What do the reasons on a Schengen visa refusal form mean?

What is the Schengen refusal form?

Every Schengen country uses the same form to refuse a short-stay visa. It lists the reasons, and the officer ticks the ones that apply. The European Commission handbook for officers sets out each one. The top court of the EU said a visa can only be refused for a reason on that list:

“the competent authorities of a Member State cannot refuse, following the examination of an application for a uniform visa, to issue such a visa to an applicant unless one of the grounds for refusal of a visa listed in those provisions can be applied to that applicant.”

Rahmanian Koushkaki v Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Case C-84/12), Judgment, paragraph 63

So the ticked boxes tell you what to fix.

What if the purpose of my trip was not justified?

“justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not provided;”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Point 11.1, refusal ground 2

The officer could not see a clear reason or plan for the trip. Send papers that show why you are going and what you will do. That can be an invitation, a hotel booking, a trip plan or a letter from a business you will meet. The dates on all of them should match.

What if I did not show enough money for the trip?

“the applicant did not provide proof of sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his country of origin or residence, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted;”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Point 11.1, refusal ground 3

This is about money for the stay and the trip home. The handbook lists bank statements as proof:

“(a) recent bank account statements showing movements over a certain period (at least the last three months)”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Point 5.2.2

Each country also sets its own guide amount, so check the one for yours. Make sure the money can be traced to your job, your business or a sponsor who has written to say they will pay.

What if my information was not reliable?

“the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable;”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Point 11.1, refusal ground 10

This can happen when papers do not agree. A name is spelled two ways, or a date on the form does not match a booking. Fix what does not match. Never send a paper you are not sure is real.

What if my intention to leave was in doubt?

“there are reasonable doubts as to the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa;”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Point 11.1, refusal ground 13

This is about whether you will go home in time. The handbook says it depends mostly on how settled your life is at home:

“The assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the Member State before the expiry of the visa depends mainly on the stability of his/her socio-economic situation in his/her country of residence: stability of the employment, of the financial situation, of the family ties.”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Part II, point 5.2, documentation on the intention to leave

The officer does not need to be certain either way. The court said a reasonable doubt is enough:

“There is thus no requirement that the competent authorities must, in order to determine whether they are required to issue a visa, be certain as regards whether or not the applicant intends to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for. It is, however, their task to determine whether there is a reasonable doubt as regards that intention.”

Rahmanian Koushkaki v Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Case C-84/12), Judgment, paragraph 68

So prove your ties at home: your job and leave dates, your business, your family, your home and your past trips.

What are the other reasons on the form?

• A false travel document was shown.
• You have already spent 90 days in the area in the last 180 days.
• There is an alert about you in the Schengen Information System, a shared list used at borders.
• You are seen as a risk to safety, health or relations between countries.
• You did not show valid travel medical insurance.

Can I appeal or apply again?

You can appeal. The handbook says so:

“Applicants who have been refused a visa shall have the right to appeal. Appeals shall be conducted against the Member State that has taken the final decision on the application.”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Part II, point 11.4, the right to appeal

You can also apply again. A past refusal does not mean the next one is refused:

“A previous visa refusal shall not lead to an automatic refusal of an application and each application must be assessed on its own merits and on the basis of all available information.”

Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, Part II, point 6.1, basic principles

Read next

• How do I reapply after a visa refusal?
• How much money do I need to show for a UK visitor visa?
• Why are UK visitor visas refused?

Sources

• Rahmanian Koushkaki v Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Case C-84/12), Court of Justice of the European Union (Grand Chamber), dated 19 December 2013. Read on 18 October 2026.
• Handbook for the processing of visa applications and the modification of issued visas, European Commission, dated 26 June 2024. Read on 18 October 2026.