Latest Schengen Visa statistics: which countries were most likely to reject applications?
Eurostat has published new Schengen Visa statistics. France, Spain, and Germany remain the top Schengen countries that received the most Schengen Visa applications. However, they were also responsible for the most rejections.
Learn what other Schengen countries led the visa rejection chart, which foreigners were most rejected, and what alternatives are available.
Author •Vladlena Baranova
Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM
Latest Schengen Visa statistics: which countries were most likely to reject applications?
Schengen embassies around the world received 7,572,755 short‑term visa applications in 2022. Of these, 3,448,324 visas were approved, and 1,322,819 — were rejected, amounting to 45,53% and 17,46% rejection rates, respectively.
The five countries that issued the highest number of Schengen Visa rejections were:
France — 408,876 rejections;
Spain — 227,712;
Germany — 167,517;
Italy — 92,186;
Netherlands — 70,566.
In terms of visa rejection rate, which is a percentage of all applications, the following Schengen countries were on top:
Malta — rejected 36,4% of applications;
Sweden — 29%;
Belgium — 28,4%;
France — 22,2%.
The majority of Schengen Visa applicants came from the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, with Russians and Britons standing out. Most of those nationalities also received the most rejections, both in rate and volume.
Countries with the most Schengen Visa denials in 2022
Country
Rejection rate
Number of rejected applications
Algeria
45,8%
75,269
Guinea-Bissau
45,2%
811
Nigeria
45,1%
18,089
Sri Lanka
43,7%
3,755
Ghana
43,6%
10,239
Haiti
42,3%
505
Senegal
41,6%
10,494
Guinea
40,6%
1,280
Pakistan
40,5%
17,835
Non-EU citizens may face challenges in obtaining a Schengen visa due to various reasons such as an invalid or damaged passport, false or damaged travel documents, unclear purpose of visit, insufficient proof of having enough funds, inadequate travel insurance, no proof of travel itinerary and accommodation, inconsistent signature, criminal record and unfavorable visa history, such as overstaying on a previous Schengen visa.
Visa rejection impacts personal and professional life, affecting studies, work, and family reunions. It also can make future visa applications more difficult, as it affects travel history. Application costs result in financial loss if rejected.
Investment programs as a solution to the Schengen Visa denial problem
Foreigners receive a residence permit to visit the Schengen countries, investment program routes included. This allows them to move to Europe and increases their visa chances.
Investment program participants undergo strict Due Diligence to obtain a European residence permit. At the same time, countries exchange information and can see approvals and denials of residence permits.
Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence of investors to reduce the risk of rejection to 1%.
Europe offers various residency programs for investors, financially independent, and their families. With residence permit statuses, they can freely travel within the Schengen Area.
Portugal D7 Visa.The program leads to a residence permit. To participate, foreigners must earn at least €760 a month as passive income and rent or buy real estate in Portugal.
Austria Residence Permit for the financially independent. Applicants must have enough funds to cover one year of life in Austria, and rent or buy a house.
Switzerland Residence Permit for the financially independent. Applicants are required to pay from ₣450,000 a year as a lump-sum tax and make a social security contribution of at least ₣18,000.
Italy Residence Permit. Applicants invest at least €250,000; options include innovative startups, company shares, government bonds and philanthropy.
Greece Residence Permit. Applicants can choose to invest at least €250,000 in real estate, purchase securities, or make a bank deposit.
Spain Residence Permit. Applicants invest at least €500,000. They can purchase real estate, make a bank deposit, buy government bonds or company or investment fund shares.
The Caribbean has countries with the Schengen Area and the UK visa waivers: These countries — Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada, have straight‑to‑citizenship investment programs that take 2—6 months and require $100,000+. Investors can get passports for their immediate family, with no obligation to reside in the Caribbean.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for government programs in the European Union and the Caribbean. If you want to obtain a new residence permit or citizenship in European or Caribbean countries, consult our investment program experts.
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Vladlena Baranova
