How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Pakistan (2025 Complete Guide)

 

Europe is on the bucket list of many travellers from Pakistan: Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Barcelona and more. The key that unlocks most of these destinations is a Schengen visa. If you are planning a trip in 2025, understanding the latest rules, fees and document requirements is essential.

This detailed guide explains what a Schengen visa is, how Pakistani citizens can apply from Pakistan, the updated 2025 fee structure, and practical tips to increase your chances of approval. You will also see how Malik Express Travel & Tours can guide you through each step.

Note: Rules and fees can change. Always cross-check key details with the specific embassy or visa application centre handling your case.

1. What Is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa (Type C) that allows you to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, short study or medical treatment.

The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries that have removed border checks between them, so one visa lets you move freely inside all member states during your allowed stay.

The 90/180-Day Rule

The famous “90/180 rule” means:

• You can stay a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period inside the Schengen Area.
• All your days in all Schengen countries are counted together (not separately per country).
• If you travel frequently, you must keep track of days used so you do not overstay.

2. Which Embassy Should You Apply To?

If you plan to visit only one Schengen country, you apply for a visa of that country.

If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, EU rules say you must apply to:

• The country where you will spend most nights (main destination), or
• If you spend equal time in each, the country of first entry into the Schengen Area.

For example:

• 7 nights in Italy, 3 in France → apply to Italy.
• 5 nights in France, 5 in Spain, entering first via Spain → apply to Spain.

3. Types of Schengen Visas for Pakistani Citizens

Most Pakistani travellers will be applying for a short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa, usually for:

• Tourism and holidays
• Family or friend visits
• Business trips and conferences
• Short study courses or training
• Medical treatment

Within Type C, you may receive:

• Single-entry visa - You can enter the Schengen Area once.
• Double-entry visa - You can enter twice (for example, if you leave for the UK and re-enter).
• Multiple-entry visa - Allows repeated entries over a validity period, still subject to the 90/180-day rule.
   

The embassy decides the number of entries and validity period based on your travel history and documents. The standard fee is the same regardless of single or multiple entry.

 

4. Schengen Visa Fees in 2025 for Pakistani Applicants

4.1 Official Schengen Visa Fee (EU Level)

According to updated 2025 EU guidance, the standard Schengen visa fees are:

• 90 euros for adults (age 12 and above)
• 45 euros for children aged 6-11
• Free for children under 6
   

Fees are fixed in euros under the EU Visa Code and are paid in local currency (Pakistani Rupees) using the exchange rate applied by the embassy or visa centre on the day of payment.

Certain groups such as students on official trips, researchers and some participants in non-profit events may be exempted from the visa fee, depending on the embassy’s policy.

4.2 Service Fees in Pakistan

If you submit your application via an external provider like VFS Global, a service fee is charged in addition to the visa fee. EU rules normally cap this at up to 50 percent of the visa fee, with some flexibility depending on local arrangements.

In practice, Pakistani applicants usually pay:

• The visa fee (converted from euros to PKR)
• The service fee (in PKR)
• Optional extras such as SMS updates, courier or premium lounge, if chosen
   

Because exchange rates and local service fees change, always check the latest amounts on the notice board or information sheets of the specific visa application centre.

 

5. Schengen Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

Document checklists differ slightly between embassies, but most Pakistani applicants for a tourist or visit visa need:

1. Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
2. Valid Pakistani passport
   At least 6 months validity beyond your planned return
   At least 2 blank pages
3. Recent passport-size photographs
   As per Schengen photo specifications
4. Copy of CNIC
5. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) or Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) where applicable
6. Proof of financial means
   Bank statements (generally last 6 months)
   Bank account maintenance letter
   Evidence of regular income (salary slips or business income)
   Additional assets if available (property documents, investments), especially for stronger ties
7. Proof of employment or business
   For salaried employees: job letter, no-objection / leave approval, and salary slips
   For business owners: company registration, tax returns, chamber registration (if any)
   For students: Bonafide letter from educational institution and sponsorship documents from parents or guardians
8. Travel itinerary
   Tentative round-trip flight booking
   Day-by-day plan showing where you will be and for how long
9. Proof of accommodation
   Hotel bookings for your entire stay, or
   Official invitation from a host with their ID / residence permit and proof of address
10. Travel medical insurance
    Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid in all Schengen states for your full stay.
11. Supporting documents for purpose of visit
    Invitations, conference registrations, medical appointment letters etc.

Embassies may ask for extra documents, especially if they feel something is unclear, so it is wise to prepare a well-organised file.

6. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Pakistan

The basic process is similar across Schengen countries.

Step 1 - Decide Your Main Destination and Dates

Plan your route, nights in each country and expected travel dates. This helps you choose the correct embassy and build a realistic itinerary.

Step 2 - Check the Embassy or Consulate Instructions

Each Schengen country publishes its own checklist and rules for Pakistan. Carefully read them before you start preparing documents.

Step 3 - Prepare Your Documents

Collect and arrange all documents as listed earlier. Make sure:

• Bank statements show steady activity and genuine balances, not sudden artificial deposits.
• Employment or business documents match the income shown in the bank.
• Your itinerary, flights and hotel bookings match your leave dates and financial capacity.

Step 4 - Book an Appointment

Step 5 - Submit Your Application and Biometrics

On your appointment day:

• Arrive on time with your complete file and fees (visa fee plus service charges).
• Submit documents and provide fingerprints (if required).
• Answer any basic questions about your travel plan.
• Receive a receipt and tracking reference.

Step 6 – Wait for Processing

Short-stay Schengen visa applications are normally processed within 15 calendar days, but embassies can take up to 45 days in complex or busy periods.

Step 7 – Collect Your Passport

You will be informed when a decision is made. Collect your passport (or receive it by courier if you chose that option) and immediately check:

• Name and passport number
• Validity dates of the visa
• Allowed duration of stay and number of entries

If anything is incorrect, contact the embassy or visa centre quickly.

7. Common Reasons for Refusal and How to Avoid Them

Recent statistics show that Pakistani Schengen visa applications are often refused due to incomplete documentation, financial doubts and weak ties to home country.

Some major pitfalls:

1. Insufficient or unstable bank statements
   Embassies examine the last several months, not just the final balance. Avoid unexplained large deposits without documentation.
2. Unclear purpose of travel
   If your itinerary, hotel bookings and leave letters do not align, it creates suspicion. Present a clear, realistic plan.
3. Weak ties to Pakistan
   Lack of proper employment, business or family evidence may suggest higher risk of overstaying. Add proof of commitments back home.
4. Missing or inconsistent documents
   Names, dates and numbers should match across passport, CNIC, bank statements, employment letters and bookings.
5. Poor interview performance (where interviews are used)
   Nervous or contradictory answers can damage an otherwise strong file.

8. Practical Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa from Pakistan

Use these practical suggestions to improve your chances:

1. Apply early
   File your application at least 4-6 weeks before travel, especially in summer or holiday seasons.
2. Be honest and consistent
   Never provide fake documents or false statements. Schengen systems are interconnected, and bans can affect future visas.
3. Match your plan to your budget
   If you show a modest income but apply for a long, expensive trip, it raises questions. Adjust the number of days and hotel category to what is realistically affordable.
4. Explain any special circumstances in a cover letter
   If you recently changed jobs, had big deposits, or are travelling alone for the first time, explain briefly and clearly.
5. Understand the 90/180-day rule
   If you travel frequently, track your days so you never overstay the 90-day limit in any 180-day window.
6. Keep copies of everything
   Maintain photocopies or scans of your entire file. This helps if you reapply or need to clarify something later.

9. How Malik Express Travel & Tours Helps with Schengen Visas

Applying alone can feel confusing, especially when requirements differ slightly between embassies. Malik Express Travel & Tours can guide Pakistani applicants through the whole process.

9.1 Expert File Assessment and Guidance

• Help you choose the right main destination country and visa type.
• Provide updated 2025 checklists tailored to your purpose of travel.
• Review your bank statements, employment documents and travel plan to highlight any weaknesses.
• Suggest realistic trip durations, routes and accommodation types that fit your profile.

9.2 Application Preparation

• Assist in filling the Schengen visa application form correctly.
• Organise your documents in embassy-friendly order.
• Help with travel medical insurance, hotel bookings and flight reservations suitable for visa application.

9.3 Appointment and Follow-up

• Guide you on booking appointments at the correct visa application centre.
• Explain current visa and service fee payment methods so you arrive prepared.
• Support you with general interview preparation and expected questions.

9.4 Europe Tour Planning

Once your visa is approved, Malik Express can:

• Design tailored European itineraries (single country or multi-country).
• Arrange flights, hotels, inter-city trains or flights, airport transfers and guided sightseeing.
• Offer packages for families, honeymooners, students and business travellers with different budgets and comfort levels.

10. Final Thoughts

Getting a Schengen visa from Pakistan in 2025 is absolutely achievable if you:
 

• Choose the correct embassy based on your main destination
• Understand the updated fee structure and required documents
• Present a clear, realistic and well-documented application
   

With careful preparation and professional support from Malik Express Travel & Tours, you can greatly reduce stress and focus on the exciting part: planning your European adventure across multiple Schengen countries with just one visa.