Schengen Visa Checklist
Navigate the Schengen visa process with ease. This checklist helps you prepare all necessary documents, step-by-step.
What to provide:
Complete and sign the official Schengen visa application. For children under 18, both parents or a legal guardian must sign.
Tips:
Forms are available on the embassy or consulate’s website. Fill out in English (or as required), date, and sign where indicated.
Fill out your forms in 5 seconds with absolute accuracy using Migraide.com!
Get Started with MigraideWhat to provide:
Two recent, identical passport-sized photos.
Photo Taking Guide:
Body camera distance
Keep the distance between the face and camera at 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet). It's better if someone else takes the picture.
Posture: straight ahead
Position your face in front of the lens. Make sure the camera is at eye level. Maintain a natural expression and hold the camera steadily.
Lighting
Make sure your face is evenly illuminated on both sides, without shadows, and your features are clearly visible. The photo should be focused, sharp, and properly exposed.
Check Your Photo (Visual Guide):
Upload your photo to visually compare it against standard guidelines. This is a visual aid only and does not guarantee acceptance.
Upload a photo to start the visual check.
What to provide:
Original passport.
Requirements:
- Issued within the last 10 years.
- Valid for at least 3 months after planned return date.
- At least 2 blank pages for visa.
What to provide:
Original and copy of your valid residence permit or visa.
Requirements:
- Must be valid for at least 1 month beyond your return date from the Schengen area.
- For digital permits (UK/other countries), download your proof of status as a PDF.
What to provide:
- Two copies of the main information page (bio page) of your current passport.
- Copies of all Schengen visas issued in the past 5 years.
- If visas are in an old passport, include copies of the bio page and those visa pages.
What to provide:
A letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your intended duration of stay, and any other relevant details.
Tips:
Ensure your cover letter is polite, concise, and clearly outlines your travel plans and intentions.
Need a professional cover letter? Migraide.com can generate one tailored to your application.
Create Cover Letter with MigraideIf employed:
- Recent (last 3 months) payslips.
- Letter from your employer (on company letterhead, signed, and dated within last 30 days) stating your position, start date, annual salary, and confirming leave for travel.
- Employer’s contact details (address, phone).
If self-employed:
- Business registration certificate or equivalent.
- Latest business tax return.
- Letter from your accountant (must be signed and dated, with registration details).
- Last 3 months’ business bank statements.
If a sole trader:
- HMRC letter confirming your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) code.(UK applicants or similar depending on country)
- Most recent tax return, if available.
If unemployed/on benefits:
- Official letter confirming current government benefits.
What to provide:
Official letter from your school, college, or university.
Details:
- Letter must be dated within 30 days of submission.
- Include applicant’s name, course type, hours per week, and attendance record.
- Signed by an authorized official.
What to provide:
- Sponsorship letter from a close relative (parent, spouse, child).
- Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate, both original and copy).
- Sponsor’s last 3 months of bank statements (from home country, no business accounts).
- Sponsor’s employment letter and recent payslips.
Details:
Sons/daughters sponsoring parents must prove dependency (e.g., shared address, medical documents).
What to provide:
A document listing all cities and countries to be visited, with travel dates and types of transport (e.g., flights, trains).
Details:
- If visiting a non-Schengen country, include relevant tickets/visas.
- For multiple countries, give a clear day-by-day plan.
Migraide.com can help you generate a compliant travel itinerary quickly and easily.
Plan Itinerary with MigraideWhat to provide:
Proof of round-trip bookings.
Details:
- Flight/train/ferry: Paid booking showing your full name as in your passport.
- If travelling by car: Provide driving license, car registration, and insurance.
- If you are not the driver: add a cover letter and a copy of the driver’s license.
Tips:
You do not need to buy actual tickets—bookings/reservations are accepted.
What to provide:
- Confirmed hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or similar booking for your entire stay.
- If staying with friends/family: an official invitation letter and copy of their ID/residence permit.
What to provide:
Insurance certificate from a recognized insurer.
Requirements:
- Valid in all Schengen countries for your entire stay.
- Minimum coverage: €30,000.
- Must cover emergency medical care and repatriation.
What to provide:
- Personal bank statements for the last 3 months (with your name, matching your passport).
- Statements must show positive balance and regular activity.
Details:
Optional: Credit card statement with monthly limit.
Tips:
No business bank statements accepted.
If travelling with both parents:
- Original and copy of birth certificate.
If travelling with one parent:
- Birth certificate + signed letter of consent from other parent.
If travelling alone:
- Signed parental consent from both parents.
If a parent is deceased:
- Death certificate (original and copy, translated if needed).
If consent not possible:
- Permission letter from Family Court.
Details:
- Proof of strong ties to home country: Marriage certificate, evidence of children, property documents, or employment/study commitments.
- Additional documents as requested by embassy/consulate: Always check your specific country’s requirements as these can vary.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Always submit original documents with copies, as required.
- Ensure all documents in foreign languages are accompanied by official translations.
- Present documents in the order listed to streamline processing.
- Incomplete applications may be refused, double check each requirement.
- Requirements sometimes change, verify with the embassy/consulate before submitting.