Schengen Visa and Dependent Visa options for Non-EU Citizens. Get complete information on eligibility, application process, and documents required.
Non-EU citizens can apply for a Schengen visa and dependent visa to enter and remain in the Schengen area. Depending on their purpose of travel and certain requirements, they can choose between the visa types. Eligible applicants must comply with all the necessary procedures and documents. Schengen visas can be single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry with flexible time duration. Dependent visa allows non-EU citizens to join the family members in the Schengen area. Both of these visas enable travelers to enjoy the benefits that the Schengen area offers.
Schengen Visa And Dependent Visa For Non-EU Citizens
Schengen Visa and Dependent Visa are two different types of visas for non-EU citizens. Schengen Visa allows visitors to travel across the 26 member states of the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days. Dependent Visa is for those who want to stay and live in the EU for long-term, such as for family reasons or for employment. A Schengen Visa and Dependent Visa are applied for separately and according to different set of criteria. Schengen Visa is valid for a shorter time period while the Dependent Visa is renewable, subject to certain conditions being met.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a special type of visa that allows non-EU citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished all internal borders, making it possible for people to travel freely between them. The countries in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Who needs a Schengen visa?
In general, any non-EU citizen who wants to visit, travel, study, or work in any of the Schengen countries will need to obtain a Schengen visa in advance. This includes citizens of countries that are not part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Some countries, such as the United States, have visa-free travel agreements with certain Schengen countries, allowing their citizens to stay for up to 90 days in a 180 day period without a visa. However, these citizens will still need to apply for a Schengen visa if they want to stay longer than 90 days.
How to apply for a Schengen visa?
The first step in applying for a Schengen visa is to choose the country where you will be applying. Generally, you should apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to stay in the longest. If you plan to stay in multiple Schengen countries, you should apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to enter first.
Once you have chosen the country you will be applying to, you will need to gather all of the documents required for your visa application. Documents may include but are not limited to:
- A valid passport
- Proof of financial stability
- Proof of travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of the purpose of your visit (for example, tourist visa, student visa, work visa)
The Schengen visa application fees vary from country to country, but all applications must be submitted with a valid passport, two identical passport-sized photographs, and the appropriate fees.
What to expect when applying for a Schengen visa?
The Schengen visa process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country you are applying to, so it is important to start your application well in advance.
The visa application is usually processed within 15 days of submission, during which time the embassy or consulate will carefully review your application and the documents you have provided. The embassy or consulate may also contact you for additional information or to schedule an interview.
Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Schengen visa. It is important to remember that a Schengen visa is only valid for the countries it was issued for, and is not transferable to other Schengen countries.
A Schengen visa is a special type of visa that allows non-EU citizens to travel freely within the Schengen Area. To apply for a Schengen visa, non-EU citizens must submit the appropriate documents and fees to the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit. The visa process can take several weeks, so it is important to start your application in advance. Once your visa has been approved, you will be issued a Schengen visa that is only valid for the countries it was issued for.
Understanding Dependent Visas for Non-EU Citizens
The process of obtaining visas for non-EU citizens can be complex, and even more so if the foreign national is seeking to join a family member living in the EU. Obtaining a dependent visa is a possible solution, however, that involves understanding a range of relevant regulations and visas rules. This article provides an overview of the situation, including considerations to be made when applying for a dependent visa.
What Is a Dependent Visa?
A dependent visa is a type of visa that enables a non-EU citizen to join a family member, such as a spouse, parent, or dependent minor, who is already living in an EU country. Those granted a dependent visa may be able to pursue employment, study, or other activities that are permitted under the visa.
Requirements for Applicants
The requirements for applicants vary by country, but generally the foreign national will be asked to demonstrate the following:
- Family relationship: The applicant must demonstrate his or her relationship to the family member already residing in the EU. This can be done via official documents, such as marriage or birth certificates.
- Financial means: The applicant and the family member in the EU must demonstrate sufficient financial and employment stability to support a dependent.
- Accommodation and medical insurance: The applicant and family member in the EU must demonstrate the availability of suitable accommodation and medical insurance for the dependent.
Visa Process
The process of applying for a dependent visa typically involves the following steps:
- Prepare a complete application package, including the required documents.
- Submit the application package to the relevant visa office or embassy.
- Await processing of the application.
- Attend any required interviews or provide additional information, if needed.
- Receive a notification of approval or rejection of the application.
A dependent visa can be a viable option for non-EU citizens wishing to join family members living in the EU. However, the process of obtaining such a visa can be complicated and requires applicants to meet various requirements. Therefore, planning ahead is vital and assistance from qualified solicitors or immigration specialists can be beneficial.
Applying for a Schengen Visa for Non-EU Citizens
Schengen visas are issued by the Schengen countries, which are members of the European Union that follow the area and visa policy known as the Schengen Agreement. Non-EU citizens who wish to travel to the Schengen area need to apply for a Schengen visa. Read on to learn more about the application process.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Schengen visa, non-EU citizens must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Having a valid passport
- Having sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay
- Having medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage
- Providing evidence of a purpose and the duration of the visit
- Proving that the applicant will leave the Schengen area before the visa expires
- Having a valid travel document for returning home
Applying for a Visa
Non-EU citizens seeking a Schengen visa must submit an application to the embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit. The application should include:
- A valid passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- A completed visa application form
- Proof of travel arrangements
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the stay
- An itinerary for the duration of the trip
- Proof of medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage
In addition to these documents, applicants may also need to provide other documents, such as proof of employment, proof of enrollment in a school or college, and/or proof of family ties to an EU citizen.
Visa Processing
The processing time for Schengen visa applications can vary, depending on the embassy or consulate. However, most applications will be processed within 15 days. Once the visa has been approved, the applicant will be given a letter confirming the visa and the duration of the stay.
Visa Fees
The cost of a Schengen visa application varies depending on the country. However, the fee is usually around €60. Other fees, such as insurance and processing fees, may also apply.
Validitiy
Schengen visas are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Non-EU citizens must leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.
Applying for a Schengen visa for non-EU citizens can be a complex process, but with the right documents and preparation, it is possible to obtain a visa and enjoy a trip to the Schengen area.
