How to Legally Obtain a Schengen Visa from European Countries? 9 Steps to Getting a Schengen Visa

What is the Schengen Agreement?

A Schengen visa allows entry into the Schengen area, comprising 27 European countries. With this visa, you can travel freely within these countries without needing additional visas.

All Schengen countries have now lifted COVID-19 restrictions, meaning Schengen visa holders do not need to present vaccination certificates, PCR tests, recovery certificates, or undergo quarantine upon entry.

General Features of the Schengen Visa

• Financial Requirements: Sufficient funds and account transactions (not necessarily an invitation letter).

• Minimum Financial Requirement: Over 200 million Iranian Tomans (varies by destination and applicant's case).

• Required Account Transactions: Last 3 months of bank statements in euros.

• Visa Fee: €1,000 (fully refundable if rejected).

• Application Process: All countries require in-person applications.

• Countries Allowed with This Visa: 27 Schengen member countries.

• Embassy Appointment Scheduling: Online for all countries.

• Appointment Waiting Time: Varies (1 hour to 150 days).

• Visa Validity: Depends on travel purpose (from 4 days onwards).

• Interview Requirement: No interview needed.

• Documents for Appointment: Passport photo and complete applicant details (not required for all countries).

• Urgent Embassy Appointments: Available.

• Urgent Visa Processing: Not available.

• Document Verification: Translation office stamp (for Greece, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic – birth certificate also requires judicial and foreign ministry stamps).

• Translation Language: English (German for Austria, Spanish for Spain, Persian for Germany).

• Visa Processing Time: 7 to 30 business days.

• Visa Rejection Rate: 9.6% of 32,000 applications.

• Common Reasons for Rejection: Insufficient funds, doubts about applicant returning home, false documents.

• Appeal Option: Yes.

• Visa Rejection Removal: Not possible.

• Best Application Method (Group or Individual): Individual.

• Need for Visa Pickup: No.

• Fingerprinting Location: Embassies and visa application centers.

• Embassy Working Days: Sunday to Thursday.

9 Steps to Getting a Schengen Visa

Step 1: Identify the Type of Visa You Need

Different visa types include:

• Tourist Visa

• Business Visa

• Work Visa

• Sports or Cultural Visa

• Official Visa

• Scientific Visa

• Study Visa

• Family or Friend Visit Visa

To speed up your application, first determine your purpose of travel and the appropriate visa type.

Step 2: Choose Your Destination Country

After selecting your destination, you must apply through the respective embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

• If traveling to multiple Schengen countries, apply at the country where you will spend the most time.

• If your stay in each country is equal, apply at the first Schengen country you will enter.

Step 3: Apply at the Right Time

Since visa processing takes time, it’s best to apply early:

• Earliest application: 3 months before your trip.

• Latest application: 15 days before your trip.

• Recommended: At least 3 weeks before departure.

Step 4: Schedule an Embassy Appointment

You must book an appointment with the embassy of your destination country. Most embassies allow online appointment scheduling.

Step 5: Complete the Visa Application Form

Download and fill out the latest application form from the embassy’s website.

• Fill out all sections accurately and honestly.

• Print two copies and sign both.

Step 6: Gather Required Documents

Some essential documents include:

• Identification documents

• Completed application form

• Valid passport

• Two passport-size photos (3x4 cm, color)

• Travel insurance

• Round-trip flight reservation

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of financial support

Additional documents may be required by specific embassies.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

• On your appointment date, go to the embassy with your documents.

• A consular officer will interview you about your trip, stay, and purpose.

• Provide truthful answers matching your application.

Step 8: Pay the Visa Fee

• The visa fee varies by age and applicant status.

• Fees are non-refundable if the visa is denied.

Step 9: Wait for Your Visa Decision

Visa processing typically takes 15 days, though it may extend up to 30 days in some cases.

Additional Tips for Obtaining a Schengen Visa

• All translated documents must have an official translation stamp; otherwise, they are invalid.

• If approved, a visa sticker is placed in your passport with validity details.

• The visa validity depends on your application and trip duration, allowing up to 90 days within a 6-month period.

• The number of allowed entries (single, double, or multiple) is specified on your visa.

Types of Schengen Visas

Schengen visas are categorized as:

1. Single-entry

2. Double-entry

3. Multiple-entry (Long-term/Multi-visa)

Schengen Visa Categories

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) – Tourist Visa

• Grants 90-day stays per 6 months.

• Subcategories:

Type A: Airport Transit Visa (no exit from the airport).

Type B: Transit Visa (5-day overland travel).

Type C: Short-term visa (single, double, or multiple entries).

2. Limited Territorial Validity Visa (LTV)

Issued for specific areas within Schengen, often for refugees or emergencies.

3. National Visa (Type D)

• Granted for work, study, or research.

• Can be single or multiple-entry.

• Applicants include:

International students (less than 1 year).

Researchers or employees of recognized institutions.

Athletes, artists, or professionals.

Patients requiring medical treatment.

Schengen Member Countries

Currently, 27 European countries are part of the Schengen Area:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

By following these steps carefully, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a Schengen visa.