Updated Schengen visa requirements in 2024

Visa centres of European countries are introducing new requirements for Schengen visa applications one after another. Following Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Bulgaria, Greece has now updated its requirements.

New document requirements

All applicants travelling to European countries, regardless of the purpose of the trip, must now provide a number of additional documents.

\n
1. A statement from the Russian Pension and Social Insurance Fund. The document shows the applicant's employment history over the last 10 years and must be certified with an electronic signature.\n
   \n
   • For those temporarily not working, a copy of the employment record book showing work history for the last 3 years can be submitted instead of the statement.
   \n
   \n
\n
2. Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors will need to provide a 2-NDFL or 3-NDFL income certificate.
\n
3. Unemployed applicants must also present documents confirming ties to Russia. These can include a marriage certificate, property documents, and others.
\n

Main list of documents

In addition to the newly introduced requirements, applicants must prepare:

\n
• a completed application form;
\n
• two colour photos, 3.5x4.5 cm;
\n
• the original and a copy of their international passport;
\n
• the original and a copy of their civil passport;
\n
• hotel booking and flight tickets;
\n
• a certificate of employment or bank statement;
\n
• health insurance.
\n

Why are these changes being introduced?

The updated requirements are aimed at tightening control over the flow of applicants and verifying their intentions. As a result, greater attention is now being paid to applicants' employment and financial activity.