Bank Statement for Schengen Visa
How to prepare your financial proof
Why Financial Proof Matters
Bank statements are one of the most important documents in your Schengen visa application. They prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Europe without working illegally.
"Insufficient proof of financial means" is one of the most common reasons for visa denial, so getting this right is crucial.
Bank Statement Requirements
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Period covered 3-6 months Most recent statements
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Daily budget €50-100 Guideline per day
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Format Official Bank stamped/signed
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Currency Any EUR equivalent shown
How Much Money Do You Need?
There's no fixed minimum amount, but as a guideline, embassies typically expect to see:
- €50-100 per day of your planned stay
- Plus accommodation costs if not prepaid
- Plus flight costs if not prepaid
A 14-day trip might require showing €700-1,400 in available funds, plus any unpaid expenses. More is better — it demonstrates financial stability.
What Embassies Look For
- Sufficient balance: Enough money to cover your entire trip comfortably
- Regular income: Consistent salary deposits or business income over several months
- Account stability: A pattern of normal transactions, not sudden large deposits
- Your name: Statement must be in your name (or joint account)
- Recent statements: Dated within the last month
- Bank authentication: Official statements with bank stamp or digital verification
Avoid Sudden Large Deposits
Red flag: A large sum deposited just before applying looks suspicious — like someone lent you money to appear wealthy. Embassies want to see organic, consistent account activity over several months. If you have savings elsewhere, transfer them well in advance (3+ months) of your application.
Acceptable Bank Statement Formats
Your bank statements should be:
- Official documents from your bank (not screenshots or online printouts without authentication)
- Printed on bank letterhead with bank name and contact details
- Stamped and/or signed by a bank official (some banks provide digital verification instead)
- In English or with a certified translation
- Covering 3-6 months of transaction history
What to Show vs What to Hide
Good signs:
- Regular salary deposits
- Stable or growing balance
- Normal spending patterns
- Savings accounts in addition to checking
Potential concerns:
- Very low balance (even with recent large deposit)
- Frequent overdrafts or bounced transactions
- Unexplained large deposits
- Gambling transactions
Additional Financial Documents
- Salary slips: Last 3 months to show regular income
- Employment letter: Confirming your job, salary, and approved leave
- Tax returns: For self-employed applicants
- Fixed deposits: Certificates showing additional savings
- Property documents: Show assets and ties to home country
- Sponsorship documents: If someone else is funding your trip
If Someone Else is Sponsoring You
If a sponsor (family member, friend, or company) is paying for your trip, you'll need:
- Sponsor's bank statements: Same requirements as above
- Sponsor's proof of income: Employment letter, business registration, etc.
- Sponsorship letter: Written declaration that they'll cover your expenses
- Proof of relationship: How you know the sponsor
If the sponsor is in Europe, they may also need to provide an invitation letter.
Bank Statement FAQs
Can I use online bank statements?
It depends on the embassy. Some accept digitally verified statements (with QR codes or verification URLs). Others require physical statements stamped by the bank. Check your specific embassy's requirements. When in doubt, get a stamped physical copy.
What if I don't have 3 months of history with my bank?
Provide what you have, plus statements from your previous bank. Explain the situation in your cover letter. If you recently changed banks, transfer your savings well before applying.
My country uses a different currency. Is that okay?
Yes. The embassy will convert it to EUR equivalent. Some applicants include a current exchange rate or note the EUR equivalent in their cover letter for clarity.
Can I use my parents' bank statement if I'm a student?
Yes, with proper sponsorship documentation. Include your parents' bank statements, proof of their income, a sponsorship letter stating they'll fund your trip, and proof of your relationship (birth certificate or similar).
What if my balance fluctuates a lot?
As long as you show a healthy average balance and regular income, fluctuations are normal. Avoid having your account near zero at any point during the 3-6 month period, as this raises concerns.
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