Schengen visa requirements

Explore the Schengen visa requirements, but before that you should be aware that the first step requires completing and translating all documents into English or the official language(s) of the country you intend to visit. Additional forms or documentation may be required depending on the type of visa you are seeking.

Basic documents, Schengen visa requirements, and Schengen visa conditions:

Pay Schengen visa fees
The cost of a Schengen visa for adults is 80 euros. There are specific categories of applicants who receive an exemption from this fee, including children under 6 years of age, scientific researchers, most students, representatives of non-profit organizations, participants in cultural, sporting or educational events under 25 years of age, and holders of Diplomatic and official passports, and close family members of EU citizens, are exempt from paying visa fees. Keep in mind that this cost is an estimate and does not include processing and service fees for your visa application, which can vary depending on how you apply.

Passport requirements for a Schengen area visa:

- It must bear your signature.

- It must contain at least two blank pages (for Schengen visa).

- It must have been issued in the last ten years (less than 10 years).

- It must be valid for a period of no less than 3 months after the expiry date of your requested visa.

- The previous passport must be presented if available.

To ensure verification of your identity, you must submit two personal photographs of yourself, preferably secured with a paper clip, without staples or glue, and these photographs must meet the following specifications:

1. The photo must be the same size as passport photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm).

2. It must be an accurate representation of your current recent appearance (taken within the past 6 months).

3. The background of the image must be white and uniform without embellishments.

4. The face must be facing the camera (front view), the face must be well defined (with no obscuring elements such as sunglasses), and your face must make up 70-80% of the photo area (32-36 mm size).

5. If head coverings are deemed necessary for religious reasons, their use is permitted.

When applying for a Schengen visa, copies of the following documents must be submitted:

1. A copy of the passport page containing personal information.

2. If you have a residence permit, you must provide a copy of it.

3. If you have previous Schengen visas, copies of these must also be submitted.

Proof of travel medical insurance consistent with the following Schengen visa requirements must be provided:

1. The insurance coverage must include a minimum amount of €30,000 to deal with possible emergencies such as medical care, hospitalization or transportation of the body in the event of death.

2. It must be valid for the duration of the visa validity.

3. It must be valid in all Schengen Area countries.

4. It must include clearly defined conditions, either on the insurance policy itself or in a confirmation letter.

Please note that health insurances linked to credit cards are often not considered valid for this purpose.

To obtain a Schengen visa, reservations for travel tickets and accommodation must be made in accordance with the following requirements:

1. An airline ticket reservation or specific travel program must be provided.

2. A confirmed hotel reservation must be submitted that includes the full hotel address (location, contact number, booking reference number).

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A statement from the sponsor or from the party you work for in your home country
Notice must be provided from the sponsor or your employer in your home country, including their name and contact information (phone number and physical address) for the company or sponsor. This notice must include a clear description of your job type, start date, and specific salary, as well as identify the period of leave allocated to you (including your expected return to work date) and the purpose of your trip. You must also provide a copy of the valid business license (if available) in case you are an investor or partner in the said company.

Proof of the applicant’s financial resources in the current country of residence
Proof of the applicant's financial resources, which are available in the current country of residence, must be provided. This proof includes submitting personal bank account statements for a period of several months, and these statements are issued during the last three months before the date of submitting the application. In addition, proof of assets or other relevant personal property that may contribute to demonstrating available financial resources must be provided.

If the traveler is a minor (under 18 years old), the documents required to obtain a Schengen visa are different. This includes:

1. Written letter of consent from both parents or legal guardian.

2. Copies of passports for both parents or legal guardian.

3. A copy of the minor’s birth certificate.

4. If the minor is adopted, proof of adoption must be provided.

5. If the parents are divorced, proof of divorce must be provided.

6. If one or both parents are deceased, proof of death (death certificate) must be provided.