Schengen Visa Application

Are you planning a stay in the Schengen area? We explain which documents you need and what you should consider when applying for a visa.

These documents belong to your visa application

Once the circumstances of your trip are known, it’s time to prepare the necessary documents. Your visa application is in principle submitted to the embassy of the country where you will spend most of your time.

Who needs a Schengen visa?

Before you put a lot of time into a visa application, you should make sure that you need a visa to enter.

All countries with a visa requirement can be found here in overview.

5 tips for the Schengen visa passport photo

A completed and signed application form

The form can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate located in your home country

2 current passport photos

Please note specifications:

  • Photo size: Passport format (35mm x 45mm)
  • not older than 6 months
  • Colour (not b / w)
  • Biometric
A currently valid passport
The passport must be valid at least three months before departure and contain at least two empty pages.
Copies of previous visas
If you have already received one or more Schengen visas in the past, attach them to your new application as a copy.
Return ticket or travel plan with supporting documents
Your travel itinerary must be plausible at the time of application and verifiable with the appropriate bookings (bus, train or flight numbers).
Proof of adequate health insurance coverage
The Schengen area has clear rules on what benefits your health insurance must guarantee (e.g., EUR 30,000 minimum coverage, validity in all Schengen states, etc.). The cost of the insurance depends on the number of travel days. If your visa application is refused, you can request a refund of insurance costs.
Proof of accommodation for the entire intended stay
Upon the application, you must provide proof of where you will be staying during your trip. This can be in the form of hotel / hostel bookings (or similar) or invitation from family or friends with their address in the destination country.
Proof of sufficient financial resources / Formal declaration of obligation
The amount of financial resources required differs depending on the destination country and length of stay. Sufficient assets can be proven with a bank statement. If you do not have sufficient funds yourself, you can provide proof by means of a formal invitation letter. The invitation must be issued by a resident of the destination country. The corresponding document is to be completed and signed, including financial proof on the part of the inviting person (bank statement / the 3 last salary statements / for a self-employed person, an income tax certificate from a tax adviser) with the visa application.
If applicable, proof of the reason for the trip
The proof can be, e.g., in the form of an invitation when visiting family or friends, a certificate from an educational institution or employer, etc.
Payment of the visa fee
The fee for the Schengen visa is payable upon application to the relevant embassy or consulate. The payment can be made in cash or by bank current account card and in most cases also by credit card. The fee is required for processing your application and is therefore not refundable.The fee for the Schengen visa is payable upon application to the relevant embassy or consulate. The payment can be made in cash or by bank current account card and in most cases also by credit card. The fee is required for processing your application and is therefore not refundable.

Important

Your application can only be approved if the documents are complete. Depending on your country of origin and purpose of travel, additional proof may be required. To be certain, please contact the competent authority in your home country for special regulations.

This should be considered when choosing health insurance

For the visa to be approved, sufficient health insurance coverage must be demonstrated.

The health insurance must:

Categories

These are the different forms of Schengen visas
(A) Airport Transit Visa
Permission to stay is limited to the transit area of the airport.
(B) (Land) Transit Visa
Following the adoption of the Visa Code, the Transit Visa B is also covered by category C.
(C) Short-Term Visa
Stay in the Schengen area is allowed for up to 90 days within a period of six months.
(D) Long-Term “National Visa”
Permission for stay is tied to a specific country and is issued for a maximum of 12 months.

Types

Tourist Visa
The stay in the Schengen area takes place for the purpose of holiday / pleasure.
Student Visa
The stay is for educational purposes (as a rule, without work permit)
Business Visa
The stay has business reasons and includes a work permit
Work Visa
The stay is professionally motivated and therefore linked to a work permit

Restrictions

Duration
The validity depends on the reason for the stay and can be restricted accordingly.
Area
The visa can be limited territorially, so that the permit for stay does not apply to the entire Schengen area, but only to individual countries.
Entry
The visa can be issued with single, double or multiple (unlimited) entry permits.