How to apply for a schengen visa on your own

For citizens of Uzbekistan, a Schengen visa often seems complicated and confusing: there are many rules, requirements, and nuances that are easy to get lost in. However, once you understand the logic of the application process and what exactly matters to the consulate, the whole process becomes much calmer and more manageable.In this guide, we will fully break down all the key aspects of applying for a Schengen visa from choosing the country and preparing documents to processing times and costs. As an example, we will use Spain and, based on it, provide a step-by-step application guide.

What is a schengen visa?

A Schengen visa allows entry to several European countries at once. You apply for one visa and can travel freely to all countries within the Schengen Area.

Which type of visa do you need?

For citizens of Uzbekistan, this is usually a short-term Type C visa, which is issued for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or short business trips. A Type C Schengen visa can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (multivisa) — the difference lies in the number of allowed entries.

• Single-entry visa — allows one entry into the Schengen Area. It is suitable for a one-time trip with specific dates and is most often issued for first-time applicants.
• Double-entry visa — allows two entries. This is convenient if you plan to leave the Schengen Area and then return during the same trip.
• Multiple-entry visa (multivisa) — allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area during the validity period of the visa, while respecting the rule of 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, besides this, there are other types of visas — everything depends on the purpose and duration of your trip. Those who plan to study or work officially are issued a national Type D visa. These visas are granted less frequently, as they require an official invitation, confirmed grounds, and more thorough document checks.

Overall, most applications from citizens of Uzbekistan are for tourist and visitor trips, which is why the Type C Schengen visa remains the most common option.

How much does a schengen visa cost?

On average, applying for a Type C Schengen visa in Uzbekistan costs around 100–150 euros, with the final price depending on the chosen visa center. The cost is influenced by the method of submission and any additional services selected — such as priority appointment booking, assistance with filling out the application form, photos, document photocopying, or passport delivery.

For example, at the BLS visa center, an additional fee of approximately 655,000 UZS is charged for an urgent appointment. Therefore, it is advisable to clarify all possible expenses in advance so that the total amount does not come as a surprise.

Documents are submitted through visa centers — official organizations that collect documents, take biometric data, and forward everything to the consulate. The decision to issue a visa is made solely by the consulate.

Which country should you apply through?

You must apply to the consulate of the country:

• that you are visiting first, or
• where you plan to spend the most time.

If your itinerary includes several countries, you need to determine the main destination — the country where you will spend the most days or which is the primary purpose of your trip. The visa should be issued by that country, and it is also recommended to enter the Schengen Area through it, otherwise questions may arise during the document review process.

Where are documents accepted?

Visa documents are submitted not directly to the embassy, but through visa centers such as BLS or VFS. These are official service providers that accept documents and forward them to the consulate, but they do not make the visa decision.

Appointment booking is usually done online via the official website of the visa center. Available dates may not appear immediately, especially during peak seasons.

How does the schengen visa application process work?

Below, we will review the process using Spain as an example — this country is often chosen for a first Schengen visa. With properly prepared documents, the chances of approval are high, and in many cases a visa for multiple trips is issued even on the first application.

Documents to prepare

Before submitting your application, it is important to prepare a complete set of documents in advance.

General documents:

• Passport
• Photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white matte background)
• Copy of biometric passport / ID card with registered address
• Bank certificate confirming available funds (in English)
• Bank statement showing account activity for the last 6–12 months (in English)
• Civil registry certificates / birth certificates
• Copy of spouse’s / spouse’s / children’s passport with notarized English translation
• Flight booking
• Hotel reservation for the entire period of the trip

For employees

Applicants who are employed must additionally provide:

• Employment certificate stating position
• Salary certificate for the last 12 months on official company letterhead with signature and stamp
• Certificate confirming approved leave

For pensioners

Pensioners must prepare documents confirming pension status and regular pension payments:

• Pension certificate
• Extract from myGov confirming pensioner status
• Extract from myGov showing pension payments for the last 12 months

For company founders / directors

Company founders and directors must provide documents confirming business activity, absence of debts, and income:

• Business license
• Company registration certificate
• Company charter
• Certificate from the tax authorities confirming no outstanding debts
• Bank certificate showing dividend payments for the last 12 months

Important: All documents must be issued no earlier than 2 weeks before the submission date.

Booking an appointment via the BLS visa center website

For Spain, the BLS visa center in Tashkent officially handles applications for Spanish visas.

On the BLS Spain Uzbekistan website, click “Book an appointment”

Create an account on the appointment portal (registration): enter your email/phone number, create a password, and confirm your email if requested by the system.

In your personal account, select:

• City / submission center (Tashkent)
• Type of submission (individual / family, if applicable)
• Visa category (usually short-term / Schengen)

Fill out the visa application form by entering all your personal details.

Select a date and time, then confirm the appointment.

Download and print the appointment letter.

Document submission and biometrics

On the day of your appointment, you must arrive at the BLS visa center at the scheduled time with a complete set of documents. The staff will review and accept your documents, after which you will undergo biometrics — fingerprinting and a photo.

Payment of the consular fee

After document submission, the visa and service fees are paid directly at the BLS visa center. The total payment is 2,050,000 UZS, paid on-site. You will receive a payment receipt, which must be kept until passport collection.

Visa processing time and passport collection

After submission, you only need to wait for the visa decision. You can track the status of your application online on the BLS website using the number indicated on the receipt. Once the passport is ready, you will receive a notification and can collect it in person at the visa center.

Processing times range from 15 to 45 calendar days, so it is best not to delay submission. Ideally, apply about 2 months before your trip, or even up to 6 months in advance if possible. This helps avoid unnecessary stress and allows you to prepare calmly for your journey.

Key things to remember when applying

• All documents and bookings must correspond to your actual travel itinerary
• Appointment booking and submission are in-person at the BLS visa center
• The visa fee is paid on-site on the day of submission
• Visa processing time is 15 to 45 calendar days
• It is best to apply in advance — at least 2 months before the trip