Schengen Visa Application Form 2026: Annex I, Field-by-Field Guide
Reviewed by Visard Visa Operations Team · Last updated: 21 May 2026 · Based on Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code) Annex I and the 2026 EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) rollout.
The Schengen visa application form is one harmonised document — laid down in Annex I of the EU Visa Code — that all 29 Schengen states accept. It has 37 numbered fields, must be signed by the applicant (or parents for minors), and dictates whether your application is even accepted at submission. In 2026, the EU is rolling out the unified EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) built by eu-LISA, which will replace the separate national portals over a transition period through 2031. France, Italy, and Estonia already accept fully online submissions; biometrics still require an in-person VFS, TLS, or BLS appointment.
The Official Form — What It Is and Where to Get It
The Schengen visa application form is officially called the "Harmonised application form for Schengen visa" and is defined in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). Every Schengen member state uses the same form template, although the language of the consulate's portal may vary.
You can download the official PDF from the European Commission's visa policy page, or — more commonly — complete it online via the consulate's appointed portal:
France, Germany via TLScontact
Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Malta, Greece, Portugal via VFS Global
Spain via BLS International
Belgium via the official Visa on Web (VOW) portal
Hungary via AS Visa Solutions
What Changed for 2026
EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) begins rollout in 2026. Built by eu-LISA (the EU's IT systems agency), the unified portal will eventually replace all national portals. Full transition is scheduled through 2031.
Fully online applications are now possible in France, Italy, and Estonia — no paper form to fill by hand. Biometrics still require an in-person appointment.
Schengen visa fee remains €90 for adults (raised from €80 in June 2024). Children 6–12 pay €45.
EES (Entry/Exit System) is now live (since 10 April 2026) — but EES governs how your border crossing is recorded, not how you apply. The application form itself is unchanged.
ETIAS launches Q4 2026 for visa-exempt nationals only. Visa-required applicants continue using the Annex I form via consulate channels.
Annex I Form Structure — 37 Fields in 4 Sections
The harmonised form is organised into four sections. Below is a field-by-field walkthrough with the most common mistakes for each.
Section 1: Personal Identification (Fields 1–9)
Field | What it asks | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
1 | Surname (family name) | Using shortened version that does not match passport |
2 | Surname at birth (former family name) | Leaving blank when surname has changed (e.g., after marriage) |
3 | First name(s) | Reversing first and middle name order vs passport |
4 | Date of birth | Using wrong date format (consulates expect DD/MM/YYYY) |
5 | Place of birth (City and country) | Writing city only without country |
6 | Country of birth | Confusing with current nationality |
7 | Current nationality | Multiple nationalities — must list all |
8 | Sex | — |
9 | Civil status | "Other" without explanation |
Section 2: Parental and Travel Document Information (Fields 10–16)
Field | What it asks |
|---|---|
10 | Parental authority (for minors) / legal guardian |
11 | National identity number (where applicable) |
12 | Type of travel document |
13 | Travel document number |
14 | Date of issue |
15 | Valid until |
16 | Issued by (country) |
Section 3: Residence and Contact (Fields 17–22)
Field 17 is critical: home address and email address. The mobile phone number must belong to the applicant — not a relative or agent. Field 18 asks about residence in a country other than your country of nationality (this is where UK/UAE/Ireland/Turkey residents declare their residence permit details).
Section 4: Travel Purpose and Sponsor (Fields 23–37)
Field | What it asks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
23 | Current occupation | If unemployed, state "Unemployed" and provide sponsor info |
24 | Main purpose(s) of journey | Tourism, Business, Family visit, etc. Multiple allowed if genuinely relevant |
25 | Member State(s) of destination | List all you'll visit — the main one determines where you apply |
26 | Member State of first entry | Critical: must match your itinerary |
27 | Number of entries requested | Single, two, or multiple. Choose "multiple" if you qualify under the cascade rule |
28 | Duration of intended stay (days) | Total stay across all entries within validity |
29 | Intended date of arrival | Must align with bookings |
30 | Intended date of departure | Must align with return flight reservation |
31 | Previous Schengen visas (last 3 years) | Triggers the cascade rule for MEV — declare honestly with dates |
32 | Fingerprints previously collected (last 59 months) | If yes, some consulates allow postal applications |
33 | Entry permit for final destination (if transit) | For non-Schengen final destination |
34 | Inviting person/organisation in Schengen | If applicable — name, address, phone |
35 | Inviting company (for business) | Including contact person and address |
36 | Cost of travel and living — who pays? | Applicant or sponsor, with proof attached |
37 | Means of support | Cash, credit card, prepaid lodging, sponsor — each requires proof |
For multi-entry visa applications, field 27 is the decisive one. Tick "multiple" only if you genuinely qualify under the cascade rule — otherwise consulates default to single-entry regardless of your selection.
Visard Data — Form-Filling Mistakes That Cause Refusal (2025–2026)
Across applications processed via Visard's appointment-monitoring service in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, the most frequent technical form errors among UK, UAE, Ireland, and Turkey applicants were:
Date format inconsistency between fields (mixing DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY)
Missing signature on page 2 — the form must be signed on both pages
Field 27 "Number of entries" left blank or marked "Multiple" without supporting cascade documentation
Field 26 "First entry country" not matching the flight reservation
Field 31 "Previous Schengen visas" incompletely declared — even visas from years ago should be listed if within 3 years
Field 17 mobile showing a relative's phone instead of the applicant's
These errors alone account for a meaningful share of "technical refusals" (refusal due to incomplete form, not visa merit). They are entirely preventable.
Per-Country Application Form Specifics
UK Residents
UK applicants must include their UKVI Share Code (replacing the old BRP card after the Dec 2024 transition) as proof of residence — referenced under field 18. Multiple destination embassies in the UK have moved partially online via TLScontact's France/Germany system or BLS for Spain. See our complete Schengen visa guide for UK residents (2026).
UAE Residents
UAE applicants enter their Emirates ID number under field 11 (where applicable) and declare UAE residence under field 18. The current UAE address must be in English (or transliterated) and match Emirates ID records. The official form via VFS Global supports both English and Arabic. See our complete Schengen visa guide for UAE residents (2026).
Ireland Residents
Non-EU residents in Ireland declare their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) details under field 18. Holders of "Stamp 4 EU FAM" may be exempt from the Schengen visa requirement entirely — check before submitting. See our complete Schengen visa guide for Ireland residents (2026).
Turkey Residents
Turkish nationals fill the form in English unless the consulate's portal specifically accepts Turkish. The Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği (extended civil registry extract) is attached separately, not part of the form. See our complete Schengen visa guide for Turkey residents (2026).
How to Avoid Technical Refusals
Print the form before submission and review every field with a second person — fresh eyes catch errors
Use DD/MM/YYYY format consistently across all date fields
Match names exactly to passport — including middle names, hyphens, and order
Sign both pages — page 1 and page 2 each need a signature; for minors, parents sign
Cross-check field 25, 26, 29, 30 against your flight reservation and accommodation booking
Declare all previous Schengen visas in field 31 — even rejected applications should be acknowledged
Field 27 entries: only mark "multiple" if you qualify per the cascade rule — otherwise consulates default to single-entry
Keep a printed and digital copy for your appointment day and tracking
The 2026 Online Transition — EU VAP
The EU Visa Application Platform represents the biggest structural change to Schengen visa applications since the Visa Code itself. Once fully transitioned (target: 2028 for full online; 2031 for all member states), the EU VAP will:
Replace national portals (VFS, TLS, BLS portals will integrate)
Enable a single submission across multiple Schengen states
Accept digital signatures (no more printed PDF for most cases)
Issue digital visas (no more sticker on passport in most cases by 2028)
Integrate with EES and ETIAS for unified border + visa data
Until then, applicants in 2026 follow a hybrid: form filled online via current portals, document upload via portal, biometric capture in person at VFS/TLS/BLS centres, decision by consulate.
How Visard Helps After You Submit
The form is straightforward once you understand it. The real obstacle in 2026 is securing an appointment at a VFS, TLS, or BLS centre after submitting the online form. Slots open and close within seconds in London, Dublin, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and other major centres.
Visard's automated appointment service monitors official portals every 3 seconds and either notifies you or auto-books slots. Browse services by your country of residence:
Frequently Asked Questions — Schengen Visa Application Form
Where can I download the official Schengen visa application form?
From the European Commission visa policy page, or from your destination consulate's appointed portal (TLScontact, VFS Global, BLS, or the country's official channel). The form is identical across all 29 Schengen states under Annex I of the Visa Code.
Do I fill the form in English or in the consulate's language?
English is accepted by all Schengen consulates as the default language. Some portals also accept the consulate's national language (French for France, Italian for Italy, etc.). Pick the language you write fluently to avoid translation errors.
Can I save a partially filled form and return later?
On most portals yes — TLScontact, VFS, and BLS all support saved drafts. The Belgian VOW portal also supports drafts. Some consulate portals time out after 30 days, so finish within 4 weeks of starting.
Do I need to print and sign, or is a digital signature accepted in 2026?
For now, most consulates require a printed signed form at the biometric appointment. France, Italy, and Estonia accept fully digital signatures via their online portals. The EU VAP rollout will standardise digital signatures EU-wide by 2028.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Minor errors caught before submission can be corrected by reprinting and resigning. Errors caught after submission usually trigger a rejection ("technical refusal") and require a fresh application + fee. Visa centres do not correct your form for you.
How do I declare previous Schengen visas in field 31?
List every Schengen short-stay visa issued in the past 3 years, with the issuing country, dates of issue and expiry, and validity period. Honest declarations strengthen MEV cascade eligibility; omissions are detected via the EU's Visa Information System and trigger refusals.
If I qualify for a multi-entry visa, do I need to request it in field 27?
Yes. Field 27 asks for the number of entries; tick "multiple" if you qualify under the cascade rule for multi-entry visas. Consulates default to single-entry if you do not explicitly request multiple.
How long does the form take to complete?
Allow 45–60 minutes for first-time applicants gathering passport details, residence permit info, and travel itinerary. Subsequent applications take ~20 minutes once you have your previous form as reference.
Related Guides
Multiple-entry Schengen visa — cascade rules and eligibility
Common Schengen visa rejection reasons and how to avoid them
Key Takeaways
The Schengen application form is Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 — harmonised across all 29 Schengen states
37 fields organised into 4 sections; field 27 ("Number of entries") is decisive for multi-entry requests
The EU VAP unified online platform launches in 2026, transitioning through 2031
France, Italy, Estonia already accept fully online submissions
EES (live since April 2026) does not change the form — only how border crossings are recorded
Most refusals from form errors are entirely preventable with a 20-minute review pass before submission
Schengen Visa Application Form 2026: Annex I, Field-by-Field Guide
Reviewed by Visard Visa Operations Team · Last updated: 21 May 2026 · Based on Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Schengen Visa Code) Annex I and the 2026 EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) rollout.
The Schengen visa application form is one harmonised document — laid down in Annex I of the EU Visa Code — that all 29 Schengen states accept. It has 37 numbered fields, must be signed by the applicant (or parents for minors), and dictates whether your application is even accepted at submission. In 2026, the EU is rolling out the unified EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) built by eu-LISA, which will replace the separate national portals over a transition period through 2031. France, Italy, and Estonia already accept fully online submissions; biometrics still require an in-person VFS, TLS, or BLS appointment.
The Official Form — What It Is and Where to Get It
The Schengen visa application form is officially called the "Harmonised application form for Schengen visa" and is defined in Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the Visa Code). Every Schengen member state uses the same form template, although the language of the consulate's portal may vary.
You can download the official PDF from the European Commission's visa policy page, or — more commonly — complete it online via the consulate's appointed portal:
France, Germany via TLScontact
Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Croatia, Malta, Greece, Portugal via VFS Global
Spain via BLS International
Belgium via the official Visa on Web (VOW) portal
Hungary via AS Visa Solutions
What Changed for 2026
EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP) begins rollout in 2026. Built by eu-LISA (the EU's IT systems agency), the unified portal will eventually replace all national portals. Full transition is scheduled through 2031.
Fully online applications are now possible in France, Italy, and Estonia — no paper form to fill by hand. Biometrics still require an in-person appointment.
Schengen visa fee remains €90 for adults (raised from €80 in June 2024). Children 6–12 pay €45.
EES (Entry/Exit System) is now live (since 10 April 2026) — but EES governs how your border crossing is recorded, not how you apply. The application form itself is unchanged.
ETIAS launches Q4 2026 for visa-exempt nationals only. Visa-required applicants continue using the Annex I form via consulate channels.
Annex I Form Structure — 37 Fields in 4 Sections
The harmonised form is organised into four sections. Below is a field-by-field walkthrough with the most common mistakes for each.
Section 1: Personal Identification (Fields 1–9)
Field | What it asks | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
1 | Surname (family name) | Using shortened version that does not match passport |
2 | Surname at birth (former family name) | Leaving blank when surname has changed (e.g., after marriage) |
3 | First name(s) | Reversing first and middle name order vs passport |
4 | Date of birth | Using wrong date format (consulates expect DD/MM/YYYY) |
5 | Place of birth (City and country) | Writing city only without country |
6 | Country of birth | Confusing with current nationality |
7 | Current nationality | Multiple nationalities — must list all |
8 | Sex | — |
9 | Civil status | "Other" without explanation |
Section 2: Parental and Travel Document Information (Fields 10–16)
Field | What it asks |
|---|---|
10 | Parental authority (for minors) / legal guardian |
11 | National identity number (where applicable) |
12 | Type of travel document |
13 | Travel document number |
14 | Date of issue |
15 | Valid until |
16 | Issued by (country) |
Section 3: Residence and Contact (Fields 17–22)
Field 17 is critical: home address and email address. The mobile phone number must belong to the applicant — not a relative or agent. Field 18 asks about residence in a country other than your country of nationality (this is where UK/UAE/Ireland/Turkey residents declare their residence permit details).
Section 4: Travel Purpose and Sponsor (Fields 23–37)
Field | What it asks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
23 | Current occupation | If unemployed, state "Unemployed" and provide sponsor info |
24 | Main purpose(s) of journey | Tourism, Business, Family visit, etc. Multiple allowed if genuinely relevant |
25 | Member State(s) of destination | List all you'll visit — the main one determines where you apply |
26 | Member State of first entry | Critical: must match your itinerary |
27 | Number of entries requested | Single, two, or multiple. Choose "multiple" if you qualify under the cascade rule |
28 | Duration of intended stay (days) | Total stay across all entries within validity |
29 | Intended date of arrival | Must align with bookings |
30 | Intended date of departure | Must align with return flight reservation |
31 | Previous Schengen visas (last 3 years) | Triggers the cascade rule for MEV — declare honestly with dates |
32 | Fingerprints previously collected (last 59 months) | If yes, some consulates allow postal applications |
33 | Entry permit for final destination (if transit) | For non-Schengen final destination |
34 | Inviting person/organisation in Schengen | If applicable — name, address, phone |
35 | Inviting company (for business) | Including contact person and address |
36 | Cost of travel and living — who pays? | Applicant or sponsor, with proof attached |
37 | Means of support | Cash, credit card, prepaid lodging, sponsor — each requires proof |
For multi-entry visa applications, field 27 is the decisive one. Tick "multiple" only if you genuinely qualify under the cascade rule — otherwise consulates default to single-entry regardless of your selection.
Visard Data — Form-Filling Mistakes That Cause Refusal (2025–2026)
Across applications processed via Visard's appointment-monitoring service in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, the most frequent technical form errors among UK, UAE, Ireland, and Turkey applicants were:
Date format inconsistency between fields (mixing DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY)
Missing signature on page 2 — the form must be signed on both pages
Field 27 "Number of entries" left blank or marked "Multiple" without supporting cascade documentation
Field 26 "First entry country" not matching the flight reservation
Field 31 "Previous Schengen visas" incompletely declared — even visas from years ago should be listed if within 3 years
Field 17 mobile showing a relative's phone instead of the applicant's
These errors alone account for a meaningful share of "technical refusals" (refusal due to incomplete form, not visa merit). They are entirely preventable.
Per-Country Application Form Specifics
UK Residents
UK applicants must include their UKVI Share Code (replacing the old BRP card after the Dec 2024 transition) as proof of residence — referenced under field 18. Multiple destination embassies in the UK have moved partially online via TLScontact's France/Germany system or BLS for Spain. See our complete Schengen visa guide for UK residents (2026).
UAE Residents
UAE applicants enter their Emirates ID number under field 11 (where applicable) and declare UAE residence under field 18. The current UAE address must be in English (or transliterated) and match Emirates ID records. The official form via VFS Global supports both English and Arabic. See our complete Schengen visa guide for UAE residents (2026).
Ireland Residents
Non-EU residents in Ireland declare their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) details under field 18. Holders of "Stamp 4 EU FAM" may be exempt from the Schengen visa requirement entirely — check before submitting. See our complete Schengen visa guide for Ireland residents (2026).
Turkey Residents
Turkish nationals fill the form in English unless the consulate's portal specifically accepts Turkish. The Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği (extended civil registry extract) is attached separately, not part of the form. See our complete Schengen visa guide for Turkey residents (2026).
How to Avoid Technical Refusals
Print the form before submission and review every field with a second person — fresh eyes catch errors
Use DD/MM/YYYY format consistently across all date fields
Match names exactly to passport — including middle names, hyphens, and order
Sign both pages — page 1 and page 2 each need a signature; for minors, parents sign
Cross-check field 25, 26, 29, 30 against your flight reservation and accommodation booking
Declare all previous Schengen visas in field 31 — even rejected applications should be acknowledged
Field 27 entries: only mark "multiple" if you qualify per the cascade rule — otherwise consulates default to single-entry
Keep a printed and digital copy for your appointment day and tracking
The 2026 Online Transition — EU VAP
The EU Visa Application Platform represents the biggest structural change to Schengen visa applications since the Visa Code itself. Once fully transitioned (target: 2028 for full online; 2031 for all member states), the EU VAP will:
Replace national portals (VFS, TLS, BLS portals will integrate)
Enable a single submission across multiple Schengen states
Accept digital signatures (no more printed PDF for most cases)
Issue digital visas (no more sticker on passport in most cases by 2028)
Integrate with EES and ETIAS for unified border + visa data
Until then, applicants in 2026 follow a hybrid: form filled online via current portals, document upload via portal, biometric capture in person at VFS/TLS/BLS centres, decision by consulate.
How Visard Helps After You Submit
The form is straightforward once you understand it. The real obstacle in 2026 is securing an appointment at a VFS, TLS, or BLS centre after submitting the online form. Slots open and close within seconds in London, Dublin, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and other major centres.
Visard's automated appointment service monitors official portals every 3 seconds and either notifies you or auto-books slots. Browse services by your country of residence:
Frequently Asked Questions — Schengen Visa Application Form
Where can I download the official Schengen visa application form?
From the European Commission visa policy page, or from your destination consulate's appointed portal (TLScontact, VFS Global, BLS, or the country's official channel). The form is identical across all 29 Schengen states under Annex I of the Visa Code.
Do I fill the form in English or in the consulate's language?
English is accepted by all Schengen consulates as the default language. Some portals also accept the consulate's national language (French for France, Italian for Italy, etc.). Pick the language you write fluently to avoid translation errors.
Can I save a partially filled form and return later?
On most portals yes — TLScontact, VFS, and BLS all support saved drafts. The Belgian VOW portal also supports drafts. Some consulate portals time out after 30 days, so finish within 4 weeks of starting.
Do I need to print and sign, or is a digital signature accepted in 2026?
For now, most consulates require a printed signed form at the biometric appointment. France, Italy, and Estonia accept fully digital signatures via their online portals. The EU VAP rollout will standardise digital signatures EU-wide by 2028.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Minor errors caught before submission can be corrected by reprinting and resigning. Errors caught after submission usually trigger a rejection ("technical refusal") and require a fresh application + fee. Visa centres do not correct your form for you.
How do I declare previous Schengen visas in field 31?
List every Schengen short-stay visa issued in the past 3 years, with the issuing country, dates of issue and expiry, and validity period. Honest declarations strengthen MEV cascade eligibility; omissions are detected via the EU's Visa Information System and trigger refusals.
If I qualify for a multi-entry visa, do I need to request it in field 27?
Yes. Field 27 asks for the number of entries; tick "multiple" if you qualify under the cascade rule for multi-entry visas. Consulates default to single-entry if you do not explicitly request multiple.
How long does the form take to complete?
Allow 45–60 minutes for first-time applicants gathering passport details, residence permit info, and travel itinerary. Subsequent applications take ~20 minutes once you have your previous form as reference.
Related Guides
Multiple-entry Schengen visa — cascade rules and eligibility
Common Schengen visa rejection reasons and how to avoid them
Key Takeaways
The Schengen application form is Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 — harmonised across all 29 Schengen states
37 fields organised into 4 sections; field 27 ("Number of entries") is decisive for multi-entry requests
The EU VAP unified online platform launches in 2026, transitioning through 2031
France, Italy, Estonia already accept fully online submissions
EES (live since April 2026) does not change the form — only how border crossings are recorded
Most refusals from form errors are entirely preventable with a 20-minute review pass before submission
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