PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA

To apply for a visa to Europe you must be either a citizen of the country you are in, or on a valid residence permit issued by that country. Most of the countries do not accept Schengen visa applications from non-residents.

These are the primary requirements that you should have when applying for a visa:

1. Duly Filled and Signed Application Form;

2. Passport photos in conformity with the photo specifications shall be attached;

3. Duly filled and signed document checklist; (Please visit the website of the country where you will apply or VFS Global, if applicable to get a copy of #1 and #3, try searching for the specific country here); and

4. Original passport/s and photocopies of each page with visa and stamp;

5. Cover letter addressed to the consul - if applicable, depends on the country;

6. Travel detail which includes the flight reservation and hotel reservations (need not be paid yet, so it is recommended that you just make a hotel reservation instead of staying at a friend’s house for purposes of visa application), as well as your day-to-day itinerary.

7. Bank Certification AND Bank Statement - please take note that these are entirely different documents (READ MORE: HERE) with the receipt for the last 6 months. If you’re not the one paying for your trip, then submit an affidavit, preferably in Red Ribbon Authentication as well as the financial documents of your sponsor instead; (READ MORE: Our guide on SHOW MONEY)

8. PSA Birth Certificate or Marriage Contract, if applicable;

9. Travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your intended stay with minimum coverage EUR 30,000. You can use AXA Schengen as it’s really cheap and they are accredited by the Embassies.

10. Visa Fee - EURO 80

Your supporting documents will vary depending on your source of income.

1. For employees- Certificate of Employment with monthly salary approved leave of absence and income tax return.

2. For Self-Employed including Digital Nomads- Business Registration for the current and previous year and Income Tax Return (That’s why you need to register with the BIR! Income Tax Return is very important!).

3. For Students- Enrollment Certificate from your school approved leave of absence (if applicable), and Affidavit of Support from parents (preferably in Red Ribbon Authentication).

4. For minors- The minor’s birth certificate; The application form has to be signed by both parents; In cases where one parent has full custody over the child, the family court order has to be attached; Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents; and the notarized parental authorization signed by both parents or guardians is attached if the minor is to be traveling alone; and

5. For Household Helpers and Personal Assistants- A Special List of Requirements is provided. Please visit the website of the country where you will apply, if applicable to get a copy of the special list of requirements as it might vary.