Europe remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists, students, job seekers and workers from Nepal, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh and many other countries. Whether you are applying for a Schengen visa or a national visa (D-Visa) for work, study, or long-term residence, preparing the correct documents is the most important step.
This guide provides a complete, updated, and easy-to-understand Europe Visa Document Checklist covering:
- Schengen tourist visa
- Schengen business visa
- Europe student visa
- Europe work visa
- Europe job seeker visa
- Family reunion visa
- Europe digital nomad visa
Let’s get started.
✅ 1. Passport & Identity Documents
This is the most compulsory part of your application.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 2 blank pages)
- Passport validity of at least 6 months beyond travel date
- Copies of all used passport pages
- Old passports (if any)
- Birth certificate (for minors)
🔎 Tip: Make sure your passport is not damaged. Many Schengen embassies reject damaged passports.
✅ 2. Visa Application Form
Each embassy has its own visa form.
You need:
- Fully completed visa application form
- Signed and dated (for minors: parents must sign)
🔎 Tip: Double-check spellings and dates. Any mismatch may cause refusal.
✅ 3. Recent Passport Size Photos
Europe requires photos that follow ICAO rules.
Photo Requirements:
- Size: 35mm × 45mm
- White background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No editing or filters
- Neutral expression
✅ 4. Travel Purpose Documents
This depends on your visa type.
For Tourist Visa:
- Day-by-day travel itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return flight reservation
For Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from company
- Company registration documents
- Employment letter from your employer
For Student Visa:
- University acceptance letter
- Academic certificates
- Proof of language test (IELTS, TOEFL, German A1, etc.)
For Work Visa (D-Visa):
- Valid job contract
- Work permit issued by employer
- Employer’s business license
For Family Reunion:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Proof of relationship (photos, chats if required)
✅ 5. Financial Proof (Very Important)
European embassies require applicants to prove they can support themselves.
Accepted Financial Proof:
- Personal bank statement (last 6 months)
- Bank balance certificate
- Salary slips
- Income tax returns
- Sponsor letter (if someone else pays for your trip)
- Proof of business income (if self-employed)
Minimum Funds Required (Approx.):
- Tourist Visa: €50–€100 per day
- Student Visa: €800–€1200 per month
- Work Visa: Employer usually covers expenses
- Family Reunion: Sponsor must show fixed income
✅ 6. Travel Insurance (Mandatory for Schengen Visa)
Criteria:
- Minimum coverage: €30,000
- Valid in all Schengen countries
- Covers medical emergencies
- Covers repatriation (returning to home country)
✅ 7. Accommodation Proof
Accepted Documents:
- Hotel reservation
- Hostel booking
- Rental agreement
- Invitation letter from a friend/relative
- University dorm allocation (for students)
✅ 8. Travel Itinerary
A clear plan increases your approval chances.
Include:
- Entry date and exit date
- Cities and countries you will visit
- Day-by-day plan
- Flight reservation (round-trip)
🔎 Tip: Flight reservation is allowed without full purchase.
✅ 9. Proof of Employment or Income Source
If Employed:
- Employment contract
- HR letter mentioning leave approval
- Salary slips (3–12 months)
If Self-Employed:
- Business registration
- PAN/VAT certificate
- Bank statements
If Student:
- Student ID card
- Letter from the educational institution
✅ 10. Civil Status Documents
Depending on the application.
These may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate
- Family relationship certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Police clearance certificate (PCC)
✅ 11. Additional Documents Based on Visa Type
Europe Work Visa (D-Visa) Checklist:
- Job contract
- Experience certificates
- Skill certificates
- Company invitation
- Visa application form
- PCC (Police Clearance)
- Medical report (some countries)
Europe Student Visa Checklist:
- University admission letter
- Tuition fee payment proof
- Academic documents
- IELTS/TOEFL/German language certificates
- Financial guarantee
- Accommodation proof
Europe Family Reunion Visa Checklist:
- Marriage registration
- Relationship proof
- Passport of family member in Europe
- Income proof of sponsor
- Rental agreement of sponsor
🌍 Schengen Visa Document Checklist (Short Summary)
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Passport | ✅ |
| Visa application form | ✅ |
| Photos | ✅ |
| Travel insurance | ✅ |
| Flight booking | ✅ |
| Accommodation | ✅ |
| Financial proof | ✅ |
| Travel itinerary | Recommended |
| Purpose documents | Required |
📌 Why Schengen Visas Get Rejected? (Important Section)
- Weak bank balance
- Fake bookings
- Mismatch in documents
- Unclear travel purpose
- Previous travel violation
- Incomplete form
- No strong ties to home country
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much bank balance is required for Europe visa?
Minimum €50–€100 per day of stay. More is better.
2. Do I need a return ticket for tourist visa?
Yes, reservation is required. You don’t need to buy the actual ticket.
3. Can I apply for Schengen visa without travel insurance?
No. Travel insurance is mandatory.
4. How many months of bank statement are required?
At least 6 months.
5. Are hotel bookings refundable?
Most applicants use free cancellation bookings.
🧭 Final Tips for Europe Visa Success
- Keep documents neat and organized.
- Never submit fake documents.
- Prepare a simple, clear travel itinerary.
- Maintain consistent bank transactions.
- Show strong ties to your home country (job, business, family).
📌 Conclusion
Applying for a Europe visa becomes much easier when you follow the correct document checklist. Whether you are applying for Schengen tourist visa, Europe work visa, Europe student visa, or family reunion visa, the above checklist will help you prepare confidently.
A well-prepared document file increases your approval chances by 70–80%.