Which documents do I need to apply for a Schengen visa?

Question

I have been invited by a friend in Germany to visit her, and she is going to pay all my expenses since I do not have any bank account. I have her affidavit, travel medical insurance, application form, my passport, and my lodging to prove where I will be staying initially.

Is this everything I need, or am I missing anything?

Answer 1

You bank statements have several purposes.

• They show how the expected costs of travel will be paid. Having someone else pay helps in this regard.
• They show that you have a job or other ties to your home and that you are not likely to become an illegal immigrant in Germany. Having someone else pay for the trip does not help in this regard.

It might help if your friend is willing and able to sign a Verpflichtungserklärung, which means that she will reimburse the state for all costs if you do not leave on schedule. Depending on her income, she might be required to post a bond to do that.

Regarding the comments: Imagine a suspicious consular official. You have to convince him that you will go back to Zimbabwe. What are your reasons to do that, and can you explain them so the official will understand?

• A steady, well-paid job is best.
• Owning a house or a farm would help, too.
• Having family who do not come on the trip may help. The officials might wonder if you want to work in Europe to support them or if you will return to them.
• Just having unexplained money (or gifts from distant relatives) is a very bad thing. The officials would wonder if you expect to pay it back by working in Europe.