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Visa rejected: these are your options

The rejection of a visa is annoying, but often not the end. The rejection notice states the reasons, and you have several options to reach your goal after all.

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Clarify your question

Your chances of getting your money back

The rejection of a Schengen visa is justified in a standard form (e.g. doubts about the intention to return, missing evidence). You can 'remonstrate' against the rejection, meaning you can request a renewed review at the foreign mission, generally within a period of about one month.
Alternatively you can submit a new application with better evidence or, in promising cases, file a lawsuit with the competent administrative court. Which route makes sense depends on the ground for rejection.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Read the ground for rejection

    The exact reasons are stated in the notice; they determine the best strategy.

  2. 2

    2. Improve the evidence

    Remove the grounds for rejection (e.g. better proof of financing, intention to return, purpose).

  3. 3

    3. Remonstrate or reapply

    Remonstration to the foreign mission (observe the deadline) or a new application.

  4. 4

    4. Consider a lawsuit

    In promising cases a lawsuit before the administrative court comes into consideration, with advice if appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if my visa was rejected?

You have several options: you can remonstrate against the rejection, meaning request a renewed review at the foreign mission (generally within about one month), submit a new application with better evidence or, if the prospects of success are good, file a lawsuit with the competent administrative court. Which route fits depends on the ground for rejection.

Why are visas rejected?

Common reasons are doubts about the intention to return, unsecured financing of the stay, missing or unclear evidence of the purpose of travel or insufficient travel health insurance. The specific reasons are stated in the rejection form. If you clear up these points with better documents, your chances improve in a remonstration or a new application.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.