List of Documents Needed for Schengen Visa Application

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Let’s try to understand the mandatory requirements for supporting Schengen visa documents.

Providing proper and correct documents is a significant key during the Schengen visa application process. There are different types of visas categorised to serve various purposes of the traveler. As you know, the depth of importance of documentation provided, and the information given below will help you understand Schengen visa requirements as per the Schengen Agreement UK. With this, you can be absolutely assured that you will face any kind of obstacles, like delay or rejection.

Before we proceed, we would like to add the fact that every visa type has some additional specific documentation. We shall begin with some general documents that are quite common in every Schengen visa application process that are mentioned below in the table.

General Documents for Schengen Visa Application Requirements for UK Residents

Schengen Visa Application FormChoose the country from the list of Schengen countries 2025. You will have to fill it out with correct and precise details. Then, duly sign it. 
PassportA current passport that is valid and was issued in the last ten years. It should also be valid for an extra three months from the date you return to the UK. Additionally, it should also have two blank pages available for stamp duty.
PhotographBring two recently coloured, passport-sized photographs with a white background that follow the Schengen visa rules. 
UK Residence PermitYou will need to provide your UK eVisa/share code, and it should remain valid for three months after the date you return to the UK. 
Travel ItineraryShow all the details of your travel plan and which places you are going to visit. Some of the examples are reserved flight tickets, accommodation bookings, and tickets to events or essential locations.
Bank StatementProvide the last three months’ bank statements based in the UK that you have enough funds secured to sustain yourself during the entire stay.
Proof of AccommodationIf you are arranging something other than a hotel or hostel stay, then you need more proof, like rental agreements, the address of the private stay, etc. 
Travel InsuranceYou will have to get travel insurance which covers at least €30,000 for any kind of emergencies like medical issues, flight cancellations, lost luggage, or any kind of travel delays etc. Additionally the insurance should be valid in all of the Schengen countries.  

The documents given above are general in nature and are pretty common for any visa application for the Schengen country’s list 2025. Now, let’s find out what additional documents one needs as per specific Schengen visa application types:

Schengen Tourist Visa

No matter how many Schengen countries you want to travel to, you will have to seek a leading country for the point of entry and apply for the Schengen visa application for that country itself. If that visa comes under the category of a tourist visa, then you will need to show a few extra documents to the visa official:

  • Detailed Travel Itinerary: Always mark your planned travel dates, entry and exit countries, and all other destinations that you are going to visit within the Schengen Area.
  • Employment verification:
    • If you are an employee, then you will have to get a letter from the employer which states your job position, salary, payslip, and an approved leave.
    • If you are self-employed, you will have to show your business registration certificate and latest tax return.
  • Return flight reservation to show that you are going for a round trip and returning to the UK.

Schengen Business Visa

If you plan to apply for a Schengen Business Visa from the UK, you will have to submit:

  • Provide the official invitation letter from the business company based in Schengen, stating the purpose of your visit and duration.
  • Show some proof of business relationships like trade correspondence, partnership agreements, or previous meeting records.
  • If you are going on behalf of a company, then get a letter from the UK employers or company to confirm your employment, position, salary, and the business purpose of travel.
  • If you are planning to attend a trade fair or business event, then get proof of the conference or event registration details.

Schengen Spouse Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Spouse Visa from the UK, then you will have to show proof of marital relationship and your partner’s residential details, such as:

  • Marriage Certificate, both original and copy.
  • A passport with a residency permit and a copy of the spouse residing in the Schengen country.
  • Proof that the Spouse has an accommodation to stay in the Schengen country, like rental agreements or a private stay host declaration.
  • We need to show some evidence of a relationship, like photos, joint bank accounts, call/messaging/email records, and photos of previous travel together.
  • The inviting spouse will have to show their financial means, like recent payslips, employment letter, or tax documents.

Schengen Transit Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Transit Visa from the UK, you will have to submit the Schengen visa application with:

  • I confirmed the travel ticket for the connecting flight to the final destination outside the Schengen Area.
  • You will have to show a valid visa that shows the required entry permit to the destination.
  • A detailed cover letter to show the purpose of transit and vow that you won’t enter the Schengen territory beyond the airport’s international zone.

Schengen Long Stay Visa

  • Purpose of stay documents
    • For study: Show the letter of acceptance from a recognised university or institution and proof that you can provide the tuition fee payment.
    • For employment: Show the official job letter or the employment contract agreement from a Schengen-based employer.
    • For family reunion: Show proof of what kind of relationship you have with your family members, and also those family members who hold residence permits in the Schengen countries.
  • Show the proof of your own accommodation for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Show some financial proof that you have a stable income or a sponsorship letter if anyone is providing.
  • A clean Police clearance certificate from the UK authorities.
  • A certified medical certificate showing that you are fit for the Schengen countries’ long-term residence.

FAQs

Is it necessary to translate the supporting documents?

If the document is in any other language than English and the language of the Schengen country’s visa, then yes, you will have to get a certified translation as per the Schengen guidelines from the UK.

Do I need to carry the documents to the visa centre in the digital format or in printed format?

It is recommended that you carry both digital and printed formats. All the printed documents should have an original with its copy.

What if I have only one month validity left in my passport after the date of return to the UK?

You should not apply as per the Schengen Agreement, UK; your passport should have a minimum of 3 months’ validity beyond the date of return.

In case I miss a single document, will there be a risk in getting a Schengen visa approved?

If you miss any of the important documents that are relevant to the Schengen visa category you are applying for, then your visa will surely be denied. Hence, it is always recommended that you check the documents thoroughly before heading to the visa centre.