What Documents Are Required When Applying for a Schengen Visa?

The following list of documents is required for any short-term Schengen visa application:

• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
• Two recently taken photos must be attached. Both photos must be taken within the last three months, according to the visa photo requirements. You can easily get a Schengen visa-compliant photo online at MyBiometricPhotos.com
• A valid passport. Not older than 10 years, and it should be valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Older passports with visas on them (if you have any).
• Round trip reservation or itinerary. It must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. You can use the visa consultation services like this one. These guys can handle most of your visa requirements, such as flight itineraries and hotel reservations, along with free consultation over email.
• Travel insurance policy. A document that proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death. The Insurance policy can easily be purchased online from Europ Assistance.
• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will be accommodated throughout your stay in Schengen. This can be one of the following:
  • A hotel/hostel booking.
  • A rental agreement.
  • A letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen. This can be one of the following:
  • Bank account statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
  • Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
  • A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.
• Proof of paid visa fee. €80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.
• For employees:
  • Employment contract.
  • Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
  • Leave permission from the employer.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
• For the self-employed:
  • A copy of your business license.
  • Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR).
• For students:
  • Proof of enrollment.
  • No objection letter from the School or University.
• For retirees:
  • Pension statement of the latest 6 months.
• If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
  • Confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer, stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date.
  • Spouse’s valid passport.
  • An official marriage certificate.

What Documents Are Required for Schengen Visa for Minors?

The parents / legal guardians of minors applying for a Schengen visa must submit some extra documents for the underage applicant:

• The minor’s birth certificate.
• Application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
• A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/guardians if the minor will be traveling alone.