TL;DR
There is no single family Schengen visa — each traveller, including children, needs their own application and form. But you lodge them together at one centre for your shared main destination, and can usually book appointments for the same day. Show funds for the whole group and add documents for minors. The fixed facts:
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Visa fee (child 6–12) | €45 |
| Visa fee (child under 6) | Free |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any rolling 180-day period |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) |
| Travel insurance — minimum cover | €30,000 |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years; valid 3+ months beyond your trip |
| Member states | 29 countries |
"Family visa" — how it actually works
Schengen issues visas per person, so a family of four files four applications. What makes it a family application is that everyone applies to the same main destination, submits at the same centre, and can attend together — and one earner can fund the group.
Where to apply
Everyone applies to your shared main destination — where the family will spend the most nights — through that country's operator (see which country to apply to). Book the appointments together where the system allows; slots are scarce before summer, so book early (see getting an appointment).
Proving funds for the group
Show enough to cover the whole group without working. There's no single fixed figure — it depends on trip length and the destination consulate, and you should budget realistically for accommodation and food for everyone. A common approach:
- One earning member funds the family — provide their bank statements (last 3 months)
- Add a sponsorship letter and proof of relationship for the others
See proof of funds and bank statement requirements.
Documents for children
Each minor needs their own application, plus:
| Add-on | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form signed by both parents | One per child |
| Birth certificate | Proves the parent–child relationship |
| Consent letter | If a child travels with one parent or alone, from the non-travelling parent(s) |
| Passport + photo | Per child, to spec |
Rules for minors vary by consulate — see children and minors.
Practical steps
- Agree your main destination and its operator.
- Book appointments together, early.
- Prepare one application per person, with the funds and minor add-ons above.
- Attend together for biometrics (children under 12 are usually exempt from fingerprints) and submit.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — a tailored document list for each traveller
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size each file
Want a human to check the whole family's applications first? Our done-for-you Schengen service reviews them before you submit; see what's inside the price. Start at the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
Is there a single family Schengen visa?
No. Each family member needs their own application and form, including each child. But you apply together — at one visa centre for your shared main destination — and can usually book your appointments for the same day, so it functions as one coordinated trip to the centre.
- 02
How do we prove funds for a whole family's Schengen visa?
Show enough to cover the entire group without working. There's no single fixed figure — it depends on trip length and the destination consulate. One earning member can fund the family by providing their bank statements (last 3 months) plus a sponsorship letter and proof of relationship for the others.
- 03
What extra documents do children need for a Schengen visa?
Each minor needs their own form (signed by both parents), a passport, photo, and a birth certificate proving the relationship. If a child travels with one parent or alone, a consent letter from the non-travelling parent(s) is usually required. Check the consulate's exact rules for minors.
- 04
Where does a family apply for a Schengen visa from the UK?
At the visa centre for your shared main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — through that country's operator. Everyone in the group applies to the same country, so the whole family's applications go to one centre and can be submitted together.
Free tools that pair with this guide