Introduction
Dreaming of charming cobblestone streets with historic landmarks and diverse cultures all within arm’s reach? Welcome to the Schengen area, a haven for wanderers seeking the perfect blend of rich history and contemporary allure. Picture yourself sipping espresso in an Italian piazza, exploring the vibrant markets of Barcelona, or gazing up at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris—the Schengen area promises a travel experience like no other.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just about the breathtaking views. The Schengen area opens doors to more than just travel; it’s a land of opportunities. Think about it—building your career in the heart of Europe, where modern technology meets ancient traditions. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new job or aiming to climb that career ladder, the Schengen area is a place where your professional dreams can come true.
Ready for your Schengen adventure from China? Explore hassle-free visa assistance with Flight Itinerary, Hotel Booking, and Travel Insurance—all in one place! Your journey begins here—discover the simple process to apply for the Schengen visa that awaits you!
To secure a Schengen visa from China, you need to navigate through a comprehensive application process, which can be time-consuming if you are just getting started. Gaining a clear understanding of the application process and the necessary requirements will not only reduce your stress but also boost your chances of getting visa approval to visit any Schengen countries.
To secure a Schengen visa from China, you need to navigate a comprehensive application process. Gaining a clear understanding of the application procedure and the necessary requirements will not only alleviate the stress associated with the process but also enhance your prospects of obtaining a visa to visit any of the Schengen countries.
Who is qualified to apply for a Schengen visa in China?
To initiate the visa application process at Schengen embassies/consulates or visa application centers (VACs) in China, you must belong to one of the following categories:
1. If you hold a Chinese passport, you are eligible to apply.
2. If you are from a third-world country, require a visa to Europe, and reside in China under a permanent or temporary residence permit, you are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa.
Types of Schengen visas available in China:
Based on the purpose of your visit, you can apply for different types of Schengen visas:
1. Business Visa
2. Transit Visa
3. Medical Visa
4. Student Visa
5. Cultural Exchange Visa
6. Visitor Visa
7. Tourist Visa
8. Visa for Official Visits
Visa Centers in China:
Beijing Visa Application Center:
Starting November 2023:11th Floor, Block A, Gateway Plaza, No. 18 East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
Friendly reminder: Please go to the information desk on the left side of the escalator to get the visitor card to the 11th floor. In order to avoid waiting a long time, you can enter the pre-waiting area on the 11th floor near your appointment time.
| Upon appointment (Except for holiday) | From Monday to Friday 8:30 – 15:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | From Monday to Friday Starting from 16:00 (include 16:00) |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Weekend) | Saturday Based on demand |
| Passport Return | From Monday to Friday 8:30 – 16:30 |
Changsha Visa Application Centre
Room 1506-1507, Dolton Hotel, 159 Shaoshan North Road, Furong District, Changsha
Upon appointment (Except for holiday)
From Monday to Friday
8:30 – 12:30
13:30 – 16:30 (include Prime Time Appointment)
Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment)
From Monday to Friday
13:30 – 16:30 (include Prime Time Appointment)
Passport Return and instructions (Except for holiday)
From Monday to Friday
08:30 – 12:30
13:30 – 16:30
Chengdu Visa Application Centre:
Room 2505-2509, Western Cultural Industry Center, No.16, Huaxing East Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu city
| Upon appointment | From Monday to Friday (Except for public holiday) 8:30 – 12:00 13:00 – 16:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | From Monday to Friday Afternoon |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Weekend) | Saturday Morning |
| Passport Return and instructions | From Monday to Friday (Except for public holiday) 08:30 – 12:00 13:00 – 16:30 |
Guangzhou Visa Application Center:
Room 02-03, 14F, Pacific Finance Center, NO 32 Huaxia Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.
| Upon appointment | From Monday to Friday 8:30 – 12:30 13:30 – 16:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | Upon appointment |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Weekend) | Saturday Upon appointment |
| Passport Return and instructions | From Monday to Friday 08:30 – 12:30 13:30 – 16:30 |
Kunming Visa Application Center:
Room 804A, CES Investment Office Building, No. 219 Chuncheng Road, Guandu District, Kunming, China.
Upon appointment
From Monday to Friday (Except for public holiday)
8:30 – 12:00
13:00 – 16:30
Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment)
From Monday to Friday
Starting from 15:00
Passport Return and instructions
From Monday to Friday (Except for public holiday)
08:30 – 12:30
13:00 – 16:30
Nanjing Visa Application Center;
Room 502-503, Zhonghai Building, No. 39 Qingliangmen Street, Gulou District, Nanjing, China
| Upon appointment | From Monday to Friday (Except public holidays) 8:30 – 16:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | From Monday to Friday (Except public holidays) Starting from 15:30 |
| Passport Return | From Monday to Friday (Except public holidays) 08:30 – 16:30 |
Shanghai Visa Application Center:
2F, SUN CITY, No. 299 Hengfeng Rd., Jing’an District, Shanghai 200070
| Upon appointment | From Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | From Monday to Friday Upon appointment |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Weekend) | Saturday Upon appointment |
| Passport Return and completion of documents upon instruction | From Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 |
Shenyang Visa Application Center:
Fortune Plaza E
Room 1401, No.59 Beizhan Road, Shenhe District
110013 Shenyang
| Upon appointment (Except for holiday) | From Monday to Friday 8:00 – 16:30 (include Prime Time Appointment) |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Weekend) | Saturday Morning Based on demand |
| Passport Return and instructions | From Monday to Friday 8:30 – 12:30 13:30 – 16:3 |
Wuhan Visa Application Center:
Room 906-910, IIC (International Intelligence Center). NO.1515 Zhongshan avenue, Jiangan District, Wuhan.
| Upon appointment | From Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 |
| Upon appointment (Prime Time Appointment) | From Monday to Friday Afternoon |
How long does Schengen visa processing take in China?
The typical processing time for Schengen visas in China is 15 days, starting from the day of submission. However, during peak periods, processing may extend to 30 days, and in more complex cases or application backlogs, it could take up to 60 days. We suggest you go for an early application to account for potential delays.
What Timing Works Best for Schengen Visa Applications from China?
Submit your Schengen visa application at least 15 days before your planned trip, with a maximum lead time of six months. To avoid any delays, it is wise to submit your application 15 days before your trip to ensure a timely visa.
Where Can You Submit Your Schengen Visa Application in China?
You cannot submit your documents at whichever embassy/consulate of a Schengen country you wish to. You need to follow some rules of the Schengen area on where to submit your visa application, and according to these rules:
● For a single Schengen country visit, apply at the respective embassy/consulate/visa center.
● For multiple Schengen countries, apply based on the country you plan to visit first or where you’ll spend more days.
Essential Documents for You, as a Chinese National, Applying for a Schengen Visa:
Prepare the following documents when applying for a Schengen visa from China:
- Your Round-Trip Flight Itinerary:
Include a booked flight reservation from China to the EU and back, covering internal flights if applicable. If the flight itinerary/dummy flight ticket is something that is keeping you worried, then stay relaxed, as we are here to help you get the round-trip flight itinerary or dummy flight ticket without any hassles.
- Your Chinese Passport:
Provide the original passport with a copy, valid for three months post-Schengen departure. Make sure your passport has two blank pages and was issued in the past 10 years.
- Proof of Your Financial Means:
Provide original bank account statements for the last three to six months, demonstrating transactions and account balances. Additional documents based on your employment status include:
● If you are employed: An employment contract and employer-issued annual leave certificate.
● If you are self-employed/Freelancer: Business license (if applicable) and business bank statements.
● If you are a student: Certificate of registration, student ID, faculty-issued registration certificate, and grades transcript.
● Evidence of your parents’ financial stability.
● Proof of employment contract or adequate financial resources for retirees.
- Your Cover Letter:
You need to submit the cover letter too. It should explain the purpose of your visa application, planned activities, and duration of stay in the Schengen area.
- Your Birth Certificate and Parental Consent:
For minor applicants, include a birth certificate and parental consent for solo or one-parent/legal guardian travel.
- Accommodation Proof:
Submit proof of hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or confirmation of stay with a family member or friend. If you need any assistance with hotel booking or you need to ensure any hotel confirmation, our team can help you out.
- Your Identity Photographs:
Submit two recent identity photographs adhering to Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Proof of Your Paid Visa Fee:
Include the receipt confirming payment of the required visa fee.
- Your Civil Status Certificate:
Submit relevant civil status documents like birth, marriage, family, or death certificates if applicable.
- Your Travel Health Insurance:
Provide a travel health insurance certificate meeting Schengen travel insurance guidelines, with medical coverage of EUR 30,000. Delay in getting travel health insurance can hamper your application process. Reach out to our team to ensure you get travel health insurance without any glitches.
- Copies of Your Previous Schengen Visas:
If applicable, submit copies of prior Schengen visas.
- Schengen Visa Application Form:
Complete the Schengen visa application form with accurate information. Get the copy at any of the websites of the visa or China embassy. You can download it and sign it too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Schengen Visa Application from China:
1. Determine Your Visa Type:
Identify the specific Schengen visa type aligning with your purpose of visit. Let’s say the purpose for your visit to the Schengen area is business, then you need to apply for a business visa. Likewise, if you have a medical purpose, then go for a medical visa. It is better to know the visa type and submit documents accordingly.
2. Locate Your Application Office:
Find the official office issuing Schengen visas for your intended destination, be it an embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
3. Schedule Your Appointment:
Book an appointment, typically done online, before starting the application process. Please note that you cannot visit any visa centre or embassy without an appointment.
4. Prepare Your Schengen Visa Requirements:
After setting up a Schengen visa appointment, get started to prepare a list of necessary documents. While the list remains generally consistent for short-term Schengen visas, specific requirements may vary by country.
5. Submit Your Application:
On the appointed day, submit your application, required documents, fingerprints, and one or two identity photographs, following Schengen visa photo guidelines. Make sure the photos you submit should align with the same Schengen visa photo rules or you might have to go through a Schengen visa interview too. The interview is focused on knowing your intention to visit Schengen country. Questions around trip details, trip duration or knowing if you got any family or friends.
6. Pay the Visa Fee:
Pay the Schengen visa fee on the submission day and attach the payment receipt to your application.
7. Wait for the Visa Decision:
Once you submit your Schengen visa application, patiently await the processing decision. Upon approval, follow instructions for passport retrieval. In case of visa rejection, you will be notified from the VAC or consulate or embassy.
8. Retrieving Your Schengen Visa:
If you get your Schengen visa approved, then you need to visit the institution (where you applied) to retrieve it. You can find that your visa passport will have validity date along with visa stamped over it. Postal delivery options are also offered by some visa centers.
Schengen Visa Validity Period:
A Schengen visa lets you stay in that Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day duration. Depending on how long the embassy decides to issue your Schengen, the validity period might change. Depending on your reason for visiting, your Schengen visa may also be issued for a single or multiple entries
Applying for a Schengen Visa Online from China:
No, you cannot go online to apply for a Schengen visa in China. While you can use the online system to set up an appointment and fill up the application form, all applications should be submitted at the visa office in person.
Some common reasons for Schengen visa rejection include:
1. Criminal Record:
Having a criminal record that violates Schengen security risks.
2. Missing Important Documents:
Omitting crucial documents from your application.
3. Providing False Information:
Submitting false information on your application form.
4. Insufficient Financial Means:
Lacking enough financial means for your trip to the Schengen area.
To improve your chances of approval, be sure to submit all the necessary documents for your Schengen visa application and carefully follow the instructions from the embassy or consulate.
Know What to Do if Your Visa Application gets Rejected
If your Schengen visa application from China is declined, you will be provided with a notification specifying the grounds for the rejection. Then, you have the option to pursue one of the following courses of action:
1. At the consular level, you can oppose the decision.
2. You can appeal to a higher legal authority in the Schengen country, like the Foreign Ministry or an administrative court.
Upon receiving the rejection notice, you have a 30-day window to lodge a complaint with the embassy/consulate. If, following your complaint, the embassy maintains the visa denial, only then should you proceed with legal actions.
It is important to note that filing a complaint or pursuing legal measures is not obligatory. In the event of a visa rejection, you have the option to submit a new Schengen visa application without necessarily engaging in the complaint or legal process.