Documents Required

The following list of documents is not exhaustive, and the Mission may request additional information or documents from the applicant if necessary. 

Both the standard and supporting documentation must be recent, no older than one month, and must be provided for every Schengen visa application. 

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but only need to submit photocopies unless otherwise specified. 

Before gathering the necessary documents listed below, applicants are strongly advised to review the requirements outlined in the Overview section (accessible here) to ensure eligibility for the chosen visa category. 

For applicants under the age of 18, please refer to the information provided here. 

STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION 

Please ensure that you have the following documents ready for your visa application: 

1. . Original visa application form (please refer to the link provided).
2. Original passport: Your passport must be signed and have at least 2 blank pages specifically for visa purposes. It should also be valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond the return date of your trip to the Schengen Area. Additionally, the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years on the day you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
3. Photocopies of any previous Schengen visas issued within the last 3 years, if applicable.
4. UK Residence permit: This permit should be either endorsed in your passport or issued as a Biometrics card. It must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the return date of your trip to the Schengen Area. Please note that a C type visitor visa (details can be found in the provided link) will not be accepted.
5. Original photograph: Please refer to the link provided for specifications on the photograph.

It is important to note that if your passport has been extended, it may still be valid. However, if it is older than 10 years, it will no longer be acceptable for your visa application. In such cases, you will need to apply for a new passport before proceeding with your visa application. 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION  

Proof of Current Occupation 

To support your visa application, it is essential to provide proof of your current occupation. The required documents vary depending on your employment status. Please ensure that all letters are recent, signed, and on official letterhead. Additionally, any documents not in English or Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator in the UK. 

For employed individuals: Please include an employer letter. This letter should be addressed to the Mission and include the name, position, and signature of the signee. It should confirm your employment with the company. Alongside the letter, include the original and photocopies of your last three pay slips. 

Students must provide a recent letter from their UK university, college, or school. This letter should be addressed to the Mission and confirm your enrollment. 

Self-employed individuals should submit a recent letter on official letterhead. This letter should be addressed to the Mission and confirm your self-employment. Depending on your situation, you can obtain this letter from your accountant, solicitor, bank manager, Companies House, or tax authorities. 

If you are unemployed or retired, please provide a recent original letter obtained from your local Jobcentre or Pension Service. If you are not receiving benefits, include a cover letter explaining your financial situation. 

For married couples, if your spouse or registered partner is sponsoring your application, you must provide the following documents: the original and a copy of your marriage certificate (if issued outside the EU and not in English or Portuguese, it must be translated by a certified translator in the UK), the original and a copy of your spouse or registered partner’s passport, proof of their occupation, proof of their funds, and a signed and dated cover letter from them confirming their sponsorship. 

Proof of Funds: 

To demonstrate financial capability, the applicant must provide the latest three months’ UK current account bank statements. These statements should clearly display the applicant’s name, address, and a positive end balance. The statements must be dated within one week of the visa application submission date. The bank balance should reflect a sufficient amount to cover expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area, as well as for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence. Alternatively, online bank account printouts are also acceptable. 

Proof of Travel: 

For all modes of transportation (airplane, train, boat, coach, or hired car), confirmed return travel tickets are required. These tickets must mention the applicant’s name and travel dates. In the case of car travel, additional documents such as car registration, car insurance, and return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) must be provided. These documents should also mention the car’s registration number and the driver’s driving license. If the applicant is not the driver, a signed and dated cover letter from the driver confirming joint travel with the applicant and travel dates is necessary. If travel tickets have been paid through a travel agency, a receipt, invoice, or payment confirmation is also required. 

Proof of Accommodation: 

Confirmed accommodation bookings (hotel, hostel, camping, etc.) must be provided. These bookings should mention the applicant’s name, travel dates, and accommodation address details. If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, a joint travel confirmation letter signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation must be provided. Additionally, a photocopy of that person’s passport/ID card and passport signature page (if the signature is not on the passport’s bio page) should be included. 

In the case of group reservations, a list of the group members’ names or mentioning the group members’ names on the travel ticket will be required. 

Travel Insurance: 

Travel insurance, including all-risk medical coverage. 

To ensure compliance with the regulations of the Schengen Area, the travel insurance must clearly display the applicant’s name. Additionally, it must be valid throughout the entire territory of the Schengen Area and cover the entire duration of the applicant’s intended stay. The minimum coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation should amount to 30,000 €. 

Furthermore, it is imperative that all travel medical insurance policies also provide coverage for pandemic illnesses such as SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. 

By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can safeguard themselves against unforeseen circumstances and enjoy their journey with peace of mind.