Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants

The general Schengen visa application process involves meeting various in person requirements and submitting the main visa application form as well as a number of key documents. The specific materials you must submit and other requirements you must meet will depend on the type of Schengen visa you are applying for as well as other factors relating to the nature of your application. If you are currently working, you may be wondering whether there are specific Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants. Is there employment verification when applying Schengen visa? What about a confirmation of employment letter? Today’s blog will answer these questions in the context of covering the Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants. Learn the requirements for the Schengen visa for those unemployed and married to an EU citizen (including whether they need to submit their spouse’s valid passport in order to apply), and other essential information. 

Schengen visa requirements

• The Schengen visa application process involves the submission of these basic documents and the fulfillment of various additional requirements, some of which are in-person. All applicants, regardless of the type of Schengen visa they are applying for or their employment status, are responsible for submitting the following:
  • Passport
  • Passport sized photos (2)
  • Basic application form 
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of return
  • Proof of travel medical insurance
  • Schengen visa fee (80 EUR for the majority of applicants, for more info on Schengen visa costs click here)
  • Biometric information (photos and fingerprints) 
  • Confirmation of employment letter (for applicants with jobs) 
• Please note that applicants will likely be tasked with submitting additional forms, which relate to the specific type of visa they are applying for. For example, someone who is pursuing a Schengen Medical visa will need to submit materials relating to the procedure/care they will receive in the Schengen area. 
• More complete information on Schengen visa requirements is accessible here.

Financial Schengen visa requirements

• Applicants who are judged not to be able to afford their trip to the Schengen area will be denied a visa to the zone. 
• In addition to paying their Schengen visa fee, applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their travel to and from the zone, as well as prove that they have enough money to cover their cost of living once they arrive. Living costs include food, lodging, and travel; these costs vary from country to country, with certain Schengen states being more expensive than others. The Schengen visa officials who are responsible for processing your application are aware of the cost of living in the country (or countries) you are visiting and will be checking to make sure you can afford all of your Schengen-related expenses. 
• Schengen visa applicants must therefore submit personal financial information in order to prove that they can afford their trip. 
• Employed applicants generally submit pay stubs and other information about their salary. Employment verification when applying for Schengen visa is mainly only for applicants who indicate they are employed. If you state that you are employed on your application, you will have to provide evidence of where you work and other information about your job. If you do not have a job, you will be exempt from this requirement. 

Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants

• If you don’t have a job, either because you are a student or you are a retiree (or for any other reason) you may be worried about whether you can apply for a Schengen visa. If you don’t have a job, you can still apply for a Schengen visa provided that you present another form of proof (i.e. other than a salary) that you can afford your trip. Therefore, the Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants are therefore the same as those for employed applicants: you simply must provide some form of financial information as evidence that you will not run out of money on your journey and stay in the zone. 
• Unemployed applicants can show their bank account information, including savings, (student applicants often submit proof of economic sponsorship information) and any other evidence they have of monies which can go towards their trip. 
• Please note that those who are pursuing a Schengen visa who are unemployed and married to an EU citizen will need to submit their spouse’s valid passport in addition to financial information proving that they can pay for their trip.