When you want to apply for a Schengen visa, apart
from the basic documents, you might need extra documents depending on the type
of visa and the consulate's requirements. Here is a simple list of the
documents you usually need:
Basic
Required Documents
1. Visa application form: Filled and signed.
2. Passport: Valid for at least three months after
your planned stay, with at least two blank pages.
3. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos
(not older than six months).
4. Travel itinerary: Flight reservations, round trip
tickets, or travel plans showing dates and flight numbers.
5. Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings or an
invitation letter from a host.
6. Proof of financial means: Recent bank statements
(last three to six months), proof of regular income (employment contract, pay
slips), or a sponsorship letter if someone else is paying for your trip.
7. Travel insurance: Medical insurance with at least
30,000 EUR coverage for emergencies and repatriation.
8. Proof of paid visa fee: Receipt showing you paid
the visa fee (about 80 EUR for adults).
Additional
Documents by Visa Type
For
Tourist Visa:
- Tour itinerary: Detailed travel plan including
places to visit and bookings.
- Proof of ties to home country: Employment
contract, property ownership, or family ties to show you will return.
For
Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from the host company: Including
their address and contact details.
- Employer's letter: Confirming the business trip
and the relationship between the companies.
- Business bank statements: From the last three to
six months.
- Company documents: Certified copies of Memorandum
and Articles of Association, Trade License, and Proprietorship/Partnership
documents.
For
Student Visa:
- Enrollment proof: Official acceptance letter from
the school.
- No objection letter: From your current school, if
needed.
- Proof of financial means: Proof of tuition fee
payment, bank statements, or scholarship confirmation.
For
Visitor Visa:
- Invitation letter: From family or friends in the
Schengen area, with their address, contact details, and purpose of the visit.
- Proof of relationship: Birth certificate, marriage
certificate, or photos.
For
Medical Visa:
- Medical report: From a local doctor explaining
your condition.
- Medical appointment confirmation: From the
hospital or clinic in the Schengen area.
- Proof of payment for medical services: Receipts or
cost estimates.
For
Transit Visa:
- Visa for the final destination: If required.
- Proof of onward travel: Ticket for the final
destination.
Additional
General Documents
- Cover letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit
and your travel plans.
- Civil status proof: Marriage certificate,
children's birth certificates, spouse's death certificate, or ration card if
needed.
- Previous Schengen visas: Copies of any previous
visas.
- Employment status proof:
- Employed:
Employment contract, leave permission from employer, and income tax return.
-
Self-employed: Business license, company bank statement from the last three
months, and income tax return.
- Student:
Proof of enrollment and no objection certificate from school.
- Retired:
Pension statement from the last six months.
Note
Each Schengen country may have specific
requirements, so check the consulate’s website or contact them for the most
accurate list of required documents.
Useful
Links
- [Schengen Visa
Information](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/)
- [Schengen Visa Application
Form](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-application-form/)
- [Schengen Visa Photo
Requirements](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-photo-requirements/)
- [Schengen Visa
Insurance](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-insurance/)