Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in the Philippines 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 the Philippines

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: colour copy of the document

Are you not a Filipino national? You must prove that you are legally residing in the Philippines with an Alien Certificate Registration (ACR). The ACR must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.

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.

You must be able to prove your ties to the country where you live. These can be social or economic ties.

To show your social ties, bring the following documents:

• proof of family ties, for instance an original birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• colour copies of any other documents that show your social ties, if you have them. For example, proof of social security contributions or proof of real estate property

Which other documents you need depends on your situation:

Bring: colour copy of the document

• If you are employed: a certificate of employment, certificate of leave absence and your most recent income tax return.
• If you are self-employed: proof of company registration issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), along with your most recent income tax return and financial statement.
• If you are a student: a document proving you are enrolled in a study programme. If you are travelling during the school year, also bring a certificate of leave absence.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need an invitation, registration, programme or admission ticket from the company or event you will be visiting in the Netherlands.

If you are travelling for a cultural or sports event, you will need:

• a letter from your Philippine employer, stating:
  • who you are
  • the purpose and the length of your visit
  • information about who will pay your stay
  • a short company profile
• an invitation letter from the company, stating:
  • your personal details
  • your job title
  • the purpose and length of your visit
  • the planned activities during your stay
  • information about who will pay for your stay
  • name and position of the signing person
• proof of recent business contacts
• proof of continued business relation between the two companies, if relevant. For instance contracts or invoices

If you are a participant in a cultural of sports event, you will need a personalized letter stating:

• your personal details
• your job title
• the purpose and length of your visit
• the contact details and position of the signing person

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

• proof of admission or registration at an educational institution for participation in academic or vocational training courses
• a letter from the inviting company, if you have one

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.

Bring: original document and colour copy

Are you travelling with your spouse and/or children? You will need proof of your immediate family ties.

• If you will be travelling with your spouse, you will need a marriage certificate certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
• If you will be travelling with your children, you will need a birth certificate certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Bring: colour copy of the document

You need documents that show where you will stay. For example a hotel reservation or confirmation that you are renting accommodation.

Bring: colour copy of the document

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

• personal bank statements showing regular income
• credit card statements or balance from the last 6 months

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area, or another document showing your travel plans. 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

• the child’s birth certificate certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
• a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor. No consent is needed if the name of the father does not appear on the PSA issued birth certificate

Bring: colour copy of the document

• proof of income from the parents or guardians, such as bank statements, credit card statements or bank balance from the last 6 months
• the biographical data page of the parents or guardians passport
• if the parent of guardian travelling with the child has sole custody: official proof of guardianship
• if the child is travelling alone: a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clearance
• 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