Detailed Guide On How To Extend Your Schengen Visa

With a Schengen visa, you can visit any Schengen Member State and remain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Only in extraordinary situations is a Schengen visa extension permitted. You cannot extend a visa unless you have a strong and valid reason to do so.

Who Is Eligible for a Schengen Visa Extension?

Only in extraordinary situations are Schengen visa extensions permitted. When it is impossible or difficult for the visa holder to leave the Schengen area, a visa extension is issued. Some of the possible grounds for a visa extension include:

• Force majeure. 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, and so on, are all considered legitimate reasons for a visa extension.
• Humanitarian reasons. Events related to humanitarian reasons, such as the untimely death or major health problem of yourself (the applicant) or a family member accompanying you on your trip, are considered appropriate reasons for visa extension.
• Professional obligations. A Schengen visa can be extended if you need to stay longer to finish a project, attend a conference, or take part in another professional activity that was not planned or unforeseen. 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 through the Schengen Member State in which you are staying. This could be a foreigners’ service center, an immigration service center, or something else.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 conduct thorough research to establish whether you are eligible for an extension. Remember that extensions are only permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as urgent family reasons, professional obligations, or natural disasters that cannot be prevented and are beyond your control.
• Gather required documents. You must include supporting documentation with your application. Immigration officials want verification of your reason for requesting an extension. A medical certificate, death certificate, invitation letter, a statement from a medical specialist, and other documents pertinent to your case are examples of supporting documents.
• Fill out the application form. You must fill out the application form once you are convinced that you are qualified for a visa extension and have all of the essential documentation. A visa extension form is available on the website of the embassy or consulate of the Schengen Member State in where you are residing.
• 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. Processing can take awhile. Your case may take several days to a month. Stay in the Schengen nation where you applied until you hear back. Stay with a visa extension. If your visa is not extended, you must depart the Schengen Area before it 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 return later. However, before you do so, double-check the guidelines for your particular case. You are not permitted to surpass 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen visa allows applicants to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days.
  
• Apply for a National Visa. You can apply for a National visa if you want to stay in a Schengen country for an extended period of time. National visa holders can stay in a Schengen Member State for a longer period of time, but they are often provided only when the individual wants to settle in a Schengen country for an extended 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 illegal, you could look into other visa options. Other visa possibilities may be available to you depending on your circumstances. You are free to apply for and enter the Schengen Member State you intend to visit.