Schengen Area — Family visit visa (type C)
Short-stay visa for visiting relatives who live in a Schengen country.
Document checklist
Requirements depend on your nationality. Tell us your nationality for an exact checklist — we confirm it in writing before any work starts.
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date, with two blank pages
- Completed and signed application form
- Recent passport photograph to the authority’s specification
- Proof of accommodation for the whole stay
- Return or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of funds — recent bank statements
- Travel medical insurance covering the period of travel
- Formal invitation or proof of sponsorship from your host
- Evidence of the family relationship
- Copy of the host’s residence permit or identity document
Common reasons applications are refused
- Supporting documents that are incomplete, inconsistent or out of date
- Insufficient evidence of funds for the length of the stay
- Unclear purpose of travel, or weak ties to your country of residence
- Previous overstays or a refusal that was not declared
- Sponsorship document that does not follow the host country’s official format
Service tiers
| What's included | Standard | Priority | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document review against the current checklist | Included | Included | Included |
| Application form completion | Included | Included | Included |
| Checklist tailored to your nationality | Included | Included | Included |
| File review turnaround | 2–3 business days | 1 business day | Same business day |
| Appointment booking assistance | — | Included | Included |
| Dedicated consultant | — | — | Included |
| Cover letter and itinerary drafting | — | — | Included |
| Interview preparation (where applicable) | — | — | Included |
| Stampwise service fee | USD 89 | USD 149 | USD 249 |
| Government / visa centre fee | USD 95 (estimate) | USD 95 (estimate) | USD 95 (estimate) |
Service fees are per traveller. Government and visa-centre fees are paid at cost and subject to change by the authority.
Questions about this visa
How long does this take?
The authority publishes 15–45 calendar days (estimate). That is an estimate, not a commitment, and it can change during busy seasons. We tell you the current picture when we review your file.
Is the checklist above complete for me?
It is the general list. Requirements vary by nationality and sometimes by place of residence, so we confirm your exact list in writing before any work starts.
What if my application is refused?
A refusal is not grounds for a refund of work already completed. We explain the stated reason, and where a fresh application makes sense we tell you what would need to change.