What is a Schengen visa?
Are you planning to come to Germany or Europe—to study, work, or live? If so, the Schengen visa is often the first step. Here you’ll find out who it’s for, how much it costs, and what you need to keep in mind.
Looking for the right international health insurance for your Schengen visa? Here you'll find all the information about the Provisit Visum and can purchase it directly.
The Schengen Visa: What You Need to Know
It allows travelers to stay in any of the 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days—without border controls between these countries. The name comes from the Luxembourgish town of Schengen, where the underlying agreement was signed in 1985.
Important for you: The Schengen visa covers short-term stays. If you want to study, work, or live in Germany on a long-term basis, you’ll need a national visa or a residence permit instead.
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?
As of 2026, the Schengen Area comprises 29 countries:
Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
With a valid Schengen visa, you can move freely within these countries—ideal for travel or initial orientation stays.
Why is it called a Schengen visa?
The Luxembourg municipality of Schengen is located close to the border with France and Germany. The Schengen Agreement was signed in Schengen in 1985. This is an agreement between the European states not to carry out checks at their borders. All these states together are also known as the "Schengen Area" or the "Schengen States".
Who needs a Schengen visa—and who doesn’t?
Citizens of Schengen countries, of course, do not need a visa. In addition, citizens of many other countries are exempt from the visa requirement, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and numerous other countries.
If you come from a country not on this exemption list and wish to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, you need a Schengen visa.
Not suitable for longer stays: Anyone wishing to study, conduct research, or work in Germany needs a national visa—the Schengen visa is not sufficient for this purpose and cannot be converted retroactively.
You can find more detailed information about the different types of visas here.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
You must submit your application to the German diplomatic mission in your home country—usually the German Embassy or the German Consulate General. If you are applying for a Schengen visa for the first time, you must appear in person.
Since processing can take up to 14 business days—and even longer during peak travel season—you should submit your application at least three weeks before your planned arrival.
What documents are required?
- Completed application form (Schengen Visa Type C)
- Valid passport (no more than 10 years old, valid for at least 3 months after your return) + 2 biometric photos
- Proof of the purpose of travel: invitation letter, hotel reservation, flight tickets, etc.
- Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements from the last 3 months)
- Travel health insurance (min. €30,000 coverage, valid in all Schengen countries)
Health Insurance: A Must for the Schengen Visa
Without valid international health insurance, a Schengen visa will generally be denied. The insurance must cover at least 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire duration of your stay.
If you are planning a long-term stay in Germany—for example, to study or work—you need health insurance that meets these exact requirements.
If you are looking for suitable insurance for your Schengen Type C visa, it makes sense to look for plans that are tailored precisely to the requirements for Schengen stays. Provisit Visum meets these criteria and can be used directly for the visa application.
