How do I apply for a Schengen Visa from China?

Do Chinese citizens need a Schengen Visa to enter Europe?

Yes. If you are a Chinese citizen you currently need to apply for a Schengen Visa in order to enter any of the Schengen Area countries.
Who needs a Schengen visa?

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa from China?

A short-stay Schengen Visa will permit you entry to any of the countries covered by the Schengen agreement, for a maximum of 90 days during a 180 days period. Longer stays require a national D-type work visa, sometimes referred to as a work permit, a study visa or a visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on traveling regularly to the Schengen Area.

Chinese passport holders seeking a Schengen Visa must apply no more than 6 months before their trip. It is advised you apply at least 3 weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays to the processing of the application. Then you need to fill out your application, submit supporting documents, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center.

You should make your application to the country where you are planning to spend most of your stay - or if staying an equal amount of days in two countries - the one you plan to enter first.

How much does a Schengen Visa cost for Chinese citizens?

From 2020, a Schengen Visa costs €80 (≈ $85 or RMB600) for adults and €40 (≈ $45 or RMB300) for minors. Visa fees are waived for children under six years of age, or those traveling to Europe for certain purposes, such as to study or research in certain fields. Those attending certain sporting, charitable or cultural events, may also be able to waive their visa fee. Other costs include travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory, and means of subsistence, which is the money you need to prove you have to support yourself during your stay.

How do I book my Schengen Visa appointment if I apply from China?

To finalize your application for a Schengen Visa for the first time you must book an appointment for biometric data collection. These will be undertaken at a consulate, embassy or outsourced visa application center. For example, the Netherlands uses the company TLSContact in China, which has centers in

  • Beijing,
  • Changsha,
  • Chengdu,
  • Chongqing,
  • Fuzhou,
  • Guangzhou,
  • Hangzhou,
  • Jinan,
  • Kunming,
  • Nanjing,
  • Shanghai,
  • Shenyang,
  • Shenzhen,
  • Wuhan,
  • and Xi'an.

Making a personal appearance at a visa application center is mandatory unless you are exempted from biometric data collection.

What documents do I need to apply for a Schengen Visa from China?

You will need

  • two recently taken passport-style photos
  • a Chinese passport or other travel document that’s no older than 10 years. These documents must be valid until at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area.
  • You will also need a certificate showing you have travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000,
  • a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation during your stay, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate
  • a proof you have means to support yourself during your trip.

The bank statement should meet the following general requirements:

  • It must include all ingoing and outgoing payments for the previous three months before the visa application submission.
  • It must be stamped by the bank.
  • The applicant’s name must be clearly visible (without modifications).
  • It must offer an accurate reflection of account activity;

What documents will I need to work or study on a China Schengen Visa?

If you are planning to work or study in the Schengen Area, then you will need additional documents to obtain your China Schengen Visa. For those coming to work in Europe, these include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer at home, and an income tax return. The self-employed need an income tax return, a company bank statement, and a copy of a business license if applicable. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment and a no objection letter from the institution where you plan to study.
You may also need to supply proof of a pension or property income if these provide your income.

How long does it take to process my China Schengen Visa?

Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, in some cases it may take up to 60 days - so apply early.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance only costs €22 ($23.82) per week of your trip, and will meet your visa requirements, while our AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000. Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase our Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.
All our products come with an insurance certificate that is instantly available online and can be printed to take to your visa interview. Your payment will be refunded in the event your visa application is refused.

How to apply for Schengen visa in other countries ?

Frequently asked questions about China Schengen Visas

Do I need a work visa to take a business trip to Europe?

Not necessarily. If it lasts fewer than 90 days - then you can travel on a standard short-stay visa - providing you provide supporting documents showing the purpose of your visit.

Am I more likely to be accepted for a business short-stay visa than a tourist one?

No. Europe welcomes tourists as well as business travelers. It is always best to be honest on your applications as any inconsistencies may result in it being refused.

What should I do if my visa is rejected?

If your visa is turned down you have the right to appeal to the authorities in the Schengen member state where you applied.

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

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