Gearing up for a Schengen escapade? The best travel experiences arise from thoughtful planning. And what better way to plan than by using our ready-to-use Schengen Visa Checklist? Organizing the documents needed for a Schengen visa will ensure a smooth application process without delays or rejection.

The Gist of the List

Schengen visas are issued for tourism, business, education, family visit, and transit. There are specific Schengen visa documents required to process each visa type. In this section, we have collated the various Schengen visa documents, along with their specifications. In the next section, we will identify the documents needed for each visa type.

1. Passport: Your primary proof of identification and nationality. It should contain at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months following date of departure from the Schengen country. Both original and photocopies are required. Notarization or additional verification may be needed depending upon consular requirements of the country of origin and destination.
2. Application Form: Your official request for a Schengen visa, which must be filled manually using black or blue ink only. Accuracy is important! The commonest mistakes applicants make is in writing their name, contact information, and travel dates, and failing to sign the form. So re-check the form twice or thrice before submission. Notarization the original form; do not submit a photocopy.
3. Passport-Sized Photograph: Validates your identity with your passport. You need two photos taken within the last six months, each measuring 35mm x 45mm, displaying a clear and neutral facial expression against a white background, devoid of shadows and reflections. There should be no head covering unless to meet religious precepts. Digital editing using filters or otherwise is forbidden. Notarization is not required.
4. Travel Itinerary: Establishes a clear travel plan earmarking your intended Schengen destinations along with flight, intercity travels (if any), hotel reservations, and proof of return to your home country. Also specify the exact dates and locations of any planned activities such as business meetings, academic events etc. Typically, only a photocopy of the travel itinerary is needed, but some consulates may request for the original. Notarization is not required.
5. Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrates that you can sustain yourself independently during your Schengen sojourn. Based upon your applicant category, you may need one, more, or all of the following documents.
   • Bank statements from the previous three to six months showing sufficient funds for the trip
   • Salary slips
   • Sponsorship letters
   • Income tax return of last two years
   • Proof of property ownership
   • Letter from employer stating salary and employment status
   • Proof of pension of last three months
     Originals as well as photocopies of all the above-mentioned documents are required. Sponsorship letters must be notarized.
6. Travel Insurance: Covers unexpected medical interventions, repatriation, and emergency evacuation. The minimum coverage value is €30,000 and must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. You can procure individual, family, or group travel insurance from authorized travel agents and insurance companies. Both original and photocopies are needed for visa application processing.
7. Proof of Accommodation: Demonstrates that you have a confirmed place of stay as per your intended travel route, and attests that you will not resort to illegal accommodation or travel deviations. Proofs include one, two, or all of the following:
   • Hotel reservations along with proof of payment
   • Invitation letter stating the host’s address and residence permit
   • Rental agreements or property ownership documents
     Submit both original as well as photocopies of the proof(s) to meet Schengen visa requirements. The invitation letter must be notarized.
8. Proof of Employment or Student Status: Demonstrates your ties to your home country and assures the visa officer that you will not overstay or engage in illegal or unauthorized activities during your visit. Proofs include:
   • Employment verification letter detailing job position, salary, and tenure
   • Proof of business registration
   • Recent tax returns
   • Pay slips from the last three months
   • No-Objection Certificate from current employer/school/university
     Original as well as photocopies of relevant documents are required. Employment verification letter must be notarized.

Visa Types and Required Documents

Different types of Schengen visas require specific types of visa documents. Documents from sets 1 to 7 mentioned above are mandatory for all visa types. This section lists only the additional visa documents needed for each type. Refer to the previous section for the specifications of each document.

1. Tourist Visa: Issued for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for leisure or sightseeing. Additional documents include:
   • Cover letter
   • Proof of civil status
2. Business Visa: Allows you to visit Schengen countries to attend business meetings or conferences. Additional documents include those from set number 8.
   • Employed Persons: Cover letter from current employer with details of your designation and purpose of travel, along with job offer letter and pay slips
   • Business Owners: Business registration certificate, tax filing receipts, and tax returns
3. Student Visa: Allows entry and stay within the Schengen region to pursue academic studies or to facilitate exchange programs. Additional documents include:
   • Letter of Acceptance from a recognized academic institution
   • Statement of purpose describing study plans
4. Family Visit Visa: Permits short-duration stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period to meet family members or participate in special family occasions. Additional documents include:
   • Proof of relationship between host and applicant such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
   • Invitation letter from the host stating his/her residence status and applicant’s purpose of visit
5. Transit Visa: Permits short stopovers in a Schengen country en route to a non-Schengen destination. Additional documents include:
   • Cover letter explaining the purpose of your transit
   • Confirmed tickets for onward travel

Additional Documents based on Applicant Status

In case of unemployed, minor, and sponsored applicants, certain additional visa documents are further needed to meet Schengen visa requirements. These are listed below.

1. Unemployed Applicants:
   • Personal bank statements of parents or legal guardians from the previous 3 months
   • Copy of their passports
   • Income Tax Returns from previous 2 years
2. Minors:
   • Minor’s birth certificate
   • Letter of Consent by parent/ legal guardian
   • Visa application signed by the parent/legal guardian
3. Sponsored Applicants:
   • Sponsorship letter
   • Proofs of the sponsor’s financial stability such as rent payment slips and bank statement
   • For work visa sponsorship, the sponsor should furnish an employment letter in favor of the applicant

So, that’s a quick run through of our Schengen Visa Checklist. Use it to get your documents shipshape, sail through the visa application process, and get airborne to your Schengen destination!