The Application Process in 10 Steps – Daily Business

The Schengen visa is a single ticket that allows you to explore much of continental Europe with only one document. The Schengen area covers 27 European countries, and they all become accessible for tourism, business, study, or family for anyone with a Schengen visa. However, the Schengen visa application process can be overwhelming sometimes, particularly for those who are applying for the first time.

This article is a guide that breaks down the process into 10 clear and actionable steps, so that you can have a smooth and successful application process.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa lets you travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 days. It is primarily a short-stay visa, also known as the Type C visa, and it is valid for business, short-term study, medical treatment, tourism, and family visits. A Schengen visa gives you free movement from one Schengen member state to another without additional checks.

10 Steps to Having a Successful Schengen Visa Application Process 

Here are the 10 important steps that will help you secure your Schengen visa in detail:

Step 1: Select the Right Visa Type for You

The very first thing you want to do in the Schengen visa application process is to determine the correct visa type for your trip. The most common type is the Type-C, also known as the short-stay visa. It can let you access Schengen countries for tourism, business, education, and family. The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is issued for transiting through the international zones of the Schengen airport. Meanwhile, longer stays beyond 90 days require the Type D visa, also known as the national visa.

Step 2: Find the Right Embassy or Consulate

The correct way to apply for the Schengen visa is to apply at your destination country’s embassy, consulate, or visa application center. However, if you are visiting more than one Schengen country, you should apply to the one that you will spend the longest period in. However, if you stay for the same duration in the different countries, you should apply to the first country you visit. Note that applying at the wrong embassy can lead to delays or rejection.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Almost all Schengen embassies and consulates operate based on appointment only. Hence, you should book ahead by visiting the official website of the embassy or its authorized application center. Such application centers include VFS Global, TLScontact, and BLS International. Note that applications can get quickly filled up during peak seasons, hence you should try to apply 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date.

Step 4: Completely fill out the Application Form

The next step is to make sure to fill out the application form accurately. You can do this online or by downloading the form from the country’s website. You’ll need to provide all requested information, such as:

• Personal details




• Passport information




• Purpose of visit




• Travel itinerary




• Accommodation details

Important: Take time to double-check all entries to ensure accuracy because inconsistent or incorrect information can lead to delay or rejection.

Step 5: Gather Required Documents

The required documents in the Schengen visa application process may be slightly different from country to country, however, they all include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area, and have at least 2 blank pages




• Completed application form: You should submit a completely filled-out application form with your signature and date.




• Passport-sized photos: You’ll need to provide two recent color passport photographs that fit the Schengen requirements.




• Travel medical insurance: You will need medical insurance that will cover your entire stay in the Schengen area; it should have a minimum coverage of €30,000.




• Proof of accommodation: You will need to submit proof of your hotel reservations, rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from someone who will host you for the entire period of your stay.




• Travel itinerary: Likewise, your movement plan around the Schengen area should be detailed, including flight reservations and train tickets.




• Proof of financial means: Here, you will need to prove that you are financially capable of sponsoring yourself for the period you will spend in the Schengen area. Hence, you will need to provide recent bank statements, a sponsorship letter, or proof of employment.




• Visa fee payment receipt: You will need to submit a receipt of your payment.




• Other documents: A medical certificate, criminal record certificate, and proof of vaccination are required. Depending on your purpose of visit, additional documents may be requested, such as a student enrollment letter, a business letter, or a cover letter for Schengen visa.

Important: Translate all documents to English or the official language of the destination country.

Step 6: Attend Visa Interview: 

When your appointment day arrives, you will need to visit the embassy, consulate, or application center of the destination country. As you go, you are expected to bring all required documents; both the original and a copy.

Common interview questions include:

• What is the purpose of your visit?




• How will you get financial support?




• Do you have family, employment, or property in your home country?

 Step 7: Provide Biometric Data

IF you are applying for the first time, you will need to provide your biometric data- fingerprints and a digital photo. This will be done during your interview, and the validity for future Schengen applications is for 5 years.

Step 8: Make Payment

Proceed to pay the non-refundable visa fee. By standard, it is €80 for adults and €40 for children. You can pay through credit card, cash, or online.

Step 9: Wait for Processing

After your appointment, the next thing is to wait for approval, which normally takes 15 days to a few weeks, depending on the embassy, nationality, season, or need for additional checks.

Step 10: Collect Your Passport and Visa

Once your Schengen visa application process is successful, you will be notified to collect your passport, and you will see a Schengen visa affixed to your passport.

In the case that you are denied, an explanation will be provided that you can appeal or address before reapplying.