A Schengen visa allows you to travel to any Schengen Member State and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. An extension of the Schengen visa is allowed only in exceptional circumstances. You cannot extend a visa unless you have a strong and valid reason to do so.
Who Is Eligible for a Schengen Visa Extension?
Schengen visa extensions are granted in exceptional circumstances only. A visa extension is granted when it is impossible or difficult for the visa holder to leave the Schengen area. Some of the reasons why a visa extension might be possible include:
- Force majeure. Events such as natural causes (fire, storms, floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes), government or societal actions (war, invasion, civil unrest, labor strikes), terrorist attacks, epidemics, pandemics (COVID-19), death, crime or property theft, etc, are considered as legitimate reasons for the extension of a visa.
- Humanitarian reasons. Events that are linked to humanitarian reasons, for example, the sudden death or serious health problem of yourself (the applicant) or of a family member who is accompanying you on your trip, is considered a legitimate reason for the extension of a visa.
- Professional obligations. The need to extend your stay in order to complete a project, attend a conference, or participate in some other professional activity that was not foreseen at the time of visa application or unexpectedly comes up, is considered as grounds for extending a Schengen visa. However, you should be able to provide proof of the professional activity that requires you to extend your visa.
Important: The granting of a Schengen visa extension is not guaranteed and will depend on the severity or seriousness of your case and the specific circumstances in which you are found.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa Extension?
You must apply for a visa extension at the competent authorities of the Schengen Member State where you are staying. This can be a foreigners service center, immigration service center, etc. You may check the website of the Schengen country where you are, and you will be able to find the right place to submit your application.
How to Extend a Schengen Visa?
The process of extending your visa is rather challenging. There are a number of steps you should take, such as the following:
- Determine if you’re eligible. One of the first things you should do is do your research carefully and determine if you are eligible for an extension. Remember that extensions are granted only in specific circumstances, such as important family reasons, professional reasons, or natural disasters that cannot be avoided and that are beyond your control.
- Gather required documents. You must provide documents to support your application. The Immigration Officials require proof as to why you are applying for an extension. Supporting documents include: a medical certificate, death certificate, invitation letter, a statement by a medical specialist, and other documents that are relevant to your case.
- Fill out the application form. After you are certain that you are eligible for an extension of your visa and have all the necessary documents, you must fill out the application form. You can find a visa extension form at the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen Member State where you are staying.
- Visit the local immigration office or relevant authority in the Schengen country where you’re staying. It is imperative that you visit the local immigration office or relevant authority in the Schengen Member State where you are staying.
- Submit your application. You must submit your application form, along with all the required documents, in person. However, there are countries that do not require you to submit your application in person. It depends on the country.
- Pay any applicable fees. You must pay a visa extension fee of 30 EUR. In such cases of force majeure, you are not subject to any fees.
- Await the decision. The processing time can take a while. It can take from a few days to a month, depending on your case. Until you receive an answer, you may remain in the Schengen country where you have submitted your application. If you are granted a visa extension, you may stay. If you are not granted a visa extension, you must leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires.
Note: Remember that your passport must be valid for at least another six (6) months and must not be more than 10 years old.
When to Apply for a Schengen Visa Extension?
It is highly advisable to apply for an extension well in advance of the visa expiry date, as each case needs to be carefully processed and reviewed. You cannot apply for a visa extension after your visa has expired.
Alternatives to Extending a Schengen Visa
Because visa extensions are rare, if you do not fit the criteria to receive one, you may consider to:
- Exit and re-enter the Schengen Area later. You may leave the Schengen Area and re-enter at a later time. However, before you do so, make sure to check the rules for your specific situation. You cannot exceed 90-days in any 180-day period. This is the maximum time that the Schengen visa permits applicants to stay in the Schengen area.
- Apply for a National Visa. If you wish to stay in the Schengen country for a longer period of time, you can apply for a National visa. National visa holders can stay in the Schengen Member State for a longer period of time, but they are usually only issued when the person intends to settle in a Schengen country for a longer period of time.
- Apply for a Residence Permit. You may be able to apply for a residence permit. A residence permit gives you the right to stay in a Schengen country for an extended period of time, such as for work, study, or family purposes.
- Explore all visa options available to you. Instead of overstaying, which is considered as illegal, you may explore other visa options. Depending on your circumstances, there may be other visa options that you can consider. You may apply and enter the Schengen Member State you plan to visit.