How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a European Tourist Visa?

Bank Balance for a European Tourist Visa

To apply for a European tourist visa, you usually need to show a bank balance of €45–€100 per day per person. For a typical 10–15 day trip, this equals roughly ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh. Visa officers also require 3–6 months of bank statements showing stable income, not sudden large deposits.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Bank Balance Requirement for a European Tourist Visa?
• Why Does Bank Balance Matter for a European Visa?
• How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a European Tourist Visa?
• How Is the Required Bank Balance Calculated?
• Examples of Bank Balance Requirements
• European Tourist Visa vs Schengen Visa Financial Rules
• Benefits and Limitations of Bank Balance Proof
• Common Misconceptions About Bank Balance for European Visa
• Related Questions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary

What Is the Bank Balance Requirement for a European Tourist Visa?

The bank balance requirement for a European tourist visa refers to the minimum amount of money you must show to prove that you can support yourself during your stay in Europe.

This money is meant to cover everyday travel expenses such as accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and emergencies. European immigration authorities want to be sure that visitors can afford their trip without overstaying or seeking illegal work.

For example, if you are applying for a Schengen tourist visa, the embassy will calculate whether your available funds are enough for the full duration of your trip based on the country’s daily expense rule.

Why Does Bank Balance Matter for a European Visa?

Bank balance is one of the most important parts of a European tourist visa application because it directly reflects financial stability.

European countries want to ensure that:

• Visitors can pay for their stay
• Visitors will not become a financial burden
• Visitors are likely to return to their home country

Over the years, embassies realized that simply checking travel plans was not enough. As a result, reviewing bank statements became a standard way to assess an applicant’s intent and financial reliability.

A strong financial profile reassures visa officers that the trip is genuinely for tourism and not for migration or illegal employment.

How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a European Tourist Visa?

Daily Financial Requirement

Most European countries require tourists to show €45–€100 per day per person.
The exact amount depends on:

• The country you are visiting
• Cost of living in that country
• Accommodation type

Recommended Total Bank Balance (Applying From India)

These amounts are not official guarantees but are widely accepted safe ranges.

Country-Wise Daily Requirement (Approximate)

Each country publishes its own financial threshold, which can change over time.

How Is the Required Bank Balance Calculated?

Visa officers do not look at just one number. They evaluate your financial situation step by step.

Step 1: Trip Duration

The number of days you plan to stay is multiplied by the country’s daily requirement.

Step 2: Accommodation Details

Prepaid hotels or confirmed bookings reduce uncertainty.
Staying with friends or relatives requires an invitation letter.

Step 3: Travel Itinerary

A clear itinerary with return tickets shows that the visit is temporary.

Step 4: Income Stability

Regular salary credits, business income, or pension deposits matter more than a high closing balance.

Step 5: Family or Group Travel

For families, embassies look at combined funds and the sponsor’s income.

Step 6: Sponsorship (If Applicable)

If someone else is sponsoring the trip, their bank statements, income proof, and sponsorship letter are mandatory.

Examples of Bank Balance Requirements

These examples help visa officers quickly understand whether your finances align with your travel plan.

European Tourist Visa vs Schengen Visa Financial Rules

In practice, most travelers refer to European tourist visas as Schengen visas because they cover multiple countries.

Benefits of Showing Adequate Bank Balance

• Improves chances of visa approval
• Builds trust with visa officers
• Supports longer travel duration
• Reduces the risk of additional document requests
• Shows genuine travel intent

A well-maintained bank statement often strengthens the overall application.

Limitations of Bank Balance Proof

• High balance alone does not guarantee approval
• Sudden large deposits may raise suspicion
• Weak income history can lead to rejection
• Incomplete statements can delay processing

Financial proof is important, but it is only one part of the application.

Common Misconceptions About Bank Balance for European Visa

Myth: Showing a large amount guarantees approval
Fact: Consistent income and clean history matter more

Myth: Only the closing balance is checked
Fact: Visa officers examine transaction patterns

Myth: Fixed deposits replace bank statements
Fact: Savings account statements are mandatory

Myth: One rule applies to all European countries
Fact: Each country sets its own financial threshold

Related Questions

Is ₹2 lakh enough for a European tourist visa?

It may be sufficient for a short 7–10 day trip, depending on the destination and accommodation.

Can beginners understand European visa financial requirements?

Yes. The rules are based on simple factors like trip length, daily costs, and income proof.

Is sponsorship allowed for a European tourist visa?

Yes. Sponsors must provide bank statements, income proof, and a formal sponsorship letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of bank statements are required for a European tourist visa?

Most embassies ask for 3–6 months of recent bank statements showing consistent transactions and sufficient balance.

Can fixed deposits be shown as proof of funds?

Fixed deposits can support your application, but they cannot replace active savings account statements.

Is income tax return required for a European tourist visa?

Yes. Applicants are often asked to submit ITRs for the last 2–3 years to verify income sources.

Can I apply with low balance but prepaid hotels?

Prepaid accommodation helps, but you still need to meet the minimum daily fund requirement.

Do visa officers check salary credits?

Yes. Regular salary or income deposits strengthen your financial profile.

Summary

• European tourist visas usually require €45–€100 per day
• ₹1.5–3 lakh is recommended for a 10–15 day trip
• 3–6 months of bank statements are mandatory
• Stable income is more important than high balance
• Requirements vary by country and travel plan