Bank Statement for a Schengen Visa

The European Commission sets one list of supporting documents for everyone applying for a short-stay visa in Egypt, whichever Schengen country they apply to. On money it asks for the following.

• Original bank statements with the bank's official stamp and signature, showing activity over the last 6 months.
• A translation of the statements.
• Or, instead of the statements, proof of other assets.

It adds one document that explains the income behind the account.

• Employed. A certificate of employment with your start date, your position and your salary.
• Company owner. The original commercial registry and tax card.
• Student. Proof of enrolment at your school or university.

For a tourist trip, employees also add their approved leave.

Source List of supporting documents for applicants in Egypt, C(2023) 2743

There is no single EU figure. Each Schengen country sets its own daily reference amount for visitors, and the European Commission publishes the list (reference amounts). Multiply your destination's amount by the nights of your trip. Your balance should cover that comfortably, next to the flights and hotel you have booked.

Consulates also read the pattern across the 6 months, not only the final balance. A steady salary and ordinary spending reads better than a large balance that appeared last week.

If a family member or your host is paying for the trip, the consulate needs to see their money and your link to them. That usually means the sponsor's own stamped statements, a document that proves the relationship such as the family register extract, and a letter from them saying they cover the trip.

Some Schengen countries also have an official national sponsorship form, and the EU list says it may be requested where relevant. Check the checklist for the country you apply to.

The statement is read next to everything else in your file. Check these before you submit.

• The name on the account matches your passport.
• The salary deposits match the salary on your employment certificate.
• The statement runs the full 6 months and ends close to your appointment date.
• Every page carries the stamp and signature, not only the first.
• Any large deposit in recent months has an explanation, like a bonus letter or a sale contract.
• The balance covers your trip at your destination's daily amount, plus the bookings.

1. Bringing 3 months when the list asks for 6.
2. An online banking printout with no stamp or signature.
3. A statement in Arabic with no translation.
4. A balance topped up just before applying, with nothing to explain it.
5. A salary on the certificate that does not match the deposits.
6. The account in a family member's name with no sponsorship documents.

Your statement is reviewed with the rest of your file before anything is submitted. If the period, the stamp or the salary does not line up with your other documents, we tell you what to fix first.

See also the full Schengen document list and the appointments open right now.