What documents are required for a Schengen visa application?

When applying for a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe, you must submit some documents that meet the Schengen visa requirements.

The Schengen countries have compiled a list of required documents you need to submit depending on the purpose of your entry into the area – and these requirements are more or less the same for each Schengen state. Here we provide a checklist of documents you need to meet the Schengen visa requirements.

What documents do I need for a Schengen Visa?

The following documents are required for a Schengen visa application:

• a fully completed and signed visa application form,
• two recently taken passport photos for the Schengen Visa,
• a valid passport with more than three months of validity remaining before it expires, and any previous passports with earlier visas on them if you have them,
• a travel itinerary for your trip – including dates, flight numbers, and hotel reservations, or proof of accommodation.

You must also prove that you have paid a visa application fee of €80 and provide proof of travel and health insurance covering up to €30,000 in medical expenses. You will also need to attend an interview at a consulate or visa application center.

In addition to these basic documents, applicants for a Schengen Visa may need to submit specific documents depending on employment status, such as a no-objection letter, the type of visa being applied for, and the purpose of the visit.

How much bank balance is required for a Schengen Visa?

It depends on the country. For example, to obtain your Schengen Visa for France, you must show that you can support yourself during your stay. Without prepaid accommodation, you must demonstrate that you have €120 per day of your stay available. With prepaid accommodation, the requirement is €65 per day, or €32.25 if you can prove you have booked cheaper accommodation.

To obtain your Schengen Visa for Spain, you need at least $100 per person per day of stay in the Schengen area.

I am visiting family or friends, what are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

You should have an invitation letter from the person you plan to visit as well as, if necessary, proof of relationship with the inviting person, such as a marriage or birth certificate. You must clearly state the duration, purpose, and how you plan to support yourself financially during your visit – this may include an affidavit of support promising financial or material assistance.

I am traveling as an employee of a company, what are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

If you are an employee traveling for business, you must also provide a letter from your employer describing the purpose of your visit, while those invited by a company within the Schengen area must submit an invitation letter sent via email to the consulate of the country you wish to visit. You must also submit a work contract, a bank statement documenting the last six months of payroll, permission from your employer, and an income tax return.

I am self-employed and want to conduct business in the Schengen area. What are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

If you are self-employed, you must submit a copy of your business license, a business bank account statement for the last six months, and your income tax return.

I am traveling to study in Europe, what are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

If you are entering the Schengen area to study at a university or college, you need an admission letter inviting you to the educational institution you plan to attend. The letter must include all details about your stay, including your main field of study, duration of studies, financing, place of residence, and contact information.

I am traveling to Europe to attend an event. What are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

You will need an invitation letter from your sponsors to attend the event, outlining the itinerary, location, purpose, and reasons for your attendance. Your sponsor must also provide contact information, proof of identity, and documentation describing the nature of the event.

I am retired, what are the additional Schengen Visa requirements?

You will be asked to provide a six-month pension statement to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay.

What documents are required when applying for a Schengen Visa for minors?

The parents or guardians of minors applying for a Schengen Visa must submit additional documents for each minor applicant, such as proof of guardianship, certified copies of both parents’ passports, and a notarized parental consent form signed by the parents if the child is traveling alone.

Related topics:

How to apply for a Schengen Visa?

Do I need a Schengen Visa?

What type of Schengen Visa do I need?

Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

Schengen Visa Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a Schengen Visa application form?

A Schengen Visa form should be available on the website of the consulate of the country you plan to visit or at AXA Schengen Visa application – along with tips on how to complete your form.

I don’t have travel or health insurance, where can I get it?

AXA’s low-cost or Europe travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage wherever you travel in the Schengen or broader EU area. It also provides the required proof of insurance for a Schengen Visa.

I haven’t finalized my travel and accommodation plans – should I apply for a Schengen Visa?

It is best to finalize your travel plans before applying – as a major Schengen Visa requirement is to clearly present your travel itinerary.