Today it is not only for young working people but also for pensioners. Obtaining the Schengen visa is possible after all the necessary documents have been prepared and submitted. Obtaining a Schengen visa is a prerequisite for entering European countries. Registration is carried out in accordance with the general requirements applicable to all members of the Schengen Agreement. Residents of Western countries, having reached retirement age, immediately go to a foreign rendezvous. Such an opportunity is an amazing gift. Of course, this is influenced by the different sizes of the pension.

 

How to get a visa abroad for pensioners

A trip abroad is not at all a pipe dream, as many believe. It is quite simple to turn it into reality, despite the sanctions imposed by some Western countries. Registration of a Schengen visa is carried out according to an established procedure, which includes several steps. The main one is the preparation of a mandatory package of documents. It is not only about providing truthful information but also about the rules for paperwork. Even for photos, there are definite requirements that take into account the detailed nuances, such as head tilt or facial expressions. 

Yet, the general procedure for submitting documents and the amount of the consular fee remain unchanged. To obtain a short-term tourist visa, you must pay the standard amount, which is 35 euros and is charged upon submission of documentation for verification.

In the presence of all the necessary documents, the correctness of their execution, and the absence of questions from the consular staff, it takes 4-6 working days.

The main list of documents for applying for a Schengen visa remains unchanged:

• International passport and its copy; 
• A copy of the national passport – a spread and a page indicating registration;
• Applicant’s questionnaire (filled in Latin letters);
• Color photographs 35 * 45 mm in size. Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000;
• Hotel and ticket reservation;
• Proof of financial solvency.

And if everything is simple with the confirmation of finances for working people – you only need a certificate from work. Then pensioners applying for the Schengen area will have to provide other documents. First of all, this is a pension certificate. A pensioner can pay for the trip on his own, but then he will have to provide a certificate from the bank and an extract on the amount of the pension received.

It is also possible to provide a sponsorship letter – it means that the relative is ready to vouch for the tourist and provide the necessary funds for the trip. In addition to the letter from the sponsor, you will need a copy of his passport and a certificate from work.

Also, pensioners whose children live in Europe and have the status of a citizen or permanent resident of the country have the opportunity to apply for a visa by invitation. In this case, the inviting party prepares all the necessary documents, and the guest only needs to come to the embassy with an official letter, photos, and a passport. The inviting party can provide accommodation, pay expenses and take out health insurance. It should be noted that the embassies accept invitations only in the original version.

If a person intends to travel in his car, then he needs to issue a Green Card in advance. The rules for issuing the Green Card also need to be clarified in advance. A list of relevant information can be obtained from the consulate of the country. If necessary, you need to enlist the help of a qualified lawyer in advance. 

If a person does not have a bank account, organizations can provide documents confirming the availability of:

• Apartments or houses.
• Car.
• Other property (it can be a summer residence or a land plot).

Sponsorship letter

A significant document for obtaining a Schengen visa is a sponsorship letter. This letter is especially relevant if the pensioner receives a small pension and has no savings.

How long is a visa issued?

As a rule, a visa is issued for the period indicated in the application. However, retirees can also get a multi visa. Since 2020, the EU Council has approved new rules for obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa. First, you need to use at least 3 short-term single entry permits within 2 years. After that, a multi visa is issued for a year. And after its correct use – for 2 years, and then for 5 years.

Countries that issue Schengen visas better than others: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Czech Republic. The consulates of these countries, as a rule, issue multiple visas with a validity period of 6 months even at the first application. On subsequent applications, it is possible to obtain a Schengen visa for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Countries that most often refuse a Schengen visa: Norway, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Poland.

Summing-up

Obtaining a Schengen visa in Europe involves a lot of bureaucratic subtleties. For its registration, it is necessary to prepare an extensive package of papers, which are filled out strictly according to the established forms. This list is slightly different for pensioners, although the procedure for considering the case itself remains unchanged.