Interview Questions for Schengen Visa

An interview is a very important part of a Schengen visa application. Although in most cases, you may not have to attend an interview, in certain cases where you are asked to attend an interview, a large percentage of your chances of visa approval will hang on the interview. As a result, it is necessary to know the common Schengen visa interview questions and answers. 

A typical visa interview will last around 10-15 minutes, and this time is crucial. It is your window to impress the interviewing officer and convince him that you are worthy of being issued with a Schengen visa. Although most questions will revolve around your visit, some of the interview questions for Schengen visa may seem odd and even personal. However, answering these questions is extremely important as they will give the officer an idea of your honesty, openness, and other qualities. This is to ensure that you return to your home country before the expected date and that you do not engage in any illegal activities during your stay.

Let us take a look at some of the common Schengen visa interview questions and how you should answer them. Note that these are just the most asked questions. There may be additional questions asked based on the status. Also, the below questions are just a pool; you may be asked with only a selected few from these.

1. Are you married? If Yes, What does your spouse do? For how long have you been married?

   If you are married, you must be ready with the exact marriage date as well as your spouse and marriage details. If you are not married, a simple ‘no’ will suffice. A delayed or insecure answer will make them think that you are lying. This can seriously affect your visa application. 

2. Can You Reschedule A Shorter Trip? Why Do You Need Three/Month Visa?

   If you honestly do not require a long time to meet your purposes, it is best that you answer “yes, I can reschedule”. In case you require a longer stay period, you should tell the officer about why you need to stay for long. This can include telling them about your sightseeing plans to visit various destinations which can only be done if you have enough time. However, assure them that you are willing to shorten your trip if the embassy requires you to do so. 

3. Can you show your bank statement?

   You must show your bank statement without any absolute hesitation. In certain cases, you must also be able to explain any unusual transactions that have been made. 

4. Do you enjoy any scholarship?

   You should answer this with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If you do have a scholarship, you should state institution, the amount of the scholarship, as well as other basic details about it. 

5. What is your educational qualification? Do you plan on studying in any of the Schengen countries?

   To this, you should answer by telling them about your highest educational qualifications. DO NOT start talking about your school education unless the official particularly asks about them. If you are applying for a short term study visa, you must answer ‘yes’ to the latter part of the question. You should also be able to provide details of the study. 

6. Are you expecting? Are you planning to have the baby in the Schengen country?

   The former is a simple yes or no question. You must answer accordingly. If you know the gender of the baby, you may mention that as well. As for the latter part, a positive response would be to say that you DO NOT  plan on having the baby in the Schengen country. If you say that you are planning to have a baby in the Schengen, it would mean that you will most probably be extending your stay, and this can hamper your chances of getting the visa. 

7. Your sibling/friend/parent is working in the Schengen area. Are you going to meet them for a job?

   This is a strictly ‘no’ answer. As per the basic rules of a Schengen visa, you are not allowed to work. As a result, the officer expects you to say that you are not going there to search for a job or to work. 

8. Do you intend to take up a temporary job/internship in the Schengen area?

   This again is a ‘no’ answer. The regulation states that you cannot take part in any work on the payroll of a Schengen company. As a result, you must answer that you do not plan on taking up a job or an internship (unless you are going on a study/training/internship visa). 

9. Do you have a covered health insurance for this journey?

   Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory document for the visa. As a result, you must possess this and answer with a ‘yes’. If you do not have it, you will not be eligible to apply for the visa. 

10. How long are you going to stay?

    Answer this truthfully and in accordance with your travel itinerary. You must be able to tell your date and time of departure and arrival as well. Note that your visa duration will depend on your itinerary. 

11. Do you own property in your home country?

    You must name any houses, flats, cars, or other properties you own. This is to ensure that you will return back to your home country after your stay. 

12. Is this your first time in the Schengen area?

    This is a yes or no question. If you have been to the area before, do mention the places you have visited as well as the time of your visit. If possible, provide further details as well. Be sure to provide exact and not vague answers. 

13. Why are you travelling to this country/countries?

    This is one of the most common questions asked in Schengen visa interview. You must provide details of your purpose of the visit in detail. If you are travelling to multiple destinations, be sure to explain the places you are visiting, the dates, with whom, and other details. 

14. Have you already made the travel and accommodation arrangements in the country of the visit?

    Your answer to this must be a ‘yes’. Two of the documents required for a general Schengen visa application are the ‘proof of accommodation’ and ‘flight reservations’. Although it is not a mandatory document for certain visa categories, you will still need to make arrangements. 

15. Can you guarantee that you will return to your home country within the stipulated visa expiry time?

    The answer to this has to be a ‘yes’. You must list out ties that you have in your home country such as family, education, job, property, etc. You may even show documents pertaining to the same. 

16. Why do you think you should be granted the Schengen visa?

    To this, you must answer about the purpose of the visit, the place you will be visiting, the time required, as well as that you will be returning to your home country. If you have possessed a Schengen visa in the past, you should mention this too. You can also state that you have met all the eligibility criteria and possess the documents required for the visa.  

17. What does your son / daughter / son-in-law /daughter-in-law /sponsor /brother /sister do in the Schengen area?

    This is specific to a family visit visa or if you are being sponsored by an individual in the Schengen. An answer to this must be by mentioning the name of the relative/friend/sponsor as well as details on their current job and place of stay. Ensure that you ask them and find out these details before you attend the interview. 

18. What is the legal status (what visa) of your son/daughter?

    This is usually asked for a family visit visa or a sponsored visa. You must be able to mention the type of visa or permit they are on. Be sure to ask them about it before attending the interview. 

19. When in Schengen area, are you going to seek employment?

    This is also one of the very common Schengen visa interview questions. You must answer this as a ‘no’. You are strictly prohibited from seeking employment or working while you are on a Schengen visa. As a result, you must accompany the response by explaining why you do not need to find a job in the area, as well as stating that you understand the rules of the Schengen visa.  

20. What will you do if we reject your visa application?

    A respectable answer to this is to state that if it’s rejected, you will focus on going back to your work/studies/other activities in your home country. You must convince them that you have other commitments in the country. You will also have to mention these commitments. 

21. Where do you reside in the country?

    There should not be any hesitation in mentioning your place of stay in your country. This may include the complete address of your house. 

22. Are you married? Is your spouse/partner travelling with you? Why/why not?

    This is a ‘yes or no’ answer. However, if your spouse is/isn’t travelling with you, you must be able to explain the reason. For example, you can state that they aren’t accompanying you because they have other commitments in the country, or if they are accompanying you, you may say that you are on a honeymoon, vacation, or other reasons. 

23. Do your parents/in-laws live with you?

    You must answer this with a ‘yes or no’. If they live with you, you can also list out the individual members living with you. 

24. Do you have any children? If Yes, How old are they, What do they do?

    Again, it is a simple ’yes or no’ question. Be sure not to hesitate while answering or provide a delayed response. You must answer spontaneously. You should also provide details on their current educational/employment or any other status. 

25. Do you have any family member or friends living in the Schengen area?

    Answer with just a ‘no’ if you do not have any family/friends in the area. If you do possess family members or friends living in the country, you must also mention your relationship with them as well as mention a few basic details about them. 

26. Do you have any relation with any involved person in latest terrorist activities?

    Reply to this truthfully and without any hesitation whatsoever. If possible, you must also explain your stand against such activities. 

27. Have you booked or bought the flight ticket?

    You should answer this accordingly, as well as provide show the official proof of these as well. 

28. Do you have a leave approval letter from your employer?

    If you are employed, you must answer this with a ‘yes’ as well as show the document to the official. If you aren’t employed, a simple ‘no’ will suffice. 

29. When was the last time you paid your income tax?

    You must answer this by providing the exact details as well as providing them with supporting documents. This is to state you as a responsible citizen who pays taxes. If tax is not applicable to you (studying, unemployed, etc), you may mention the same. 

30. When you will travel to Schengen area?

    You should answer this with exact details of your intended travel date and time. Note that this date should be at least 15 working days from your visa interview date. Along with this, you should provide your flight/travel bookings. 

31. Who will take care of your property/business when you are on your holiday?

    Provide basic details of the person who will be in charge of your property/business. You must also state your relationship with them.

32. I don't think you will come back, what's your comment?

To this, your response must be my stating that you will and have to come back to your home country. You must try to strengthen your argument by stating your commitments in the home country such as property, family, job, studies, etc. You may also have to show documents that prove the same. 

Note:- The above questions most likely will not be asked using the same words or pattern. As a result, you must be ready for any variations as well. Additionally, be sure to answer any personal questions honestly and spontaneously as well. 

Tips for a good Schengen visa interview

Now, knowing the questions asked in Schengen visa interview and the answers to them alone are not sufficient. What matters more is how you answer them as well as the way you present. Let us first take a look at certain points you must focus on while attending a visa interview. 

• • Punctuality - Ensure that you reach the interview on time. While being called for the interview, you will be provided with the exact time and date. Make sure to meet this. 
  • Be prepared - You must be prepared to answer any question regardless of the topic. Also, ensure that your answers do not sound like they have been memorized. 
  • Answer honestly - Do not skip any questions as well as make sure that you answer truthfully. Skipping questions can make the official feel that you are hiding the truth or lying. This will affect your application. Also, the embassy has the right and means to crosscheck any of your answers. 
  • Appearance - Ensure that you attend the interview dressed and presented appropriately. Take care of your posture and eye contact during the interview as well. 
  • Provide all supporting documents - If any of the questions can be complemented by respective documents, you must show these to the officials as well. 
  • Answer to the point - Make sure that all your answers to the Schengen visa interview questions are short and simple, You must not provide exaggerated answers. The answers you provide must be directly related to the question.
  • Avoid being nervous - Being nervous during the interview will absolutely crush your chances of getting a Schengen visa. A nervous candidate is usually lying, and this will easily tip off the officials. The diplomatic officials are usually well-adept in noticing all these factors.
  • DO NOT argue with the official - In any case, do not argue with a higher tone and language with the officials. In case you have any discrepancies, make sure you convey your emotion using a calm tone and a good vocabulary.