a common question we are asked is whether I can apply for and get a Schengen Visa if
I am unemployed?
The short answer to this question is yes, you can.
Schengen Visas are not exclusively for employed applicants or those with businesses.
But let’s be honest here; if you are unable to cover your travel expenses yourself or
don’t have a stable stream of income, there are a few challenges you need to consider
while submitting your final application.
However, you don’t have to worry about that.
Want to know how to submit a successful Schengen Visa application even if you do not have a
paid job or the financial ability to cover the costs of travelling to Europe?
Then look no further since I have it all here.
This video does not include applicants who are currently studying.
If you are a student and want to apply for a Schengen Visa, please check another video
in our immigration to Europe Playlist.
Today’s video will only cover questions regarding Schengen visa requirements for unemployed
applicants and 3 effective tips for them to have a successful Schengen Visa application.
Hi everybody, welcome back, thank you for tuning in and watching this video, if this
is your first time visiting our channel, my name is Ahmadreza and here at Persia global
we help those who are in search of better opportunities to work, live or study abroad.
In this video, I’m going to share Schengen visa requirements for unemployed applicants
and 3 effective tips for them to have a successful Schengen Visa application.
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first of all, let’s take a glance at general 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:
o Passport o 2 Passport sized photos
o Basic application form o Proof of accommodation
o Proof of return o Proof of travel medical insurance
o Schengen visa fee which is 80 EUR for the majority of applicants
o Biometric information including photos and fingerprints
o Confirmation of employment letter which is 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 or care they will receive in the Schengen area.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Unemployed Applicants.
When applying for a Schengen Visa, you must show you have enough money to travel and cover
the expenses for each day spent within the Schengen Area.
This is because the Embassy officers want to ensure you have enough means of subsistence
to reside abroad so that you won’t be a burden to the countries you will be travelling
to.
But how can you prove you have the financial ability to travel and reside abroad if you
do not get regular income?
Article 21 part 5 of the Schengen Visa Code states that “proof of spon¬sorship and/or
private accommodation may also constitute evidence of sufficient means of subsistence.”
This means that someone else can sponsor your trip and cover all of your travel expenses.
In that case, you can show proof of financial means by submitting:
• Your sponsor’s bank statements for the last 6 months.
• A sponsorship letter written and signed by your sponsor stating that they will be
covering all of your travel expenses.
• A copy of your sponsor’s ID or passport (we highly recommend you submit a certified
copy of their ID or passport).
• Documents proving your degree of kinship or relationship (e.g., if your parents sponsor
your trip, you can submit your birth certificate including your parents’ names).
• Some Embassies may also require additional documents proving your sponsor’s employment
status, such as their payslips for the last 6 months or Certificate of Employment (COE).
Or, if your sponsor is running a business, you may need to submit documents such as their
company registration certificate or business income certificates.
• If your sponsor is living in Europe, some Embassies may require you to submit proof
of address of your sponsor (e.g., property deed, rental agreement, etc.) and a copy of
the residence permit of your sponsor (if applicable).
These documents are mandatory for all Embassies if your sponsor also provides you with accommodation
– meaning that you will be staying at your sponsor’s house during your trip.
Note: If you are unemployed and plan on travelling using your personal savings, you must submit
your bank statements for the last 6 months.
You can also submit proof of your income from unemployment benefits – if applicable to
your situation.
Be sure to also check the complete list of Schengen Visa required documents as I noted
in the first part of the video that you must submit along with the documents proving your
means of subsistence.
Now that you’ve got a grasp of the Schengen Visa requirements for unemployed applicants,
let’s have a look at the challenges you may tackle when submitting your application
and the best practices to overcome them as considering 3 effective tips for unemployed
Schengen Visa applicants.
Getting a Schengen Visa if you are unemployed is possible, but you need to convince the
Embassy officers of your genuine intentions to return home without overstaying your Visa.
Remember, the Embassy officers’ main duty is to prevent irregular migration and ensure
all travellers holding a Schengen Visa will return to their countries of residence.
So, if you are unemployed, they may think you want to travel to seek employment in Europe.
This is because it is illegal to work in Europe if you hold a tourist visa.
At the same time, it is not possible to convert a visitor visa into a work visa.
If you are going to find a job in Europe you can use job seeker visas that we have also
covered some of them in our channel.
In addition, to legally work in Europe, you must return to your country of residence,
then apply for a long-stay work visa or job seeker visa while proving you will be legally
employed in Europe.
So, if you are unemployed, here are the best ways to prove that you are a genuine visitor
and you won’t stay or work illegally in Europe:
1.
Prove your strong ties and intent to return home
As I have previously been sharing, your ties to & deep-rootedness in your country of residence
is one of the very important requirements you must meet for a successful Schengen Visa
application.
Even if you do not have a paid job that is typically considered a strong proof of ties,
there are a few ways you can demonstrate your clear intention to return home.
For example, you can prove your family ties by submitting your marriage certificate or
the birth certificates of your children.
Or, you can prove you have dependents whom you are taking care of e.g., elderly parents.
Or, you can prove your regular participation in worthwhile activities e.g., volunteering
that help you build social bonds and strong ties to your home country.
You are allowed to ask the Embassy officers for any documents they might want from you
to prove your deep ties in your country.
So, if you’re unsure which documents to submit to prove your rootedness, I will shoot
another video with a comprehensive guide on how to prove intent to return home.
2.
Write a compelling cover letter If you are unemployed, one document that can
explain your situation is your cover letter addressed to the Embassy officers.
Here, you can explain the reasons why you are currently unemployed.
For example, you are a recent graduate and want to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Europe
before entering the labour market.
Or, you are a homemaker and your spouse is working full-time.
Or, you may want to take time off between jobs.
No matter what’s the reason for your unemployment, be sure to outline your travel purpose and
genuine intent to return home.
You can also provide additional information concerning your funds – e.g., the relationship
you have with your sponsor, how you saved money, etc.
3.
Prepare for the Schengen Visa interview Your Schengen Visa interview is a meeting
where you submit your supporting documents and answer a set of related questions.
During the interview, the Embassy officers are likely to ask you questions around the
circumstances of your unemployment, how you are able to fund your trip, and why you will
be returning to your country of residence.
Make sure to answer truthfully and only provide answers that are consistent with your supporting
documents.
Do not provide too short or vague responses.
Be sure to elaborate on each of your answers and give a complete picture of your situation.
For example, if the Visa officers ask you, “Why are you currently unemployed?”, do
not answer “I quit my job”.
It’s too vague, and chances are you will need to answer another series of related questions.
Instead, say, “I quit my job after three years.
I feel like I’m ready to take on more responsibility and I need a change of environment to motivate
me.
However, before looking for another job in my country, I think I deserve a holiday.
So, I’ve decided to take time off between jobs to visit Europe for the first time.”
Well here in short, I’d like to draw a conclusion from this video.
Getting a Schengen Visa, if you are currently unemployed is definitely possible, provided
that you meet all of the Embassy requirements.
Remember, your employment status is only one aspect that Embassies have to look at.
So, as long as you show proof of funds and strong ties to your home country, you can
increase your chances of getting a Visa and travelling to Europe, you can also add any
evidence of your travel history to other countries too.
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