Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Türkiye 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 Türkiye

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 resident in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:

• a passport or other travel document
• a proof of legal residence in Türkiye, such as a residence permit. This 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.

Bring: colour copy of the document 

You must bring a complete extract of the civil registry (Tam Tekmil Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği).

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 letter from your employer or a leave approval. This letter must include:
  • the name of the consulate it is sent to
  • your personal details
  • your passport details
  • the date you started working and your job title
  • the purpose of your trip
  • how long you will stay abroad
  • how long your leave is, and if it is paid or unpaid (not needed if you travel for business)
  • the contact details of your employer
  • the name and job title of the person who signed the letter
• your SGK work declaration (Sigortalı İşe Giriş Bildirgesi)
• your SGK registration and service document (SGK tescil ve hizmet dökümü) with a readable QR code

I am a company owner

If you own a company, bring the following documents: 

• an extract of your company from the Chamber of Commerce
• a copy of the trade register record
• a statement of taxes paid by the company
• proof of business activity (Faaliyet Belgesi)

I am a farmer

If you are a farmer, bring the following documents: 

• proof that you are a farmer, such as a certificate from the Chamber of Agriculture

I am a student

If you are a student, bring the following documents: 

• for higher education: a student certificate from the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) with a readable QR code
• for other education: a student card

None of these situations apply to me

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

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

Bring: colour copy of the document

Are you traveling for a cultural event or conference? Then bring:

• an invitation from the event organizer, or a contract with the cultural service provider, or an invitation for creative work. The invitation must include:
  • the purpose and duration of your stay
  • how you cooperate with the organizer
  • who pays for the costs of the stay
  • the contact details and position of the person who signed the invitation
  • the date and signature

Are you traveling for a sports event? Then bring:

• an invitation from the sports club or sports federation, or proof of participation in the event. The invitation must include:
  • the level of the sports event
  • the purpose and duration of your stay
  • how you cooperate with the organizer
  • who pays for the costs of the stay
  • the contact details and position of the person who signed the invitation
  • the date and signature
  • supporting documents from the Turkish sports club or sports federation

Are you traveling for your studies or participation in EU education, training, or research programs? Then bring:

• the original invitation letter from the university or research center in the Netherlands
• a letter from the Turkish National Agency (Center for EU Education and Youth Programs) or TÜBİTAK confirming that you are supported by an EU program
• are you a teacher or professor? Then also bring a letter from your employer or a leave of absence statement

Are you traveling for a political or religious event? Then bring:

• an invitation, registration, program, or entry ticket from the company or organization in the Netherlands. This must include:
  • the duration of the event
  • your personal details
  • the dates of the visit
  • the reason for the visit

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: colour copy of the document

You need documents that show where you will stay. For example a hotel reservation.

Bring: colour copy of the document

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

• bank statements from the last 3 months
• proof of income, such as 3 recent payslips if you are employed
• a pension booklet, if you have one

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, or another document showing your travel plans. You do not need a paid travel ticket
• a document that shows your travel plans, for example a confirmation of a booked 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: original document and colour copy

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: 

• a recent extract of the child’s birth certificate  
• a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor. Approved by a local notary
• if you are the only caregiver of the child: proof that you have sole custody. Approved by a local notary 

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a colour photocopy of a signed valid travel document (such as a passport) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has a valid Schengen visa: a colour photocopy of 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: a photocopy of the death certificate of the deceased parent or guardian
• if a guardian has been appointed: a photocopy of official proof of guardianship 
• if there is a court order in place: a photocopy of permission from the court for the minor to travel