Affidavit of Support Consularization for Schengen Visa Application (Philippine Context)
Everything You Need to Know

1. Introduction

When a Filipino citizen (or a foreigner residing in the Philippines) applies for a Schengen visa, one of the documentary requirements that may arise—especially for those whose trips are financially sponsored by another individual—is the Affidavit of Support. This document, sometimes called a “Letter of Support” or “Affidavit of Support and Guarantee,” assures the Schengen Embassy or Consulate that the sponsor will cover the applicant’s travel expenses (e.g., airfare, accommodation, daily subsistence).

In the Philippine context, before an Embassy or Consulate accepts an affidavit as valid and authentic, it may require that document to go through either consularization or apostillization, depending on the Embassy’s guidelines and whether the country in question is a signatory to the Apostille Convention. Because all Schengen member countries are typically parties to the Apostille Convention, apostille is now generally recognized. Nonetheless, some embassies still specifically require consularization for certain categories of documents. Below is an in-depth discussion of what these terms mean, how to secure and authenticate the affidavit, and important considerations if you are applying from the Philippines.

2. Understanding the Schengen Visa and the Role of an Affidavit of Support

Schengen Visa Overview
The Schengen Area is composed of 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders. A Schengen visa allows a holder to enter, travel within, and leave the Schengen Zone without the need for separate visas for each country.
Why an Affidavit of Support?
- Financial Proof: Schengen Embassies require proof that a traveler has sufficient funds to cover the trip. If the applicant’s own bank statements or income are insufficient, or if a family member/friend abroad will sponsor the trip, the Embassy may request an Affidavit of Support.
- Legal Undertaking by the Sponsor: The Affidavit of Support serves as a legal guarantee that the sponsor will shoulder travel-related expenses, accommodation, and possibly return travel if necessary.
Who Typically Provides the Affidavit of Support?
- A family member (e.g., parent, sibling, spouse, child) or
- A friend or relative living in a Schengen country, or
- A company or institution (in case of business trips or educational exchange).

3. Apostille vs. Consularization in the Philippines

Apostille
- Definition: An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document (including notarized affidavits).
- Effect of Apostille Convention: The Philippines became a party to the Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019. Philippine documents intended for use in another Apostille-party country are normally no longer required to undergo consular/embassy verification after they are apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
- Practical Steps:
  1. Have the Affidavit of Support notarized by a Philippine notary public.
  2. Submit the notarized document for authentication at a DFA-Apostille site.
  3. Once apostilled, the document should be accepted by other Apostille Convention member-states (including most Schengen countries).
Consularization
- Definition: Consularization (sometimes called legalization) is the process whereby a diplomatic or consular officer (Philippine Embassy/Consulate abroad or a foreign Embassy/Consulate in the Philippines) certifies the authenticity of the document. This was the method used before the Apostille Convention was adopted.
- When Consularization Is Required:
  - If the Schengen Embassy specifically instructs that they only accept a consularized affidavit (uncommon but possible).
  - If the sponsor or the applicant resides in a country that has not acceded to the Apostille Convention (not applicable to most Schengen states, but still a possibility if additional documents are required outside of the normal process).
  - If an Embassy or Consulate has special rules that require an additional certification despite the Apostille.
Key Note
Because all Schengen countries have generally implemented the Apostille Convention, the usual route nowadays is apostillization rather than consularization. However, it is crucial to check the latest instructions on the specific Schengen Embassy’s website—requirements can vary depending on the local rules or the applicant’s personal situation.

4. Steps to Secure and Authenticate an Affidavit of Support in the Philippines

While the process may vary slightly depending on the Schengen country you are applying to, here is a general guide:

Draft or Obtain the Affidavit of Support
- Contents: The affidavit should state the full name of the sponsor, the sponsor’s contact details, the applicant’s details, the relationship between sponsor and applicant, the travel dates, purpose of travel, and a clear statement of financial responsibility.
- Supporting Documents: It is common to attach proof of the sponsor’s financial capacity (bank statements, certificate of employment, pay slips, or other relevant financial documents).
Notarization by a Philippine Notary Public
- The sponsor (if in the Philippines) signs the affidavit before a notary public.
- If the sponsor is abroad, some Embassies or Consulates allow the sponsor to sign the affidavit in the presence of a local notary, then apostille/legalize it in that country. The applicant in the Philippines then receives the legalized or apostilled document.
Authentication/Apostille by the DFA (If Required)
- Once notarized, you may need to bring or send the document to the Department of Foreign Affairs-Apostille center to obtain an Apostille certificate.
- The Apostille stamp or certificate is usually affixed to the affidavit itself or appended to the document.
(If Specifically Required) Consularization by the Foreign Embassy or Philippine Embassy Abroad
- If the relevant Schengen Embassy or Consulate requires consularization, you will have to bring the notarized affidavit (sometimes also with the DFA authentication) for verification by the Embassy.
- In certain instances, the sponsor who is abroad might have to visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence to have the affidavit consularized, then forward it to the applicant in the Philippines.

5. Common Requirements and Considerations

Embassy-Specific Requirements
Different Schengen Embassies have slightly varied standards. For instance, Germany may require an official “Verpflichtungserklärung” (Formal Obligation) instead of or in addition to a simple affidavit. The Netherlands may require a specific proof-of-sponsorship form. Spain or Italy might have distinct guidelines on minimum financial thresholds. Always check the specific Embassy’s instructions.
Proof of Relationship
Some Embassies ask for documentation showing the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor (e.g., birth certificates for parent-child, marriage certificates for spouses, or relevant civil registry documents). These documents might also need to be apostilled or legalized.
Financial Capacity of the Sponsor
- Embassies often require bank statements from the sponsor (covering 3–6 months), proof of employment or business registration, and tax documents to confirm steady funds.
- A mere affidavit without financial proof is rarely sufficient.
Accommodations and Travel Plan
If the sponsor provides accommodation, an invitation letter or proof of residence (rental agreement, utility bills, or property title) may be required alongside the affidavit.
If the applicant will also stay in hotels, it’s beneficial to provide hotel booking confirmations.
Validity Period
Some Schengen Embassies stipulate that financial documents (including affidavits) are valid only if issued within a certain timeframe (often 3 months). Ensure your affidavit is up-to-date.
Translations
Although many Embassies accept English documents, a few might require a certified translation into the host country’s official language (e.g., German, French, Italian, Spanish). Check Embassy guidelines.
Personal Appearance and Additional Requirements
- Some Embassies require the sponsor to appear in person or attend an interview in certain high-stakes or special cases.
- Others may accept the affidavit with no further inquiry, as long as it meets all documentary requirements.

6. Practical Tips for Applicants and Sponsors

Start Early
- The process of drafting, notarizing, and apostilling (or consularizing) can take several days to weeks. Embassies also have their own processing times. Initiate the process well in advance of any planned travel date.
Check for Embassy Updates
- Embassy rules can change, especially if new guidelines are issued by the Schengen member state regarding supporting documents. Always consult the Embassy’s official website or contact their help desk for the most recent rules.
Keep Copies of Everything
- Retain photocopies or scans of the signed affidavit, passport pages, proof of relationship, and financial documents. This ensures you have back-up documentation in case an Embassy requests more proof.
Ensure Consistency of Information
- Details on the affidavit, sponsor’s financial documents, and the applicant’s visa forms must match (e.g., names, addresses, dates of travel). Discrepancies can delay or jeopardize the visa application.
Observe Local (Philippine) Laws
- Affidavits are sworn statements. Inaccuracies or misrepresentations could lead to legal issues, including possible denial of future visa applications or even charges of perjury.
Professional Drafting (If Needed)
- While many choose to draft affidavits themselves, it may be prudent to seek assistance from a lawyer, especially if the situation is complex (e.g., multiple sponsors, substantial assets, or unique family circumstances).

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an Affidavit of Support always required for a Schengen tourist visa?
Not always. If an applicant can show sufficient personal financial means, an affidavit may not be needed. It becomes more relevant if the trip is fully or partially sponsored by a third party.
Do I need both an apostille and consularization?
Generally, an apostille suffices if the receiving country is part of the Apostille Convention (which includes Schengen states). However, some Embassies have additional rules, so it’s crucial to verify.
What if my sponsor is abroad and cannot come to the Philippines?
The sponsor can execute the affidavit before a notary public in their country of residence, then have it legalized/apostilled in that country. They can send the document to the Philippines for submission.
How long does the consularization or apostille process take in the Philippines?
- DFA-Apostille: Turnaround can range from a few days to over a week, depending on volume and location.
- Consularization at an Embassy: This varies widely; some process documents within a few days, others may take 1–2 weeks or more.
Can the Embassy reject the affidavit even if it is duly notarized and apostilled?
Yes. The Schengen Embassy has the discretion to accept or reject documents if it finds inconsistencies, insufficient evidence of financial capacity, or if the sponsor’s credibility is questionable.
Does having an Affidavit of Support guarantee a Schengen visa approval?
No. Visa approval depends on the totality of an applicant’s circumstances—purpose of travel, financial standing, ties to the home country, travel history, and correctness/completeness of documents. The affidavit is just one piece of the puzzle.

8. Conclusion

The Affidavit of Support can be a critical document in a Schengen visa application for Filipino travelers whose trips are financed by someone else. Since the Philippines’ accession to the Apostille Convention, the process of validating such an affidavit has generally shifted from traditional consularization to apostillization. Nevertheless, certain Embassies or particular circumstances may still require formal consular legalization.

To ensure smooth processing, applicants and sponsors should:

Confirm the Schengen Embassy’s current documentary requirements.
Properly draft and notarize the affidavit.
Obtain an apostille or consularization if specifically required.
Provide supporting evidence of financial capability, relationship, and travel purpose.

By understanding and following these guidelines, Filipino visa applicants can present a robust application and improve their chances of securing a Schengen visa. As always, official Embassy advice and up-to-date legal counsel should be sought when in doubt, since requirements can evolve over time or differ among Schengen member states.