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host.
Travel itinerary: A travel itinerary showing the dates of travel and the details of the trip.
Travel medical insurance: A travel medical insurance policy that covers the patient for the duration of their stay in Europe. The policy should include coverage for medical treatment and repatriation in case of an emergency.

There are several other types of visas that may be required for travel to Europe, such as visas for cultural or sports events, study visas, research visas, and more. The specific requirements and documentation for these types of visas will vary based on the purpose of the visit and the country being visited. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit for more information on the specific visa requirements and application process.

What are the Document Requirements when Travelling to Europe for the Purpose of Studying?

here are some specific documents that may be required when applying for a Schengen visa for the purpose of studying:

Acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Europe
Proof of payment of tuition fees or scholarship grant
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Academic records or transcripts from previous schools attended
Travel medical insurance that covers the entire period of stay in Europe
Proof of accommodation (such as a lease agreement or a letter of invitation from a sponsor)
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the cost of living during the entire period of stay in Europe
Language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
A clear study plan outlining the course of study, purpose of the visit, and planned activities during the stay in Europe
Criminal record certificate (if applicable)

It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the country where the visa is being applied for and the duration of the stay. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the embassy or consulate website of the country where the visa is being applied for to ensure all the necessary documents are included in the application.

What are the Document Requirements when Travelling to Europe for the Purpose of Studying?

The additional required documents to obtain a Schengen Working visa, here are some specific documents that may be required when applying for a visa to travel to Europe for the purpose of employment:

Employment contract or letter of invitation from the employer in the Schengen country.
Certificate of registration with the relevant professional body, if applicable.
Evidence of qualifications, such as diplomas or certificates.
Bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
Medical certificate from a recognized doctor stating that the applicant is not suffering from any contagious diseases.
Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of residence or any other country where the applicant has lived for more than six months.
Flight itinerary or other evidence of travel arrangements.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for a Schengen employment visa may vary depending on the country of destination and the individual circumstances of the applicant. It is always recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.

What are the Document Requirement when Travelling to Europe for the Purpose of Joining a Spouse Residing in EU?

The additional required documents to obtain a Schengen visa to join a Spouse residing in the EU:

Proof of marriage or registered partnership: A document proving that the applicant is legally married to or in a registered partnership with their EU-residing spouse. This could be a marriage certificate or a registered partnership certificate.
Proof of the EU-residing spouse’s legal residence in the EU: The applicant must provide a document proving that their spouse is legally residing in the EU. This could be a residence permit, employment contract, or utility bills.
Proof of the applicant’s intention to stay with their spouse: The applicant must provide proof that they intend to stay with their spouse in the EU. This could be a letter from the spouse, a rental contract, or a utility bill in both names.
Proof of financial means: The applicant must provide proof that they have enough financial means to support themselves during their stay in the EU. This could be a bank statement or a letter from the employer.
Proof of travel insurance: The applicant must provide proof of travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation in case of illness or accident. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and for the duration of the stay.

What are the Document Requirement when Travelling for the Purpose of Participating in Cultural, Sports or Religious events in Europe?

The additional required documents to obtain a Schengen visa to participate in cultural, sports, or religious events in Europe are:

Invitation letter from the organizer or sponsor of the event stating the purpose, duration, and detailed itinerary of the trip.
Evidence of participation in the event, such as an official invitation, registration confirmation, or tickets.
Proof of financial means to cover the stay in Europe, such as bank statements, sponsorship letter, or traveler’s cheques.
Travel health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
A letter from the employer or educational institution showing the applicant’s leave approval, if applicable.
For minors, a notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians, authorizing the trip and specifying the accompanying adult, if applicable.
Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of the stay in Europe, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from a host.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Document Requirements for Schengen Visa Application:

Do I buy the plane ticket before or after they issue the visa?

It is recommended that you do not purchase your plane ticket until your visa has been issued. This is because there is a possibility that your visa application may be denied, in which case you would lose the money you spent on the ticket.

If someone is expecting me at the Schengen country, how do I document that to the Embassy/Consulate?

You can provide a letter of invitation from the person who is expecting you. The letter should include their name, address, and contact information, as well as the purpose and duration of your visit.

How much money do I have to own in order to get the Schengen visa?

There is no set amount of money that you are required to have in order to obtain a Schengen visa. However, you will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the Schengen area.

Do I have to send copies of previous visas when applying for a Schengen visa?

It is not always necessary to provide copies of previous visas when applying for a Schengen visa. However, if you have previously been granted a visa for the Schengen area, providing a copy of that visa can help to strengthen your application.

Do I need additional documents to reside more than 90 days in a Schengen country?

Yes, if you plan to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. The requirements for a long-stay visa may vary depending on the country you will be visiting, but in general, you will need to provide additional documentation such as proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate.

Should I bring my medical file with me if I am travelling to a foreign country?

It is generally a good idea to bring your medical file with you when you travel to a foreign country. This can help to ensure that you receive appropriate medical care if you become ill or injured while abroad. Additionally, if you are traveling with prescription medications, you should carry a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity of the medications.

Do I buy the plane ticket before or after they issue the visa?

It’s advisable not to buy a plane ticket before obtaining a visa as there is no guarantee that the visa will be granted. It’s best to wait until you receive your visa before purchasing your plane ticket.

If someone is expecting me at the Schengen country, how do I document that to the Embassy/Consulate? You can provide a letter of invitation from the person or organization in the Schengen country who is expecting you. The letter should include your name, the purpose and duration of your visit, and information about the person or organization who is inviting you.

How much money do I have to own in order to get the Schengen visa?

There is no specific amount of money that you need to have in order to obtain a Schengen visa. However, you will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen area.

Do I have to send copies of previous visas when applying for a Schengen visa?

It’s not mandatory to provide copies of previous visas when applying for a Schengen visa. However, if you have previously been issued a Schengen visa, providing a copy of the visa and entry/exit stamps from your previous trips can strengthen your application.

Do I need additional documents to reside more than 90 days in a Schengen country?

Yes, if you plan to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit. The required documents may vary depending on the purpose of your stay, but typically include proof of accommodation, sufficient funds to support yourself, and a valid reason for your stay.

Should I bring my medical file with me if I am travelling to a foreign country?

It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of your medical file with you when travelling abroad. This can be useful in case you need to seek medical treatment while abroad, or if you have a pre-existing medical condition that may require attention. However, it’s important to also research the healthcare system and medical facilities in the country you are visiting, as well as any specific requirements or recommendations for visitors.

In conclusion, obtaining a Schengen visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail.

It is essential to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly and on time. Applicants should also be prepared to provide additional documents, if requested by the embassy or consulate. By understanding the specific requirements for their visa type and ensuring that all necessary documents are in order, applicants can increase their chances of a successful visa application and a smooth travel experience.

We hope this article has helped you understand the Schengen visa application requirements and the specific documents needed for each visa type. However, keep in mind that the requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, purpose of travel, and other factors. For more detailed and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting our website, where you can find free resources and guides on Schengen visa application, as well as other useful travel information.