Schengen Visa Documents Checklist Pakistan

Two layers of rules apply to every Pakistani Schengen file:

1. The EU core list. The European Commission lists the documents every short-stay applicant needs, whichever country they apply to.
2. The common list for Pakistan. Schengen States have agreed a list of supporting documents for short-stay applicants in Pakistan. Missions and their visa centres reproduce it. For example, the Embassy of Spain checklist is posted on the Spain visa centre's site, and GVCW says its Greek checklists follow the same list.

On top of these, each country can publish its own extras, such as a sponsorship form or an approved-insurer list. Always finish with your destination's own checklist.

1. Application form. Fully completed and signed. For a minor, the parents or legal guardians sign.
2. Photographs. Recent colour photos to ICAO standards. The common list for Pakistan asks for two, with a white background.
3. Passport. Issued within the previous 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages. Bring copies of the data page and your previous visas.
4. Travel medical insurance. At least €30,000 of cover for emergency treatment and repatriation, valid in every Schengen State for your whole stay. See our Schengen travel insurance guide.
5. Proof of residence. For Pakistani nationals, a copy of your CNIC. Foreign residents show a Pakistani residence or work permit.
6. Visa fee (see the short fee section below).
7. Biometrics. Fingerprints are taken when you lodge. Children under 12 are exempt, and prints given in the last 59 months can often be reused.

The common list asks for a return flight reservation between Pakistan and the Schengen area, plus reservations for any travel between Schengen countries. It also asks for accommodation for the entire stay: hotel bookings, or proof of private accommodation if you are staying with family or friends. Some countries want private stays documented on their own official form. The Netherlands, for example, uses a sponsorship and accommodation form, so check your destination's page.

The common list asks for a Family Registration Certificate issued in English by NADRA. It helps the consulate confirm your family ties in Pakistan and your relationship to anyone travelling with you or hosting you. Some missions add their own format rules. The Greek embassy, for example, asks for the FRC to be attested by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Order it early, because it is a common cause of last-minute delays.

The main financial documents on the common list are:

• bank statements showing activity over the last six months, signed and stamped by the bank
• your National Tax Number (NTN) certificate, or proof of exemption
• FBR acknowledgements of tax returns for the last two fiscal years

If you cannot produce one of these, the list allows other documented proof of income or assets. Large, unexplained deposits shortly before you apply invite questions, so be ready to show where the money came from.

• Employees: pay slips for the last three months, a copy of your employment contract, and a leave letter from your employer. The letter should give the dates of absence, your position and salary, how long you have worked there, and a contact number.
• Business owners and the self-employed: the company's certificate of registration.
• Government employees: a No Objection Certificate (NOC) stating the dates of the private trip.
• Retired applicants: pension statements for the last six months.
• Students: proof of enrolment and a student card.

If someone else pays for your trip, the common list asks for proof of sponsorship. Some countries require this on their own official form. If you are visiting a close relative, show the relationship through the FRC or civil status records. Spouses show the Nikah Nama and/or the Marriage Registration Certificate issued in English by the Union Council.

A minor travelling with only one parent, or without either parent, needs a consent affidavit from the non-travelling parent or parents with details of the trip. They also need copies of that parent's CNIC and passport and proof of school enrolment. Where relevant, bring the court order on custody or guardianship.

The common list specifically asks for the FRC and the marriage registration certificate in English. For any other document that exists only in Urdu, check your mission's checklist for its translation rule. The Greek embassy, for example, asks for an English translation of the Nikah Nama.

• Adult short-stay fee: €90. Children aged 6–12: €45 where that band applies. Visa-centre service fees are extra.
• Apply no earlier than 6 months and at least 15 days before travel.
• Decision: normally 15 days, up to 45 days if more examination is needed.

Source: European Commission – Applying for a Schengen visa. For stage-by-stage timing, see our Schengen visa processing time guide. For booking, see our Schengen visa appointment guide.

The European Commission does not publish a single approval rate for Pakistani applicants across the Schengen area. Judge your file on its documents, not on quoted odds.

• Every question on the form is answered. The common list warns that incomplete forms are not accepted.
• Names and dates match across your passport, CNIC, FRC, bookings and insurance.
• Your insurance covers your full dates and every Schengen State you will visit.
• Each traveller, including each child, has a separate set of documents.
• You have your destination's own checklist and have added any national forms it requires.

Our country pages cover each embassy's extras: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece and Netherlands.