The Impact of Married Partners on Schengen Visa Applications

When prospective couples from different countries, particularly non-EU citizens, decide to marry and permanently live abroad, the process of securing a Schengen Visa for their partner can often be challenging. This article explores the requirements and potential obstacles faced by married couples, using a real-life case study to provide insight into the common difficulties.

Understanding the Schengen Visa Process for Married Partners

The Schengen area is a region composed of 26 European countries that have eliminated border checks and Schengen visas are required for most non-EEA and Swiss citizens to enter the region. For married partners, obtaining a Schengen Visa involves stringent requirements to establish that the relationship is genuine and that the applicant is not seeking to abuse the visa to gain residency.

A Case Study: A German-Man, a Philippine-Woman, and Their Struggles

Consider the case of a German man who, after marriage, had to navigate the complexities of obtaining a Schengen Visa for his Philippine wife. This example highlights the various hurdles that can arise during the visa application process.

The couple had been living together in the Philippines, and when the man was called back to Germany, he wanted to bring his family with him. His wife, a Filipino national, needed a visa to enter Germany and the Schengen area. The process was made more challenging by the need for additional documentation and financial proof.

Key Requirements for Schengen Visa Success

For the German man's wife to obtain a Schengen visa, she faced several key requirements:

Language Proficiency: She was required to demonstrate proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language. This can often involve taking and passing a language exam. Insurance Coverage: A valid health insurance policy was necessary to show that she would have adequate medical coverage during her stay in Germany. Financial Stability: The couple had to provide proof that the man had sufficient financial means to support his family. This included a deposit at the consulate and proof of his monthly income. The man's company only paid him 2200 Euro, amounting to 1380 Netto per month, which was not enough to meet the required income level.

Denied Visa and Family Separation

Despite meeting many of the requirements, the Schengen visa application was ultimately denied. The couple's child, who had German nationality, was allowed to enter Germany with the father, but the mother was not. The mother's refusal to leave the child in Germany alone led to a significant family separation.

The heartbreak of losing his child and his wife significantly impacted the father. The couple made multiple attempts over the following two years to obtain a visa for the mother, but to no avail. Eventually, the mother decided to end the relationship, causing the father to lose both his child and his partner through no fault of his own.

Lessons from the Case Study

This case underscores several important lessons for married couples seeking to move to the Schengen area:

Financial Stability: A robust financial situation is crucial. Financial documentation must clearly demonstrate the ability to support oneself and one's family. Language Skills: Proving sufficient knowledge of the host country's language can significantly impact the success of a visa application. Supportive Documentation: Thorough and convincing documentation to support the genuineness of the relationship is essential.

Conclusion

The case study illustrates the complexities and potential pitfalls of obtaining a Schengen Visa for a married partner. The requirements are stringent, and every hurdle must be overcome to secure the visa. This challenging experience highlights the importance of careful planning and preparation to avoid family separation and disappointment. Prospective applicants should be fully aware of the requirements and be prepared to navigate the entire process with diligence and patience.

Keywords: Schengen Visa, Marriage, Visa Requirements