How to prepare a bank statement for a visa application

The bank statement is the most critical document in a visa application and the one most prone to mistakes. The consulate looks not only at the balance but at where the money came from and how the account moves.

How many months are requested?

Most Schengen countries ask for the last three months, the UK for 28 days, and Canada and the US review the current balance and the last few months' activity. The statement must be taken no more than 30 days before the application date, stamped and signed.

How much balance is enough?

The amount varies by length of stay and country. As a general framework, for Schengen an amount equal to €50-100 per person per day (trip length x daily amount) is considered adequate. For a 10-day trip, a lira balance equivalent to about €500-1,000 is a reasonable start, but the consulate expects an amount proportionate to your income and standard of living.

Regular activity

• Regular salary inflows and recurring outflows such as bills and rent show that the account is in live use.
• If the balance has been inflated by a sudden deposit before the trip, the consulate will question it.
• For large inflows have source documents ready (sale contract, bonus payslip, inheritance document).

Common mistakes

• Opening the account just before the application
• Using someone else's account as proof of income (without a sponsorship document)
• Providing an inadequate written explanation
• The account holder's name written differently from the passport

Using a sponsor

If a third party covers the costs, a sponsor letter, the sponsor's ID and income documents and proof of relationship are required. The application is considered stronger when the sponsor is a first-degree relative.

Before sending your file, show your bank statement to our adviser; we can comment on the activity pattern in two minutes.

Sample scenarios

• Salaried employee: if a net salary of 45,000 TRY has been paid regularly for three months, a balance of 60,000-80,000 TRY and regular spending activity give a strong picture for a 10-day Schengen trip.
• Self-employed: if income varies, submit 12 months of tax returns and an invoice summary with the bank statement.
• Retired: pension deposits and a savings account are shown together; the spouse's income may also be added.

Format rules for the statement

The statement must be stamped and signed in ink, show the account holder's name and IBAN, and state the opening and closing balances clearly. An unstamped printout from internet banking is not accepted by many consulates; ask the branch for a certified statement.

Final check before applying

Do the name spelling, IBAN, statement dates and stamp appear on the same page? Are source documents attached for large deposits? Was it issued within 30 days before the application date? If the answer to these three questions is yes, the file is technically ready.