Understanding The Schengen Spouse Visa

In honor and recognition of family-related rights, members of the European Union have established directives and legislations that would allow third-country citizens to reunite with their relatives or family members in Schengen States. This move is popularly known as the Family Reunification program.

The Family Reunification program identifies the specific criteria that will not only allow third-party nationals to live with their family, but also, to enjoy similar or equal privileges or benefits as those of European Union citizens. Individuals from third-world countries, Philippines, for example, should be in possession of valid residence permit to qualify for family reunification. However, this option may not be available for refugees, not unless a decision on their case is made.

Qualifications

The following individuals are qualified candidates of the Family Reunification program:

1. Spouse
2. Children – This category covers the couple’s children, even the adopted ones. On the other hand, the term “minor” in the European Union’s context is understood as “unmarried children” whose ages are younger than those required by the International Organization.

Documentation

The general documents needed for a Schengen spouse visa are:

1. Valid passports
2. Previous passports
3. Application forms
4. NSO and DFA-certified birth certificates
5. Photos
6. NBI clearance
7. Marriage certificate
8. Proofs of support from the spouse

Steps and procedures

1. Contact the responsible embassy and schedule an appointment
2. Gather all the requirements – In terms of the requirements, Schengen State members may ask the applicant to provide additional documents
3. Pay the fee
4. Submit the requirements and wait for the approval

In the Philippines, certain embassies have the authority to represent other Schengen members in terms of visa processing and transactions. Here is the list of diplomatic missions that are fully authorized to handle visa transactions for other Schengen states

1. Austrian embassy- Austrian embassy is also responsible for the processing of Lithuanian visas
2. Belgian embassy - Belgium embassy represents Hungary, Slovak Republic, and Luxembourg
3. Norwegian embassy – Can process visas for Denmark and Iceland
4. Swiss embassy – Also handles Swedish visas
5. Spanish embassy – Also responsible for processing visas for Malta
6. Netherland embassy – Represents Latvia in visa matters

For those who are married to Slovenian citizens, one should go to China in order to process their visa. Relatively, for Polish visa transactions, this can only take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Other reminders

Schengen territories are authorized to determine whether it is the sponsor or the spouse who needs to file an application. Applicants should remain outside the Schengen area while processing their applications. Moreover, it should be readily remembered that polygamous marriages are not recognized by the European Union. Only the legal wife and her children are qualified for family reunification. However, illegitimate children can still qualify in this program granted that they can provide compelling reasons for their entry in member states.

For sponsors, the European Union obliges them to have sufficient financial resources to cover the everyday expenses of their spouses or family members.

Once approved, the family reunification program grants spouses and family members the right to education, employment and training.

In case of denial, candidates are allowed to make an appeal. Lastly, it should not be forgotten that certain applications can be denied due to health and security reasons.