Applying for a Schengen visa requires proof that you have enough financial resources to cover your stay in Europe. The minimum bank balance required depends on the country you are visiting, your trip duration, and visa type. If your bank balance is too low or inconsistent, your visa application may be rejected.
This guide explains how much money you need in your bank account for a Schengen visa, bank statement requirements, and how to strengthen your financial proof to increase your chances of visa approval.
How much bank balance is required for Schengen visa?
One of the most important factors in a Schengen visa application is proving you have enough funds to support your trip. The amount you need depends on:
✔ Daily spending requirements per country
✔ Length of stay in the Schengen Area
✔ Additional expenses like accommodation, transport, and insurance
Estimated Minimum Schengen visa bank balance (2025)
| Schengen Country | Required Funds Per Day | Total for a 10-Day Stay |
| France | €65 per day | €650 |
| Germany | €45 per day | €450 |
| Italy | €50 per day | €500 |
| Spain | €100 per day | €1,000 |
| Netherlands | €55 per day | €550 |
| Switzerland | €100 per day | €1,000 |
| Belgium | €95 per day | €950 |
💡 Tip: If your trip includes multiple Schengen countries, ensure your bank balance meets the requirements of the country with the highest financial demand.
Why Do You Need a Bank Statement for Schengen Visa?
Embassies verify financial stability by requiring bank statements to ensure applicants can:
✔ Pay for their travel expenses without working illegally.
✔ Cover accommodation, transport, and food during their stay.
✔ Avoid becoming a financial burden on Schengen states.
What Do Embassies Look for in Your Bank Statement?
🔹 Sufficient funds that match the minimum required per country.
🔹 Consistent transactions—large unexplained deposits can raise suspicion.
🔹 No sudden inflows of money before the application—this may indicate borrowed funds.
🔹 A steady source of income (salaries, business revenue, investments).
💡 Tip: Always submit bank statements with stable and traceable transactions to avoid rejection.
Schengen Visa Bank Statement Requirements
How Many Months of Bank Statements Are Needed?
✔ Most embassies require 3 to 6 months of bank statements.
✔ Some countries (e.g., Germany, France) may request up to 12 months in special cases.
Accepted Bank Statement Formats
✔ Original printed bank statements with official bank stamps.
✔ Online bank statements (must be certified or signed by the bank).
✔ PDF statements downloaded from the bank’s official website.
🚫 Not Accepted:
❌ Screenshots of mobile banking apps.
❌ Handwritten bank statements.
❌ Statements without the account holder’s name.
💡 Tip: If submitting online statements, get them certified or stamped by the bank.
Minimum Bank Balance Required for a Schengen Visa (By Country)
Schengen Visa Financial Requirements for Tourists
For short-term tourist visas, applicants must prove they have enough funds to cover their stay, including:
✔ Daily expenses (€45-€100 per day).
✔ Accommodation and transport costs.
✔ Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage).
Financial Requirements for Business & Study Visas
✔ Business Travelers: Must provide company bank statements or employer sponsorship letters.
✔ Students: Must show proof of tuition payments, scholarships, or a sponsor’s bank statement.
💡 Tip: If you’re sponsored by family or an employer, submit an official sponsorship letter along with their financial documents.
What If Your Bank Balance Is Low? Alternative Financial Proof Options
If you don’t have enough funds in your account, embassies may accept alternative financial proof, such as:
1. Sponsorship Letter (Affidavit of Support)
✔ A relative, friend, or employer can financially support your trip.
✔ Must include the sponsor’s bank statement, ID proof, and a formal guarantee letter.
2. Fixed Deposits, Investments & Savings
✔ Some embassies accept fixed deposits (FDs), mutual funds, or savings as proof of funds.
✔ The money must be readily accessible for travel expenses.
3. Credit Card Statements
✔ Some embassies accept credit card limits as part of financial proof.
✔ Provide bank statements showing recent transactions.
💡 Tip: If submitting alternative proof, provide official bank documents to validate your claims.
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection Due to Insufficient Funds
Even if you submit a bank statement, your visa may still be rejected if your financial proof is weak.
Top Reasons for Rejection:
❌ Bank balance too low—doesn’t meet country-specific requirements.
❌ Large unexplained deposits—indicating borrowed or temporary funds.
❌ Irregular income—bank statements must show a consistent source of funds.
❌ Fake or altered bank statements—leads to an automatic visa ban.
💡 Tip: Avoid sudden large deposits before applying—it raises suspicion. Maintain a stable account balance for 3–6 months before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How Much Money Do I Need in My Bank Account for a Schengen Visa?
✔ Most applicants need at least €50–€100 per day of stay.
✔ The total amount depends on the country, duration, and purpose of travel.
2. Do Embassies Verify Bank Statements for Schengen Visas?
✔ Some embassies may contact the bank to verify transactions before approving the visa.
✔ Submitting a minimum bank statement for Schengen visa that shows consistent financial activity is crucial for approval.
✔ Fake or altered bank statements lead to immediate rejection and visa bans.
3. Can I Submit a Bank Statement from a Joint Account?
✔ Yes, but you must show proof of legal ownership of the account.
✔ If a family member is a co-owner, provide a sponsorship letter.
4. What Happens If My Account Has a Recent Large Deposit?
✔ Embassies may question sudden large deposits before your application.
✔ Provide supporting documents (salary slip, tax return, bank confirmation).
5. Do Embassies Accept Bank Statements from Digital-Only Banks?
✔ Some embassies accept online bank statements, but they must be officially certified.
✔ Traditional banks are preferred for visa applications.
Tips for Meeting Schengen Visa Financial Requirements
✔ Maintain a stable bank balance required for schengen visa for at least 3–6 months before applying.
✔ Ensure your funds match the Schengen country’s daily allowance.
✔ If your balance is low, use alternative financial proof (sponsorship, FDs, savings).
✔ Submit certified bank statements—never use fake or altered documents.
By following these bank statement requirements, you can increase your chances of visa approval and avoid rejection due to insufficient financial proof.