Schengen Friends & Family Visit Visa Application Guide for Bangladeshis (Step-by-Step)

If you’re planning to visit your loved ones in European countries, you have to obtain a Friends & Family Visit visa by fulfilling the requirements.
Different countries have different requirements, online systems, and even separate rules for interviews and document formats. So, many applicants feel confused when starting the process.

Most common queries are:

"What if I fill out the wrong form?"  

"What if I miss a document?"

Honestly, you’re not the only one who thinks like this. 
Here’s a step-by-step application process for the Schengen Friends & Family Visit Visa from Bangladesh so you can apply with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Choose the Right Embassy/Visa Application Center

Your application must go through the embassy or visa application center of the country where your family member or friend lives. Even though the visa lets you travel across the Schengen zone, you can’t apply randomly. 

• Every country has its own way of handling visa applications

Step 2: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

After identifying the embassy/center, fill out the required visa application form. Make sure all the details—like your name, passport number, and travel dates match exactly with the information on your official documents. This process can vary depending on the country. 

• Some countries ask you to fill out the visa form online and then submit a printed copy at the application center.

• Others ask you to complete the entire form digitally first, and only then submit the hard copy as part of your application.

Step 3: Gather Your Required Documents

If you are worried about rejection, please remember that clear, complete documents are the most powerful part of your application. Each embassy/center has its own checklist, but most will ask for:

• Applicant’s identity documents, travel documents, cover letter, invitation letter, proof of relationship, financial documents, etc.

• Some embassies/visa application centers may ask for translated or notarized documents.
  

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Visa application fees can usually be paid in one of two ways.

• Pay online during or after submitting your visa application form (depending on the embassy’s process)

• Pay in person at the visa application center using cash or a card

An additional service fee may apply at the embassy or visa center. Always collect and keep the payment receipt safely because you will need this during your application submission.

Step 5: Book an Appointment, Submit Your Application, and Give Biometrics

Once your documents and form are ready, you’ll need to visit the relevant embassy or visa application center. Depending on the embassy/visa application center, you will need to:

• Book an appointment (if required)

• Submit your documents

• Provide your biometric information

• Face a short, simple interview (if required)

Step 6: Wait for the Visa Decision

Once your application is submitted, the embassy/center will start reviewing it. 

• The processing usually takes between 15 to 30 working days. 

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

When the visa decision is made, you’ll be notified to collect your passport. You can:

• Collect the passport in person

• Send an authorized representative

• Collect via courier service (if available)
  

Need Help with the Schengen Family and Friends Visit Visa Process?

Bangladeshi citizens are always stressed with their visa application due to the complex process. This is because applying for a Schengen visa involves many small but important steps. We have already mentioned the application process in the most simplified way. If you still need help with your application, VISAThing can assist you with the Visa Consultancy service. From choosing the right embassy, completing the correct form, preparing documents, and securing an appointment, everything is included in this service.