Schengen Visa: Who can issue it?

To travel for tourism, visit a relative in the Schengen area, or work or study in one of the member countries of this space, a pass is essential, and even mandatory for some nationals. This is the famous Schengen visa, which can vary depending on the nature of the journey. To obtain it, if your nationality (check the list of affected countries) or the purpose of your trip requires it, you will need to follow a specific procedure and adhere to the validity period. The process begins by making a Schengen visa application with the relevant authorities. But who can issue this famous pass to visit much of the European Union? We provide the answer.

What are the different types of Schengen visas?

• Type A visa: airport transit visa (ATV). This allows its holder to pass through the international zone of an airport in a Schengen country but does not permit entry into the country.
• Type C visa: short stay visa. It is the most common and allows its holder to travel and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Type D visa: long stay visa. This is a national visa that allows its holder to study, work, or reside in one of the Schengen countries for more than 90 days (from 4 months to 1 year). It also permits free movement within other Schengen countries, provided the 90/180-day rule is followed.
• Limited territorial validity visa (LTV). More rare, this allows its holder to travel only within the Schengen country that issued the visa. It is not valid for the entire Schengen area.

All Schengen countries can issue a Schengen visa

The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries, also known as Schengen States, which do not carry out border controls within this zone and apply a common policy for issuing short stay visas (Schengen type C visa).
These countries are as follows:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Each Schengen state can also issue a type D visa for long stays, but its issuance procedure depends on the regulations of each country.

Which consular service should I apply to for a Schengen visa?

To submit your Schengen visa application, you must do so with the competent authorities of the Schengen member country where you plan to go. If you intend to visit several Schengen states during your trip, submit your visa application to the consular services of the country where you will stay the longest or the country whose external border you will cross first to enter the Schengen area.
This is usually done at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you wish to visit.
In some cases, a few Schengen countries delegate external agencies (such as visa centers like TLS or VFS) to process visa applications in certain countries.
Other Schengen countries, which do not always have an embassy or consulate in every country worldwide, offer Schengen visa applicants the option to apply through their representatives, sometimes through the embassy of another Schengen country or in a neighboring country where an embassy exists. This can make obtaining a visa even more complicated...
Fortunately, the European Union has amended some rules in the Schengen visa code governing their issuance. Since February 2020, it has been required that the representative authorities of each Schengen member be present in every third country for visa admissions.

What is the procedure for applying for a Schengen visa?

You will need to submit a complete application during an appointment with the competent authorities.
Your application should contain several documents, which may vary from country to country, but generally, the following documents are required:

• visa application form duly completed and signed
• two passport-sized photos
• a photocopy of your passport + your passport (issued within the last 10 years with a validity of more than 3 months beyond the requested visa expiration date)
• a letter explaining the reason for the trip
• proof of return ticket reservation for the transport used
• proof of accommodation at the destination
• proof of sufficient funds
• travel insurance certificate: it is mandatory and must meet several criteria to be validated

Additional supporting documents will be requested if you are applying for a long stay type D visa.

For more information

What are the different types of Schengen visas?
Do I need a Schengen visa?
What are the conditions for entering and traveling within the Schengen Area?
What documents are required for a Schengen visa?
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa, and what is its validity?
What to do if your Schengen visa is refused?
How to extend your Schengen visa?
ETIAS or Schengen visa?

What is the processing time for a Schengen visa?

Once a visa application is submitted to the consular service, a decision can be made within 15 calendar days. However, this waiting time can sometimes reach 30 to 60 days.

Do I have to go in person to the consular service to submit my Schengen visa application?

Yes. You must appear in person for the appointment with the consular service. You will be required to answer questions, and your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) will be collected.

How much does a Schengen visa application cost?

The short stay visa fee is €80. For children aged 6 to 12: €40, and free for children under 6. Different fees or exemptions may apply to certain categories of travelers.