Applying for a Schengen visa can be a complex process, particularly for applicants with prior applications. The Schengen Visa Code establishes a mechanism permitting the reuse of previously submitted biometric data – specifically fingerprints – for up to 59 months (approximately five years) following initial collection. This provision seeks to improve the efficiency of the application process, minimize inconvenience, and conserve time for frequent travelers.
Nevertheless, adherence to specific conditions and exceptions remains essential. A prior Schengen visa issued within the last 59 months, alongside demonstrable entry into the Schengen Area, constitutes a necessary prerequisite for biometric reuse. Detailed examination of the EU guidelines is crucial, though, as infrequent instances may still necessitate a new biometrics appointment at the consular location.
Official EU References to the 59-Month Rule
The 59-month biometric reuse rule is grounded in the EU’s legislative framework governing the Schengen visa application process. The key documents are:
EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155:
The Visa Code sets out the conditions and procedures for issuing visas, including the requirement for fingerprint collection.
Article 13 and related provisions of the Visa Code specify the need for collecting biometric data and the period of validity for those biometrics within the Visa Information System (VIS).
Visa Information System (VIS) Regulations (Regulation (EC) No 767/2008):
This regulation establishes the VIS, which stores biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) of Schengen visa applicants.
The VIS regulations stipulate that fingerprints remain valid in the system for 59 months. Within this period, previously recorded fingerprints can be reused for subsequent visa applications.
The European Commission’s Visa Handbook—an implementation guide for the Visa Code—also provides clarifications and instructions for consulates and Visa Application Centers (VACs) regarding the collection and reuse of biometric data.
By relying on these official sources, we can confirm that the 59-month rule is firmly embedded in EU law, ensuring consistent application across Schengen member states, with certain country-specific exceptions.
What is the 59-Month Rule?
The 59-month rule allows applicants who have previously provided their biometrics for a Schengen visa—and have had a visa issued and used it to enter the Schengen Area—to reuse those fingerprints for a subsequent application within a span of roughly five years. Essentially, if you applied for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, had your fingerprints collected, received a visa, and actually visited the Schengen region, you generally won’t need to undergo the biometric process all over again for your next visa application during that period.
Key Points:
Previously Issued Schengen Visa: You must have been granted a Schengen visa within the past 59 months.
Visited the Schengen Area: Merely obtaining the visa isn’t enough; you must have actually used it to enter the Schengen zone.
59-Month Validity of Fingerprints: Your fingerprints are stored in the VIS for up to 59 months from the date of collection. If you apply again before they expire, you can request their reuse.
Appointment Still Required: Even though you may not need to provide new fingerprints, you will still have to book an appointment at the Visa Application Center or the consulate to submit your application documents. The difference is you might not need to appear in person if you meet all criteria and can authorize a representative.
Advantages of the 59-Month Validity Period
Consolidated Biometric Data: Applicants who frequently apply for Schengen visas will no longer be required to submit fingerprints for each application processed within the 59-month validity window.
Minimized VAC Visits: Where personal biometric data remains valid and on file, applicants may avoid the need for additional trips to the Visa Application Centre, thus reducing potential time off from work and travel expenses.
Simplified Representation: Applicants eligible for biometric data reuse can commonly designate an authorized representative to submit their visa applications, consequently streamlining the submission procedure.
Appointment Requirement Remains
It is essential to note that regardless of eligibility for biometric reuse, applicants must schedule an appointment with the Visa Application Center (VAC) or consulate to formally submit their visa application. Although an authorized representative can manage certain aspects of the application process, the appointment acts as the designated timeframe for submitting your documentation and confirms the processing of your application within the system.
Should eligibility for biometric reuse apply to your situation, your personal attendance at the VAC may be minimal, and only a representative can be involved—assuming they possess the appropriate authorization. However, the mandatory requirement of having scheduled an appointment continues to apply.
Submitting Your Application via a Representative
Applicants meeting the 59-month criterion and with Schengen Area visits within that period typically are not required to appear in person for application submission, unless a specific exception applies or a direct request necessitates your presence. You may authorize a designated representative or agent to submit the application on your behalf under these circumstances.
Mandatory Requirements for Representative Authorization:
Formal Authorization Letter: A duly signed authorization letter explicitly empowering your representative with application submission authority must be submitted.
Representative Identification: A certified copy of the representative’s passport or national identification document accompanying the authorization letter is required. The representative must present their original passport or national ID document for verification during the visit to the Visa Application Center (VAC).
Scheduled Appointment: The initial application appointment should generally be scheduled in the applicant’s name; however, the representative is permitted to attend the appointment on your behalf.
Country-Specific Operational Variations:
Finland: A notarized original authorization letter demonstrates proof of authority and complies with regulatory standards.
Germany: The authorized representative is mandated to maintain possession of their valid passport during the entire application submission process.
Carefully review guidelines pertinent to the applicant’s destination country to identify specific or nuanced requirement amendments.
Specific Country Considerations and Variations
While the Visa Code establishes a general framework, individual Schengen member states retain flexibility in their application, leading to variances in the implementation of the 59-month biometric data retention policy.
Specific Instances:
Latvia: Even where prior fingerprints are recorded, the Latvian VAC mandates the submission of a current photograph during each applicant’s visit. Although arrangements may eliminate the necessity of physical attendance, verification with the VAC is crucial to determine if personal appearance is ultimately needed for photographic capture.
Norway: Norwegian procedures necessitate a “confirmation of identity” check performed by VAC staff, verifying match confirmation between provided identity documentation and photographic presentation. This procedure may entail individual presence within the VAC even when biometric data can be readily reused following established protocols.
Poland: Polish regulations stipulate that applicants must submit applications directly – representatives are not authorized to act on their behalf. Regardless of existing fingerprints in their system, individuals applying for a Polish Schengen visa must present the application in person.
Children and Biometrics
For Applicants Under 12 Years Years Old: Children under 12 are exempt from the requirement to submit fingerprints. Consequently, the 59-month rule does not apply to children who have not previously had biometric data recorded.
Biometric Submission Upon Reaching 12 Years Old: An applicant who was under 12 years of age at the time of their previous visa application and who initially failed to provide fingerprints is required to submit them once they attain the age of 12. The 59-month rule commences to apply for subsequent visa applications only following the individual’s initial biometric submission.
Biometric Retrieval Challenges and Corresponding Requirements
Despite efforts to optimize biometric data storage and retrieval, instances may arise wherein the Visa Application Center or consulate is unable to access previously submitted biometric information. These occurrences can stem from technical anomalies, inconsistencies in data transmission, or other unanticipated events.
Consequently, it is possible that you will be summoned for a mandatory in-person appearance to resubmit your fingerprints. The consulate reserves the right to request an in-person biometric verification to safeguard the integrity of the application processing procedure and verify applicant identity with absolute certainty.
Biometric Reuse Service Does Not Influence Visa Applications
It should be acknowledged that selecting the 59-month biometric reuse service has no bearing on the likelihood of your visa application being approved. Visa decisions are predicated on a comprehensive review of factors such as the stated purpose of your travel, demonstrated financial solvency, the individual’s prior immigration record, and compliance with all prescribed visa conditions and stipulations. The renewal of biometric data primarily concerns streamlining and improving the administrative aspect of the application process. Consulates will continue to assess applications rigorously, utilizing the criteria detailed within the Visa Code and as defined by other pertinent immigration regulations.
Schengen Area Entry Requirement
A crucial aspect of qualifying for the 59-month rule mandates that applicants possess a Schengen visa issued within the last 59 months, combined with demonstrable travel within the Schengen Area. Reliance solely on a previously issued visa, without authenticated entry, does not satisfy the eligibility criteria. This verification process ensures that travel history is confirmed, relying upon verified physical presence at a Schengen Area border for each date of entry.
If a previously valid Schengen visa was obtained but was never utilized for travel, biometrics related to that visa may exist, but lack substantiation through documented entry into the Schengen Zone. Consequently, consultations with the relevant consulate will be necessary to ascertain eligibility given that actual border crossing records are absent.
Key Considerations for Applicants
Assess Eligibility Requirements: It is crucial to review your past biometric data, specifically verifying the date of your last fingerprint submission and confirming any prior Schengen visas issued within the last 59 months. Your eligibility will be assessed based on this information.
Verify with the Relevant Visa Center: To ensure accuracy and maintain compliance, always independently verify critical details with either the embassy or the Visa Application Center (VAC). This confirms the availability and usability of your existing biometric data, as they can determine if your information is current and readily accessible.
Secure an Appointment in Advance: Note that even if you intend to utilize the option for biometric reuse, a scheduled appointment remains mandatory. Proactive scheduling is highly recommended, recognizing that availability can be restricted, especially during periods of elevated travel demand.
Authorization Letter Requirement (Conditional): Should you fulfill the pre-defined requirements, selecting to delegate attendance will necessitate a formally drafted authorization letter. For verification purposes, this letter must be prepared in an officially certified manner (notarized if prescribed by policy). Your authorized representative is responsible for supplying all stipulated documentation.
Contingency Planning for Biometric Retrieval: Despite diligent planning, unforeseen circumstances may prevent fingerprints from being collected. A comprehensive travel strategy necessitates preparing for potential adjustments or last-minute follow-up requests from an alternative facility. Preparation for alternate options is critically important.
Example Scenario
Example: Rahul submitted his fingerprints at the Mumbai VFS center three years prior (36 months), when applying for a Schengen visa to attend a conference in Germany. He obtained the visa and traveled through Germany and France before returning to India. Subsequently, he intends to apply for a Finnish Schengen visa.
Steps:
Eligibility Verification: Rahul’s prior biometric data remains valid for 59 months , and due to his previous travel to the Schengen Area, he satisfies the established eligibility requirements.
Appointment Mandatory: Rahul must schedule an appointment at the Finnish Visa Application Center. Depending on Finnish regulations, it is conceivable that he may not be required to appear in person; he can delegate this task through authorization, provided he adheres to the Finnish requirement of presenting a notarized authorization letter.
No Effect on Visa Outcome: Utilizing the biometric reuse mechanism does not influence the assessment and ultimate determination of his visa application, which remains solely subject to customary evaluation criteria.
Possible Contingency: In the unlikely event that the Finnish VAC is unable to retrieve Rahul’s biometrics during the application process, he may be requested to provide fingerprints in person. He is advised to proactively consider this contingency to mitigate potential delays.
Key Considerations
The 59-month biometric reuse provision, as outlined within the EU Visa Code and further detailed in VIS regulations, offers a simplified pathway for eligible travelers seeking Schengen visas. This rule allows for the reuse of previously issued biometric data under specific circumstances—including prior visa issuance, actual entry into the Schengen Area, and remaining within a period not exceeding 59 months. Recognizing these requirements is crucial to potentially forego future biometric appointment scheduling steps, leading to considerable time savings, and permits for utilising third-party representatives where authorised. However, it’s imperative to acknowledge that biometrics reuse represents merely a procedural advantage. It exercises no influence on the substantive assessment of your visa application—the ultimate approval determination is directly tied to elements within your submitted application, alongside your comprehensive travel history, and precise compliance with requirements defined by the concerned Schengen Member State. Prospective applicants should diligently confirm and validate these specifics with formal channel publications and meticulously prepare all required supporting documentation to facilitate a more streamlined Schengen visa adjudication while preparing to realize the merits of an important international travel experience.