Navigating the Schengen visa application doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This Schengen visa guide breaks down the process into simple steps—from checking if you need a visa and selecting the right type, to booking your appointment and finally collecting your passport.

Schengen visa application process in 10 steps

Applying for a Schengen visa may seem complicated, but if you follow the right steps, it can be much easier:

1. Check if you need a visa

2. Choose the correct visa type

3. Decide where to apply

4. Gather required documents

5. Book an appointment

6. Attend the appointment

7. Pay the visa fee

8. Wait for processing

9. Collect your passport

10. Travel to the Schengen Area

We will walk you through each step in the following sections.

Check if you need a visa

Not everyone needs a Schengen visa. Citizens of many non-EU countries must apply for one to enter the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Click here to use our visa tool and check if you need a visa!

Choose the correct visa type

The type of visa you need depends on why you are traveling. The most common types include:

• Tourist Visa – For holidays and sightseeing.

• Business Visa – For meetings, conferences, or work-related travel.

• Student Visa – For short-term courses or training.

• Medical Visa – For medical treatment in a Schengen country.

• Family or Visit Visa – For visiting relatives or friends.

• Airport Transit Visa – For layovers in Schengen airports without entering the country.

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) – For visa-exempt nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or transit.

• Digital Nomad Visa – For remote workers who want to live and work in a Schengen country for an extended period while maintaining employment with a company outside the region. Some Schengen countries offer special visas for digital nomads, like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you will need a national visa instead of a Schengen visa.

Decide where to apply

You must submit your Schengen visa application at the correct consulate or embassy based on your travel plans:

• If visiting only one Schengen country: Apply at that country’s consulate.

• If visiting multiple Schengen countries: Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time.

• If visiting multiple countries for equal time: Apply at the consulate of the first country you will enter.

Some embassies outsource visa processing to private visa agencies, so check where you need to apply in your country.

Gather Schengen visa requirements

You will need to prepare the following documents:

• Completed visa application form (downloadable from the consulate’s website).

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area).

• Travel itinerary (flight bookings or travel tickets).

• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter if staying with family or friends).

• Travel medical insurance (must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation).

• Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letters to show you can afford the trip).

• Letter explaining the purpose of your trip (a short letter outlining your travel plans).

• Recent passport-sized photos (must meet official requirements, such as a plain background and neutral facial expression).

• Proof of employment or studies (such as a work contract, employer letter, or university enrollment certificate).

• Fingerprint data (if you have not submitted them before).

Some embassies may request additional documents, depending on your situation, so always check their specific requirements.

Book an appointment for Schengen visa

Most Schengen embassies require applicants to schedule an appointment before submitting their visa application. So, when to apply?

• Earliest: 6 months before your trip.

• Latest: At least 15 days before your departure.

Appointments can often be booked online through the consulate’s website or through visa service centers.

Attend the appointment

On the day of your Schengen visa appointment:

• Arrive on time (late arrivals may need to reschedule).

• Bring all required documents (make sure everything is complete).

• Be prepared for questions (the officer may ask about your trip, finances, or plans to return home).

• Give biometric data (your fingerprints will be taken if this is your first Schengen visa application).

Some consulates may ask additional questions, so answer honestly and clearly.

Pay the Schengen visa fee

Schengen visa fees must be paid when you submit your application. The standard fees are:

• €90 for adults.

• €45 for children (ages 6-12).

• €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

• €67.50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

Some categories of travelers (such as students, researchers, and family members of EU citizens) may qualify for a fee waiver.

If you apply through a visa service center, you may need to pay an additional service fee.

Europe visa processing time

How long does it take to get a Schengen visa? The Schengen application time depends on the complexity of your application:

• Standard Schengen visa approval time: 15 days.

• Extended Schengen visa approval time: Up to 45 days (if extra checks are needed).

Some embassies provide online tracking services, where you can check the status of your application.

Collect your passport

If your Schengen visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa sticker inside. Before leaving the embassy, check that all details are correct, including:

• Your name and personal details.

• The visa’s validity dates.

• The number of entries allowed (single or multiple entry).

If your visa is rejected, the embassy will provide a letter explaining:

• The reason for the refusal.

• How to appeal the decision, if you wish to challenge it.

If rejected, you can reapply after correcting any issues.

Travel to the Schengen Area

Once you have your Schengen visa, you are ready to travel. Before leaving, make sure you:

• Check your passport to ensure your visa details are correct.

• Keep copies of important documents, including your visa, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.

• Respect the visa rules (do not stay beyond the number of days allowed).

When you arrive, border officials may ask for proof of your return ticket, hotel booking, or travel insurance, so keep these documents easily accessible.

What is the Schengen area in Europe?

The Schengen Area today covers over 4 million square kilometers and is home to nearly 420 million people. It consists of 29 countries:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Czechia (Czech Republic)

4. Denmark

5. Estonia

6. Finland

7. France

8. Germany

9. Greece

10. Hungary

11. Iceland

12. Italy

13. Latvia

14. Liechtenstein

15. Lithuania

16. Luxembourg

17. Malta

18. Netherlands

19. Norway

20. Poland

21. Portugal

22. Slovakia

23. Slovenia

24. Spain

25. Sweden

26. Switzerland

27. Croatia (joined on 1 January 2023)

28. Bulgaria (fully joins on 1 January 2025)

29. Romania (fully joins on 1 January 2025)

Schengen visa application from UK

Applying for a Schengen visa from the UK involves a structured process, similar to applications from other non-EU countries. It is essential to follow the correct procedures to ensure a smooth application experience. As the Schengen visa application process can sometimes be complex, seeking expert assistance from a reputable law firm from the UK.