How much bank balance is required for a Schengen tourist visa?

Bank Balance Is Required for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but one of the most common questions travelers ask is: how much bank balance is required for a Schengen tourist visa?
While there is no single fixed amount, Schengen countries expect applicants to show enough funds to cover daily expenses, accommodation, and return travel for the entire stay.

For Indian applicants, this usually means showing €45–€100 per day, along with 3–6 months of bank statements that reflect a steady income. In this guide, we break down the exact amounts, country-wise expectations, required documents, and practical tips to help you submit a strong Schengen tourist visa application in 2026.

Quick Answer: Minimum Bank Balance for a Schengen Tourist Visa

For a Schengen tourist visa, applicants are generally required to show €45 to €100 per day (approximately ₹4,000–₹9,000 per day), depending on the country they are visiting.

For a 10–15 day trip, a total bank balance of ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh is commonly recommended. You must also submit 3–6 months of bank statements showing regular transactions, stable income, and no sudden large deposits.

Why There Is No Fixed Minimum Bank Balance?

Unlike some countries, Schengen nations do not declare a universal minimum bank balance for tourist visas. Instead, they assess what is called “means of subsistence.”

This means the visa officer evaluates:

• Your length of stay
• Your destination country
• Accommodation arrangements
• Daily expenses
• Financial stability and income source

Two applicants with the same bank balance may still receive different outcomes depending on their travel plan and financial consistency. This is why maintaining a realistic balance that matches your itinerary is more important than showing a large lump sum.

Daily Expense Requirement by Schengen Countries

Each Schengen country sets its own daily financial requirement. These amounts are meant to cover food, local travel, and basic expenses.

Average Daily Funds Required

• €45–€65 per day – Countries like Spain, Italy, Greece (especially with prepaid hotels)
• €70–€100 per day – France, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands

If you have prepaid accommodation and return flight tickets, the daily requirement may be assessed on the lower end of this range.

How Much Bank Balance Is Recommended for Indian Applicants?

For applicants applying from India, embassies usually look at both the total available balance and the overall financial pattern.

Recommended Bank Balance by Trip Duration

• 7–10 days: ₹1.2 lakh – ₹1.8 lakh
• 10–15 days: ₹1.5 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh
• 15+ days: ₹2 lakh – ₹3 lakh or more

This amount should reasonably cover:

• Flight tickets
• Hotel or accommodation costs
• Daily expenses
• Emergency funds

Showing a balance that clearly aligns with your travel plan helps demonstrate financial credibility.

Does Prepaid Hotel or Invitation Letter Reduce the Required Balance?

Yes, your accommodation arrangement plays a significant role in determining the required funds.

If You Are Staying in a Hotel

When hotels are prepaid, embassies may reduce the daily amount expected for accommodation. You still need to show funds for food, transport, and activities.

If You Are Staying With Friends or Family

If you are staying with a host in Europe, you may submit an invitation letter (such as an Attestation d’Accueil for France).
In such cases, the daily financial requirement may reduce to €26–€44 per day, depending on the country.

Bank Statement Requirements for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Your bank statement is one of the most critical documents in the application.

You must submit:

• 3–6 months of bank statements
• Statements should be stamped or officially generated
• Regular transactions showing income and expenses
• A stable closing balance

Avoid sudden large deposits just before applying, as this often raises red flags and may lead to rejection.

Other Financial Documents Required

Along with bank statements, embassies may ask for supporting financial proof such as:

• Salary slips (last 3 months)
• Income Tax Returns (ITR) or Form 16
• Sponsorship letter and sponsor’s financial documents (if applicable)
• Confirmed return flight tickets
• Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage

These documents together help prove that you can fund your trip and intend to return.

What Can Lead to Visa Rejection Due to Finances?

Many Schengen tourist visa rejections are linked to financial issues. Common reasons include:

• Bank balance too low for the planned stay
• Sudden or unexplained deposits
• No clear income source
• Mismatch between itinerary and funds
• Weak travel history with high expenses planned

Ensuring financial clarity and consistency significantly improves approval chances.

Tips to Strengthen Your Proof of Funds

Here are practical tips that experienced travelers follow:

• Maintain a healthy bank balance for at least 2–3 months
• Match your funds clearly with your travel itinerary
• Keep salary credits and expenses visible
• Submit accurate and verifiable documents
• Show strong ties to India (job, business, family, property)

A well-prepared financial profile looks more reliable than a high but unstable balance.

Country-Specific Rules You Should Always Check

Although the general guidelines are similar, some countries have specific requirements. Always check the official consulate or VFS website for countries such as:

• Germany
• France
• Switzerland
• Denmark

Daily fund expectations and documentation rules may change, so verifying before applying is essential.

FAQs: Bank Balance for Schengen Tourist Visa

How much bank balance should I show for a Schengen visa from India?

For most applicants, showing ₹1.5–₹3 lakh for a 10–15 day trip is considered reasonable, depending on destination and accommodation.

Is ₹1 lakh enough for a Schengen tourist visa?

₹1 lakh may be insufficient unless the trip is very short and accommodation is fully prepaid.

Do embassies check bank balance after visa approval?

Generally no, but false or misleading information can cause issues at immigration.

Can a sponsor show funds for a Schengen visa?

Yes, a sponsor can support your application, provided they submit proper financial documents and a sponsorship letter.

Is ITR mandatory for a Schengen tourist visa?

ITR is not always mandatory, but it strongly supports your financial credibility.

Conclusion

There is no fixed minimum bank balance for a Schengen tourist visa, but most applicants need to show €45–€100 per day, along with a stable bank balance of ₹1.5–₹3 lakh for a standard tourist trip. What matters most is not just the amount, but the consistency, transparency, and realism of your financial documents.

By planning ahead, maintaining a steady balance, and submitting clear proof of funds, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your Schengen tourist visa approved without stress.