Schengen Visa Interview Questions & Answers

A Schengen Visa permits a stay or travel to any member states that fall within the Schengen zone. So if you are planning to visit countries like Austria, Denmark, etc., you would probably apply for a Schengen Visa.

While doing so, you will have to appear for an interview once the documentation is done. The main purpose behind questions asked in Schengen visa interview is to detect any illegitimate intention of visit and reject them.

Here is a detailed overview of the most common questions and tips to answer them.

The questions asked in the Schengen visa interview generally concern the purpose of your visit, tenure of stay, and other details. The key to crack this interview is being honest, calm, and communicative while answering all the questions.

Some of the most common Schengen visa interview questions and answers are as follows -

• Why are you visiting these countries?

State the purpose, which can be work, study, holiday, business, or medical treatment, to the interviewing official. He must not sense any hesitation while you answer this question.

• Do you know anything about the place you are going to visit?

You should know the basic whereabouts of the place you are planning to visit. Hence, be sure to do some research about the country in advance.

For example, if it is a Schengen student visa interview question, talk about the university you are planning to study in, the career opportunities you are looking forward to.

Conversely, talk about the market you are willing to invest in or how the growth prospect is different from your home country for Schengen business visa interview questions.

• Are you married? Is your spouse travelling with you?

Be quick to answer this with a clear Yes or No. It is advisable to remember the date and year of marriage so that you sound credible. Then, talk a little about your spouse and their profession. Say yes if your spouse is travelling with you. In case not, state the reason clearly.

• Where are you planning to stay during the visit?

Since you are planning to travel to another country, it is expected that you should plan out the places you are going to stay at beforehand. Communicate this well during the visa interview.

• What is the estimated expense for this visit? Who is sponsoring your trip?

This is one of the most common questions asked in a Schengen visa interview to understand an applicant’s financial background. Tell the interviewer an estimated amount you are planning to spend during the visit. Mention the source of funding in case a third party sponsors it. If you are paying the amount yourself, state that you have a stable income source and adequate savings.

• Can you assure us that you will return within the authorised visa expiry time?

Your answer should be a clear yes. Furthermore, state the reasons that will compel you to come back to your home country. These might include your family, property, job, and other professional and personal commitments. Also, say that you are a law-abiding citizen and you completely understand the visa constraints.

• Do you have a scholarship?

This is a part of Schengen student visa interview questions, where you need to mention the details of your scholarship, what expenses it is covering, and the duration. Also, discuss the different clauses of the scholarship you have been offered.

In case you do not have a scholarship, tell the interviewer about how you plan to pay for your studies abroad.

• What made you choose this university/college in the Schengen area?

Here, talk about the different growth aspects the university has to offer. Then, tell the interviewer about your area of interest and how you have been looking for an institution that would enhance your career growth. Also, talk about other places you were considering to travel to and the distinctive features of the university you have decided to study at.

• Who is accompanying you on this trip?

Inform them about whoever is accompanying you on the visit. Also, state the reason behind their visit. For example, if you are going on a tourist visa, mention that the person is going for a similar reason as you. Whereas if you are opting for a business visa, mention the purpose behind their visit. You should not be hesitant while answering this and must be clear with the purpose.  

• What is your annual income?

If you work for an organisation, state your annual income as per the job profile. Whereas if you are self-employed, give in an estimated figure. This might seem like a personal question, but it is an important question for any visa interview. Therefore, be sure of the amount you mention, as it greatly affects the visa approvals. 

• What is your profession? Which company do you work for?

Here, talk about your job role, how long you have been working in the same field. Also, what was your academic background, and how is it related to the work you are doing now. In addition, talk about the experience you hold in your professional career and any recent promotions you got. Finally, talk about the company background you are associated with and how it has helped you succeed in the past years.

• Can you share your bank statement with us?

You will be expected to carry a bank statement to assure the interviewer that you are employed and financially stable. Hence, you can manage to stay in the country on your own.

• Are you planning to opt for a job there?

Answer this question according to the visa type you have applied for. Every visa application type has certain limitations, and you should strictly adhere to that. For example, if it is a Schengen tourist visa interview questions and answers, tell them that you understand the restrictions under a tourist visa and would not look for any employment there.

However, if you are applying for a student visa, discuss the future possibilities of opting for a job/internship.

• Do you have leave approval from your company?

This is another of the important questions asked in the Schengen visa interview. Since you will be applying for a leave, make sure to bring an approved copy of it and present it as an answer to this question. The interviewer will get whatever information he needs.

• Do you have or plan to get travel insurance for this trip?

If you already have travel insurance for the trip, mention that along with the details of its coverage. In contrast, say no if you don't have travel insurance. You can say that you understand the importance and safety of having travel insurance, and you might consider getting one before you leave.

• Why do you need a visa for the mentioned period? Can't you shorten the trip?

Answer this by explaining why you would need the mentioned time for a visit to the Schengen area. This may vary across visa types.

For example, individuals applying for a student visa can state the course duration they are opting to study. Similarly, if it is one of Schengen tourist visa interview questions, you can state several tourist places to visit in the entire region that would take a certain amount of time.

• Do you know anyone living in the Schengen region?

This is one of the most common yet important questions asked in a Schengen visa interview. Say no if you don't have any connections living there. However, if you do have family or friends living there, mention their names properly. You must also share some details about them.

• What do you plan to do if your visa gets rejected?

Answer this according to the visa you are applying for. For example, if it's a tourist visa, say that you would apply for it some other time. However, if it's a student visa, say that you have other options in the country itself.

• Do you know anybody who has links with any terrorist activities?

For this question, your answer should be a clear No.

• Do you have children? Are they travelling with you? If not, why?

Your answer should be a Yes or No. If you have children, talk about them, i.e., what age they are, what they are doing in life, etc. Do mention the reasons for travelling without them.

These are some common questions asked in a Schengen visa interview that will help you get through the interview easily. However, the officials may not always frame the questions in this manner. There can be variations, so one must be prepared accordingly.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while answering Schengen visa interview questions -

• Be calm and poised: While seated for the interview, be calm and avoid any nervousness. Think of it as a normal conversation with a colleague where you have to answer a few basic questions.
• Dress accordingly: Make sure to dress properly and smartly. Your appearance will considerably impact the interviewer's decision to grant the visa.
• Be punctual: Reach the venue a little early to ensure that the interview starts on time. In addition, reaching early would help you relax and adjust to the environment there.
• Answer precisely: Avoid going into unnecessary details while answering a question. Instead, stick to the question and answer accordingly.
• Be honest: Make sure you answer all the questions honestly. Do not attempt to hide or lie about anything. This will prompt the interviewer to think that you might have bad intentions.
• Carry necessary documents: There might be questions where you can support your answers with relevant documents. Hence, carry documents that you might need.
• Avoid any argument with the interviewer: There might be questions that would seem inappropriate or demeaning to you. However, understand that they do not intend to demean you. Do not avoid or argue over any question. Answer all of them honestly.

Armed with such detailed knowledge of questions asked in Schengen visa interview will help boost your confidence and help you crack it easily. Also, do not forget to put the additional tips to good use!