Visa resource

Schengen Family & Friends Visit Visa

The visiting family or friends purpose of the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) is for staying with family or friends in the Schengen area. It is the same uniform Type C visa; the label describes the reason for your visit, and the 90-days-in-180 short-stay rule still applies.

What typically differs

For a family or friends visit you are commonly asked for an invitation from your host and evidence of where you will stay, in addition to the standard requirements. Your host may be asked to provide certain documents โ€” confirm the details via the official European Commission guidance.

The shared requirements

This page is an orientation only. Read the shared guides that apply to every Schengen short-stay visa: eligibility, documents, travel insurance, proof of funds, biometrics, fees, processing times and the 90/180-day rule. Always confirm what applies to you with the official European Commission guidance before you apply.

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Official sources

Published12 Aug 2026
Last reviewed12 Aug 2026
Last verified12 Aug 2026