Documents Required for a Schengen Visa Application: A complete guide

If you are applying for a Tourist visa, you need to submit the following additional documents:

• Detailed Travel Itinerary: A day-by-day breakdown of your travel plans, including destinations, activities, and sightseeing spots.

Learn more about Schengen Tourist Visa.

If you are applying for a Schengen Visa to visit friends or relatives, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation Letter: From your friend or relative residing in the Schengen Area, stating your relationship, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of your stay.
• Proof of Relationship: Documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or photos that prove your relationship with the person you are visiting.
• Host’s Passport or Residence Permit: A copy of your host’s ID, passport, or residence permit in the Schengen Area.

Learn more about Schengen Visa for Visiting Friends or Relatives.

For those applying for a Business Visa, the following additional documents are needed:

• Invitation Letter from the Host Company: A letter from the company you will visit in the Schengen area, stating the purpose of your trip, the nature of the business relationship, and the duration of your stay.
• Proof of Employment: Your employment contract and a letter from your employer granting you leave for the trip.
• Proof of Business Relationship: Documents showing previous business engagements between your company and the host company.

Learn more about Schengen Business Visa.

If you are applying for a Schengen Transit Visa, the following additional documents are needed:

• Flight Itinerary: Proof of onward travel, including confirmed flight bookings showing your entry and exit from the Schengen Area within a short period.
• Visa for the Final Destination: If required, a valid visa for the country you are traveling to after transiting through the Schengen Area.
• Proof of Accommodation (if applicable): If your layover requires an overnight stay, provide hotel bookings or other proof of accommodation.
• Travel Insurance: Coverage for your short stay in the Schengen Area, including medical emergencies and unexpected disruptions.

If you are seeking medical treatment in the Schengen Area, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

• Medical Diagnosis from Your Local Doctor: A letter from your doctor stating the diagnosis and the need for medical treatment in the Schengen Area.
• Acceptance Letter from a Schengen Medical Institution: A document from the medical facility in the Schengen Area confirming your treatment, the duration, and the expected medical costs.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or sponsorship letters showing you have sufficient funds to cover medical costs, stay, and related expenses.

Learn more about Schengen Medical Visa.

For students applying for a Schengen Visa, the following additional documents are needed:

• Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your school or university confirming that you are enrolled in a course of study.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters proving you have the funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
• No Objection Letter: If you are on a student exchange program, your home university must provide a letter indicating there is no objection to your studies abroad.

Find out more on our Schengen Student Visa.

If you are applying to attend a cultural, sports, or religious event in the Schengen Area, you will need the following documents:

• Invitation Letter: From the event organizers or host, detailing the purpose of your trip, the event’s dates, and your role (e.g., as a participant, performer, or spectator).
• Event Program: An official schedule or itinerary of the event, including venues and activities.
• Proof of Participation: Documents proving your involvement in the event, such as registration forms, contracts, or confirmation of participation.

Learn more about Schengen Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Religious Events.

Journalists traveling to the Schengen Area for work-related assignments must provide these additional documents:

• Letter from the Media Organization: A letter from your employer confirming your journalistic assignment, purpose of the trip, and length of stay.
• Press Accreditation: A valid press pass or accreditation for the event or country you are visiting.
• Proof of Previous Work: Samples of published articles or video content related to your journalism work.

Learn more about Schengen Visa for Journalists & Reporters.

If you are applying for a Schengen Visa for an official visit, such as government or diplomatic missions, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

• Official Invitation Letter: Issued by the government, embassy, or diplomatic body of the destination Schengen country, stating the purpose of the visit, official meetings, and itinerary.
• Note Verbale: This is a diplomatic note issued by your government confirming your status, purpose of visit, and guarantees that your expenses will be covered by the government.
• Proof of Government Employment: A document showing your employment with your country’s government, including your position and duration of service.

Learn more about Schengen Visa for Official Visits.

Employees applying for a Schengen Visa must provide the following documents:

• Employment Contract.
• Bank Statement for the last 6 months.
• Leave Permission from your employer.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Income Tax Deducted from your salary.

Self-employed individuals applying for a Schengen Visa need to submit the following documents:

• Copy of Business License.
• Company Bank Statement from the last 6 months.
• Income Tax Return (ITR).

Students applying for a Schengen Visa must include the following documents:

• Proof of Enrollment from your school or university.
• No Objection Letter from your educational institution.

Download a no-objection letter template here.

Retirees applying for a Schengen Visa need to submit the following document:

• Pension Statements from the last 6 months.

If you are unemployed but married to an EU citizen, you must provide these documents:

• A confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company and the starting date.
• Official Marriage Certificate.
• Spouse’s Valid Passport.