Select your refusal reason from the official EU Annex VI form and get your action plan
When a Schengen visa is refused, the consulate must provide a written decision using the standard form in Annex VI of the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009). This form contains 17 numbered refusal grounds — the consulate checks one or more boxes to indicate the official reason for refusal. Understanding exactly which ground was checked is the essential first step to a successful reapplication. The most commonly checked reasons are: Reason 5 (insufficient funds), Reason 12 (doubts about document authenticity) and Reason 13 (doubts about intention to leave). Each reason has a specific solution. Reapplying without addressing the exact reason almost always results in a second refusal.
There are 17 official refusal grounds in Annex VI of the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009). Many websites incorrectly state 11 or 14 reasons — the current official form has 17 numbered grounds including reasons 9-17 which cover doubts about purpose, document authenticity, intention to leave, airport transit and insurance.
Reason 12 means the consulate has doubts about the authenticity or reliability of your supporting documents — bank statements, employment letters, hotel bookings or any submitted document. To overcome this: provide original bank-stamped statements, official employment contracts, confirmed bookings from major platforms, and any other document that can be independently verified.
Reason 13 means the consulate doubts your intention to leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires. This is the most common reason for Moroccan and Algerian applicants. Overcome it by demonstrating strong ties to your home country: property ownership, stable employment contract, family members (especially minor children), bank account with regular income, and previous travel history where you always returned home.
Yes — there is no mandatory waiting period. However, reapplying without addressing the specific refusal reason almost always fails. Identify the exact reason, gather stronger evidence for that specific point, write a cover letter explaining what changed, and submit a complete new application.
Reason 5 is insufficient means of subsistence — you have not demonstrated enough financial resources. The minimum is typically €100/day for France, €50-75/day for other countries. Show consistent bank balance over 3-6 months — not funds deposited just before applying.
Reason 10 means the purpose and conditions of your intended stay were not established. Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary, confirmed hotel bookings, invitation letters if visiting family, proof of event registration if attending a conference, and clear documentation of travel purpose and funding.
Source: EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Annex VI | European Commission
All information is for guidance only. Visa decisions are at the sole discretion of the consulate. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or EU institution.