Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Ghana to study or to attend a political, academic, cultural, sporting or religious event

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 Ghana

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: original document and colour copy

You will have to show your birth certificate.

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:

• If you are employed: a recent statement from your employer stating your employment terms and conditions or a certificate of employment. Plus bank statements or payslips from the previous 3 months.
• If you are self-employed: a business registration certificate, tax clearance certificates or proof of an active business. For instance: bills of lading, import declaration forms or invoices.
• If you are a student: an official leave letter from the school or university including proof of paid school fees and school reports.

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

Bring: original document and colour copy

• If you are married: your marriage certificate
• If you have dependent children: their birth certificates 

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need an invitation or another document from the company or event you will be visiting in the Netherlands.

If you are travelling to the Netherlands for cultural purposes (recording, concert, festival, performance or lessons), you will need:

• an invitation letter from an association, a musician card and proof of your musical activities
• for recordings: a studio contract and proof of payment of the studio fees
• for lessons: a contract stating the duration and the payment
• for festivals or concerts: a detailed programme and a contract stating the duration and the payment

If you are travelling to the Netherlands for an internship, training or language course, you will need:

• a letter from the Dutch institution or a confirmed registration
• information about the duration (working hours per week) and the expected salary
• for language courses or training: proof of payment of the course

If you are travelling to the Netherlands for sports purposes (tournaments or trials for a transfer), you will need:

• an invitation letter from the Dutch organiser, sponsor or sports club
• an invitation letter from the Ghana Sports Council and/or the relevant sports association stating that there is no objection to your participation in tournaments or trials
• proof of your sporting ability (CV, world ranking, trophies, selection for the national team or personal records)

If you will be representing a non-profit organisation, you will need an official document showing that the organisation is registered as a non-profit and that you represent the organisation.

If you will be participating in an event hosted by a non-profit organisation, you will need an official document showing that the organisation is registered as a non-profit.

If you are travelling to the Netherlands to study or for other educational purposes, you will need:

• proof of enrolment at the educational institution where you will be participating in a practical or theoretical study programme or professional training course
• a student ID or certificate for the lectures or courses you will attend in the Netherlands if applicable

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show where you will be staying during your visit. For example a hotel reservation on your name for the entire duration of your trip.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show who will pay your travel and costs of stay.

• If you will pay these costs yourself, you must provide your bank statements for the previous 3 months and 3 recent payslips.
• If someone else is paying these costs, you must provide proof of financial support for these costs.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area. You do not need a paid travel ticket.

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.

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 consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor. Do you have sole custody? In that case proof of sole custody is required.

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a signed valid travel document (such as a passport or identity card) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
• 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