Last updated: 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by Małgorzata Zep, lawyer and travel industry specialist
Every Schengen consulate works from the same core list, set by the EU Visa Code. Print this, tick it off, and check the four items at the bottom that cause most rejections at intake.
The Core Checklist
| Document | What it must show |
|---|---|
| Application form | Completed and signed. Answers must match your other documents. |
| Passport | Valid at least 3 months beyond your departure from Schengen, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages. |
| Photos | Two recent biometric photos, 35 × 45 mm, light background. |
| Travel insurance | Minimum €30,000 medical cover including repatriation, valid in all Schengen states, covering the whole stay. |
| Flight reservation | Round-trip booking with dates matching your application. A reservation, not necessarily a paid ticket. |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter — covering every night of the trip. |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements, usually the last 3–6 months, with a stable balance. |
| Proof of ties | Employment letter, enrolment certificate, or business registration. |
| Visa fee | €90 adults, €45 children aged 6–11. Free under 6. |
Strongly recommended, though not on the official list: a cover letter explaining your trip.
Extra Documents by Situation
Employed
Employment contract or letter stating position, salary and start date; approved leave dates; recent payslips.
Self-employed
Business registration, tax returns, company bank statements.
Student
Enrolment certificate, proof of leave from the institution, and a sponsor’s documents if parents are funding the trip.
Retired
Pension statements for the last six months.
Visiting family or friends
Invitation letter with the host’s address and contact details, a copy of their ID or residence permit, and proof of the relationship.
Minors travelling
Birth certificate, both parents’ consent (notarised) if travelling alone or with one parent, copies of parents’ passports.
Sponsored trip
Sponsorship letter, the sponsor’s bank statements and proof of your relationship. ⚠️ Always state the relationship explicitly — an unexplained third party funding a trip raises doubts.
Four Things That Cause Rejection at Intake
⚠️ An incomplete file is not a refusal — it is a rejection when your documents are handed over. You lose the appointment and the €90 fee, and start over. These four cause most of them:
- Missing insurance certificate. The most common single item. It must be in the file at submission — you cannot send it afterwards.
- Passport validity. Three months beyond departure and issued within ten years. Both conditions, not one.
- Accommodation gaps. Bookings that leave nights unaccounted for get queried.
- Dates that disagree. Form, flights, hotels, insurance and cover letter must all say the same thing.
Where and When to Apply
- Which consulate: the country where you spend the most nights. If equal, your country of first entry.
- How early: up to six months before travel, and no later than 15 days before departure.
- Decision time: 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 in individual cases.
- Appointments are the real bottleneck in peak season — start looking 8–12 weeks ahead.
The Insurance Item in Detail
Your certificate must state four things the officer checks: your name as in the passport, the dates covering your whole stay, the territory (all Schengen states), and the sum insured (at least €30,000, including repatriation).
Our visa insurance starts at €20 for 30 days with €60,000 cover — double the minimum — and the certificate is issued immediately, so it can go straight into your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a Schengen visa?
Application form, passport, two biometric photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum with repatriation), flight reservation, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, proof of ties to your home country, and the €90 fee.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
A reservation is required, not a paid ticket. Avoid non-refundable bookings before you have an appointment.
How much money do I need to show?
It varies by destination and trip length — roughly €50–120 per day is a common expectation. A stable balance matters more than a large deposit made just before applying.
Can I submit documents in my own language?
Usually they must be in English or the destination’s national language. Check that consulate’s requirements.
What if a document is missing?
The file is rejected as incomplete at intake and the fee is not refunded. Check the list twice before your appointment.
Does a complete file guarantee a visa?
No. It gets your application accepted for assessment; the decision also weighs your funds, ties and travel history.
