Schengen Family Visit Visa from Canada 2026
Non-Canadian citizens residing in Canada who want to visit family in Europe need a Schengen family visit visa. Canadian passport holders are exempt and can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. This guide covers the invitation letter requirements, host documentation, financial proof, and the specific considerations for Canada-based applicants — including PR card and work permit holders.
Your PR card, work permit, or study permit is a mandatory document. It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from Europe. Ensure it will not expire during or shortly after your trip.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 (~CAD 130) adults · €45 children (6–11) |
| VFS Service Fee | ~CAD 50–70 (varies by country) |
| Processing Time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 peak season) |
| Application Channel | VFS Global Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa) |
| Who needs this | Non-Canadian citizens legally residing in Canada on PR, work permit, or study permit |
The Invitation Letter — What Your European Host Must Provide
The invitation letter from your family member in Europe is the most critical document for a family visit application. It does not need to be notarised or officially certified — a typed, signed letter on plain paper is standard. It must include:
- Host's full name and home address in Europe
- Host's relationship to you — parent, sibling, cousin, spouse, etc.
- Your full name as it appears on your passport
- Purpose of the visit — "visiting family" is sufficient; add context if relevant (birthday, family event, health visit)
- Exact dates of your planned visit
- Accommodation arrangement — staying at their home, or hotel (if hotel, mention it)
- Whether the host is covering expenses — if yes, state which expenses; if no, state that you are self-funding
- Host's signature and date
Host Documentation Requirements
Beyond the invitation letter, what additional documents the host needs to provide depends on whether they are sponsoring your expenses:
If you are self-funding the trip
- Invitation letter from host (as above)
- Copy of host's ID or residence permit (to confirm they live in Europe)
- No financial documents from host needed
If the host is covering your accommodation and expenses
- Invitation letter confirming they will cover named expenses
- Copy of host's ID or residence permit
- Host's bank statements — last 3 months showing sufficient income
- Host's employment letter or income proof
Your Financial Proof (Self-Funded)
If you are funding your own trip (separate from or alongside host contributions):
- Canadian bank statements — last 3 months, bank-stamped, in CAD
- Daily financial requirement varies by destination: typically €50–€95/day
- Employment letter from your Canadian employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Last 3 months' payslips
- For self-employed: Canadian business registration, tax assessment (NOA), business bank statements
See our bank balance requirements guide for full details.
Document Checklist — Schengen Family Visit Visa from Canada
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Visa application form — from the destination country's VFS portal, signed and dated
- Valid passport — 3+ months validity after return date, at least 2 blank pages
- Canadian status document — PR card, work permit, or study permit (valid 3+ months after return)
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage for the Schengen Area. See our travel insurance guide
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary (not a paid ticket)
- Accommodation proof — host's address confirmation if staying with family, or hotel booking if staying in hotel
- Bank statements — last 3 months in CAD showing sufficient funds
- Cover letter — explaining your relationship to the host, the visit purpose, and your return plan
Family Visit Specific Documents
- Invitation letter from host (see requirements above)
- Copy of host's ID / residence permit — proving they live in Europe
- Proof of relationship — birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family registration document (required for immediate family, helpful for extended family)
- Host's financial documents — only if they are sponsoring your expenses
Return Ties for Canadian Residents
Consular officers assess whether you will return to Canada after your Europe trip. For PR card and work permit holders:
- Valid Canadian status document with ample remaining validity
- Canadian employer letter confirming your job is held on return
- Lease or mortgage documents in Canada
- Family members remaining in Canada
- For work permit holders: your Canadian employer's commitment to your return is particularly strong evidence
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Schengen family visit visa from Canada?
Non-Canadian citizens legally residing in Canada on a PR card, work permit, or study permit who want to visit family in Europe. Canadian passport holders do not need a Schengen visa — they have 90-day visa-free access.
What invitation letter does my European host need to write?
A signed letter stating their full name and address, their relationship to you, your visit dates, accommodation arrangement, and whether they are covering any expenses. No notarisation required — a typed, signed letter on plain paper is standard.
Do I need to stay at my host's home or can I stay in a hotel?
Either is fine. If staying in a hotel, provide hotel bookings with free cancellation. If staying with your host, include their invitation letter and address. Your accommodation choice does not affect visa approval — consistent documentation is what matters.
Does my host need to prove they can financially support me?
Only if they are sponsoring your expenses. If self-funding, your own financial documents are sufficient and the host only provides an invitation letter confirming the relationship and visit details.
Which Schengen country should I apply at if visiting family?
Apply at the embassy of the country where your family lives — that is your main destination. Most Canada-based applications go through VFS Global Canada in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.