Bank Statement for Schengen Visa: How Much Money Do You Need?
Why Financial Proof Matters
Your bank statement is one of the most critical documents in your Schengen visa application. It proves you can afford your trip and have financial reasons to return home.
Embassy officers scrutinize financial documents carefully. Weak financial proof is one of the top reasons for visa rejection.
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What Embassies Want to See
Primary Goals
When reviewing your bank statement, officers assess:
1. Can you afford this trip?
- Do you have enough to cover all expenses?
- Is your balance sufficient for your travel plans?
2. Is your income legitimate?
- Are there regular, consistent deposits?
- Does income match your employment/business?
3. Will you return home?
- Do you have financial ties to your country?
- Is there ongoing income you'd lose by overstaying?
What They Look For
Positive Indicators:
- Consistent salary deposits
- Steady balance growth
- Regular transactions
- Healthy closing balance
- Income matching declared employment
Red Flags:
- Large sudden deposits
- Empty account with recent big deposit
- Inconsistent transaction patterns
- Balance borrowed from others
- No regular income shown
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How Much Money Do You Need?
General Rule
€50-100 per day of stay is a safe guideline.
For a 14-day trip: €700-1,400 minimum balance
Country-Specific Requirements
Different embassies have different expectations:
| Country | Daily Requirement | 14-Day Trip |
|---------|------------------|-------------|
| France | €65/day | €910 |
| Germany | €45/day | €630 |
| Netherlands | €55/day | €770 |
| Spain | €100/day (or €900 min) | €900-1,400 |
| Italy | €50/day | €700 |
| Belgium | €50/day | €700 |
| Switzerland | €100/day | €1,400 |
| Austria | €50/day | €700 |
| Portugal | €40/day | €560 |
| Greece | €50/day | €700 |
Note: These are minimums. Having more is always better.
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Bank Statement Requirements
Duration
- Minimum: Last 3 months
- Recommended: Last 6 months
- Some embassies: Require 6 months specifically
Format
Must Include:
- Account holder name (matching passport)
- Account number
- Bank name and branch
- Statement period
- Opening and closing balance
- All transactions
- Bank letterhead/logo
- Bank stamp/seal
- Date of issue
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Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Large Last-Minute Deposits
Problem: Depositing €5,000 the week before applying
Embassy's View: "Borrowed money to appear wealthy"
Solution: Build savings gradually over months
Mistake 2: Empty Account History
Problem: New account with no history
Embassy's View: "No established financial life"
Solution: Use account with 6+ months history
Mistake 3: Borrowed Funds
Problem: Friend transfers money, you apply, money returns
Embassy's View: "Fake financial proof"
Solution: Only show genuinely your money
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Ready to Apply?
Strong financial documentation significantly increases approval chances. Our experts review your bank statements and help optimize your financial proof.
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