Visa application:
A case processing fee must be paid for visa applications, whatever the outcome. The fee must be paid when you submit your application. The visa section advices applicants to register their application pay the fee and book an appointment in our application portal.
Processing time:
According to Schengen regulations (Visa Code), visa applications shall (as a main rule) be decided on within 15 calendar days. The Visa Section is however normally able to process an application within 7 calendar days. Please note that during high-seasons and periods with public holidays the case-processing time might be longer.
Please note that we are now in the high season for visa applications and we therefore advise all applicants to apply as early as possible, according to their travel plans.
Required documents:
Prepare all the necessary documents listed below before you deliver the application, otherwise the application might be refused. All documents must be presented in original and all documents have to be translated into English or Norwegian, in a separate document.
Note: The application should be handed in to the Embassy in the following order:
1. Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of visa, containing at least two blank pages and issued within the previous ten years.
2. One passport photo not older than six months. For photo requirements see here.
3. Application form for Schengen visa duly completed.
4. Flight reservation with round trip from the airlines. The ticket should be bought only after the visa has been issued! When applying for a multiple entry visa only reservation of the first visit is necessary. For multiple entries see here.
5. Proof of accommodation (confirmed hotel reservation) for the whole duration of intended stay in the Schengen area, including the names of hotels, telephone and fax number as well as duration of stay at each hotel.
6. Copy of passport (all relevant and used pages).
7. Original invitation letter from the reference/inviter:
On official company paper with stamp and signature, mentioning clearly:
- The full address and contacts of the company.
- The name and position of the countersigning officer
- Purpose and duration of visit
- Detailed program
- The person or the entity who will bear your travel and living costs
- Whether the inviting company gives financial guaranty for your return to China.
- Proof of registration from a Chamber of Commerce if applicable
8. Business licence from the applicant’s company and original letter from employer:
A sealed copy of the business licence
On official company paper with stamp and signature, mentioning clearly:
- The full address and contacts of the company.
- The name and position of the countersigning officer
- Name, position, salary and years of employment.
- Purpose of the visit.
9. Proof of solvency: Bank statement from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits.
Whether the inviting company or the employing company covers the expenses during the visit (i.e. hotel, flight ticket, transportation etc) should be included in the invitation letter and the letter from the employer.
10. For other nationals: copy of valid Chinese residence permit.
11. A valid travel medical insurance for the duration of the stay in Schengen area with a minimum coverage of EURO 30.000. Original + one photocopy.
Note: The Embassy reserves the right to request additional information/documentation and, if deemed necessary, to interview the applicant.
According to article 20 of the Visa Code, all passports, except diplomatic and service/official passports, shall be stamped by the Embassy showing the date and place of submitting the visa application. However, this stamp has no legal implications.
A visa issued by a Schengen country permits free movement within the Schengen area, unless otherwise stated on the visa sticker. However, please note that according to article 47 (i) of the Visa Code mere possession of a visa does not confer an automatic right to entry and that the holders of visa are requested to present proof that they fulfil the entry conditions at the external border, as provided for in Article 5 of the Schengen Borders Code.
For more information see link.
Competent Embassy or Consulate General:
The Embassy or Consulate General of the country of your main destination is the competent authority to deal with the application. If the main destination cannot be determined, the application should be made to the Embassy or Consulate General of the country which the longest visit shall be. If the visits in different Schengen countries are of equal length, the first destination shall be the determining factor.