How to Get Approved for a Schengen Visa
Compile and provide all the documents requested at the country specific website., Show an employment certificate., Show financial proof., Show reservations., Apply at a Schengen embassy., Build up your visa karma gradually., Register as a private...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Compile and provide all the documents requested at the country specific website.
Though, most of the Schengen state countries have the same list of required documents, there may be a few slight differences when applying to different countries.
In case you lack certain documents requested, consider applying to another country that does not list them as compulsory.
A standard list for a short-term tourist visa (up to 90 days stay in Schengen Area):
Visa application form, filled either in English or the official language of the country you are applying to; One recent photo made according to the specifications of the website; International passport, valid more than three months from the date of return; Travel medical insurance covering all Member States of the Schengen Area. -
Step 2: Show an employment certificate.
Employees are required to submit a certificate issued by their employers on the original company’s blank stating the registration number, contact address and the position of the person who signs the document containing the following information:
Date of employment Position at the company, or Salary for the ultimate six months Duration of absence in the company Students should provide a certificate issued by the university or school stating the applicant’s details, study level and the planned period of absence. , Proof of personal finance means to fund your travel:
It could be one of the following documents:
Bank statement (at least three ultimate months of bank transactions); or Travel cheques; or Copy of the credit card (only side with the holder details) along with the ATM receipt showing your current balance in the account; The total amount of money should be 60 euro minimum for each day of your stay. , This includes hotel reservations and flight reservations or or any other mode of transportation. , Check out the latest statistics for visa refusal rates usually available at the Embassies' websites or your local Minister of Foreign Affairs official website.
A quick Google search will also reveal which country issues the most visas for your nationality.
Chances that you will receive a longer stay visa that you've originally requested a rather high. , Get started with requesting a short term visa from one of the friendly embassies, then get the next one, most probably it would be longer one.
Apply to the same country Embassy a few times and you’re likely to get the max visa 180/360 days.
In case you already have visas from UK/USA/CA previously issued – your chances of receiving Schengen visa triple. , In case you are working freelance or take project-oriented jobs, getting a required letter from the employer could be tough.
As a private entrepreneur you'll need to submit only two papers:
Company registration Recent tax statement (some countries does not require it!) , In case you have an opportunity to travel to another country where Schenghen visa approval rates are higher, your chances for receiving a longer stay visa rise significantly.
No one prohibits you from getting a visa in another country and there’s no need to be a citizen or resident.
For example, it is known that France issues longer visas valid for 1-5 years (though, you are still not allowed to stay longer than 90 days in half a year, but your visa is valid for 1 to 5 years.
No need to make visa runs each other month) for Moscow and St.
Petersburg applicants. , It could be something like providing documents on owning a car or an apartment, extra amount of money on your bank account. -
Step 3: Show financial proof.
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Step 4: Show reservations.
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Step 5: Apply at a Schengen embassy.
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Step 6: Build up your visa karma gradually.
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Step 7: Register as a private entrepreneur.
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Step 8: Apply for your visa in another country.
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Step 9: Provide extra documents that prove your intentions of returning home.
Detailed Guide
Though, most of the Schengen state countries have the same list of required documents, there may be a few slight differences when applying to different countries.
In case you lack certain documents requested, consider applying to another country that does not list them as compulsory.
A standard list for a short-term tourist visa (up to 90 days stay in Schengen Area):
Visa application form, filled either in English or the official language of the country you are applying to; One recent photo made according to the specifications of the website; International passport, valid more than three months from the date of return; Travel medical insurance covering all Member States of the Schengen Area.
Employees are required to submit a certificate issued by their employers on the original company’s blank stating the registration number, contact address and the position of the person who signs the document containing the following information:
Date of employment Position at the company, or Salary for the ultimate six months Duration of absence in the company Students should provide a certificate issued by the university or school stating the applicant’s details, study level and the planned period of absence. , Proof of personal finance means to fund your travel:
It could be one of the following documents:
Bank statement (at least three ultimate months of bank transactions); or Travel cheques; or Copy of the credit card (only side with the holder details) along with the ATM receipt showing your current balance in the account; The total amount of money should be 60 euro minimum for each day of your stay. , This includes hotel reservations and flight reservations or or any other mode of transportation. , Check out the latest statistics for visa refusal rates usually available at the Embassies' websites or your local Minister of Foreign Affairs official website.
A quick Google search will also reveal which country issues the most visas for your nationality.
Chances that you will receive a longer stay visa that you've originally requested a rather high. , Get started with requesting a short term visa from one of the friendly embassies, then get the next one, most probably it would be longer one.
Apply to the same country Embassy a few times and you’re likely to get the max visa 180/360 days.
In case you already have visas from UK/USA/CA previously issued – your chances of receiving Schengen visa triple. , In case you are working freelance or take project-oriented jobs, getting a required letter from the employer could be tough.
As a private entrepreneur you'll need to submit only two papers:
Company registration Recent tax statement (some countries does not require it!) , In case you have an opportunity to travel to another country where Schenghen visa approval rates are higher, your chances for receiving a longer stay visa rise significantly.
No one prohibits you from getting a visa in another country and there’s no need to be a citizen or resident.
For example, it is known that France issues longer visas valid for 1-5 years (though, you are still not allowed to stay longer than 90 days in half a year, but your visa is valid for 1 to 5 years.
No need to make visa runs each other month) for Moscow and St.
Petersburg applicants. , It could be something like providing documents on owning a car or an apartment, extra amount of money on your bank account.
About the Author
Tyler Rodriguez
Experienced content creator specializing in organization guides and tutorials.
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