Read carefully information about the required documents on our website or Ministry of Interior website.

• Documents are older than 180 days, except for those with a shorter stated validity period.
  • For example, a criminal record certificate with a stated validity of 90 days is only acceptable within that validity period, even if it meets the 180-day condition.
• Missing payment card in the applicant’s name corresponding to the submitted bank statement.
  • The bank statement proves financial resources, while the payment card proves the applicant’s ability to access those funds.
• Missing criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
  • If the applicant is a citizen of multiple countries, certificates from all countries of citizenship must be submitted.
• Missing proper legalization of the criminal record certificate.
  • A list of contracting states to the Hague Apostille Convention can be found here.
  • Notes are also important — for example, the Czech Republic has raised an objection to Pakistan’s accession, meaning that Pakistani apostilles are not recognized.
• Due to the processing time and the usual start of studies in September, it is recommended to submit the application as early as possible, ideally no later than July.
•  
• Original documents are not submitted, especially proof of accommodation or purpose of stay (e.g. acceptance letter, contract).
  • The following documents must always be submitted in their originals: passport and supporting documents on the purpose of stay (in this case employment contract / work agreement / letter of intent and employment permit, if applicable). These originals will be returned to the applicant should he/she wish to keep them. Passport is always returned to the applicant and is submitted again when issuing the visa. Other supporting documents may be submitted as originals or officially verified copies.
• For students we recommend considering submitting long-term residence permit instead of long-term visa for purpose of study. See the difference on our website.