If you’re in the process of applying for a Schengen visa, then you have to collect some documents before your appointment.

Almost all required documents for Schengen visa application are the same for every Schengen country, but they can vary depending on the type of Schengen visa you’re applying for.

Book Your Flight Reservation Now

Schengen visa application : general requirements

No matter the country you’re visiting nor the type of Schengen visa you’re applying for, you will have to provide these documents :

  • Your passport, valid for at least three months after the date you plan on leaving the Schengen zone.
  • Your Schengen visa application form properly completed and signed.
  • Two recent identical photos.
  • Round trip ticket or flight itinerary that include the dates you enter and you leave the Schengen area and a valid PNR number. You can use services like Onward Ticket in order to get a proof of onward travel.
  • A proof of accommodation : this can be a letter of invitation, a hotel booking, an AirBnb booking…
  • A travel insurance policy with travel health insurance in the Schengen area and a minimum coverage of 30 000€ in case of medical emergency or illness.  
  • Your Schengen visa payment receipt.
  • A proof of financial means : bank account statements or sponsorship that proves you can financially support yourself during your stay in the Schengen zone.

Those documents are the general ones. On top of them, you might have to provide other documents depending on your employment situation and on the type of Schengen visa you’re applying for. You can find further information in The Complete Guide to a Schengen Visa. 

Book Your Flight Reservation Now

Schengen visa application : professional status requirements

Schengen visa requirements for employees

  • Leave permission from the employer
  • Employment contract
  • Income tax return
  • Bank statement for the last six months

Schengen visa requirements for students

  • Leave permission from University or school
  • Proof of enrollment

Schengen visa requirements for retirees

  • Pension statement of the last 6 months

Schengen visa requirements for self-employed

  • Company bank statement for the last 6 months
  • Income tax return
  • Copy of the business license or registration

Schengen visa requirements for unemployed and married to an EU citizen

  • Official marriage certificate
  • Spouse’s confirmation of employment letter
  • Spouse’s valid passport

Book Your Flight Reservation Now

Schengen visa application requirements for minors

Parents or legal guardians applying for a Schengen visa on behalf of their kid must submit additional documents :

  • Kid’s birth certificate
  • Family court order for divorced parents
  • Certified copies of passport / ID of both parents
  • Signed Schengen visa application form by both parents
  • Parental authorization signed by both parents

Schengen visa application requirements depending on the type of visa

On top of the documents mentioned above, you may have to provide some additional documents depending on the type of Schengen visa you’re applying for.

Schengen tourist visa requirements

  • Bank statement for the last 6 months or official affidavit of support signed by a relative or a friend you’re visiting if your funds are not sufficient

Schengen transit visa requirements

  • A flight ticket
  • A valid visa to your final destination if needed

Schengen visa requirements to visit relatives or friends

  • Travel itinerary with your detailed plans
  • Bank statement for the last 6 months or official affidavit of support signed by a relative or a friend you’re visiting if your funds are not sufficient
  • Letter of invitation signed by the friend or the relative you’re visiting
  • Means of subsistence with proof of financial status

Schengen business visa requirements

  • Cover letter mentioning the purpose of your trip
  • Invitation letter signed by the Schengen zone company
  • Letter from the employer
  • Means of subsistence with proof of financial status

Schengen student visa requirements

  • Two application forms
  • No objection letter from the current school or the university of enrollment
  • Enrollment certificate or letter of acceptance from the future school or university of enrollment
  • Proof of financial means

Schengen medical visa requirements

  • Official confirmation of the appointment or the treatment by the EU clinic / hospital
  • A letter from a hospital / clinic / doctor in the home country stating that the applicant needs medical treatment in the EU
  • Proof of financial means : sponsorship, bank statements, proof of advance payment for the treatment, etc.

Schengen employment visa requirements

  • Two application forms
  • Employment contract in the Schengen area

Schengen visa requirements to attend a cultural, religious or sports event

  • Proof of previous performances : winner certificates, participation in previous same kind of events, etc.
  • Event information : tickets, invitation, etc.

Schengen visa requirements for joining a spouse living in the EU

  • Two application forms
  • Original and official marital certificate
  • Spouse’s copy of passport or residency permit

Tips: Apply for a Schengen visa travel insurance before your flight. Also, you may need to check the Europe travel packing list to get ready for your trip.