Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Bangladesh to visit family or friends

Bring: original document

You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.

Complete the application form

Complete your own application form online. Only then will you receive a form with a unique code. Forms without this code may cause issues while processing your application. For that reason, do not use someone else’s form.

Bring: original document

You will need a valid travel document, such as a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:

• it is no more than 10 years old
• it must have at least 2 empty visa pages
• it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• it must bear your signature

Bring: original document

You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:

• colour photo
• no more than 6 months old
• 3.5cm by 4.5cm
• white or light-coloured background

Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken in Bangladesh

If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally residing in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:

• a passport or other travel document
• a residence permit, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• a visa
• a work permit

If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to prove that you have social or economic ties to the country where you live. What you can use for this depends on your situation:

I am an employee

If you are an employee, bring the following documents:

• A certificate of employment. This certifcate must include: 
  • your name
  • your job title
  • your salary
  • how many years you have been employed at the company
  • the address and contact details of your employer
  • approval for your leave
  • the name and job title of the person who signed the certificate

I am a company owner

If you own a company, bring the following documents:

• the trade license issued by City Corporation and Incorporation Certificate issued by Office of Registrar of Joint Stock Company, if you have one
• the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• the company’s bank statements from the last 6 months

I am a student

If you are a student, bring the following documents:

• a document proving you are enrolled in a study programme in Bangladesh
• a certificate of leave of absence if travelling during the school year. The certificate must state your full address, telephone number, permission of absence and name and function of the person giving the permission
• is it a study trip? You need a letter from your educational institution. This must state: the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay and your destination

If none of the above situations apply to you, you can show that you have social or economic ties using, for instance:

• a document proving that you are a caregiver in your country of residence
• a document showing that you have a home or other immovable property in your country of residence
• a document showing that your children attend school in your country of residence

Bring: original document and colour copy

You must show your civil status, with one of the documents below:

• Are you married or travelling with your child(ren)? You show this with your marriage certificate.
• Are you divorced? You show this with a talak namah.
• Are you a widow(er)? You show this with a death certificate.

You must be able to show that you have enough money to cover the costs of your travel and stay in the Netherlands. This also applies if you are under 18 years old. You need at least €55 per day.

I pay the costs myself

If you pay the costs yourself, bring the following documents:

Bring: colour copy of the document

• bank statements for the previous 3 months
• 3 recent payslips, if you are employed 

A family member or friend in my country of residence pays the costs

If a family member or friend in your country of residence pays the costs, bring the following documents from this person:

Bring: colour copy of the document

• bank statements for the previous 3 months 
• 3 recent payslips

The person who invites me to the Netherlands pays the costs

Does the person who invites you to the Netherlands pay all your costs? Then this person is financially sponsoring you.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Question 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”. Read how to arrange sponsorship. Also bring the following documents from this person:

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a recent employment certificate or an employment contract that is valid for at least 12 months at the time of the visa application
• 3 recent payslips

You need documents showing where you will stay during your visit.

Bring: colour copy of the document

Are you staying in a hotel or rental accommodation? Then you need a hotel reservation or rental agreement for the entire duration of your trip.

Bring: original document and colour copy

Are you staying with the person who invites you to the Netherlands? Then you must bring a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Read how to arrange private accommodation.

• Are you staying with the person who completes the sponsorship form? And is this person sponsoring the costs of your stay, medical care and repatriation? Then questions 3A and 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”.
• Is the person paying the costs of your stay in the Netherlands someone other than the person you are staying with? Then the person you are staying with must provide a separate sponsorship form.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show that you have enough money. You can do this with:

• personal bank statements from the last 6 months
• credit card statements or bank balance from the last 6 months
• other documents showing you have enough money

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show a booking of your trip and your travel plans. Take with you:

• a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area. You do not need a paid travel ticket
• a document that shows your travel plans

If you are visiting more countries, you must also bring the entry permits for the next destination(s) of your trip.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name.*

The document must state that:

• the insurance provides cover in all Schengen area countries for the entire duration of your stay.
• the insurance covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes the costs of a hospital stay and treatment, emergency care, prescription medication and repatriation to your country of residence (including in the event of death).

Find out what requirements your travel medical insurance must meet

*Holders of diplomatic passports are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need the Dutch identity card (ID card) or passport of the person who has invited you. If the person who has invited you does not have Dutch nationality, you will need their valid Dutch residence permit.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need proof of your immediate family ties with the person inviting you.

If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18 who will be travelling without 1 or both of their parents or guardians, you will need the following documents:

Bring: original document and colour copy

• a recent extract of the child’s birth certificate
• a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a signed valid travel document (such as a passport) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
• proof of income from the parent or guardian, such as personal bank statements, credit card statements or bank balance from the last 6 months. Or other documents proving this
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has a valid Schengen visa: the biographical data page of their passport and of their valid Schengen visa. The biographical data page contains the passport holder’s details and photo
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has died: the death certificate of the deceased parent or guardian
• if a guardian has been appointed: official proof of guardianship
• if there is a court order in place: permission from the court for the minor to travel