Why move to Europe
Education
European countries make a point to invest in their higher education. It’s also home to many of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities.
Healthcare
Europeans not only value work-life balance, but they have excellent and affordable healthcare systems.
Career opportunities
Due to the strong economy, the European job market is filled with opportunities across all sectors.
Travel
You’ll enjoy unrestricted travel to all EU countries and visa-free entry to countries like the US and Australia.
Types of Schengen visas
Type A Transit visa
This visa is for travellers passing through an airport in the Schengen Area. It only allows them to stay within the designated transit area of the airport and does not permit them to leave.
Type C Schengen short-stay visa
This is the most common short-stay visa, allowing holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be issued as a single, double, or multiple-entry visa, permitting anything from one entry to multiple entries into the Schengen Area.
This is further divided into the following:
Visitor Schengen visa
Holders of this visa can travel to any country in the Schengen Area to visit close friends or family who live there. A Visitor visa typically requires an invitation letter from the person you will be visiting in the Schengen Area.
Tourist Schengen visa
This visa is exclusively for tourism or leisure purposes. Unlike the Visitor visa, a letter of invitation isn’t required.
Business Schengen visa
This visa allows holders to conduct business throughout the Schengen Area. Citizens of countries that require a visa to visit Europe must obtain this visa if their trip is solely for business purposes.
Type D Schengen long-stay visa
This visa is required for any foreign visitor planning to study, work, or live in a Schengen State for more than 90 days. It allows stays of up to one year and gives holders the ability to travel and stay in other Schengen countries beyond their initially chosen one.
Student Schengen visa
Holders of this visa may stay and study in the country of the institution where they've been enrolled for less than three months. It doesn’t entitle you to permanent residence; any students needing more time for their course may apply for a Long-Stay Student visa instead.
FAQs
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?
There are 26 countries that make up the Schengen States:
- Austria
- Belgium
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Where do I submit my Schengen visa application?
Applications for Schengen visas must be submitted at the Consulate of the country you wish to visit. If you plan to visit more than one Schengen State, then your application must be lodged at the Consulate of the country where you will spend the most time during your visit instead.
How long does it take to process a Schengen visa application?
Your application should be decided within 15 days of submission, but this period can be extended to 30 or 60 days.
How much does it cost to apply for a Schengen visa?
When you submit your visa application, you must pay €90. Applications for children between the ages of six and 12 cost €45, while those for children under six are free. The fee is sometimes waived for students and teachers on trips for educational training or academics conducting scientific research. Individual Schengen States may also apply other optional waivers.
Can my visa be extended?
Schengen visas may be extended, but only under exceptional circumstances. These would include unforeseeable events like an epidemic, war, riot, crime or change in law, otherwise known as “force majeure”. Other personal or humanitarian reasons would also be considered. Regardless of the cause, you would need to present grounds for why you’d be unable to leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires.
Our expert consultants can help you determine if you have a claim to EU citizenship