📄 Schengen Visa Documents Guide

Getting your documents right is the #1 thing that determines if you get approved or rejected. Missing one paper? Rejected. Wrong bank statement format? Rejected. But don't worry - we've got free templates, real examples, and clear instructions for every single document you need.

Essential Documents (Everyone Needs These)

The Basic Checklist

Here's what pretty much everyone needs (exact requirements vary slightly by country):

Document	Details	Where to Get It
Visa Application Form	Fill out completely, sign it	Embassy website
Passport	Valid 3+ months after trip, 2 blank pages	You already have it
Passport Photos	2 recent photos (35mm x 45mm)	Photo shop, pharmacy
Cover Letter	Explains your trip in your own words	Our templates
Travel Insurance	€30,000 medical coverage minimum	Insurance guide
Flight Reservation	Don't buy! Just reserve it	How to reserve
Hotel Bookings	Proof of where you're staying	Free cancellation tips
Bank Statements	Last 3-6 months, stamped by bank	Bank statement guide
Employment Letter	From your employer on company letterhead	Your HR department
Pay Slips	Last 3 months	Your employer/payroll
Travel Itinerary	Day-by-day plan of your trip	Our samples

Documents by Your Situation

💡 Pick what applies to you:

If You're Employed

✅ Employment letter (on company letterhead)
✅ Last 3 months' pay slips
✅ Leave approval letter from employer
✅ Bank statements (last 6 months)

If You're Self-Employed/Business Owner

✅ Business registration certificate
✅ Tax returns (last 2 years)
✅ Bank statements (business + personal)
✅ Letter from your accountant

If You're a Student

✅ Enrollment certificate from school/university
✅ Student ID
✅ No-objection certificate from school
✅ Parent's bank statements + sponsorship letter

If You're Retired

✅ Pension statement
✅ Bank statements showing pension deposits
✅ Proof of retirement (if applicable)

If Someone's Sponsoring You

✅ Your bank statements (even if low balance)
✅ Sponsor's bank statements (6 months)
✅ Sponsorship letter
✅ Proof of relationship
✅ Complete sponsor guide

Common Questions

Do I need original documents or copies?

Bring both! Originals for verification, copies to submit. Some embassies keep originals temporarily, some just check and return them.

Should I translate my documents?

If they're not in English, French, or the embassy's language - yes, get certified translations. Don't use Google Translate!

How do I organize my documents?

Put them in the same order as the checklist. Use paper clips, not staples. Put your cover letter on top - it's the first thing they read.

Can I reuse documents if I apply again?

Bank statements and employment letters need to be recent (within 1 month). Insurance and flight reservations need to match your new travel dates. Cover letter should be updated.

Pro Tips

📌 Make copies: Keep a full copy of everything you submit - you'll need it if something goes wrong
📌 Highlight key info: Use a highlighter on bank statements to show important transactions
📌 Write a note: If something looks weird (like a big withdrawal), attach a sticky note explaining it
📌 Don't fake anything: Seriously. They check. Getting caught means a permanent ban from Schengen
📌 Quality over quantity: Don't dump 100 pages on them. Just give what they ask for