Schengen Visa: A Short-Term Entry Visa Allowing Travel Across 29 Countries

The Schengen visa is a short-term entry visa granted to individuals who wish to travel to the Schengen Area in Europe for a short period (up to 90 days within 180 days). It allows free movement between 29 countries with a single visa.

Key Features of the Schengen Visa:

• Used for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study.
• With a single visa, entry is allowed to 29 Schengen member countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
• Also known as a C-type visa (short-term).
• Applications are submitted to the consulate of the first country to be visited, based on the purpose of the trip.
• Does not grant long-term residence or work rights; for that, a D-type national visa is required.

Reasons for Schengen Visa Denial:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
   • Application form incomplete or incorrectly filled.
   • Passport has insufficient validity or is damaged.
   • Required documents such as travel health insurance or invitation letters are missing.
2. Unclear Purpose of Travel
   • Applicant cannot sufficiently prove the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, family visit).
   • The consulate may consider the purpose unclear or the application not serious.
3. Insufficient Financial Means
   • Inability to demonstrate sufficient funds for the trip.
   • Bank statements are inconsistent or deemed unreliable.
4. Lack of Return Guarantee
   • Insufficient proof that the applicant will return to Turkey or their country of residence (employment, family ties, property, etc.).
   • Especially scrutinized for young or student applicants.
5. Previous Visa Violations
   • Prior Schengen visa violations (overstay, unauthorized stay).
   • Record of irregular entry or visa bans.
6. Security or Criminal Record
   • Applicant poses a risk to public security or order.
   • Past involvement in terrorism or serious crime.
7. Other Consular Discretion
   • The consulate may find the applicant unsuitable based on interview or documents.
   • Denial reasons may not always be fully explained.

Schengen Visa Denial Rates for Turkish Citizens (Last Five Years):

• 2020: 13.78%
• 2021: ~16.5–19%
• 2022: 15%
• 2023: ~16%
• 2024: 14.5%

Schengen Visa Denial and Appeal Process in Berlin – Comprehensive Guide for Turkish Citizens (2025)

Turkish citizens have recently faced unprecedented difficulties when applying for Schengen visas to travel to European Union countries. In Germany, visa denial rates have risen sharply, and many applicants are rejected despite submitting complete applications.

Submitting a hotel reservation, flight ticket, or accommodation plan alone is no longer sufficient. Consular evaluations have become stricter and more detailed.

Therefore, appeal procedures after visa denial, particularly lawsuits filed at the Berlin Verwaltungsgericht (Berlin Administrative Court), have become more important than ever.

This guide explains step by step what the denial reasons mean, the 16-point Schengen visa denial list, how to defend against these points, and how the legal process works in Berlin after a rejection.

1. Why Are Schengen Visas Being Denied More Frequently?

Since Turkish citizens do not have visa-free entry to EU countries, everyone without a green passport or EU residence must obtain a Schengen visa.

Previously, a flight ticket, hotel reservation, and basic financial proof were enough, but nowadays consulates examine applications much more thoroughly.

Reasons for the rising denial rates in recent years include:

• Deteriorating economic conditions in Turkey, raising doubts about the return of young and single applicants.
• Increase in the foreign population in Turkey, citizenship to third-country nationals, and mixed registration systems are considered risk factors.
• Rising asylum trends among young people have strengthened the visa authorities’ tendency to deny.
• The general policy of Schengen countries has shifted towards a focus on migration control.

Therefore, Article 13 (risk of non-return) has become the most common reason for denial among Turkish citizens.

2. Germany Suspended Visa Appeal Procedures for Turkey (2023–2025)

In June 2023, Germany announced the suspension of the administrative appeal (Remonstration) process for visa denials from Turkey. This pilot project was extended until June 30, 2025.

Official statement:
"We are suspending the appeal process in Turkey to increase the capacity to process visas. The appeal right is not a legal obligation; it is only a facility provided to applicants."

Consequences:

• Turkish applicants who are denied can no longer appeal to the consulate.
• Filing a lawsuit in Berlin is now the only effective option after a denial.
• Flawless application preparation is more critical than ever.

3. Official Schengen Visa Denial Reasons (1–16)

The consulate marks these 16 points on the denial form; they are standard across all Schengen countries.

Examples include:

1. Forged or Altered Documents – Submit only verified documents; altered PDFs or fake reservations pose the highest risks.
2. Unclear Purpose of Travel – Provide a clear motivation letter, itinerary, and supporting documents.
3. Insufficient Financial Means – Demonstrate funds for the trip with proper documentation.
4. Unclear Source of Funds – Provide proof of income source for large or sudden deposits.
5. 90/180 Rule Violation – Strictly follow this rule, and provide past entry/exit evidence if needed.
6. SIS Entry Ban – Check which country imposed it and request its removal if applicable.
7. Public Order / Security Risk – Include explanation letters and criminal records.
8. Public Health Risk – Valid health insurance, vaccinations, and reports required.
9. International Threat – Provide clean criminal record; explain any suspicious connections.
10. Unconvincing Travel Justification – Avoid fake bookings; provide consistent documents.
11. Suspicion About Statements – Ensure consistency and verification of all statements.
12. Doubtful Supporting Documents – Use official stamps or notarization where necessary.
13. Risk of Non-Return (Most Common) – Include employment, student records, social security registration, property ownership, return ticket, strong family ties, and employer approval letters.
14. Unjustified Border Visa Request – Always apply by appointment; border visas are not issued.
15. Unjustified Transit – Provide flight and connection details.
16. Lack of Health Insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage; duration must match stay.

4. Official Denial Form and Appeal Rights

The denial form marks the relevant points and provides:

• Right to file a lawsuit within 1 month of the denial.
• Competent authority: Verwaltungsgericht Berlin
• Written submission required with justified arguments.

Address: Kirchstr. 7, 10557 Berlin

5. Filing a Lawsuit in Germany (Klage)

Since the remonstration process is suspended in Turkey, filing a lawsuit is the most effective path.

Deadline: 1 month from receipt of denial.
Documents to Submit:

• Denial form
• Full application file
• Arguments against denial points
• New supporting documents

Duration: Generally 2–6 months.
Advantages:

• Independent judge reviews the consulate’s decision.
• Arbitrary or incorrect denials can be overturned.
• In many cases, the administration may accept mistakes during the defense and offer the visa.

6. Recommendations for Turkish Citizens Considering a Lawsuit in Berlin

• Record the date of the denial notice.
• Provide financial records covering the last year.
• Clearly document and explain the purpose of travel.
• Strengthen ties to Turkey for return assurance.
• Not only submit but explain your documents.
• Professionally preparing your case file increases success rates.

Conclusion

Between 2023–2025, Germany’s suspension of the Turkish visa appeal process has made Schengen visa applications even more critical for Turkish citizens. Even small mistakes may lead to denial.

However, lawsuits at the Berlin Verwaltungsgericht provide effective and objective judicial review of incorrect denials. When denial reasons are correctly analyzed and the file is professionally prepared, many cases are successful.

Last updated: 20.11.2025, 14:30 Berlin