Schengen Visit Visa from Bangladesh: Document Guide

Pick the right country to apply through

Apply through the country where you will stay for the most nights. If the number of nights is equal, apply through your first entry country. Applying through the wrong country can cause problems.

From Dhaka, the practical options change from time to time, but Spain (through BLS), France, Greece and Norway (through VFS) all receive applications from Bangladeshi residents. Appointment availability and document expectations differ between them, so check what each centre asks for before you commit your itinerary to one country.

Understand the 90/180 rule

A short-stay Schengen visa normally allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every day inside the Schengen area counts. Days in the UK or Ireland do not count.

Your visa sticker shows the validity window, the number of entries and the days allowed. A visa valid for six months does not mean you can stay for six months. Respect the limit on every trip, because overstays are recorded and make the next application much harder.

Insurance and money

Travel medical insurance is mandatory. The policy must cover at least EUR 30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation, be valid in all Schengen states, and cover your full travel dates. Buy it only after your travel dates are fixed, and keep the certificate in the file.

For financial proof, embassies generally expect a bank statement covering the last 6 months, with a balance that matches your trip cost and length. A sudden large deposit right before applying raises questions. If someone sponsors you, include their bank papers, proof of your relationship and a signed sponsorship letter.

Cover letter structure

The cover letter is the only place the visa officer hears your voice. Keep it to one page, factual, and consistent with every document in the file.

• Who you are: name, passport number, job or business
• Why you are going: purpose, dates and the countries you will visit
• Who pays: your own funds or a named sponsor
• Your ties to Bangladesh: employment, family, property, ongoing studies
• What is attached: a short index of the documents in the file

Booking the appointment

Appointments at BLS and VFS in Dhaka are released online and fill quickly before the summer and year-end holidays. Create your account early, keep your passport details ready, and check back for cancellations if no slot is available. Do not buy multiple appointments or pay unofficial agents for slots.

Prepare the complete file before the appointment, not after. At the centre you submit documents, pay the visa fee and service charge, and give biometrics. Fees are non-refundable, so only submit when the file is genuinely ready.

After biometrics: what happens next

After biometrics your file goes to the embassy for a decision. Processing is counted in working days, and the embassy can ask for extra documents or call you for a short interview. Answer honestly and keep your phone reachable.

When your passport returns, check your name, dates, number of entries and allowed days. If refused, read the reason carefully before deciding whether to apply again.