What Type of Schengen Visa Do I Need

If you're planning a trip to the Schengen Area, it's important to determine the type of Schengen visa you will need.

With various visa categories available, each designed for specific purposes, it can be confusing to understand which one suits your travel plans better. This guide will provide a concise introduction to the different types of [Schengen visas].

Whether you're visiting for tourism, business, medical treatment, study, work, family reunification, transit, or engaging in cultural, sports, or film crew activities, we've got you covered! Let's explore the various Schengen visa options to help you choose the right one for your journey.

Schengen visa passport

What is a Schengen visa, and who needs one?

The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows holders to enter any of the 27 countries in the Schengen zone without border controls. It is the most popular visa to visit Europe.

Fun fact: Over 15 million people used a Schengen visa to travel around Europe in 2019.

The 27 Schengen member nations are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Some Schengen countries are not part of the European Union but are part of the Schengen Area. These countries are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Most citizens from non-Schengen and non-EU countries, including India, China, South Africa, and North Korea, need a Schengen visa to enter the area. You can also use our Visa Checker Tool to determine if you require a visa and apply directly online.

Schengen visa types

When planning to visit the Schengen Area, one must first determine the type of visa required, which directly corresponds to the purpose of one’s visit. Schengen visas essentially fall into three broad categories:

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV): The Uniform Schengen Visa is valid in all 27 member countries of the Schengen Area. These visas are further categorized into Type A (Airport Transit Visa), Type B (Transit Visa), and Type C (Short-term Visa).
Limited Territorial Validity Visas (LTV): These visas are only valid for the Schengen States that issued the visa or, in some other cases, for the other Schengen States specifically mentioned when applying for the visa. They do not grant access to all Schengen countries.
National Visas (Type D): These visas are for long-term stays (more than three months) in the issuing Schengen country. While they primarily permit the holder to live, work or study in a specific country, they also allow travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days.

Within these three broad categories, there are also various types of visas depending on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, study, etc. We’ve broken it down into short-term, long-term, and special-purpose visas:

Short-term Schengen visas

Short-term visas grant the holder permission to stay in the Schengen Area for a limited period, generally 90 days at most within 180 days.

Airport Transit Visa (Type A): This visa is necessary for individuals who must transit through a Schengen country airport en route to their final destination. The need for this visa is dependent on the individual's nationality. This visa does not allow its holder to leave the transit area of the airport or seaport in the Schengen country they are transiting through.

Transit Visa (Type B): This visa is necessary for individuals who need to transit through the Schengen area, not just the airport, en route to their final destination outside the Schengen area. The stay is usually very short, five days at most, and the need for this visa is dependent on the individual's nationality.

[Tourist Visa] (Type C): Aimed at travelers wishing to experience the culture and sights of Germany or other Schengen countries.

Business Visa: For individuals visiting the Schengen zone for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, or industry events.

Visiting Family/Friends Visa: Suitable for visiting relatives or friends in the Schengen area.

Long-term Schengen visas

Long-term visas cater to those intending to stay in the Schengen Area for an extended period, usually exceeding three months. They accommodate various purposes, including education, employment, and non-tourism-related stays.

Student Visa: This visa is designed for students accepted into an educational institution within the Schengen Area. The visa's validity typically extends for the course of study.

Job Seeker Visa: This visa grants individuals six months to seek employment within the Schengen Area. Upon securing a job, the individual can apply for a work visa.

Working (Employment) Visa: This visa is suitable for individuals who have already secured a job offer within the Schengen Area.

Type D Visa: This is a long-term visa intended for foreign nationals looking to reside in any Schengen country for non-tourism purposes such as education, work, or other long-term engagements.

Special Purpose Schengen visas

Specific visas are also intended to cater to unique situations or professions, offering flexibility for various travel needs.

Medical Treatment Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who require medical treatment within the Schengen Area.

Schengen Visa for Official Visit: This visa is reserved for government officials or representatives undertaking official duties in the Schengen Area, such as participating in international conferences or diplomatic missions.

Schengen Visa for Journalists and Media Personnel: This visa type is ideal for journalists, reporters, or media personnel traveling to the Schengen Area for journalistic assignments or press conferences.

For travelers entering the Schengen Area from a country without a visa-free travel agreement, applying for the appropriate Schengen visa is necessary. The choice of visa type should align with the nature of the visit to ensure a seamless application process.

Which Schengen visas do we offer?

Need a Type C Schengen visa? You're in luck! At iVisa, we have made it easy for you to apply online. For other visas, like long-term or transit visas, just contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. We've got your back for short-stay Schengen visas for many countries. Check out the list below and click the appropriate option to apply online.

Want to visit another country? We’ll be adding more countries available for online applications soon. Contact us now through online chat for free travel advice.

How to determine which Schengen visa is right for you?

Determining which Schengen visa is right for you depends on the purpose of your travel and your specific circumstances. Some general things to consider when you’re choosing the appropriate Schengen visa include:

Identify the purpose of your visit: Determine whether you are traveling for tourism, business, medical treatment, study, work, family reunification, transit, cultural, sports, or film activities.

Understand the requirements: Research the specific requirements for each type of Schengen visa. We offer a comprehensive Schengen Visa Guide that breaks down all the essentials, including documentation, financial proof, travel insurance, and other supporting materials.

Consider the duration of your stay: Schengen visas are categorized as short-stay visas, typically allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. If you plan to stay longer, you may need a different type of visa or permit.

What type of Schengen visa should I get if I am visiting multiple countries in the Schengen area?

When deciding for which country to apply for your Schengen visa if you’re planning to visit multiple countries in the zone, consider the following factors:

Main destination: Consider which country will be your main destination or where you will spend the most time during your trip. This is the country that should be responsible for processing your visa application.
Entry point: If you have multiple entry points into the Schengen Area, it is advisable to apply through the country you will first enter in the Schengen Zone, especially if you will spend an equal amount of time in multiple Schengen countries.
Purpose of visit: Some countries have specific requirements or expertise in processing certain types of visas. Consider each country's specific visa requirements and processing capabilities for your intended purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, study).

Remember, once you have a Schengen visa from one country, you can freely travel and visit other Schengen countries within the visa's validity. However, the initial visa application must be submitted to the government responsible for your main destination or first entry point.

Schengen visa tourism

Additional considerations for choosing the right Schengen visa

When choosing the right Schengen visa, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

Travel itinerary: If you have a well-defined travel itinerary with specific countries and durations, consider applying for a visa from the country where you will spend most of your time or have the main purpose of your visit.
Visa validity: Check the validity period of the visa. If you have multiple trips planned within the Schengen Area, consider applying for a visa with a more extended validity period to avoid needing various visa applications.
Multiple entry: If you plan to exit and re-enter the Schengen Area during your trip, ensure that your visa allows multiple entries within its validity period.
Visa processing time: Consider the processing time for visa applications. Some consulates may have longer processing times than others, so plan accordingly and apply well before your intended travel dates.
Visa fees: Consider the visa fees associated with each country. The costs may vary depending on the country you apply to, so factor this into your decision-making process.
Language considerations: Consider the language requirements and the ease of communication with the consular officials during the visa application process. Luckily, if you apply with us, you can choose your preferred language to apply in.

Can I apply for a Schengen visa for business or work purposes, and which visa type would I need?

Yes, you can apply for a Schengen visa for business or work purposes. The specific visa type you would need depends on your situation:

For business purposes: You should apply for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa for Tourism and Business. This visa allows you to travel to the Schengen Area for business meetings, conferences, negotiations, or other related activities.

For work purposes: If you have a job offer or employment contract from a company in the Schengen Area, you should apply for a Schengen Visa for Work Purposes. This visa allows you to work and reside in the Schengen Area for the duration specified in your employment contract.

It's important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly between different Schengen countries.

If I plan to study or attend a conference in a Schengen country, what type of visa do I need?

Suppose you plan to study or attend a conference in a Schengen country. In that case, you must apply for a Schengen Visa for Study Purposes.

This visa is specifically designed for individuals who intend to study at educational institutions, universities, or language schools in the Schengen Area; or for those attending conferences, seminars, or other educational events.

The Schengen Visa for Study Purposes allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for the duration of your study program or conference, as specified in your visa.

Is there a specific Schengen visa for long-term stays or for those seeking to relocate to Europe?

There is a specific visa category for long-term stays or individuals seeking to relocate to Europe. However, this type of visa is NOT a Schengen visa. Instead, it is typically called a National Visa or a residence permit, depending on the country.

A National Visa or residence permit allows individuals to stay in a specific Schengen country longer, often exceeding the 90-day limit of a Schengen short-stay visa. These visas are granted for various purposes, such as employment, study, family reunification, or other specific circumstances.

The requirements, application procedures, and regulations for National Visas or residence permits vary between Schengen countries. It's crucial to check with the specific country's embassy or consulate to understand the eligibility criteria, documentation, and application process for obtaining a long-term stay or relocation visa in that particular country.

How to apply with us?

We understand that Schengen visa applications can be complicated and confusing. That’s why we have simplified the application process for you! With iVisa, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps:

Step 1: Fill out our online form with your personal and travel information.

Step 2: Double-check all info and pay the iVisa processing fee with a debit or credit card or PayPal. The government fee is paid separately to the government.

Step 3: After the payment, you’ll receive a step-by-step PDF guide on filling out the application form, a complete list of required documents, and all the tips for a successful Schengen visa interview (if applicable).

Click on the relevant country below to start your application now:

Note: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, the Embassy decides if you will receive a multiple-entry visa, double-entry visa, or single-entry visa.

Schengen visa application requirements

By applying with iVisa, you’ll receive a complete list of documents you’ll need, depending on your situation and travel purpose. These documents include:

Schengen visa application form - It must be completed and signed.
Valid passport - Issued within the last 10 years with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area.
Digital photo - The photo size must be 35×40 mm, in focus, and in color. It must have been taken within the last 6 months. We offer a quick and affordable passport photo service from the comfort of your own home.
Itinerary of your trip - Return flight tickets with the reservation code specifying the flight routes within Europe and confirmation for accommodations and activities.
Travel insurance policy - Document proving that you have medical insurance covering the Schengen Zone, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies.
Proof of financial means - Proof that you have sufficient funds for your entire stay in the Schengen area, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter.

Schengen visa application processing time and cost

The costs of the Schengen visa are made up of two fees:

iVisa processing fee: It varies depending on your nationality and the country you apply for and it’s paid online via our secure platform. This fee includes a personal iVisa Expert to support you from start to end, plus a PDF guide to help you fill out the application form and prepare for your interview.
Government fee: The government fee must be paid at your visa appointment (half-price for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).

You won’t need to pay the government fee if you are a foreign spouse of a French national or a foreign member of a family composed of members of the EU or EEA.

iVisa offers a 30-day standard processing time for Schengen visas. This does not cover your appointment date or the time the government takes to process and issue your visa. These factors rely on the capacity of the Visa Application Center or embassy and your nationality, among other things.

Additional chargers

During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services.

We also offer an iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you're unable to make your trip. It also gives you the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for two weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.

All these additional services carry varying costs. Use our application form to check your application's total cost based on your circumstances and chosen services.

Need more information?

If you need more info about traveling to the Schengen Area, don't hesitate to contact our customer support team anytime via online chat or email at [email protected].

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