📣 Key Factors Influencing Schengen Visa Approval ⬇️⬇️⬇️
1️⃣ Firstly, confirm that the country you plan to visit is part of the Schengen Area
Not all European countries are Schengen members, so it’s crucial to check if your destination country is covered by a Schengen visa.
The 27 Schengen countries include: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, Liechtenstein, and Croatia.
2️⃣ Decide on the country for visa application
Although a Schengen visa allows travel across 27 countries, the country of application directly affects your stay duration in each Schengen country. To determine which country to apply for a Schengen visa: a. List all the Schengen countries you plan to visit and calculate the total stay duration in each. Choose the country where you will spend “the longest duration” as your application country. b. If multiple countries have the same duration, select the “first entry Schengen country” for your application.
▶️ Example:
① If entering through France and staying 3 days in France, 6 in Italy, and then returning home, apply for an Italian Schengen visa.
② If entering through France and staying 3 days each in France, Italy, and Germany, apply for a French Schengen visa.
3️⃣ Understand the validity and potential duration of a Schengen visa
Many inquire about long-term Schengen visas, but the validity depends on the embassy's decision, with no fixed 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year types.
Generally, the visa validity is based on the travel dates in your itinerary, with a few extra days added.
For instance, if your itinerary is for 15 days, the visa might be valid for 20 days; for 25 days, it might be 30 days.
Frequent travelers with good records and multiple entries into the same Schengen country are more likely to receive multi-year visas, up to 5 years, over time. However, long-term visa approvals are rare, with embassies scrutinizing travel records closely.
Only France offers a specific channel for 1-5 year long-term multiple-entry visas, but approval is not guaranteed without clear standards.
The base materials and cost for single and multiple-entry visas are the same, but multiple-entry requires additional proof of frequent travel, with the final decision resting with the embassy.
4️⃣ Check each Schengen country's consular jurisdiction requirements
France, the Netherlands, and Italy do not divide jurisdictions, allowing applicants to submit at visa centers near their residence. Spain requires submission in the consular district corresponding to the applicant's registered address. Other Schengen countries have strict jurisdiction divisions, requiring submission in the applicant's long-term residence area.
5️⃣ Prepare sufficient and accurate application materials
Mainly divided into three aspects:
① Personal identity-related (ID card/household registration/employment certificate/study certificate/retirement certificate/marriage or kinship notarization)
② Financial income proof (bank statements/credit card statements/fixed deposits/pension details/property/car ownership)
③ Travel plan proof (return flight bookings/hotel reservations/itinerary/insurance)
6️⃣ Fingerprints are required for Schengen visa applications
Applicants must visit visa centers in person to provide fingerprints.
Exemptions from fingerprinting: a. Children under 12 years old b. Those who have visited Schengen countries and recorded fingerprints in the past 59 months
7️⃣ Key to successful Schengen visa issuance
The key is to “convince the embassy you will not overstay illegally and will return home.” Focus on proving your stability in your home country, such as domestic assets, relationships, and career.
Remember to manage your france visa appointment and france schengen visa appointment. Consult schengen visa agents for guidance, and ensure your schengen visa appointment is aligned with your planned travel dates.
