Schengen Visa: Can I use a recently owned property as a proof of strong ties to host country?

score:8

Accepted answer

Anything that significantly improves an applicant’s circumstances in the immediate run up to a visa application is likely to be a red flag unless it can be fully and credibly explained. A recent property transfer from a relative without proof that you actually paid anything for it looks exactly like funds-parking, except with property instead of money. That is likely to be a quick route to another refusal.

You are right in saying that lack of ties is a major factor in many refusals, and right to be concerned about this given your previous refusal. However, looking at the positives: you have a job and savings (for which you have supporting evidence in the form of payslips, contract, and bank statements) sufficient to meet the €45 per day minimum; a travel history (limited, but probably in line with expectations for an applicant in your situation); and a credible premise/itinerary for the trip which isn’t going to cost an unrealistic multiplier of your monthly income.

On balance, despite your previous refusal, with a carefully prepared application it looks hopeful this time. I don’t think there’s any more you can do.

Upvote:3

I agree property suddenly appearing on your asset sheet would appear as a ruse; especially once they find out it's bare land, and double especially if it appears to be difficult to develop by Indian standards, e.g. Lack of viable public transport to it in a place few own cars. The equivalent in the US would be roadless timberland, or a landlocked parcel with no eas*m*nts onto the property.

One of my favorite examples is someone who is a classic drifter and has no community ties. Except she is wearing a Taylor Swift T-shirt and has a long string of passport stamps that conform exactly to Taylor Swift's world tour schedule exactly, with a fortune in onward travel already booked to future tour stops. And a phone with photos from over 200 concerts. Yeah, immigration can be sure she won't overstay.

For you, a history of going to metal (?) shows and then leaving as agreed, will help.

A big strike against you is the highly mobile, gypsy-like nature of telecommuting employment, in the absence of any other ties to India. And I know (from comments) that your job isn't that telecommutable, but immigration doesn't know that! Your skill does telecommute well, which makes it easy to get work beyond the reach of EU employment law. So it's really hard to be sure you won't take up residence in a local coffee shop and never leave.

One thing that helps is, don't bring your tools-of-trade, e.g. Your laptop. Arrive wholly unprepared to work. That can be a bit scary, I know!

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