One of the mandatory requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa is to provide proof of sufficient financial means. This means you need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your entire stay in the Schengen Area. The embassy requires this to ensure you can cover all the expenses (accommodation, food, transport, and miscellaneous expenses) during your stay in the Schengen Area. They also want to be certain that you would not become a financial liability or dependent on the public funds in the country you are visiting. 

Hence, submitting proof of sufficient financial means is a crucial part of the application, and failing to meet the same can lead to a visa rejection, even if all your other documents are in order.

However, it is important to note that not all Schengen countries specify an exact minimum bank balance requirement. While some countries have set clear daily amounts, others leave it to the discretion of the visa officer (who evaluates it based on factors such as your purpose of travel, duration, etc.), making it trickier for applicants.

In this blog, we will clear all your doubts regarding the proof of sufficient financial means for a Schengen visa. Here’s what we’ll cover:

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

• What factors affect the minimum bank balance requirement?

• What documents serve as financial proof for a Schengen visa?

• How can you strengthen your financial proof for a Schengen visa?

How much bank balance is required for a Schengen visa?

Let us look at the country-wise breakdown of the minimum bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa in 2025. 

1. Austria

As of February 2025, Austria does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for Schengen visa applicants. The amount you need depends on the duration and nature of your stay. It is generally recommended that the applicant must have at least €100 to €120 per day of their visit.

2. Belgium

According to the Belgium Immigration Office, the applicant must have at least €45 per day if staying with friends or family and €95 per day if staying in a hotel. This means for a 10-day trip to Belgium, your bank balance should be at least €950. 

Note: It is always advisable to show a higher bank balance than the minimum requirement. Besides serving as a safety net for yourself, this reassures visa authorities that you would be able to comfortably cover any unexpected expenses during the trip. 

3. Bulgaria

According to the Bulgarian authorities, for a short-stay visa for tourism purposes, the minimum bank balance requirement is as follows:

• €50 per day of stay (or the equivalent in another currency).

• At least €500 in total, even if your stay is shorter than 10 days.

So, for example:

• If you go for a 5-day trip (€50 x 5 = €250), the minimum bank balance requirement would still be €500 (or equivalent). 

• If you go for a 10-day trip (€50 x 10), the minimum bank balance requirement would be €500 (or equivalent).

• If you are going on a 15-day trip, you will need to show at least €750 (€50 x 15). 

Note: If you are driving your own vehicle into Bulgaria, you need to show an extra €100 (or the equivalent).

4. Croatia

Each applicant must generally have at least €70 per day for their stay in Croatia. This is the standard financial requirement for most travellers.

However, this requirement can vary. For example, it may be reduced to €30 per day with a certified guarantee letter or proof of paid accommodation. In some cases, it can be €0 if a sponsor guarantees to cover all costs. Since requirements may change, you must always check the official Croatian government website before your trip.

5. Czech Republic

As mentioned on the Czechia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the minimum bank balance needed for a Croatia Schengen visa is at least 1,565 CZK per day for 30 days or less stays.

For stays exceeding 30 days (up to 90 days), applicants must have at least 46,950 CZK, with an additional 6,260 CZK for one full month beyond the first 30 days. Let us understand it with this example:

If you plan to stay in the Czech Republic for 60 days:

• For the first 30 days, you would need 46,950 CZK.

• For the next 30 days, you would need an additional 6,260 CZK.

Hence, the total minimum financial bank balance you would need is (46,950 CZK + 6,260 CZK) 53,210 CZK.

6. Denmark

The minimum bank balance required for a Denmark Schengen visa is DKK 350 per day if you stay in a private home (with friends and family); if you stay at a hotel, the amount must be greater, DKK 500 per day. 

7. Estonia

According to the Estonian immigration authorities, the minimum financial requirement for a Schengen visa is set at €70 per day of your visit. This means if you plan to stay in Estonia for 10 days, you would need to show proof of a minimum bank balance of €700.

8. Finland

As of January 2024, the Finnish authorities have increased the minimum bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa to at least €50 per day, which was earlier set at €30 per day. 

9. France

France does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa. The amount you need depends on the duration and nature of your stay. Our visa experts generally recommend that applicants have at least €100 to €120 per day of their visit.

Did you know? France tops the list of the most visited European countries in the world, attracting a staggering 100 million visitors in 2023.  

10. Germany

The minimum bank balance required for a German visa is not officially fixed for every case. However, having €100 to €120 per day is generally considered sufficient to demonstrate financial stability for a short-term Schengen visa. This amount can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses during your stay. 

11. Greece

Like Germany, Greece also does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for Schengen visa applicants. It is generally advisable to show sufficient funds, estimated at around €100 to €120 per day, to cover all your expenses in Greece. 

12. Hungary

Hungary does not specify a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa application. The visa officer evaluates your financial capacity based on the length of stay, type of accommodation, and overall travel itinerary. It is typically suggested that you demonstrate at least €100 to €120 per day as sufficient funds. 

13. Iceland

According to Icelandic authorities, the minimum bank balance requirement for an Iceland Schengen visa is 8,000 ISK per day if staying in a hotel or rented accommodation. If your stay is covered by a host or third party, the requirement is reduced to 4,000 ISK per day. 

14. Italy

The Italian government has an official subsistence table outlining the financial requirements. Here is the minimum bank balance required for an Italian Schengen visa:

• For stays of 1 to 5 days: A fixed amount of €269.60 is required, which is reduced to €212.81 if you travel with others.

• For stays of 6 to 10 days: You need a daily amount of €44.93 or €26.33 per person if travelling with others.

• For stays of 11 to 20 days: You need a fixed amount of €51.64 plus a daily amount of €36.67. If travelling with others, the fixed amount is reduced to €25.82 and the daily amount to €22.21 per person.

• For stays longer than 20 days: You require a fixed amount of €206.58 and a daily amount of €27.89. If travelling with others, this is reduced to a fixed amount of €118.79 and a daily amount of €17.04 per person.

15. Latvia

According to Latvian authorities, visa applicants must demonstrate €14 per day if the stay is up to 30 days. For stays exceeding 30 days, you must prove financial means equivalent to €740 per month, which is the Latvian minimum wage. 

Note: Even if your stay is for less than 30 days, you are highly advised to show a higher bank balance than the minimum requirement. This would increase the chances of your visa approval.  

16. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein also does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for a Schengen visa. Hence, you are advised to show funds equivalent to €100 to €120 per day.

17. Lithuania

Currently, no minimum bank balance requirement is set for a Lithuanian visa. As a general rule, you are advised to show sufficient funds, typically €100 to €120 per day, to demonstrate that you can also cover unexpected expenses, if they arise, during your trip. 

18. Luxembourg

Similarly, there is no fixed minimum bank balance requirement for a Luxembourg Schengen visa. However, you must show at least €100 to €120 per day to assure authorities that you can manage all expenses without financial difficulties. 

19. Malta

Malta does not enforce a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for Schengen visa applicants. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with factors such as trip duration, accommodation, and travel itinerary considered. 

Although no official amount is stated, it is typically suggested that travellers demonstrate at least €100 to €120 per day. 

20. Netherlands

The Netherlands authorities also do not specify a mandatory minimum bank balance for Schengen visa applications. However, you must show at least €100 to €120 per day to assure authorities that you can manage all expenses without financial difficulties. 

21. Norway

There is no fixed minimum bank balance requirement for Norway Schengen visa applicants. The visa officer evaluates your financial situation based on your length of stay, accommodation type, and travel expenses. Generally, it is advised to show funds equivalent to €100 to €120 per day to ensure your capacity to cover daily expenses. 

22. Poland

The minimum bank balance requirement for a Poland Schengen visa is 75 PLN per day for the entire stay. However, if your stay is 4 days or shorter, you need at least 300 PLN in total. 

For example, for a 10-day visit to Poland, you would require at least 750 PLN (75 PLN x 10 = 750 PLN); for a 3-day visit, you would require at least 300 PLN. 

23. Portugal

The minimum bank balance required for a Portugal Schengen visa is set to at least €75 upon entry and €40 per day for the duration of the stay, according to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Let us understand it with this example:

Suppose you are planning a 10-day trip to Portugal. The amount you need in your bank account should be:

• Minimum entry amount: €75

• Daily allowance: €40 × 10 days = €400

• Total minimum required bank balance: €75 + €400 = €475

24. Romania

For a short-stay visa, Romania requires proof of financial means equivalent to €50 per day for the entire stay but not less than €500 in total. This means:

If you wish to stay in Romania for 5 days:

• Required daily amount: €50 × 5 = €250, but since the minimum bank balance is €500, you will still need €500 in your account.

If you wish to stay in Romania for 10 days:

• Required: €50 × 10 = €500 → You meet the minimum requirement.

If staying for 15 days:

• Required: €50 × 15 = €750 (which is above the €500 minimum).

25. Slovakia

Slovakia has no specific minimum bank balance requirement for Schengen visa applicants. This means you must generally show funds equivalent to €100 to €120 per day to ensure your capacity to cover daily expenses. 

Did you know Slovakia boasts a higher Schengen visa approval rate, making it an easy-to-go Schengen destination? To know the top Schengen countries with a higher visa approval rate, read our Easiest Countries to Get a Schengen Visa blog.  

26. Slovenia

There is no fixed minimum bank balance required for a Slovenia Schengen visa. Visa officers assess financial means based on your travel plans, accommodation, and stay duration. It is suggested to demonstrate €100 to €120 per day to cover daily expenses.

27. Spain

Spain does not have a specific minimum bank balance requirement officially stated by the authorities for Schengen visa applicants. It is generally advised to demonstrate at least €100 to €120 per day as proof of financial capacity. 

28. Sweden

According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the minimum bank balance required for a Swedish Schengen visa is 450 SEK per day for the entire stay in Sweden. 

For example, if you are planning a 10-day trip, you must show a minimum bank balance of 4,500 SEK. This amount is intended to cover your daily expenses, such as food, lodging, and transportation. If you have prepaid accommodations or a sponsor covering your expenses, the required balance might be reduced. However, it is advisable to show a higher balance to ensure a stronger application.

29. Switzerland 

Switzerland does not have a fixed minimum bank balance requirement for Schengen visa applicants. While no specific amount is set, it is generally recommended to demonstrate €100 to €120 per day as sufficient funds to cover daily expenses. 

Did you know? Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe, ranking 6th in the Global Peace Index and boasting a safety index score of 74.7!  

What factors affect the minimum bank balance requirement?

While the above information gives a general idea of the minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa, your required bank balance may differ based on personal factors:

1. Length of stay: The longer your trip, the higher your required balance. A 3-day trip may need €300, while a 30-day trip could require €3000 or more.

2. Accommodation type: Prepaid hotels and staying with family/friends (with an invitation letter) often lower the required minimum amount. If both cases do not apply, then your minimum bank balance should show the capacity to cover accommodation expenses along with other expenses (related to food, shopping, etc.) in the Schengen Area.

3. Travel history: If you’re a frequent traveller with previous Schengen visas and a travel history of strong compliance with rules and regulations in the Schengen Area, officers may be more flexible with your financial requirements. However, this is solely based on the visa officer's discretion. 

4. Sponsorship: If someone in the Schengen Area is covering your expenses, the responsibility of proving sufficient financial means falls entirely on your sponsor. This means that your sponsor must meet the minimum bank balance requirement, and your visa application will not be assessed based on your personal bank account balance.

In summary, anything that may affect your finances will also impact the minimum bank balance requirement. It's crucial to maintain a consistent and sufficient bank balance to demonstrate your ability to cover all expenses during your stay in the Schengen Area.

What documents serve as financial proof for a Schengen visa?

By now, you know the minimum bank balance requirement, so let us now see what are the documents that serve as financial proof for Schengen visa application:

1. Bank statements (stamped & original): Provide the last 3 to 6 months of bank statements, stamped by the bank, showing regular transactions and a sufficient balance. The statements must clearly display your name, account number, and bank details to confirm ownership and financial stability. If you are retired, ensure that your bank statements clearly show the regular receipt of pension funds. 

2. Tax returns (latest & official): If applicable to your nationality, submit your most recent Income Tax Return (ITR), preferably of the last two to three years, to verify your financial stability. If you are self-employed, you can submit your business tax returns as well. 

3. Salary slips (recent & official): You must submit your last 3 months’ payslips, printed on company letterhead and signed or stamped by your employer. 

4. Business registration certificate (valid & official): If you are self-employed or a business owner, provide a valid business registration certificate as proof of your business’s legal existence. This document must be issued by the relevant government authority and should clearly display your business name, registration number, date of incorporation, and owner details.

5. Sponsorship letter (signed & notarised, if required): If someone is sponsoring your trip, they must provide a signed sponsorship letter, proof of their financial means (such as bank statements and salary slips), and a copy of their ID or residence permit. 

6. Employment letter (signed & dated): A letter from your employer confirming your job position, salary, and leave approval also serves as proof of employment and source of funds. 

Tip: Ensure all documents are original, preferably A4 size, stamped, sealed, or signed by the relevant authorities for authenticity. Clear, recent, and well-organized documents strengthen your Schengen visa application.

How can you strengthen your financial proof for a Schengen visa?

When applying for a Schengen visa, visa experts generally advise providing extra financial documents. It strengthens your application by proving that besides covering the daily expenses, you will also be able to cover any unforeseen expenses, if any. So, while embassies specify a minimum financial requirement, showing more than the required amount and providing additional documents increases your chances of approval. 

Here are some effective ways to strengthen your financial proof:

1. Maintain a consistent bank balance

To ensure financial stability, visa officers closely examine your bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months. If your account shows large, sudden deposits just before applying, it may raise concerns about the legitimacy of your funds. To avoid this, maintain a steady balance that is consistently above the required amount for at least three months before applying. 

If your balance is inconsistent due to large transactions, attach a cover letter explaining the reason and provide supporting documents such as salary slips, business invoices, or investment withdrawal proofs. If you recently deposited a large amount, show where it came from (e.g., a property sale, inheritance, or loan clearance) to establish transparency.

2. Show more than the minimum amount

As mentioned earlier, it’s always advisable to show more than the embassy’s required minimum balance. For example, if the embassy asks for €40 per day, try to show at least €60 to €80 per day in your account. This proves that you can comfortably handle all your expenses, including unexpected costs such as medical emergencies or last-minute travel changes. A strong financial profile lowers the risk of visa rejection.

3. Submit additional financial documents

When applying for financial verification, it is advisable to provide supplementary financial documents, including proof of passive income. These documents may include fixed deposit (FD) certificates, savings certificates, credit card statements, rental income, dividends from investments, pension funds, freelance earnings, or any other verifiable income sources.

For housewives, financial capability can be demonstrated through joint financial statements with their spouse, rental income, or investment earnings, if applicable. Students can provide evidence of educational grants, scholarships, or financial support from parents or guardians. Unemployed individuals may submit proof of savings, fixed deposits, or regular financial support from family members.

4. Provide a sponsorship letter (if applicable)

If you are a housewife or unemployed and do not have sufficient funds, opt for sponsorship. You would need a notarised sponsorship letter that should clearly mention the sponsor’s full name, relationship with you and confirmation of financial responsibility for your travel expenses. Along with this, the sponsor must submit their bank statements, salary slips, income tax returns, and proof of residency or citizenship. If the sponsor is self-employed or a business owner, their business registration documents and financial statements should also be included. 

Conclusion

By now, you can see while some countries have fixed daily financial requirements, others rely on a visa officer’s discretion, making it essential to maintain a strong and transparent financial profile. You must know that failure to prove sufficient funds is one of the most common reasons for a Schengen visa rejection. 

To strengthen your application, ensure a consistent bank balance for at least three months before applying, demonstrate funds beyond the minimum requirement, and provide additional financial proof where possible. If you lack sufficient personal funds, a sponsorship letter with supporting documents can serve as an alternative. Additionally, make sure to always check the latest visa guidelines before applying to stay updated with any changes.

By preparing thoroughly and meeting the financial expectations of Schengen embassies, you can increase your chances of visa approval.