A clear purpose that also establishes which consulate is competent
A clear, consistent explanation of the purpose of travel (tourism, business, family visit, or similar) that also establishes the main destination — the Schengen member state where the applicant will spend the most days or that is the main purpose of the trip — which determines the competent consulate for lodgement.
Your purpose must be supported by documents appropriate to that purpose (tourism itinerary, business invitation, family/host invitation, study enrollment). Just as importantly, if your trip spans more than one Schengen state, you must identify the main destination:
The application must be lodged with the competent consulate for that state — lodging with the wrong consulate can lead to rejection or delay.
Common Problems
Pro Tips
Typical uploads: purpose cover letters, conference registration, business or family invitations, and country-by-country itineraries.