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How We Help
A Schengen visa refusal should be reviewed carefully before the next step is taken. Lawyers for Expats Thailand examines the refusal decision, identifies the issues raised and helps Thai applicants determine whether to appeal, reapply or take another appropriate step under the rules of the Schengen state that made the decision.
How We Help
A refusal review is built around the actual decision you received, not a template. Here is what happens from the first call through to the next step.
We start with the refusal decision and the application that led to it, identifying the reasons given by the authority that made the decision.
We compare the refusal reasons with the application, evidence and supporting documents to understand what may need to be addressed.
We consider whether the circumstances point toward an appeal, a fresh application or another appropriate response under the procedures of the Schengen state involved.
Where a further step is appropriate, we organise the evidence and paperwork needed to address the refusal as clearly as possible. The competent national authority or court decides the outcome of any new application or appeal, not Lawyers for Expats Thailand.
What We Do For Our Clients
No two refusals raise exactly the same issues. Here is the actual scope of what our team handles.
The refusal notice is the starting point. We review the stated reasons for refusal, the country that made the decision, the visa purpose, the evidence submitted, the concerns raised by the decision-maker, the appeal information provided with the refusal, and any other relevant instructions in the decision.
Will the refusal letter explain why my Schengen visa was refused?
Yes. A refusal decision should state the reasons for refusal and provide information about the appeal procedure available under the law of the Schengen state that made the decision.
We review the refusal against what was actually submitted. Potential issues can involve the travel purpose, itinerary, accommodation, finances, sponsor or host evidence, relationship evidence, employment or business evidence, supporting documents, inconsistencies, and concerns about the intended temporary stay — this is not an exhaustive list, as the actual refusal reasons vary by application.
A previous refusal does not automatically prevent a new application. However, a fresh application should address the refusal rather than simply repeat it.
Can I apply again after a Schengen visa refusal?
Yes, a previous refusal does not automatically mean a new application will be refused. A new application is assessed on its own merits, but it is important to understand and address the reasons for the previous refusal before reapplying.
Under the Schengen Visa Code, applicants whose visa has been refused have a right to appeal. However, the appeal is against the Member State that made the final refusal decision, and the procedure is governed by that country's national law — deadlines, authorities, format and procedure therefore differ between countries. There is a right of appeal, but there is not one universal Schengen appeal procedure.
Is the Schengen visa appeal process the same in every country?
No. The Visa Code provides a right of appeal, but the appeal is handled under the national law of the Schengen state that made the refusal decision. The procedure, authority and deadlines can therefore differ by country.
Where reapplication is appropriate, we focus on addressing the actual issues raised. This may involve clarifying the purpose of travel, improving itinerary evidence, strengthening financial evidence, clarifying sponsor or host arrangements, correcting inconsistencies, providing missing relevant evidence, explaining circumstances in Thailand more clearly, and addressing the refusal reasons directly. Simply adding more documents does not guarantee success.
Our work covers review of the refusal, assessment of the available options, revised evidence, preparation of a fresh application where appropriate, preparation of supporting documentation for an appeal where appropriate to our role, checking consistency, and managing a new application through to decision where applicable.
Can Lawyers for Expats guarantee that my next Schengen application will be approved?
No. No adviser can guarantee the outcome of a visa application or appeal. Our role is to understand the refusal, address the issues that can properly be addressed and prepare the appropriate next step as thoroughly as possible.
Our Commitment To You
We review the decision and the application that led to it before recommending another step.
Where a new application is appropriate, we prepare it around the issues identified rather than simply repeating the same submission.
We distinguish between a fresh application and the appeal procedure available under the law of the Schengen state involved.
We organise the evidence and paperwork required for the chosen next step and remain involved where the service applies.
Who You'll Work With

Managing Director & Lead Barrister
Leads the review of refused Schengen visa applications for Thai clients, personally responsible for identifying the issues raised in the refusal before any next application is prepared.

General Manager of Foreign Affairs
Your first point of contact. Brian coordinates the initial review of your refusal decision and evidence gathering, and stays as your liaison as the next step is prepared.
Related Resources
For the other Schengen visa services we handle, see the pages below.
Tourist, partner, family, business and event visas, and visa refusals, for travel to Europe
Application and evidence preparation for Thai citizens travelling to Europe for tourism
Application and evidence preparation for Thai citizens visiting a partner in Europe
Application and evidence preparation for Thai citizens visiting family in Europe
Lawyers for Expats Thailand, 2026. The content of this page is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice for any specific matter. Please contact us for advice on your individual circumstances.