Welcome to VisaPoint’s comprehensive guide to Schengen visas

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished all types of border controls at their mutual borders. Navigating through the Schengen visa types can help you understand which visa best suits your travel needs to the Schengen Area.

Here’s a guide on different visa types:

• 🔹 Tourist Visas: For those looking to explore the Schengen Area’s rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
• 🔹 Business Visas: Catering to professionals seeking to engage in business activities within the Schengen countries.
• 🔹 Transit Visas: Whether you’re passing through the Schengen Area or need an airport transit visa, we’ve got you covered.
• 🔹 Student Visas: Assistance for students planning to pursue their studies in the Schengen Area.
• 🔹 Work Visas: For individuals aiming to work in a Schengen country.

 

Tourist Schengen Visa

Purpose: Ideal for individuals wishing to visit Schengen countries for tourism or visiting friends and family residing in the area. Duration: Allows a stay for the days indicated on the visa, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. Restrictions: Visa holders cannot engage in any paid activity unless specified otherwise on the visa.  

Business Schengen Visa

Purpose: Designed for individuals planning to engage in business activities in a Schengen country. Duration: Allows a stay for the days indicated on the visa, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. Restrictions: Any limitations to business activities will be explicitly stated on the visa.  

Transit Schengen Visa

• A-type (Airport Transit Visa): For transiting through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
• B-type (Transit Visa): Valid for up to 5 days for passing through the Schengen countries by car, coach, or plane on the way to a non-Schengen country.

 

Long-stay National Visa (for stays over 90 days)

A long-stay (D-type) visa allows the holder to reside, study, or undertake employment in a Schengen country for more than 90 days (in any 180-day period).   

Visitor Long-Stay Visa

Purpose: For temporary or permanent relocation and establishing residency in a Schengen country. Duration: The visa is granted for 3 months. The holder must apply for a residence permit within 3 months of arrival to the country. Restrictions: This visa comes with specific limitations, including restrictions on employment.  

Student Long-Stay Visa

Purpose: For students admitted to educational institutions within the Schengen Area for the purpose of studying. Duration: The visa is granted for the enrolment period as confirmed by the educational institution. Restrictions: This visa does not permit permanent residence and comes with specific limitations, including restrictions on employment.  

Working Long-Stay Visa

Purpose: Allows the holder to reside and undertake employment in a Schengen country. Duration: The visa is granted for 3 months. The holder must apply for a residence permit within 3 months of arrival to the country. Restrictions: Specific conditions and permissions are based on the issuing country’s labour laws. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA can apply for a residence/working permit upon entry into the Schengen Area without requiring a visa in advance.  

Application Process

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa Required

Consider the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family visit, relocation, etc.) to determine the appropriate visa type.

Step 2: Request an Appointment at Your Chosen Schengen Visa Centre

For the initial assessment and appointment booking, please send the following details to info@visa-point.com, with the subject line “Schengen (specify the country) Visa Application”:

• – Copy of the passport (front page)
• – Copy of UK Residence Permit
• – Copy of recent Schengen visa
• – Home address
• – Telephone number
• – Estimated dates of travel

  Please note you will need to pay a full fee to VisaPoint before an appointment booking can be made. We will send you an invoice via e-mail upon receipt of your documents.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Documentation

Here is a list of commonly required documents. Please note this list is generic and non-exhaustive and can vary depending on the selected Schengen country and personal circumstances. We shall confirm the exact and up-to-date requirements upon receipt of your request.

• – Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the dates of travel, with 2 clear pages for visa
• – UK Residence permit valid for at least 1 month beyond travel dates
• – Completed and signed visa application form
• – Recent photos, taken in the last month
• – Travel tickets
• – Proof of accommodation
• – Travel insurance valid for all Schengen countries
• – Proof of occupation
• – Proof of financial means

 

Step 4: Deliver the Documents to the VisaPoint Office

Our priority is to ensure your visa application is successful and you receive the visa in time for travel. Please bring or courier the documents to our office well ahead of the appointment date (normally 3-4 days in advance) so we can check and prepare your application for submission.

Step 5: Visa Processing

Wait for your visa to be processed. Processing times can vary, so apply well in advance of your travel date.