cover letter to work in embassy

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Cover letter for an embassy job(5 samples)

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This article will list samples of “cover letters for Embassy jobs.”

Samples of cover letters for an Embassy job

When applying for a position at the Embassy, your cover letter is an opportunity for you to tell your story, without being stuck in the formatting constraints of the resume. The best format for writing a cover letter is as follows:

• Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient).” If you do not know the recipient’s name, you can refer to them as the hiring manager.
• The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening. 
• Make a brief statement about why you’re interested in the position. Write a paragraph about why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
• State your skills and work experience. Ensure your skills and experiences are similar to the job position. When highlighting skills, provide the accomplishment you have achieved. 
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”

“[Name of the Embassy]

[Name of the Contact person]

[Position of the contact person]

RE: Administrative assistant in the Embassy of [Country name]

Dear Sirs, Madam,

With this letter I would hereby like to express my interest to work at the Embassy of [Name of the Country]. I dare to say that I am a fresh and prospective graduate with three years of work experience in the government & policy and public administrative, gained whilst studying for my BA degree in the University of [Name of the University].

I have always been interested in policy and international relations, and therefore I have applied to work at the Government of [Name the Country], where I was one of accepted candidates over 150 applicants. After one and a half year, I was also suggested for working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, I decided to move abroad, looking forward to gain new experiences. Now I am in London for two years where I work for an International Charity, as a Program Administrator. On this position, I got familiarized myself with activities of your honorable Embassy, and got motivated to work for the Embassy of [country].

There are lots of reasons why I would like to work at the Your Embassy. Firstly, I am really impressed with the history of the [Country]. It is more than adorable how much has been acheived in such a short time. I am also impressed by the economic policy, and what has national economy achieved in terms of economic growth. As I met of lot of Your nationals, and have friends of your Nation, I am also familiar with your culture, and can say it is one of the richest on the World.

Being fresh graduate, it would be great opportunity to give me a chance to work at the Embassy of [Country name] as an administrative worker due to my work experience.

I hope therefore, that on consideration of my resume, you will be persuaded of my potential to perform well and make a real contribution as a member of your organization. In the meantime, I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I will be available to attend interview any time this month, and I’d really welcome the opportunity of discussing this position with you.

Yours faithfully,

[Name Surname]

“Dear Sir or Madam,

I am XY and I would like to express my interest to work at the Embassy of the … . I dare to say that I am a fresh and prospective graduate as I have two and a half years of work experience in the government & policy, administrative work and customer service, gained whilst studying for my BA degree in xy.

I was always interested in policy and international relations so due to that I applied to work at the Government of … in 2010, where I was one of the accepted candidates over 30 applicants. After one and a half year, I was also suggested for working at the Ministry of … Suddenly, I decided to move abroad, looking forward to gain new experiences. I came in London in August and I already got great opportunity to work at the World skills London, the biggest event prior to The Olympic Games 2012 in delegate host role. I also attend the event, organised by Embassy of… in November, where I got even more motivated.

There are lots of reasons why I would like to work at the xy Embassy. Firstly, I am really impressed with the history of the xy. It is more than addorable how much has been acheived in such a short space (since xy). I am also impressed by the economy policy, especially of the xy, the state’s centre of political, cultural and industrial activites. Secondly, I was born and raised in xy with xy roots which mean that I am also very familiar to the culture so I believe that working at the xy Embassy would be more than great opportunity. Iam also following xy on the Twitter which is great source of informations to update me.

As I am fresh graduate, it would be great opportunity to give me a chance to work at the Embassy of xy as an administrative worker due to my work experience.

Yours faithfully,”

“Dear Human resources manager,

     With this letter I would herby like to express my desire to be considered for the position of the Administrative Assistant at the United State Embassy in Nigeria. F. I am a graduate of International Studies and I have just completed a postgraduate studies in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna state. This has helped formed the basis for my knowledge in consular activities and international relations in general terms and at the same time spur my interest in International Relations.

    My work experience ranging from being a personal assistant in a Non Governmental Organization to being the service representative in an Engineering Servicing Company and my most recent job, working in the quality department of a Construction Company has helped horned and sharpened the necessary skills needed for an efficient execution of customer service and administrative functions in addition to being proficient in the operation of Microsoft office software. I possess excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to handle delicate situations in a professional manner. I also have the ability to stay calm and confident in stressful and unpredictable situations especially in the course of delivering my duties without fear and favor.

      I am fluent in English language, Igbo and Yoruba languages while I have limited knowledge in Hausa language. I understand the importance of this job and I am confident that I am ready to take on this challenging role in accordance to the laws and regulations of the United States of America.

     I hope therefore that on consideration of my application you will be persuaded of my potential to deliver and I will be given the chance of being interviewed at your earliest convenience. You can contact me through my email or my phone number as signed below. I look forward to hearing from you. 

“Dear Ms. Post,

I am applying for the Consular Officer position with Department of Texas.

I meet all of the requirements and educational background needed to fill this position and I am ready to put my expertise to work for my country. I have a bachelor’s degree in political science and I meet all of the requirements for this position including the ability to pass random drug testing and security clearance.

I have the education and training to issue visas and to do all of the paperwork involved to ensure the process is done according to the laws and regulations of the U.S. I have the skills to do the necessary research to verify the facts in each case to make sure the person requesting the visa is eligible.

I have the ability to help travelers when something does not go according to plans. For example, I have the training to handle lost passports, put together a team to search for missing travelers or provide legal counseling if someone ends up in jail for breaking the laws of other countries.

I have excellent communication skills and the ability to handle delicate situations in a professional manner. I have the ability to take charge and give others directions to get things done. I also have the ability to stay calm and confident in stressful and unpredictable situations.

I am fluent in three languages and I am very flexible with the ability to travel and work anywhere the assignment takes me. I understand the importance of this job and I am confident that I am ready to take on this challenging role.

My contact number is (555)-555-5555.

Respectfully,

Your Signature

Clifford Morgan

Enclosure: Resume”

“Mr. Mark Bailey

Human Resources Manager

Corrections Corporation of America

2750 Hall Place

Texarkana, TX 75501

Subject: Application for position of Administrative Clerk

Dear Mr. Bailey,

I am applying for the position of Administrative Clerk as seen advertised. I believe the skills and experience I have to offer in this respect will prove to be of considerable benefit to Corrections Corporation of America.

The experience and skills I have to offer Corrections Corporation of America include:

– I have extensive experience in performing administrative duties and operational functions required to run a business or organization department.

– I have very good communication skills, both written and oral, as well as interpersonal skills.

– I have basic computing skills, and advanced skills and knowledge in most of the industry standard computer software, including the Microsoft Office Suite.

– I have excellent multi-tasking skills and I can organize work on an independent level.

– I have experience in compiling and maintaining transactions within business, entering and recording orders for goods and services, as well as sending out monthly checks and invoices.

– I have excellent teambuilding and interpersonal skills, and I have the ability to fit and blend in to a team atmosphere quickly and seamlessly.

– I also have excellent problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for considering me for this position, and I look forward to the chance to expand on my qualifications, experience and skills at interview level.

To this end you may contact me at (333)-594-5119, or send me an email at [email protected]. I thank you again for the opportunity to be of service to you in the post of Administrative Clerk.

Yours Sincerely,

(Signature hand written in blue pen ink)

Encl: Resume”

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i write a cover letter.

Cover Letters Example

• Address your letter to the Hiring Manager by name.
• Start with an attention-grabbing introduction.
• Highlight your most relevant Business Analyst qualifications and experiences.
• Emphasize your top successes.
• Show enthusiasm for the role and company.

Can a cover letter hurt your chances?

Yes, a bad cover letter can hurt your chances just as much as a good one can help. That’s why three words can stop you cold while you’re searching for jobs: “Cover letter optional.”

If you like this blog post, please leave your comments and questions below.

Motivation letter sample for a job in Embassy

https://www.englishforums.com/English/CoveringLetterForEmbassy/brkhwz/post.htm

https://www.mindsumo.com/cover-letters/united-state-embassy/Full-Time/5021

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Foreign Service Officer Cover Letter Examples

Use these Foreign Service Officer cover letter examples to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) work for the United States Department of State. They’re responsible for representing the United States in foreign countries and promoting American interests.

To be a successful FSO, you need to be able to think on your feet and have a strong understanding of international relations. In your cover letter, you’ll need to highlight your skills and experience.

Use these examples to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With a strong background in diplomacy, international relations, and cross-cultural communication, I am confident that my skills and passion make me a perfect fit for the role of Foreign Service Officer.

As a graduate in International Relations and Diplomacy from XYZ University, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the political, cultural, and economic factors that shape international affairs. Additionally, my studies in foreign languages, including French and Arabic, have prepared me to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals and to adapt quickly in new environments.

During my internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I demonstrated my ability to manage critical tasks, such as organizing high-profile events, coordinating with foreign counterparts, and conducting in-depth research on current global issues. My strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with my ability to work both independently and as part of a team, make me an asset to the organization.

My experience as a volunteer in various non-governmental organizations has also provided me with valuable insights into the working of international humanitarian and human rights institutions. The exposure to various cultures and perspectives has honed my ability to establish cross-cultural connections and gain trust, both of which are crucial in my role as a Foreign Service Officer.

I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to your esteemed organization and am confident that, as a Foreign Service Officer, I can help your organization achieve its mission of promoting and protecting our nation’s interests abroad.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my suitability for this role further in an interview. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of State, I possess the knowledge, passion, and adaptability required to succeed as an entry-level Foreign Service Officer.

During my time at the University of State, I focused my studies on conflict resolution and diplomacy, with coursework on international law, foreign policy analysis, and negotiation strategies. Additionally, I studied abroad in City, Country for a semester, where I improved my language proficiency and gained a deeper understanding of the culture, politics, and history of the region.

My strong communication skills and diplomatic attitude have also been honed through my experiences as a volunteer on a local crisis hotline, where I provided assistance and support to individuals in distress. Through this role, I developed the ability to respond to challenging situations with empathy and sound judgment.

I am particularly drawn to the Foreign Service due to its commitment to promoting diplomacy, protecting American citizens aboard, and advancing United States policy interests. I am eager to contribute to this mission and develop a long-term career in this fulfilling and impactful field.

I am confident that my background in international relations, language skills, and commitment to diplomacy would make me a valuable addition to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further at an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

I was recently referred for this role by my colleague and mentor, Mr. John Smith, who has had a distinguished career in the Foreign Service and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Mr. Smith has been an invaluable source of support and guidance for me throughout my career, and I am honored by his endorsement.

As a dedicated professional with a deep passion for international affairs, I sincerely believe that my skills and experiences align well with the core values and responsibilities of a Foreign Service Officer. My background in diplomacy, strong communication skills, and fluency in multiple languages have laid the foundation for my ability to connect with diverse communities and address complex global issues.

In my most recent role working with the United Nations, I successfully managed and administered multiple projects in support of peace-keeping efforts in conflict zones. This experience afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with various stakeholders, develop innovative solutions to challenging problems, and further cultivate my skills in diplomacy and conflict resolution.

I am confident that my strong work ethic, passion for international affairs, and dedication to fostering global understanding and cooperation are well suited for the role of Foreign Service Officer. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute positively to the work of the Foreign Service and to represent the United States with distinction.

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

As a long-time admirer of the critical work your team has accomplished in foreign policy and diplomacy, I am confident that my strong background in international relations and my deep-rooted desire to contribute to global peace and development make me the ideal candidate to join your organization.

Having studied International Relations at university with a focus on conflict resolution and negotiation, I have developed a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of global affairs and the need for effective diplomacy. I have also enhanced my language skills and cultural understanding by traveling extensively, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, and studying multiple languages, including French and Spanish.

In previous professional roles, such as my time with the International NGO Council, I have honed my diplomatic and communication skills, proving successful in facilitating international collaboration and achieving positive outcomes for all stakeholders. My optimistic and visionary outlook, coupled with outstanding problem-solving abilities, make me an asset in navigating the complex landscape of international diplomacy.

My passion for understanding and engaging with different cultures and my unwavering commitment to promoting global peace will undoubtedly contribute to the already stellar reputation of your organization. I eagerly anticipate my opportunity to utilize my skills and energy as a Foreign Service Officer, making a meaningful impact on the world in alignment with your organization’s mission.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to have the opportunity to demonstrate my commitment, enthusiasm, and expertise in an interview. Your organization undoubtedly transforms lives, and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to such a noble cause.

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

Having closely followed the recent global developments and the increasing complexities of international relations, I am eager to contribute my skills and experiences to help navigate the challenges faced by your organization.

One of the pressing issues that many diplomatic missions face today is the need for effective representation and negotiation in increasingly digital, fragmented, and polarized world affairs. With my strong background in international relations and diplomacy – including a master’s degree in International Affairs and my time spent as a communication strategist for a multinational organization – I am highly equipped to analyze complex geopolitical situations and to facilitate constructive dialogue among diverse actors.

Another challenge your organization is likely encountering is the demand to optimize resources and implement forward-looking strategies in times of budgetary constraints. As the current president of a non-profit organization with limited funds and resources, I have successfully initiated numerous innovative project fundraising and partnership development strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in our budget and expanded impact. As a Foreign Service Officer, I am confident that my knack for identifying cost-effective solutions and engaging stakeholders will be crucial in advancing your organization’s objectives.

Furthermore, my fluency in four languages – English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin – ensures my ability to connect with diverse communities and foster a sense of unity, both within the organization and in our external engagements. This language proficiency combined with my multicultural background has shaped my capacity for cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of intercultural communication.

With my strong problem-solving skills, aptitude for negotiation and conflict resolution, and keen awareness of the issues at hand, I am highly motivated to join your organization and contribute to its continued success in promoting diplomacy worldwide.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my potential contributions further at an interview.

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

As I stood on the bustling streets of Tokyo, amidst neon signs and the hum of a foreign language, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the moment that sparked my passion for international relations. In college, I had the opportunity to participate in a Model United Nations conference, where I represented Japan. The experience of advocating for another nation’s policies and understanding their unique perspectives ignited a fire within me, one that still burns brightly today.

Fast-forward a few years, and I found myself in Japan on a prestigious cultural exchange program, working with leaders in both the private and public sectors. This hands-on experience honed my diplomatic skills, language proficiency, and adaptability, traits that I believe are crucial for a successful Foreign Service Officer. As I navigated the complexities of Japanese customs and traditions, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural nuances and the importance of fostering positive relationships between nations.

Upon returning to the United States, I pursued a master’s degree in International Relations to further my understanding of the global landscape. My studies allowed me to examine pressing issues, such as international security and trade, through a diplomatic lens. I have also had the privilege of interning at the State Department, where I gained firsthand experience in the intricacies of foreign policy and diplomacy.

Today, I stand before you as a passionate advocate for international cooperation, armed with the skills, experience, and dedication necessary to excel as a Foreign Service Officer. I am eager to join your esteemed organization and apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to promote and protect the interests of our great nation.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

External Auditor Cover Letter Examples

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Embassy Cover Letter

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SAMPLE COVER LETTERS for VISA APPLICATION: Korea, Schengen, Australia

Employment certificate, financial documents, and income tax return (ITR) are the staples of most visa applications. But there is one document that is usually overlooked — the cover letter.

A cover letter isn’t always a requirement when applying for a visa. However, it’s something that we often recommend to add to your pile of documents, especially if there is no interview and you have some explaining to do.

You see, sometimes, things don’t always fit the mold perfectly. There are cases wherein you can’t provide the exact document needed, but you have a very good alternative. Or maybe you just can’t provide something at all, but you have a perfectly valid reason. Or perhaps you’re traveling with a group or for a special purpose. These instances could probably benefit from a well-crafted explanation to give the visa officer a clearer picture of your situation.

When I apply for a visa, I usually submit a cover letter regardless of whether or not it’s one of the requirements. I always want to give a summary of my application and clarify some aspects that may be prone to misinterpretation.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What should be in a cover letter?

For me, a good cover letter must be able to provide the following:

• A short introduction about yourself.
• Your travel dates and the purpose of your trip
• If traveling with a group: your companions and your relationship with them
• If sponsored: your sponsor’s name, your relationship with them, and the reason why they are willing to sponsor you
• If you’re missing some requirements: the reason why you won’t be able to provide them and the alternatives you are submitting instead
• If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry
• A quick rundown of the destinations you will be visiting
• A quick summary of your travel history (if any), highlighting that you have NEVER violated visa rules in the past
• A promise to return to your home country in time

Looks like a lot, huh? But here’s the thing: According to a couple of friends who used to work as visa officers at strict embassies, they usually had very little time to assess each application. Hence, if you’re going to make a cover letter, go straight to the point . One page should be enough. The key is being concise — finding the balance between giving enough information and keeping it short and sweet.

Here are some samples. I intentionally used complicated situations to give you an idea how I usually explain them. If they don’t apply to you, feel free to modify these to match your case. Please use this only as a model for your own cover letter. Please do not copy-paste the whole thing without adjustments.

Sample Cover Letter for Australian Visa (Online Application)

✅ DOWNLOAD THIS!

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa

✅ DOWNLOAD THIS HERE!

Sample Cover Letter for Korean Visa

2020 • 1 • 7

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where to attach cover letter for Australia Visa application?

In my case, I uploaded it under Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities > Others.

Hello, I will be applying for a Japan visa and will submit a cover letter din. I have a few questions:

• If I am traveling with friends pero we will be submitting individual applications, do I need to include that in the cover letter na I am with them on this trip?
• Do you need to submit all your savings account o kahit isa nalang?
• Plan ko rin sana (dahil nabasa ko sa ibang posts nyo hehe) na payroll and savings account ipasa, pero kung nililipat ko rin naman yung laman ng payroll sa savings, need ko pa ba isubmit yung payroll account?
• Sa ibang Japan visa application na napanuod ko, nagsusubmit sila ng bank certificate at bank statement. Do I need to do that?
• If yes, need ko ba explain sa cover letter ko na tinatransfer ko sa digital bank muna yung pera saka ko tinatransfer sa savings account? (kasi baka makita, if may bank statement, na nanggaling sa ganitong account yung pumasok na pera)

sorry habang nagtatype ako nadadagdagan questions ko haha. sana masagot parin. Thank you sa travel guides. Super helpful. :)

This is for Japan ha.

1. You may indicate your companions. Ako I prefer na imention sila to show na travel with friends talaga.

2. OK lang kahit isa lang kung sa tingin mo strong enough ung account na yun. Pwede ring madami if feeling mo di enough ung isa lang.

3. Naeempty ba ung payroll account when u transfer?

4. Bank cert lang naman ang need ng Japan so kahit walang statement, ok lang.

5. If hindi ka magsusubmit ng statement, di na need iexplain kasi hindi lalabas. :)

I plan to visit Canada and have started my visa application. I selected visit friend for purpose instead of tourism as I would like to be fully honest with my application. My very purpose is to be with my boyfriend and meet his family and friends. Touring comes as a bonus. Would it be fine to add captions or narrations on the pdf document together with our pictures as proof? I also have our hotel and tour bookings and his boarding passes on the two times that he has visited me here in PH. This is the Proof of Relationship section on the application visa.

Hello. Any recommendations for Schengen visa assistance agencies?

Try Gazelle Travel and Tours around Ortigas or Constellation Travel in Makati.

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• Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa: Types, Format & Samples

Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa: Types, Format Samples & More

10 min read

Updated On Jan 22, 2024

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What is a Schengen Visa Cover Letter?

What needs to be included in cover letter schengen visa, cover letter format for schengen visa, samples of cover letter for schengen visa, state wise schengen visa cover letter requirements, documents to support schengen cover letter, where to submit your cover letter for schengen visa application, common mistakes in schengen visa cover letters.

Unlock the gateway to 27 vibrant European destinations with a Schengen visa! Whether you're an immigrant or a traveler this visa opens doors to incredible opportunities.

Navigate the application process effortlessly by mastering the art of crafting a compelling cover letter Schengen visa. Explore the essentials in our blog for a seamless visa experience!

The Cover Letter, also known as the introduction letter for a Schengen Visa is a crucial component of your application, serving as a communication tool with the visa officers.

Addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the specific country you plan to visit, it outlines your reasons for travel and aims to persuade the consular staff of your suitability for the visa.

Even if applying through a visa application center like VFS Global, ensure your Cover Letter is directed to the relevant Embassy or Consulate.

In your Schengen Visa application cover letter, be sure to incorporate the following details regarding your trip:

• Clearly articulate the purpose motivating your visit to a Schengen country.
• Specify the exact dates for your intended entry and departure.
• Outline a well-structured itinerary detailing your planned activities throughout the Schengen area.
• Indicate your accommodation arrangements upon entering the Schengen region.
• List all the countries included in your travel plans.
• Provide information about your current employment status.
• If any mandatory documents are missing from your submission, explain their absence concisely

Drafting a cover letter is integral to the Schengen visa application process. This letter should succinctly outline your travel plans, the purpose of your visit, and your financial support strategy. Below is a brief Schengen visa cover letter template or format for your guidance

• Start with a formal salutation.
• Provide your name, address, contact details, and nationality.
• Clearly state your intention to apply for a Schengen visa.
• Introduce yourself briefly, mentioning your nationality and current residence.
• Specify the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.).
• Mention the planned dates of your stay in the Schengen area.
• Outline your travel plans, including the countries you plan to visit and the duration of your stay in each.
• Explain your financial plan for supporting yourself during the visit.
• Confirm personal funding and attach supporting financial documents.
• List the attached documents supporting your application, such as flight itinerary, hotel reservations, travel insurance, etc.
• Express gratitude and formally request the approval of your Schengen visa application.
• Offer cooperation and assure compliance with regulations.
• End the letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards."

Let us first examine the supplied generic Schengen visa cover letter sample to acquaint yourself with the correct writing tone, format, structure, and other essential elements.

Business Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample

When applying for a Schengen Business Visa, the responsibility of composing the Cover Letter lies with your employer. The letter must be crafted on the official letterhead of the company.

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Tourist

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa typically includes details about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and financial ability. It serves as a concise introduction to support your visa application.

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

For a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa, your doctor must prepare the Cover Letter, including

• Detailed Diagnosis: Specify the medical condition requiring treatment in a Schengen country.
• Medical History: Provide a concise medical history for context.
• Treatment Details: Clearly state the nature and expected duration of the proposed treatment.

This letter is vital for the visa application, offering insights into the medical necessity and treatment plan.

Now that you are familiarised with the Sample cover letters for Schengen Visa, before crafting your cover letter, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Here are the cover letter guidelines for key Schengen member states:

• Cover Letter for Visa Application Italy
• Highlight your ties to your home country, such as family, employment, and studies.
• Clearly state the purpose of your visit, outlining planned activities and dates.
• Provide proof of funds to cover your travel expenses.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Austria
• Specify the purpose of your visit, detailing the places and activities you'll engage in.
• If applying for a multiple-entry visa, provide a valid reason.
• Assure your return to your home country after the visa period.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application France
• Present a clear itinerary with destinations, travel dates, and the purpose of your visit.
• Indicate whether you have travel insurance for unforeseen medical expenses.
• Align your visit with academic, professional, or personal goals.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Germany
• In the introduction, concisely explain the purpose of your travel (tourism, family visits, or business).
• Provide evidence of funds to cover expenses like food, accommodation, and transportation.
• List all intended destinations you plan to visit.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Finland
• Detail arrangements for accommodation, food, and travel.
• Describe your planned activities, trips, events, meetings during your stay.
• Specify if you are seeking a multiple-entry visa and provide reasons.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Spain
• Affirm that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay.
• Provide a comprehensive overview of your travel plans.
• Include details about your accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations.

When applying for a Schengen Visa, ensure you submit the following documents alongside your Cover Letter:

• Completed Schengen Visa Application Letter/Form
• Valid passport with at least six months of validity
• Passport-size photos adhering to Schengen visa photo guidelines
• Flight itinerary or reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of accommodation within a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the destination country, as per the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa fees
• Bank Statements covering the last six months

To submit your Schengen Visa cover letter, consider the following options based on your situation and location:

• The Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, if the destination lacks diplomatic representation in your area.
• A designated visa application agency, outsourced by the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
• You can even say you can submit and we can help you prepare at a regulated immigration consultant like getgis

Remember, if you're visiting multiple countries, apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the first country on your itinerary.

When crafting a Schengen Visa cover letter, it is crucial to be mindful and avoid pitfalls or errors. These include:

• Illogical Explanations

Provide logical reasons for your trip and intentions to return home. Be specific and avoid vague statements.

• Repetition of Document Information

Your cover letter should reveal unique details not found in other documents. Tell a story that complements, not duplicates, your reservations.

• Spelling and Grammar Errors

While minor mistakes are acceptable, excessive errors may convey a lack of respect for the application process. Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and layout.

• Disorganized Document List

Present a well-organized list of documents in order of priority. Start with mandatory items, followed by those relevant to your trip and personal situation.

• Misalignment with Supporting Documents

Ensure that the details and reasons mentioned in your cover letter align with the information in other submitted documents. Any contradiction may lead to rejection.

Explore European Beauty and Opportunities: Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa

We hope the blog on the Schengen visa cover letter has addressed your uncertainties and inquiries, boosting your confidence in the application process. If you have additional questions or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out to GetGIS immigration experts.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now

Quick Reads:

• How Can I Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection? (Expert Tips)
• A Comprehensive Guide to Germany Visa Requirements in 2023-24
• Cost of Studying in Germany: All You Need to Know
• Complete Guide on Sweden Visa Types & Requirements
• Understanding The Austria Tourist Visa Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cover letter required for a Schengen visa?

Why are Schengen visas rejected?

Is a cover letter necessary in Europe?

How to create an effective cover letter?

How to avoid Schengen visa refusal?

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• Writing Letters to Officials

How to Address a Letter to an Embassy

Last Updated: March 6, 2024 Approved

This article was reviewed by Miatrai Brown, Esq. and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Miatrai Brown is an Immigration Lawyer based in Washington D.C. With over 10 years of academic and professional experience, her areas of focus include employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, investment-based immigration, family-based immigration, risk management assessment, and regulatory compliance. She began her legal career exclusively practicing immigration and nationality law as external immigration counsel to large U.S. corporations and fast-moving start-ups. After six years at top immigration firms, she opened her own practice, Direct U.S. Immigration. This move was motivated by her desire to provide more access to a high level of immigration support to clients worldwide. As a thoughtful and strategic advisor on immigration and related matters, Direct U.S. Immigration earned an impressive honor as Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Washington DC. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,471,697 times.

An embassy is the official office of one country's ambassador in another country. The ambassador is the official representative of their country. Both embassies and consulates handle the affairs of one country while in another country. If you wish to address the ambassador or another member of the embassy or consular staff, you must write a formal letter. This letter should include your personal details, requests and reasons for writing, and formal salutations, or you may not get a response. How you address a letter to an embassy depends on the country and particular individual to which you are writing. [1] X Research source

Letter Help

Formatting Your Letter

• Use a standard word-processing application , even if you plan to deliver the letter using email . It typically is better to send an attachment than to write your letter in the body of an email. However, you should probably check with the embassy first to see what is preferred.
• Most word-processing applications have a template that you can use to create a business letter. These templates typically will set your margins and paragraph styles for you.
• Use a standard, readable font such as Times New Roman or Helvetica, in a 12-point size. Do not use script fonts.


• These templates give you suggested language to use so you can more easily write and address your letter. Don't copy them verbatim, though. Read them carefully and make sure the suggested language suits your situation. If any of it doesn't apply, don't include it.
• Look into the background of the website before you use their suggested language. Most of these websites have an "about" page where you can find out who is in charge of the website. Make sure it's an individual or organization you can trust.

• If you're writing in a language that is read from right to left, such as Arabic or Hebrew, your paragraphs would be right-justified.

• Generally, you shouldn't worry if you end up being a day off. For example, you could finish your letter intending to mail it that day, but not make it to the post office until after the close of business. That would mean you'd have to mail your letter the next day, but you wouldn't have to print up a new letter with the different date.
• However, while delaying a day or two is fine, if you end up not being able to mail the letter for a week or longer, you probably want to print a fresh copy with an adjusted date. Your reader will expect the date on the letter to be identical or close to the date of the postmark.

• Keep in mind that many larger embassies will have different addresses for you to use depending on the reason for your letter.
• If you don't already know, you'll also need to find out the correct person to address who can help you with your issue. Internet sites, such as Project Visa or Embassy World, as well as Internet searches for the country and the word "embassy" can help you identify the right person. You also can call the embassy directly to identify the best contact.
• Type the name of the person you are addressing, the name of the embassy and the address of the embassy to which you are writing. Write this in the same format as you would write it on an envelope for mailing.
• For example, if you're writing to an embassy staff member at the Canadian embassy, you would write "Mr. Potter, Canadian Embassy" on the first line of the address block, followed by the physical address. If Mr. Potter is the ambassador, you would write "The Honorable Mr. Potter, Ambassador of Canada, Canadian Embassy." Note that for many countries the correct title for an ambassador is "Excellency," as in "His Excellency Mr. Potter, Ambassador of Canada, Canadian Embassy."

• For example, you might write "Request for tourist visa for parents" or "Invitation to French Consulate party."
• If you're writing in English, the subject line typically is preceded by the letters "RE," a Latin abbreviation that essentially means "regarding."
• Your subject line enables the person who receives your letter to direct it to the right member of embassy staff, in the event that you've sent it to the wrong person. With a subject line, they can do this quickly without having to read the whole letter. For this reason, a subject line is particularly important if you haven't been able to identify a specific person.

Writing Your Letter

• You may be able to find this information on the embassy's website, or by doing a quick internet search using the country's name with words such as "etiquette," "diplomatic protocol" or "forms of address."
• Keep in mind that in countries that have a monarchy and recognize nobility, there may be nobles who serve as ambassadors or in other embassy positions. These titles may supersede any general title for members of embassy staff.
• Your letter should be written in a formal tone, using the utmost in politeness and courtesy. If you're writing in a language that has a formal "you," such as French or Spanish, you should use that.
• Pay careful attention when writing to the ambassador specifically, as the title differs depending on whether you are a citizen of the country for which the individual is serving as an ambassador. If you are a citizen of the same country as the ambassador, you may address them as "The Honorable." However, if you are a citizen of a different country, you typically must call them "Her [or His] Excellency," following diplomatic custom. Make sure you have the correct gender – don't just assume based on the name.

• To address the person correctly, you'll need to follow the correct etiquette or diplomatic protocol based on your research.
• If you're addressing the consul general or any other embassy employee, you'll generally use their full name. For example, you might write "Dear Mr. Potter." However, pay attention to any other titles the person might have, such as if they are a member of the nobility or have a doctorate.
• Use "Dear Honorable Ambassador" if you are addressing the ambassador directly.
• If you don't know the name or gender of the person to whom you're writing, you can begin your letter "Dear Sir or Madam." However, you should make every effort to address your letter to a specific person. If you get the wrong person, it can always be rerouted.
• Follow the greeting with the punctuation customary in the embassy's country. In some, a comma is appropriate, while others follow the greeting with a colon.

• The first sentence should state your name and your country of citizenship. Follow that with any additional identification information that is relevant to your reason for writing.
• Follow the first sentence with a brief description of your reason for writing. This should be no longer than a sentence or two.

• The length of your letter, and the contents of the remaining paragraphs, will depend on your reason for writing. If you need to give an extended background or timeline of a situation to which you want the ambassador or another embassy official to respond, this may be lengthy.
• If you're writing for a procedural reason, such as to request a visitor visa, your letter typically shouldn't be more than three paragraphs long, and shouldn't go for more than a page or two at most.
• Keep your writing clear and concise, and use formal language throughout. If you address the person to whom you're writing anywhere in the body of your letter, use their official title and follow any other rules of etiquette you gleaned from your research.

• If you need something specific from the person, state what that is and the timeframe within which you need it. Remember to allow for time for mailing.
• Be careful giving a deadline, particularly if you're writing to the ambassador or a higher-ranking staff member. Instead of making a demand, say something like "Please be advised that I must have the document I requested within one month or I'll not be able to complete my application," or "Please respond by the end of this month so I can meet my deadline."
• Follow that with a sentence thanking the recipient for their time and attention. For example, you might write "I appreciate that you have many demands on your time. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter."
• If you are unsure whether you sent your letter to the correct person, you may want to include a note to that effect. For example, you might write "If there is someone else at the embassy better capable of handling my issue, I ask that you kindly forward this letter to them."

Sending Your Letter

• End your letter with a closing greeting such as "Sincerely yours," and leave a few blank lines for your signature. Below that, type your name and address, along with any other identification or contact information you think is necessary, such as your phone number or email address.
• If you're including any other documents with your letter, list them at the bottom of your letter so the reader knows what attachments to expect. You also can use this list as a checklist for yourself to make sure you've included everything necessary.
• Print your final letter and sign it using a pen with blue or black ink. Check the date on your letter before you send it and make sure you don't need to adjust it forward.
• When you've signed your letter, make a copy of the signed letter for your own records.

• If you're sending original documents, it's generally best to use a larger manilla envelope that will allow you to mail them without folding them.
• For copies, use a standard letter-sized envelope unless you have more than three or four sheets, in which case it's generally better to use a larger manilla envelope and leave them flat rather than folding them.
• Mark each copy or document carefully in case they get separated from each other.

• Include your name and the return address on the envelope. This will be written either on the back of the envelope or on the upper-right-hand corner, depending on the country's custom.
• The name and address of your recipient should be written in the middle or lower-right portion of the envelope, again depending on the country's custom. Use the recipient's formal title if applicable.
• You may want to wait until you get to the post office to address your envelope, or research formatting ahead of time.
• If you're handwriting the addresses on the envelope, use a ballpoint pen so the ink won't smear, and print carefully or write in all caps. Don't write in cursive or script on the envelope, as it is difficult to read.

Community Q&A

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing letters, check out our in-depth interview with Miatrai Brown, Esq. .

• ↑ https://inkforall.com/copy-editing/formal-letter/how-to-address-ambassador-in-formal-letter/
• ↑ https://ung.edu/military-college-admissions/_uploads/files/permission-to-participate.pdf
• ↑ https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/33178
• ↑ http://www.immihelp.com/visitor-visa/sample-consulate-letter-visitors-visa.html
• ↑ https://tt.usembassy.gov/submitting-documents-for-u-s-immigrant-visa-applicants/

About This Article

To address a letter to an embassy, start by putting the date in the top left-hand corner of the page. Then, below the date, include the formal title and name of the person you're addressing at the embassy, followed by the embassy's full address. After the name and address, include a subject line like "RE: Request for tourist visa for parents." Finally, include a formal greeting below the subject line, like "Dear Honorable Ambassador." If you want to learn more, such as how to format your letter, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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TIPS ON WRITING A POWERFUL COVER LETTER FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION

Table of contents, introduction.

A well-crafted cover letter can play a crucial role in the visa application process. It serves as a personalized introduction to the applicant, allowing them to present their case more effectively to the visa officer. The cover letter provides an opportunity to highlight the key reasons for travel, demonstrate ties to the home country, and clarify any aspects of the application that might raise questions. By effectively articulating the purpose of the visit and reassuring the visa officer of the applicant’s intentions to abide by visa regulations, a well-written cover letter can significantly influence the outcome of the application.

This guide is particularly useful for a wide range of visa applicants, including those applying for tourist, student, and work visas. Each type of visa application has its unique requirements and challenges, and a tailored cover letter can address these specifics, enhancing the applicant’s chances of approval. Whether the applicant is planning a short vacation, seeking to study abroad, or pursuing career opportunities, this guide provides essential tips and templates to help them craft an impactful cover letter that resonates with their individual application context.

Understanding the Purpose of a Visa Cover Letter

Clarify Objectives

The main goals of a visa cover letter are multifaceted and critical to the success of the application:

Introducing the Applicant: The cover letter formally introduces the applicant to the visa officer. It’s an opportunity to present oneself beyond the facts and figures of the application forms. This introduction should convey a sense of the applicant’s character and reliability.

Outlining the Purpose of Visit: A key element of the cover letter is to articulate the reason for travel clearly. This could range from tourism, education, work, or visiting family and friends. It’s important to be clear and concise, providing enough detail to demonstrate that the plan is well thought out and credible.

Establishing Intent to Return to Home Country: One of the visa officer’s primary concerns is ensuring that the applicant plans to return to their home country after their visit. The cover letter should address this by highlighting strong ties to the home country, such as family, employment, or ongoing studies, which indicate the applicant’s intent to return.

Personalization

Personalization is key in a visa cover letter. Each visa type (tourist, student, work, etc.) has its own set of expectations and requirements:

Tourist Visa: Focus on the itinerary, places of interest, and the reason for choosing the specific destination. I think highlighting return tickets and hotel bookings can be beneficial.

Student Visa: Emphasize the educational goals, the reason for choosing the particular institution, and future career plans in the home country.

Work Visa: Outline professional objectives, the importance of this particular position, and how it fits into long-term career plans.

Moreover, personal circumstances should be taken into account. If there are unique situations like medical treatment, family reunions, or participation in specific events, these should be clearly stated. The more tailored the cover letter is to the individual’s situation and the specific type of visa being applied for, the more effective it will be in supporting the visa application.

Start With The Basics

When crafting a visa cover letter, beginning with the right format sets a professional tone for your application. Here’s how to do it:

Your Address : Start with your full address at the top left corner of the letter. This includes your street address, city, state, and zip code. This information should be aligned to the left margin.

Date : Below your address, leave a space and then include the current date. This should be the date on which you are writing or sending the letter.

Embassy/Consulate Address : After the date, leave another space and then write the address of the embassy or consulate to which you are applying. This should include the name of the embassy/consulate, its street address, city, and country. Align this address to the left margin, similar to your personal address.

Addressing the Visa Officer : The salutation should be formal. Typically, it’s advisable to use “Dear Visa Officer” or “Dear Consular Officer”. This is a respectful and general way of addressing the individuals responsible for processing your visa application. Avoid using generic salutations like “To whom it may concern”, as they can appear impersonal.

By following these basic guidelines, you ensure that your cover letter adheres to the standard norms of formal correspondence, reflecting your seriousness and respect for the visa application process.

Introduce Yourself

• Your Name and Nationality : Begin with your full name as it appears in your passport. Following your name, mention your nationality. This basic information establishes your identity for the visa officer.
• Main Reason for Visit : Clearly state the primary purpose of your visit. Whether it’s for tourism, education, work, or to attend a specific event, make this clear from the outset. This sets the context for the rest of your letter.

Background Details

• Employment or Educational Status : If it’s relevant to your visit, could you mention your current employment or educational status? For instance, if you are a student planning to study abroad, mention your current educational institution and what you plan to study. If you’re employed, state your job title and employer. This information can help the visa officer understand your ties to your home country and your reasons for returning.
• Relevance to Your Visit : Explain briefly how your employment or educational status is relevant to your visit. For instance, if you’re attending a professional conference, your job role and responsibilities might be pertinent. For a student visa, your current field of study and future aspirations could be relevant.

State the Purpose of Your Visit

This section is critical as it directly addresses the core of your visa application — the reason for your travel. It’s important to be specific and clear, providing enough detail to support your application.

Clear Intentions

• Purpose of Trip : Begin by explicitly stating the purpose of your trip. This should be a clear and straightforward declaration. For instance, “I am applying for a tourist visa for a two-week holiday in [Country],” or “I am seeking a student visa to pursue my master’s degree at [University Name].”
• Specific Reason : If there are specific reasons tied to the nature of your visit, such as attending a business conference, participating in a cultural event, or visiting family for a special occasion, mention these. The more specific you are, the clearer your intentions will appear to the visa officer.

Itinerary Details

• Travel Itinerary : If you have a travel itinerary, briefly outline it. Include key destinations, dates, and any booked accommodations. For business or student visas, mention the institutions or organizations you visit or affiliate with. We can help you plan your trip by availing our  itinerary service.
• Meetings or Contacts : If your trip involves meeting specific people or attending specific events, mention these. For example, “I plan to attend the International Business Conference held at [Venue] from [Start Date] to [End Date],” or “I will be visiting my brother, [Name], who resides at [Address].”

By providing a clear and detailed account of your travel plans, you demonstrate to the visa officer that you have a well-thought-out purpose for your visit and that your intentions align with the type of visa you are applying for. This clarity can significantly strengthen your application.  

Explain Your Ties to Your Home Country

A critical aspect of your visa application is demonstrating strong ties to your home country assuring the visa officer of your intention to return after your visit. Here’s how to effectively convey this:

Strong Ties

• Family Connections : If you have close family (like parents, spouse, or children) in your home country, mention them. Explain your role and responsibilities within your family unit, which indicate your need to return.
• Employment : Detail your current employment situation. Include your job title, the name of your employer, and how long you have been with the organization. If you have a letter from your employer granting leave for your travel, mention that as well.
• Property Ownership : If you own property, such as a house or land, in your home country, mention this. Property ownership is a strong indicator of your ties and intention to return.

Evidence of Return

• Ongoing Commitments : Highlight any ongoing commitments that necessitate your return. This can include a job that you need to return to, a business you run, or educational courses you are enrolled in.
• Future Plans : If you have specific plans upon your return, such as career progression, further education, or family events like weddings or anniversaries, mention these. Such plans can reinforce your intention to return.
• Supporting Documentation : If you can provide evidence of your ties, such as a job contract, business ownership documents, or family details, mention that these documents are available. You don’t need to include them with the cover letter but be prepared to present them if requested.

By effectively demonstrating your strong ties to your home country, you significantly enhance the credibility of your claim that your visit is temporary and that you intend to return after your stay. This is a key factor in the visa decision-making process. You can read more about  Proof of Strong Ties for Your Schengen Visa Application in the Philippines .

Financial Responsibility

When applying for a visa, demonstrating your financial responsibility is crucial. This section of your cover letter should clearly outline how you plan to financially support your trip.

Financial Stability

Self-sponsorship : If you are self-sponsoring your trip, asserting your financial stability is important. Briefly explain your financial situation, such as your regular income, savings, or investments, which indicate your ability to cover all travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and emergencies.

Sponsorship : If someone else is sponsoring your trip, state the relationship with the sponsor (e.g., family member, friend, employer) and their commitment to supporting you financially during your visit.

Supporting Documents

I’d like you to please mention that you have attached relevant financial documents to your application. This could include bank statements showing your savings, income statements, or a sponsorship letter if applicable.

Details of Documentation : If you are providing a sponsorship letter, ensure it includes the sponsor’s name, their relationship to you, their contact information, and a statement of their commitment to support you financially during your trip. If using bank statements, mention that they reflect your current financial status and ability to fund your travel.

Including clear and detailed information about your financial responsibility in your cover letter helps assure the visa officer that you are capable of supporting yourself during your trip and will not become a financial liability in the country you plan to visit.

Cover Accommodation and Health Insurance

In this section, you should provide details about your accommodation plans and health insurance coverage for your trip, as these are important aspects of your travel preparations.

Accommodation Details

Staying with Friends or Relatives : If you are planning to stay with friends or relatives, provide their names, addresses, and contact information. It can be helpful to mention your relationship with them and the duration of your stay.

Hotel Accommodation : If you will be staying in a hotel or rented accommodation, mention the name of the hotel or the address of the rental, along with the duration of your stay. If you have pre-booked your accommodation, stating this can add credibility to your travel plans.

Health Insurance

Travel Health Insurance Coverage : Clearly state if you have secured travel health insurance for the duration of your stay in the destination country. Include details about the coverage, such as medical expenses, emergency services, and repatriation, if applicable.

Insurance Documentation : Mention that you have attached or can provide documentation of your travel health insurance policy. This reassures the visa officer of your preparedness for any health-related contingencies during your trip.

Addressing your accommodation and health insurance arrangements in your cover letter adds depth to your application, showcasing your thorough planning and responsibility as a traveler. This information can play a significant role in the overall assessment of your visa application.

Conclude a Polite Request

The conclusion of your visa cover letter is an opportunity to reinforce your request and demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with any additional requirements. Here’s how to effectively wrap up your letter:

Request for Consideration

Polite Appeal : Conclude your letter with a courteous appeal for a favorable consideration of your application. This could be phrased as, “I respectfully request that my application for a [type of visa] be considered favorably.”

Expression of Gratitude : It’s also good practice to express gratitude for the time and effort taken by the visa officer to review your application. A simple statement like, “I appreciate your consideration of my application,” can be effective.

Availability for Further Information

Openness for Communication : Indicate your willingness to provide any additional information that may be required. This shows that you are cooperative and serious about your application.

Readiness for Interview : If applicable, state that you are available for an interview or any further discussions regarding your visa application. This could be stated as, “I am readily available for an interview or to provide any further information needed for my application.”

By concluding your cover letter with a polite request and showing openness for further communication, you leave a positive impression on the visa officer, demonstrating your earnestness and respect for the visa application process.

Attach Supporting Documents

Concluding your visa cover letter with a comprehensive list of supporting documents is crucial. This not only demonstrates your organizational skills but also makes it easier for the visa officer to review your application. Here’s how to do it:

List of Documents

Bank Statements : Include bank statements that demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself during your visit.

Employment Letters : If you are employed, attach a letter from your employer. This letter should confirm your employment, your role, the duration of your leave (if applicable), and your expected return to work.

Itinerary : Provide a copy of your travel itinerary, which includes flight details, accommodation bookings, and a schedule of your activities or places you plan to visit.

Accommodation Confirmation : If you are staying with friends or relatives, include a letter from them confirming this arrangement. For hotel stays, attach booking confirmations.

Travel Health Insurance : Include documentation of your travel health insurance policy, showing the coverage details.

Sponsorship Letter (if applicable) : If someone else is sponsoring your trip, attach a sponsorship letter from them along with their financial documents.

Additional Documents : Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need to include additional documents. For example, students should attach admission letters from educational institutions, and business visitors should include invitation letters from the hosting company.

End your cover letter with a statement like: “Enclosed, please find the following supporting documents for your review,” followed by a bulleted or numbered list of the documents. This clear and organized presentation of your supporting documents can significantly enhance the credibility of your application.

Proofread and Finalize

• Attention to Detail : Proofreading is crucial. Go over your letter multiple times to catch any grammatical errors or typos. These mistakes can make your application seem less professional and may negatively impact the perception of your attention to detail.
• Use Tools : Leverage tools like grammar checkers, but don’t rely solely on them. Sometimes, these tools can miss nuances in language or context-specific phrasing.

Professional Tone

• Respect and Formality : The tone of your cover letter should be respectful and formal. This reflects your seriousness and respect for the visa application process.
• Consistency : Ensure that the tone is consistent throughout the letter. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, as it may not be appropriate for a formal application.

Additional Tips

• Second Opinion : It can be helpful to have someone else read your cover letter. A fresh pair of eyes might catch errors you overlooked.
• Read Aloud : Reading your letter aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or tone inconsistencies.
• Formatting : Make sure the overall formatting of the letter is professional. Use a standard font, proper alignment, and clear paragraph separation.
• Length : Keep the letter concise and to the point. A long-winded letter can lose its impact.
• Final Check : Before submitting, do a final check to ensure that all the information is accurate and that you have attached all the required documents.

The final step in your visa application cover letter process is to ensure it is polished, professional, and error-free. This conveys your seriousness about the application and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in a professional setting. Remember, your cover letter is often the first impression the visa officer will have of you, so make it count.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a strong cover letter for your visa application is more than a mere formality; it’s a strategic component that can significantly influence the outcome of your application. By carefully presenting your case, explaining your travel purpose, demonstrating strong ties to your home country, and outlining your financial plans, you paint a comprehensive picture that goes beyond the basic documentation.

Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to provide context, add a personal touch, and preemptively address any questions or concerns that the visa officer might have. Your ability to communicate clearly and professionally through your cover letter reflects not only on your application but also on your overall preparedness for your journey.

In summary, the key to a powerful cover letter lies in its clarity, conciseness, relevance, and attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you’re setting yourself up for success. Your cover letter is not just a letter; it’s a narrative of your travel intentions, a testament to your reliability, and a crucial step towards achieving your travel goals.

Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection

Here are the common reasons a Schengen Visa application gets denied:

• No clear travel purpose —a detailed cover letter is a must!
• Lack of strong ties —reevaluate your application and prove why you must return to your home country!
• Insufficient travel insurance coverage —make sure you get the right policy!
• No proof of financial means —convince them that you can afford your trip! Provide bank or credit card statements, VUL, investment portfolio, etc.
• Passport does not have 2 free pages —where will they attach the visa if your passport pages are already full? You should get a new passport before applying for a visa if there are no more available pages on your old one!
• No proof of accommodation —you need to prove them that you have a place to stay in the Schengen Area.

Recap and Tips

So, just a recap and a reminder , please don’t forget these TIPS: 

If you ever need help, you can avail my   visa application bundle , and I will be glad to help you through the process!

Let Us Be Your Partner in Your Schengen Visa Journey

Applying for a Schengen Visa can be overwhelming, with all the paperwork involved and confusing information from different sources. We understand that—we’ve been there and have done that!

But through the years, we gained experience and knowledge on the ins and outs of the Schengen Visa application. We’ve helped countless satisfied clients ; we would like to invite you to be one of them!

With our Schengen Visa services personalized to your unique needs and circumstances, we will make your visa application less stressful and laborious, and more promising. Contact us to schedule a consultation or for other inquiries.

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Sample cover letter for Full Time position at an embassy

Business development.

Dear Sir/Madam

I should like to apply for the position of Head of ..... I enclose a CV. I believe that my skills and experience closely match the requirements for the job, as follows.

I have extensive private sector experience in ... and have recently published research on the ICT sector, available here:

......................

I am able to design a business strategy, having had much experience of long-term forecasting, see for example here:

......................................

I have an excellent business network in the UK. I understand the constraints on SMEs, having been involved in a start-up business (“xxxxxxxxxxxxxx”) and with my partner running a small xxxx business.

I have led many teams in my career and have an excellent record of inspiring and empowering experienced staff, see CV for details.

I have much international experience, see CV. I worked in xxx for two years, living and working in xxxx, so I have a good knowledge of the xxx business community. I have also worked in London for xxx a xxxxxxxx bank.

I have also worked in the public sector and have a good understanding of UK governmental procedures.

My mother tongue is English, I have fair German, French and Spanish.

References can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, xxxx. Also from xxxxxxxx who was Director of Research at the xxx where I was a Principal, xxxxxxxxx.

I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity in detail.

Yours faithfully

Cover Letter for Work Visa: 12+ Free Formats

The world where we live is fast and ever-changing. We would want to search for better work options in our country and overseas. However, the first thing anyone must do is obtain a work visa to get employment in a foreign country. 

A cover letter for a work visa is a document that is pertinent while applying for the visa.🧾 

It gives additional information about the applicant’s skills and motivations to work in that said nation.🥰

Table of Contents

What to Write in a Cover Letter for Work Visa

Letters are a tricky business, and what makes a letter good and presentable depends primarily on its contents. While composing a cover letter for a work visa, you might want to be careful about how you begin it. 

The main goal of the letter has to be highlighting your qualifications and how your qualifications are suited for the position you have applied for in a foreign country. 📑📋

• Primarily begin the letter with a formal salutation addressing it to the person (sir/ma’am) who is concerned with the subject. 
• Introduce yourself formally yet confidently. 📝
• Remember to mention the purpose of composing the said letter, i.e., to petition for a work visa to get employment overseas. 🖋️
• It is pertinent that while composing the letter, you talk about your job. 
• Describe the job in detail, outlining your position and your work type. 
• Put in the necessary information about your qualifications for the job, and list any other important skills that might be useful for the job. 
• The third thing you need to keep in mind while writing the cover letter is to provide ample information about the country you are going.✒️
• It would be helpful as it would establish your goals and ideals for choosing the particular country and would convey your willingness to work there.
• Include all the essential documents that are required and asked of you. 
• Never forget to mention shortly the type of work visa you are aspiring to obtain. 
• Assure them of your pertinence to abide by immigration laws as it would show a good judge of character.📝
• Be sure to check and supply correct contact information such as emails, phone numbers, and forwarding addresses.📱
• Finally, while you are composing the conclusion of the cover letter, be jolly and enthusiastic about how you are given such a wonderful opportunity.🥰

Tips on How to Write a Cover Letter for Work Visa

Sometimes following a few basic tips can make your cover letter more congruous and suitable. Below I have mentioned such tips that can make a difference for you while composing a cover letter for a work visa:

• Personalize

The first and foremost thing while writing a cover letter is to personalize it or tailor it to you, your specific requirements, and your respective job. A run-of-the-mill cover letter would only reduce your chances by making it elementary.✔️

• Making sure to follow the format

Things like choosing a professional font, making sure of the alignment, and sticking to the rudimentary format are important. If you stray from the format, the chances are very less that the officials would consider the letter important.📝

• Correct information

Providing the correct information is the key, and never put in unnecessary details. It is very important to keep your cover letter precise, neat, and to the point. 📑

• Addressing the right person is pertinent 

Remember to address the correct person with proper salutations; otherwise, you run a risk of offending someone. 

• Proofreading the letter 

Proofread before sending the letter to omit grammatical mistakes and showcase more clarity in your letter. 🧾

• Show enthusiasm for the job

Finally, always remember to be true and express real enthusiasm and interest in the chosen job and country. ✅

Letter Template: 1

Cover Letter for Work Visa

I have been offered a temporary post (18 months) at the __________ in XYZ City, as ____________. My wife also planned according to me along with my two children.

It’s advisable if you send me some more detail about the Process. Also, send me information about and applications for the appropriate visa or work permit. Please also let me know which immunizations if any, are required.  It’s always appreciable if you provide me with detail as soon as possible because I need to arrive in _____ before This date.

Awaiting for your reply. Thanks in Advance.

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

Dear Sir, I have been offered a job in the __________ of the city and am in need of a visa for stay in your nation for the next XX months.

I have no idea about the Process of a Visa. I would greatly appreciate your sending me application materials for the Visa process.

I am available for the following details:

I am thankful for your much-needed help.

Letter Template: 3

Dear Sir/ Madam,

This letter is in response to your advertisement for a look-up Job that is featured in the newsletter. I have always had a charm for working abroad, and an experience like this would be excellent in the UK. I would readily commit for two years for either of the jobs advertised.

I have a great deal of experience in being a __________ as well. I am also well aware of many other things which are covered by this job. I can also have good interpersonal skills and local language ideas

Enclosed is a copy of my all details. Awaiting your reply.

Letter Template: 4

I am writing to you to express my desire to apply for the managerial position in your esteemed company in USA. I have very good experience in the said Work. As far as my Goal is concerned, I am the best to be Chosen for this Position.

I am very skilled at ________________________, and that is why I should be chosen for this post.

Please find attached to this letter my resume which includes the various other qualifications that I have for your perusal. Also, Send Opine me detail for the Necessary detail required for a visa and work in your Country.

I look forward to hearing your positive response.

Letter Template: 5

I have accepted a job with the ______ and will need a visa that will allow me to work in your country for XX months.

I have little idea about the Process of a Visa. Please send me any pertinent information and application forms for securing the visa. In addition, please inform me if there are any steps I can take to expedite the process.

Awaiting your reply. Thank you for your help.

Your name Australia

Letter Template: 6

With a lot of excitement and gratitude, I want to share that I have been selected for the role of _____ in a very esteemed organization and I have accepted the offer as well. I am willing to start my new journey as soon as possible and would like to know about the Visa procedure for the same.

I would request you to share the procedure along with the required documents in your country. Hoping to hear back from you soon.

Letter Template: 7

Hoping everything is well at your end.

The last few days have been a roller-coaster, and I would like to share the news of my employment in your country. I have been offered a role by a very great organization, and they wish I join the team as soon as possible.

I would like to know what will be the procedure for Visa for me and my family as I wish to bring them along with me for this very new experience.

Kindly let me know about the visa procedure for the working personnel and the family that accompanies along. I would also like to let you know that we have our documents ready and would be happy to present them during a visa appointment.

Awaiting your response.

Letter Template: 8

Dear Officer,

After a lot of hard work and luck, I am very grateful that I have been offered my dream role by an organization in your country named ______. This is a contract role for 24 months, and I would be expected to join in the next 60 days.

I would like to know about the legal formalities involved in this process and what documents will be required for my work visa. Please find my offer letter provided by the company in the attachment for any other details that you might be interested in.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Letter Template: 9

Application Letter for Visa

[Mention the name of the company],

As I have been transferred to [mention the name of the city] for [mention a duration], I would be required a visa for that purpose and I don’t know anything about this topic.

As it has always been my dream to have a work experience in [mention the name of the place or the city] and now getting transferred there is like a dream come true. As I am a fresher in [mention the name of the company] and also it would be my first time going to some other place not only for work purposes but also for the first time in my whole life so I don’t have any idea about the procedure. 

As you can already see, due to this reason, I don’t have any idea about how to apply for a visa or how to get one. Please let me know what things I am required to do, the important documents that I have to submit, and everything else. It would be great if you can share each and every detail of the procedure with me so that it becomes easy for me to get a visa as soon as possible. 

Right now only I would be moving out to [mention the name of the place] for work purposes but after [mention a duration] my mother and younger brother will also join me. It would be great if you can share details about how to get their visas too. My mother’s age is [mention the age] and my younger brother is only [mention the age] years old. 

I would be very thankful to you if you go through this letter and help me out with my visa application process so that I can spend some beautiful time in [mention the name of a place]. I will be eagerly waiting for your response about this matter. Have a great day. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

[Sender’s name]

Letter Template: 10

Cover Letter for Visa

[Enter the name of the sender],

As I got transferred to [ mention the name of a city] on [mention the date] and I have to shift thereby [mention a date] which is not so far and as per the rules I have to get a visa to shift there due to work purposes.

Many people dream of working [mention the name of the place] and only a few get the chance to work there I am extremely grateful to be one of them who got the chance to work there. But as it will be my first time moving out to another country for work purposes and I will need a visa for that, but as I don’t know anything about the process for applying for a visa, it would be very helpful to me if you enlighten me on this process. 

Please send me all the details that are required for this process so it becomes easy for me to apply for the visa. At this moment, only I will be moving out there but after I have completely settled down there, my wife and my son will also join me.

It would be great if you can share the details of how to apply for their visas too when the time comes, as I will not be around to guide them throughout the whole procedure. One more important thing is that I need to report there before [mention a date from when you will join the office], so it would be great if you can help me as soon as possible.

I would be very thankful to you if you go through this letter and help me out. Please write back to me explaining the whole procedure so that I can apply for my visa as soon as possible and shift to [mention the name of the place] and start pursuing my dreams. Have a great day. Thank you in advance and I hope you will reach out to me soon.

Yours truly,

[Mention the name of the sender]

Letter Template: 11

[Mention the name of the reader],

Respected sir/ma’am, as I have been offered a job in [mention the name of the company] which is located in [mention the name of the place], I will have to move out for work purposes, and for that I am required to have a visa.

I will be moving to [mention the name of the place] with my whole family, that includes my wife of [mention the age of the wife], my son of [mention the age of the son], my daughter of [mention the age of the daughter] and my mother who is a senior citizen of [mention the age of the mother above 65 years] years old.

I need to apply for a visa for them too. As I don’t have any idea about how to get a visa or apply for one, I would be very grateful to you if you can help me with the whole process. Please let me know what are documents required for this process for each and every one of us and also whom we have to contact for further process.

Please send each and every single detail about the procedure about what are the documents required, how many copies of photos we need for each one of us and every other important thing. 

I have always dreamt of working abroad and getting a job in [mention the name of a place] is like my dream come true. My family is also very excited to move there and have a new start in a new place.

As I have to join the office there in [mention the name of the place], I would be very thankful to you if you can share the details with me as soon as possible so that I can get started with the process soon. Eagerly waiting for your response. I am advance thankfully to you for helping me out. Have a great day.

[Mention the same of the sender]

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Cover Letter For Schengen Visa: How To Write & Template

Last Updated : 03 Apr 2024

Atlys in the news

Last Updated : 03 Apr 2024 at

30-Second Summary

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must submit several documents, including a Schengen Visa Cover Letter.

Your Schengen visa cover letter should include: contact information, recipient's details & introduction and purpose.

A well-written covering letter can significantly improve your application's chances of approval.

This post will provide a template and tips to help you get started.

You may need to apply for a Schengen Visa if planning a European trip. This type of visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

What Is A Cover Letter For Schengen Visa?

A letter that you write and send with your other Schengen Visa application to the Schengen Embassy or Consulate is known as a "Schengen Visa Cover Letter" (or "Covering Letter").

The letter should give more details about the reason for your vacation and your plans to return to your home country.

The letter serves as your introduction by giving the consular staff at the Embassy/Consulate a quick rundown of your travel history (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.).

So, in short, your cover letter for Schengen visa serves as a brief description of your Schengen Visa application.

Template Of A Cover Letter (Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample)

July 19, 2022

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF DENMARK

3200 Whitehaven St. NW

Washington, DC 20008

United States of America

Subject: John XXXXXXX, US Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Tourism

Dear Sir/Madam,

I intend to visit Denmark between November 9 and November 28, 2022; hence, I must apply for a Schengen visa.

My primary motivation for travelling is to ski in Denmark and go sightseeing. In addition, I am eager to sample the world-famous Denmark cuisine, travel to other lovely Denmark locations, and learn more about Denmark's culture and way of life.

Since June 2018, I have worked at [name of employer] at [address of company] in the role of [your position title]. Therefore, my leave of absence from work for this trip has already been accepted by my company.

Here is a list of documentation that supports my Schengen Visa application:

• Visa application form, duly dated and signed with attached passport-size pictures
• Passport, showing my travel experience
• Travel Insurance , coverage of €30,000
• E-ticket reservation for my flight via Emirates for New York – Copenhagen – New York [November 9-November 28, 2022]
• Hotel reservationsfor our holidays in Norway and Germany
• Employment and leave records that list my planned return date to work and any permitted leaves
• Bank statements of Payslips and savings account as evidence of my earnings.
• Proof that I will conduct tourism activities in the form of reservation tickets for my stay in Denmark and bookings in Norway and Germany

Please also find additional information that proves I will be returning to the United States:

• Copies of my marriage and birth certificates proving that I have a spouse and children in the US
• A copy of the title deed to a property that I own
• An employment letter from my employer

Planned Itinerary:

• November 9, 2022 – Flight from New York to Copenhagen via [Flight number]
• November 10, 2022 – Travel to Hedelands Ski Center (I will be staying here for a week)
• November 18, 2022 – Travel To Marvik and stay there for 4 days
• November 22, 2022 – Travel from Marvik to Frankfurt
• November 28, 2022 – Flight back to New York from Frankfurt

I'm confident you'll discover everything is in order. Don't hesitate to contact me anytime if you have any queries or need clarifications.

I thank you in advance for a favourable reply to my application.

"Your Name And Surname""Your Address", United States

Why Do I Need A Cover Letter?

Writing a cover letter for Schengen visa is crucial to communicating with the embassy official handling your visa application.

Sometimes you'll have no opportunities to speak to the visa authorities and provide your details. This is due too many embassies employing the VFS services to collect paperwork and deliver the applicant's passport.

Therefore, writing a Schengen visa application cover letter explaining things for you is highly advised because immigration officers base their judgments on the documents you provide.

Why Is A Cover Letter Important?

The Schengen visa application cover letter is crucial to your application since it lets you identify yourself and explain why you travel. Therefore, let me explain why a Cover Letter can determine the outcome of your Schengen Visa application:

Provide Information That Other Documents Can't Provide

Most documents you must present are official records, making it difficult to show your previous travels clearly.

In other words, your visa application cover letter is the only document that can genuinely tell a tale.

Because the Embassy/Consulate officers can grasp who you are and why you need a visa, telling a narrative can be a powerful communication technique.

Speeds Up The Application Process

Each week, hundreds of applications are sent to embassies and consulates.

Sometimes, those in charge of processing a cover letter lack the time and patience to thoroughly examine each visa applicant's file to establish the reason for the trip and the will to return to their country of residency.

This is not to say that they do not thoroughly review your documents. Still, they usually do so to see if they demonstrate consistency.

Therefore, a perfect cover letter will make things easier for them and ensure a fasterS chengen Visa processing time.

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

To create a compelling Schengen Visa cover letter, focus on details and persuasion. Convince Embassy/Consular personnel of your eligibility for the visa, highlighting the purpose of your travel.

In this post, we'll share key tips for a standout Schengen Visa application, ensuring success and faster processing. But first, let's discuss essential content for your Schengen visa cover letter.

The purpose of your visit to the concerned Schengen Country.

The days you intend to arrive and leave the nation (flight reservations).

A thorough schedule of your activities within the Schengen Area.

Evidence that you have the resources to support yourself.

Wherever you intend to stay.

Additional Schengen-member countries you intend to visit (if applicable).

If you have a sponsor for your trip, describe your relationship with them and how they will help you (if applicable).

If you cannot submit any required documents, explain why and what substitute documents you provided.

Any additional information you deem pertinent.

If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry.

You can demonstrate the reason for your journey with the supporting/required documentation.

Important Notes For The Perfect Cover Letter

My previous Schengen Visa application was rejected despite providing all the required details. After numerous emails to the Embassy, I discovered how to make your Schengen Visa Cover Letter flawless.

To avoid lengthy email exchanges, include the following in your cover letter:

Information Proving You're Only Going For Tourism

First, ensure you demonstrate your tourism intent with a detailed travel itinerary. Your visa application cover letter should also include the following :

General tourist attraction reservation tickets (a boat cruise, museum, or festival tickets).

Describe that you are travelling to go sightseeing. Include the names of the places you plan to visit with the exact dates.

Compelling Information That Proves The Reason To Travel Back To The US

You must present proof and include information that shows you plan to travel back to the US (or your home country). Compelling information would include:

An affidavit stating you will return to the US due to business activities.

Copies of your marriage and birth certificates are acceptable proof that you are abandoning your spouse and children in the US.

Copies of your bank statements demonstrating that you have accounts in the US.

A round-trip, fully paid flight to and from the United States.

Showing Evidence Of Property In Your Home Country

Before submitting your cover letter for Schengen visa, ensure you demonstrate your intent to return home to a property or residence in the US. Here's a list of visa application documents that prove your US property ownership:

A copy of the title deed to a property that you own.

Copy of your lease agreement.

A affidavit from a relative or friend stating that you live with them.

Evidence Of Employment In The US

Lastly, include proof of US employment in your Schengen Visa Cover Letter to assure officials of your intention to return to your job, not seek work in the Schengen Area. Here's a list of visa application documents for proof of employment:

A written affidavit by your employer stating you work for them.

Ane mployment letter.

Bank statements prove you have a monthly income from a company located in the US.

The most crucial part is to include hard copies of these documents when submitting your Schengen Visa application. These documents will be substantial evidence to prove you will be returning to the US.

Other Types Of Visa Letters

Now that we've covered the important information about the cover letter for Schengen tourist visa, I will explain the cover letters for the different types of short-stay visas.

Medical Visa Cover Letter

Your doctor must prepare the visa application cover letter on your behalf if you are visiting a Schengen nation for medical care. Your Schengen Medical Visa Cover Letter must include the following information :

Your diagnosis.

Medical history.

The suggested course of therapy for you in the Schengen nation, including its length.

Business Visa Cover Letter

The first thing you should note about the Schengen business visa cover letter is that your employer writes this letter.

It is more or less the same as the Tourist Visa Cover Letter. Still, here, your employer must state the purpose of your trip and confirm that you are completing business-related duties on their behalf.

Please remember that the Business Visa Cover Letter must be written on your company's letterhead.

Sponsorship Letter

When you (the applicant) won't pay for your travel overseas, you'll need a Schengen visa sponsor letter from the person who will. This letter must be signed by that individual (the sponsor).

It's a crucial document demonstrating you have the resources to support yourself on your journey (for expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc.).

Invitation Letter

An invitation letter for a Schengen Visa often states that you have been invited by someone or some other body who lives in the Schengen Area (or abroad).

For instance:

Suppose you want to visit a friend or family who lives in the Schengen Area. In that case, you must show them an invitation letter for a Schengen Visa that the resident (your friend or family member) of theS chengen Areap repared.

Where Should I Submit My Cover Letter?

Now that we've covered how you must write a Schengen Visa Cover Letter, you're probably wondering where you must submit your cover letter for visa application. Here's a list of ways you can submit your Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

A Consulate or Embassy of the Schengen nation you are travelling to.

If the country you wish to visit does not have diplomatic representation in your country of residency, contact the Embassy or Consulate of another Schengen Country.

A company that handles visa applications on behalf of the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen Country you are visiting.

The Most Common Schengen Visa Cover Letter Mistakes

It's crucial that you understand the mistakes people make on their Schengen Visa Cover Letters.

Here is a list of the most common mistakes people make when writing their Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

Not Explaining The Purpose Of Your Trip

Effective logical reasoning is essential alongside your cover letter and Embassy/Consulate interview. Articulate your motivation for visiting the Schengen Area and your commitment to returning home.

When explaining your plans to return, avoid vague statements like, "I will return to my country of residence since I cannot stay in the Schengen Region." Instead, specify a clear date, such as, "I will return to my country on November 28 as my employer allows a maximum of 4 weeks off."

Providing Duplicate Information

Include unique trip details in your cover letter, avoiding redundant information like, "I will be travelling to Norway between November 9, 2022, and November 28, 2022, and I will be staying in Hotel Clarion at 20 Ellehammersvej, Copenhagen," when applying for a tourist visa.

While this information is essential, Embassy/Consulate officers can verify trip specifics through reservations. Maintain a professional tone, but aim to tell a compelling story in your cover letter for visa application.

Your covering letter should include information regarding your trip that is not included in your other documents.

Submitting A Cover Letter With Spelling Mistakes

While Embassy/Consulate officials understand minor language errors, excessive spelling and formatting issues in your cover letter can convey a lack of care and respect for the application process.

Pay meticulous attention to spelling, grammar, capitalization, and structure to appear credible and dedicated. Attending to these details shows you as a well-organized, responsible applicant committed to the visa application process.

Not Presenting A List Of The Required Documents

Specify the document order for your application systematically.

Begin with the universal requirements (visa application form, passport, insurance, etc.), followed by trip-specific documents (hotel and flight reservations, travel itinerary for tourist visas), and finally, documents based on your circumstances (e.g., employment contract, No Objection Certificate (NOC)).

Information Is Not Corresponding With Other Documents

The specifics and justifications in your cover letter for visa application must correspond to the data and supporting documentation in all other documents you submit.

You risk denying the entire application if you make a statement in your letter that conflicts with or is out of alignment with the documentation you submit to the Embassy or Consulate.

You Can Now Officially Write A Perfect Cover Letter

No matter the Schengen Visa you want to apply for, you can create your visa letter easily after reading this page. Please remember that you can use the sample visa letters as a template.

It would be ideal if you customized it, though. Nevertheless, you are now fully knowledgeable about writing a letter to embassy for visa request.

Remember if you need a visa consider AtlysBlack to apply for your Schengen visa. AtlysBlack offers expedited visa appointments and end-to-end management ensuring you don't have to worry about anything.

Government Sources

Our information is sourced directly from government authorities, ensuring reliability. We utilize AI to simplify complex concepts for clarity, and our dedicated team rigorously verifies all details for accuracy. Rest assured, the information you discover here is dependable, as we exclusively rely on trusted sources.

Travel.State.GOV

German mission in US

Frequently Asked Questions

You are permitted to travel to the following European countries with your Schengen Visa:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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Writing Cover Letters For A Career Change: Tips And Examples

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Embarking on a career change is a pivotal moment, fraught with uncertainty but brimming with potential. And especially in cases where your resume might not directly align with the job at hand, your cover letter becomes the narrative that connects the dots. A well-crafted cover can illuminate your strengths, align your past experiences with your future aspirations, and persuade potential employers to see the value you bring.

The Importance Of A Cover Letter In Career Changes

In career transitions, your cover letter is your storyteller. It explains the why and the how of your career change, showcasing your enthusiasm and demonstrating how your background equips you with unique perspectives and transferable skills. It addresses potential concerns about your career shift head-on, presenting your transition as an asset rather than a liability.

Tips For Writing A Career Change Cover Letter

1. Personalize Your Approach : Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible. Doing so demonstrates attention to detail and a genuine interest in the position. You want to show that you’re not conducting a generic job search, but that you’ve done your research. You’ve perused (not skimmed) the company website and you read that 20-page yearly report from the CEO. You’ve even read their blog and can quote freely from it. You’ve educated yourself.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills : Highlight the skills and experiences from your previous roles that are relevant to the new position. Be specific and quantify achievements where possible.

3. Show Enthusiasm and Commitment : Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in the new field. Express your passion for the career change and your eagerness to contribute.

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4. Tailor Your Narrative : Connect your past experiences to the job you're applying for, demonstrating how your unique background can bring a fresh perspective to the role.

5. Address Potential Concerns : Be upfront about your career change, framing it as a positive decision guided by clear motivation and a strong understanding of the new field.

6. End with a Strong Call to Action : Conclude by expressing your desire to discuss your application further in an interview, showing proactivity and determination.

7. Use Strategic Language : Avoid clichéd adjectives. Opt for vivid, specific language that paints a clear picture of your capabilities and achievements.

Example: General Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company], transitioning from a career in [Current Industry] to [New Industry]. My experience in [Current Industry] has equipped me with valuable skills that I am eager to apply in [New Industry]. For instance, while working as [Previous Position], I developed a keen ability to [transferable skill], resulting in [specific achievement].

In [Current Industry], I honed my skills in [relevant skill] and demonstrated my ability to [relevant achievement], directly benefiting my team by [specific outcome]. I am particularly drawn to [New Industry] because [reason for interest], and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my [specific skill] and [another skill] to the [Position] at [Company].

[Your Name]

Tweaks For Various Career Stages

Whether you are making a change early in your career or transitioning later, your cover letter should reflect your rationale and excitement for this new path.

Example: Early Career Cover Letter

As someone at the early stages of my career, I am eager to leverage the foundational skills I gained in [Initial Field], such as [specific skill], in [New Field]. My recent role as [Previous Position] allowed me to develop [relevant skills or experiences], which align closely with the requirements of the [Position] at [Company].

Example: Late Career Cover Letter

Transitioning into [New Field] at this point in my career is a deliberate and enthusiastic choice, driven by my deep-seated interest in [aspect of New Field]. With extensive experience in [Previous Field], I bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that can contribute to innovative solutions and strategies at [Company].

Tweaks For White And Blue-Collar Roles

Transitioning between white and blue-collar roles offers a unique opportunity to highlight diverse skills and experiences.

Example: White To Blue Collar Cover Letter

I am eager to apply the strategic and managerial skills honed in my white-collar career to the hands-on, dynamic environment of [Blue Collar Field]. My experience in [White Collar Role], where I developed [specific skills], aligns well with the challenges and responsibilities of the [Blue Collar Position] at [Company].

Example: Blue To White Collar Cover Letter

Transitioning from [Blue Collar Field] to [White Collar Field], I bring practical, on-the-ground experience that can inform and enhance the strategic decisions in [White Collar Role]. My background in [Blue Collar Role], where I mastered [specific skills], equips me with a unique perspective beneficial for the [White Collar Position] at [Company].

Including A Career Change Statement On Your Resume/CV

While your cover letter is the ideal place to elaborate on your career change, your resume/CV should also reflect this transition. A brief career change statement, positioned at the beginning of your resume, can effectively set the context for your career narrative. This statement should succinctly convey your transition, emphasizing your commitment to the new field and highlighting any transferable skills or relevant experiences.

How To Craft A Career Change Statement For Your Resume

1. Objective Statement : Begin with a clear, concise objective that outlines your career goals and demonstrates your enthusiasm for your new field.

2. Summary of Qualifications : Follow your objective with a brief summary of your most relevant qualifications, focusing on skills and experiences that transition well into your new career.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills : Clearly identify and emphasize any skills from your previous career that are pertinent to your new path. This not only demonstrates your capability but also shows your proactive approach in aligning your skill set with the new role's requirements.

4. Tailor Your Experience : Adjust the descriptions of your past positions to highlight the responsibilities and achievements most relevant to your desired career path. Use quantifiable achievements to underscore your adaptability and impact.

5. Education and Training : If you have pursued any education or training relevant to your new field, highlight this prominently on your resume to illustrate your dedication and commitment to your career change.

Make Your Language Unique

To avoid sounding like everyone else, remember to use distinctive and precise adjectives in your cover letter and resume. For instance:

• Instead of "experienced," try "seasoned" or "accomplished," providing specific examples that demonstrate this experience, like spearheading a successful project or leading a team to exceed its targets.
• Replace "passionate" with "enthused" or "committed," detailing a project or initiative you pursued with zeal, which can resonate more authentically with hiring managers.
• Substitute "results-driven" with "outcome-focused," illustrating this with a particular scenario where your focus on results led to tangible success for your organization.

Your cover letter and resume are your advocates, narrating your professional journey and articulating why you are not just seeking a new job, but embarking on a new career with purpose and passion. By carefully crafting these documents to reflect your individual story, you position yourself as a memorable and compelling candidate, someone who stands out from the crowd.

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I invest on behalf of my clients.

I consult or invest on behalf of a financial institution.

I want to learn more about BlackRock.

Larry Fink’s 2024 Annual Chairman’s Letter to Investors

Time to rethink retirement.

When my mom passed away in 2012, my dad started to decline quickly, and my brother and I had to go through my parents’ bills and finances.

Both my mom and dad worked great jobs for 50 years, but they were never in the top tax bracket. My mom taught English at the local state college (Cal Northridge), and my dad owned a shoe store.

I don’t know exactly how much they made every year, but in today’s dollars, it was probably not more than $150,000 as a couple. So, my brother and I were surprised when we saw the size of our parents' retirement savings. It was an order of magnitude bigger than you’d expect for a couple making their income. And when we finished going over their estate, we learned why: My parents' investments.

My dad had always been an enthusiastic investor. He encouraged me to buy my first stock (the DuPont chemical company) as a teenager. My dad invested because he knew that whatever money he put in the bond or stock markets would likely grow faster than in the bank. And he was right.

I went back and did the math. If my parents had $1,000 to invest in 1960, and they put that money in the S&P 500, then by the time they’d reached retirement age in 1990, the $1,000 would be worth nearly $20,000. 1 That’s more than double what they would have earned if they’d just put the money in a bank account. My dad passed away a few months after my mom, in his late 80s. But both my parents could have lived beyond 100 and comfortably afforded it.

Why am I writing about my parents? Because going over their finances showed me something about my own career in finance. I had been working at BlackRock for almost 25 years by the time I lost my mom and dad, but the experience reminded me — in a new and very personal way — why my business partners and I founded BlackRock in the first place.

Obviously, we were ambitious entrepreneurs, and we wanted to build a big, successful company. But we also wanted to help people retire like my parents did. That’s why we started an asset manager — a company that helps people invest in the capital markets — because we believed participating in those markets was going to be crucial for people who wanted to retire comfortably and financially secure.

We also believed the capital markets would become a bigger and bigger part of the global economy. If more people could invest in the capital markets, it would create a virtuous economic cycle, fueling growth for companies and countries, which would, in turn, generate wealth for millions more people.

My parents lived their final years with dignity and financial freedom. Most people don’t have that chance. But they can. The same kinds of markets that helped my parents in their time can help others in our time.  Indeed, I think the growth- and prosperity-generating power of the   capital markets will remain a dominant economic trend through the rest of the 21 st  Century.

This letter attempts to explain why.

I had been working at BlackRock for almost 25 years by the time I lost my mom and dad, but the experience reminded me — in a new and very personal way — why my business partners and I founded BlackRock in the first place.

A brief (and admittedly incomplete) history of U.S. capital markets

In finance, there are two basic ways to get or grow money.

One is the bank, which is what most people historically relied on. They deposited their savings to earn interest or took out loans to buy a home or expand their business. But over time a second avenue for financing arose, particularly in the U.S., with the growth of the capital markets: Publicly traded stocks, bonds, and other securities.

I saw this firsthand in the late 1970s and early 1980s when I played a role in the creation of the securitization market for mortgages.

Before the 1970s, most people secured financing for their homes the same way they did in the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life — through the Building & Loan (B&L). Customers deposited their savings into the B&L, which was essentially a bank. Then that bank would turn around and lend out those savings in the form of mortgages.

In the movie — and in real life — everything works fine until people start lining up at the bank’s front door asking for their deposits back. As Jimmy Stewart explained in the film, the bank didn’t have their money. It was tied up in somebody else’s house.

After the Great Depression, B&Ls morphed into savings & loans (S&Ls), which had their own crisis in the 1980s. Approximately half of the outstanding home mortgages in the U.S. were held by S&Ls in 1980, and poor risk management and loose lending practices led to a raft of failures costing U.S. taxpayers more than $100 billion dollars. 2

But the S&L crisis didn’t cause the American economy lasting damage. Why? Because at the same time the S&Ls were collapsing another method of financing was getting stronger. The capital markets were providing an avenue to channel capital back to challenged real estate markets.

This was mortgage securitization.

Securitization allowed banks not just to make mortgages but to sell them. By selling mortgages, banks could better manage risk on their balance sheets and have capital to lend to home buyers, which is why the S&L crisis didn’t severely impact American homeownership. 

Eventually, the excesses of mortgage securitization contributed to the crash in 2008, and unlike the S&L crisis, the Great Recession did harm home ownership in the U.S. The country still hasn’t fully recovered in that respect. But the broader underlying trend — the expansion of the capital markets — was still very helpful for the American economy.

In fact, it’s worth considering: Why did the U.S. rebound from 2008 faster than almost any other developed nation? 3

A big part of the answer is the country’s capital markets .

In Europe, where most assets were kept in banks, economies froze as banks were forced to shrink their balance sheets. Of course, U.S. banks had to tighten capital standards and pull back from lending as well. But because the U.S. had a more robust secondary pool of money – the capital markets — the nation was able to recover much more quickly.

Today public equities and bonds provide over 70% of financing for non-financial corporations in the U.S. – more than any other country in the world. In China, for example, the bank-to-capital market ratio is almost flipped. Chinese companies rely on bank loans for 65% of their financing. 4

In my opinion, this is the most important lesson in recent economic history:  Countries aiming for prosperity don’t just need strong banking systems — they also need strong capital markets.

That lesson is now spreading around the world.

Replicating the success of America’s capital markets

Last year, I spent a lot of days on the road, logging visits to 17 different countries. I met with clients and employees. I also met with many policymakers and heads of state, and during those meetings, the most frequent conversation I had was about the capital markets.

More and more countries recognize the power of American capital markets and want to build their own.

Of course, many countries do have capital markets already. There are something like 80 stock exchanges around the world, everywhere from Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg. 5  But most of these are rather small, with little investment. They’re not as robust as the markets in the U.S., and that’s what other nations are increasingly looking for.

In Saudi Arabia, for example, the government is interested in building a market for mortgage securitization, while Japan and India want to give people new places to put their savings. Today, in Japan, it’s mostly the bank. In India, it’s often in gold.

When I visited India in November, I met policymakers who lamented their fellow citizens’ fondness for gold. The commodity has underperformed the Indian stock market, proving a subpar investment for individual investors. Nor has investing in gold helped the country’s economy.

Compare investing in gold with, let’s say, investing in a new house. When you buy a home, that creates an economic multiplier effect because you need to furnish and repair the house. Maybe you have a family and fill the house with children. All that generates economic activity. Even when someone puts their money in a bank, there’s a multiplier effect because the bank can use that money to fund a mortgage. But gold? It just sits in a safe. It can be a good store of value, but gold doesn’t generate economic growth.

This is a small illustration — but a good one — of what countries want to accomplish with robust capital markets. (Or rather, of what they  can’t accomplish without them.)

Despite the anti-capitalist strain in our modern politics, most world leaders still see the obvious: No other force can lift more people from poverty or improve quality of life quite like capitalism. No other economic model can help us achieve our highest hopes for financial freedom — whether we want it for ourselves or our country.

That’s why the capital markets will be key to addressing two of the mid-21 st Century’s biggest economic challenges.

• The first is providing people what my parents built over time — a secure, well-earned retirement. This is a much harder proposition than it was 30 years ago. And it’ll be a much harder proposition 30 years from now . People are living longer lives. They’ll need more money. The capital markets can provide it — so long as governments and companies help people invest.
• A second challenge is infrastructure. How are we going to build the massive amount the world needs? As countries decarbonize and digitize their economies, they’re supercharging demand for all sorts of infrastructure, from telecom networks to new ways to generate power. In fact, in my nearly 50 years in finance, I’ve never seen more demand for energy infrastructure. And that’s because many countries have twin aims: They want to transition to lower-carbon sources of power while also achieving energy security. The capital markets can help countries meet their energy goals, including decarbonization, in an affordable way.

[Retirement] is a much harder proposition than it was 30 years ago. And it’ll be a much harder proposition 30 years from now .

Asking the old age question: How do we afford longer lives?

Last year, Japan passed a demographic milestone. The country’s population has been aging since the early 1990s as the pool of working-age people has shrunk and the number of elderly has risen. But 2023 was the first time that 10% of their people exceeded 80 years old, 6 making Japan the “oldest country in the world” according to the United Nations. 7

This is part of the reason the Japanese government is making a push for retirement investment.

Most Japanese keep the bulk of their retirement savings in banks, earning a low interest rate. It wasn’t such a bad strategy when Japan was suffering from deflation, but now the country’s economy has turned around, with the NIKKEI surging past 40,000 for the first time this month (March 2024). 8

Most aspiring retirees are missing out on the upswing. The country didn’t have anything resembling a 401(k) program until 2001, but even then, the amount of income people could contribute was quite low. So a decade ago, the government launched the Nippon Individual Savings Accounts (NISA) to encourage people to invest even more in retirement. Now they’re trying to double NISA’s enrollment. The goal is 34 million Japanese investors before the end of the decade. 9 It will require the Japanese government to expand their capital markets, which historically had very little retail participation.

Japan isn’t alone in helping more of its citizens invest for retirement. BlackRock has a joint venture — Jio BlackRock — with Jio Financial Services, an affiliate of India’s Reliance Industries. Over the past 10 years, India has built a huge digital public infrastructure network that connects nearly one billion Indians to everything from healthcare to government payments via their smartphones. Jio BlackRock’s goal is to use the same infrastructure to deliver retirement investing (and more).

After all, India is aging, too. The whole world is, albeit at different speeds. Brazil will start seeing more people leave its workforce than enter it by 2035; Mexico will reach peak workforce by 2040; India sometime around 2050.

As populations age, building retirement savings has never been more urgent

Source: Working-age population (ages 15-64): UN “medium trend 10

By the mid-century mark, one-in-six people globally will be over the age of 65, up from one-in-11 in 2019. 11 To support them, governments are going to have to prioritize building out robust capital markets like the U.S. has.

But this isn’t to say the U.S. retirement system is perfect. I’m not sure anybody believes that. The retirement system in America needs modernizing, at the very least.

Rethinking retirement in the United States

This was particularly clear last year as the biotech industry pumped out a rush of new, life-extending drugs. Obesity, for example, can take more than 10 years off someone’s life expectancy, which is why some researchers think that new pharmaceuticals like Ozempic and Wegovy can be life-extending drugs, not just weight-loss drugs. 12 In fact, a recent study shows that semaglutide, the generic name for Ozempic, can give people with cardiovascular disease an extra two years of life where they don’t suffer a major condition like a heart attack. 13

We focus a tremendous amount of energy on helping people live longer lives. But not even a fraction of that effort is spent helping people afford those extra years.

These drugs are breakthroughs. But they underscore a frustrating irony: As a society, we focus a tremendous amount of energy on helping people live longer lives. But not even a fraction of that effort is spent helping people afford those extra years.

It wasn’t always this way. One reason my parents had a financially secure retirement was CalPERS, California’s state pension system. As a public university employee, my mom could enroll. But pension enrollment has been declining across the country since the 1980s. 14 Meanwhile the federal government has prioritized maintaining entitlement benefits for people my age (I’m 71) even though it might mean that Social Security will struggle to meet its full obligations when younger workers retire.

It’s no wonder younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z, are so economically anxious. They believe my generation — the Baby Boomers — have focused on their own financial well-being to the detriment of who comes next. And in the case of retirement, they’re right.

Today in America, the retirement message that the government and companies tell their workers is effectively: “You’re on your own.” And before my generation fully disappears from positions of corporate and political leadership, we have an obligation to change that.

Maybe once a decade, the U.S. faces a problem so big and urgent that government and corporate leaders stop business as usual. They step out of their silos and sit around the same table to find a solution. I participated in something like this after 2008, when the government needed to find a way to unwind the toxic assets from the mortgage crisis. More recently, tech CEOs and the federal government came together to address the fragility of America’s semiconductor supply chain. We need to do something similar for the retirement crisis. America needs an organized, high-level effort to ensure that future generations can live out their final years with dignity.

What should that national effort do? I don’t have all the answers. But what I do have is some data and the beginnings of a few ideas from BlackRock’s work. Because our core business is retirement.

More than half the assets BlackRock manages are for retirement. 15 We help about 35 million Americans invest for life after work, 16 which amounts to about a quarter of the country’s workers. 17 Many are educators like my mom was. BlackRock helps manage pension assets for roughly half of U.S. public school teachers. 18 And this work — and our similar work around the globe — has given us some insight into how a national initiative to modernize retirement might begin.

We think the conversation starts by looking at the challenge through three different lenses. 

• What’s the issue from the perspective of a current worker , someone who’s still trying to save for retirement?
• What about someone who has already retired? We have to look at the problem from the retiree’s point of view­­­­­­­­­­ — an individual who has already saved enough to stop working but is worried the money will run out.
• But first it’s important to look at retirement in America like you’d look at a map of America — a high-level picture of the problem, the kind a national policymaker might look at. What’s the issue for the population as a whole? (It’s demographics.)

[Young people] believe my generation — the Baby Boomers — have focused on their own financial well-being to the detriment of who comes next. And in the case of retirement, they’re right.

The demographics don’t lie

There’s a popular saying in economics: “You just can’t fight demographics.” And yet, when it comes to retirement, the U.S. is trying anyway.

In wealthy countries, most retirement systems have three pillars. One is what people invest personally (my dad putting his money in the stock market). Another is the plans provided by employers (my mom’s CalPERS pension). A third component is what we hear politicians mostly talking about – the government safety net. In the U.S., this is Social Security.

You’re probably familiar with the economics behind Social Security. During your working years, the government takes a portion of your income, then after you retire, it sends you a check every month. The idea actually originates from pre-World War I Germany, and these “old-age insurance” programs gradually became popular over the 20 th Century largely because the demographics made sense.

Think about someone who was 65 years old in 1952, the year I was born. If he hadn’t retired already, that person was probably getting ready to stop working.

But now think about that person’s former colleagues, all the people around his age who he’d entered the workforce with back in the 1910s. The data shows that in 1952, most of those people were not preparing for retirement because they’d already passed away .

This is how the Social Security program functioned: More than half the people who worked and paid into the system never lived to retire and be paid from the system. 19

Today, these demographics have completely unraveled, and this unraveling is obviously a wonderful thing. We should want more people to live more years. But we can’t overlook the massive impact on the country’s retirement system.

It’s not just that more people are retiring in America; it’s also that their retirements are increasing in length. Today, if you’re married and both you and your spouse are over the age of 65, there’s a 50/50 chance at least one of you will be receiving a Social Security check until you’re 90. 20

All this is putting the U.S. retirement system under immense strain. The Social Security Administration itself says that by 2034, it won’t be able to pay people their full benefits. 21

What’s the solution here? No one should have to work longer than they want to. But I do think it’s a bit crazy that our anchor idea for the right retirement age — 65 years old — originates from the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Humanity has changed over the past 120 years. So must our conception of retirement.

One nation that’s rethought retirement is the Netherlands. In order to keep their state pension affordable, the Dutch decided more than 10 years ago to gradually raise the retirement age. It will now automatically adjust as the country’s life expectancy changes. 22

Obviously, implementing this policy elsewhere would be a massive political undertaking. But my point is that we should start having the conversation . When people are regularly living past 90, what should the average retirement age be?

Or rather than pushing back when people receive retirement benefits, perhaps there’s a more politically palatable idea: How do we encourage more people who wish to work longer with carrots rather than sticks? What if the government and the private sector treated 60-plus year-olds as late-career workers with much to offer rather than people who should retire?

One way Japan has managed its aging economy is by doing exactly this. They’ve found new ways to boost the labor force participation rate, a metric that has been declining in the U.S. since the early 2000s. 23 It’s worth asking: How can America stop (or at least, slow) that trend?

Again, I’m not pretending to have the answers. Despite BlackRock’s success helping millions retire, these questions are going to have to be posed to a broader range of investors, retirees, policymakers, and others. Over the next few months, BlackRock will be announcing a series of partnerships and initiatives to do just that, and I invite you to join us.

For workers, make investing (almost) automatic

When the U.S. Census Bureau released its regular survey of consumer finances in 2022, nearly half of Americans aged 55 to 65 reported not having a single dollar saved in personal retirement accounts. 24 Nothing in a pension. Zero in an IRA or 401(k).

Why? Well, the first barrier to retirement investing is affordability.

Four-in-10 Americans don’t have $400 to spare to cover an emergency like a car repair or hospital visit. 25 Who is going to invest money for a retirement 30 years away if they don’t have cash for today? No one. That’s why BlackRock’s foundation has worked with a group of nonprofits to set up an Emergency Savings Initiative. The program has helped mostly low-income Americans put away a total of $2 billion in new liquid savings. 26

Studies show that when people have emergency savings, they’re 70% more likely to invest for retirement. 27 But this is where workers run into another barrier: Investing is complex even if you can afford it.

No one is born a natural investor. It’s important to say that because sometimes in the financial services industry we imply the opposite. We make it seem like saving for retirement can be a simple task, something anyone can do with a bit of practice, like driving your car to work. Just grab your keys and hop in the driver’s seat. But financing retirement isn’t so intuitive. The better analogy is if someone dropped a bunch of engine and auto parts in your driveway and said, “Figure it out.”

At BlackRock, we’ve tried to make the investing process more intuitive by inventing simpler products like target date funds. They only require people to make one decision: What year do they expect to retire? Once people choose their “target date,” the fund automatically adjusts their portfolio, shifting from higher-return equities to less risky bonds as retirement approaches. 28

In 2023, BlackRock expanded the types of target date ETFs we offer so people can more easily buy them even if they don’t work for employers offering a retirement plan. There are 57 million people like this in America — farmers, gig workers, restaurant employees, independent contractors — who don’t have access to a defined contribution plan. 29 And while better investment products can help, there are limits to what something like a target date fund can do. Indeed, for most people, the data shows that the hardest part of retirement investing is just getting started.

Other nations make things simpler for their part-time and contract workers. In Australia, employers must contribute a portion of income for every worker between the ages of 18 and 70 into a retirement account, which then belongs to the employee. The Superannuation Guarantee was introduced in 1992 when the country seemed like it was on the path to a retirement crisis. Thirty-two years later, Australians likely have more retirement savings per capita than any other country. The nation has the world’s 54 th largest population, 30 but the 4 th largest retirement system. 31

Of course, every country is different, so every retirement system should be different. But Australia’s experience with Supers could be a good model for American policymakers to study and build on. Some already are. There are about 20 U.S. states — like Colorado and Virginia — that have instituted retirement systems to cover all workers like Australia does, even if they’re gig or part-time. 32

It’s a good thing that legislators are proposing different bills and states are becoming “laboratories of retirement.” More should consider it. The benefits could be enormous for individual retirees. These new programs could also help the U.S. ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security. That’s what Australia found — their Superannuation Guarantee relieved the financial tension in their country’s public pension program. 33

But what about workers who do have access to an employer retirement plan? They need support too.

Even among employees who have access to employer plans, 17% don’t enroll in them, and the hypothesis among retirement experts is this is not a conscious choice. People are just busy.

It sounds trivial, but even the hour or so it takes someone to look through their work email inbox for the correct link to their company’s retirement system, and then select the percentage of their income they want to contribute can be the unclearable hurdle. That’s why companies should make a conscious effort to look at what their default option is. Are people automatically enrolled in a plan or not? And how much are they auto-enrolled to contribute? Is it a minimum percentage of their income? Or the maximum?

In 2017, the University of Chicago economist Richard Thaler won the Nobel Prize, in part, for his pioneering work around “nudges” — small changes in policy that can have enormous impact in people’s financial lives. Auto-enrollment is one of them. Studies show that the simple step of making enrollment automatic increases retirement plan participation by nearly 50%. 34

As a nation, we should do everything we can to make retirement investing more automatic for workers. And there are already bright spots. Next year, a new federal law will kick in, requiring employers that set up new 401(k) plans to auto-enroll their new workers. Plus, there are hundreds of major companies (including BlackRock) that have already taken this step voluntarily.

But firms can do even more to improve their employee’s financial lives, such as providing some level of matching funds for retirement plans and offering more financial education on the tremendous long-term difference between contributing a small percentage of your income to retirement versus the maximum. I also think we should make it easier for workers to transfer their 401(k) savings when they switch jobs. There is a menu of options here, and we need to explore all of them.

For retirees, help them spend what they saved

In 2018, BlackRock commissioned a study of 1,150 American retirees. When we dug into the data, we found something unexpected — even paradoxical.

The survey showed that after nearly two decades of retirement, the average person still had 80% of their pre-retirement money saved. We’re talking about people who were probably between the ages of 75 and 95. If they had invested for retirement, they were likely sitting on more than enough money for the rest of their lives. And yet the data also showed that they were anxious about their finances. Only 32% reported feeling comfortable about spending what they saved. 35

This retirement paradox has a simple explanation: Even people who know how to save for retirement still don’t know how to spend for it.

In the U.S., this problem’s roots stretch back more than four decades when employers began switching from defined benefit plans — pensions — to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s.

In a lot of ways, pensions were much simpler than the 401(k). You had a job somewhere for 20 or 30 years. Then when you retired, your pension paid you a set amount — a defined benefit — every month.

When I entered the workforce in the 1970s, 38% of Americans had one of these defined benefit plans, but by 2008 the percentage had been cut almost in half. 36 Meanwhile, the fraction of Americans with defined contribution plans almost quadrupled. 37

This should have been a good thing. Beginning with the Baby Boomers, fewer and fewer workers spent their entire careers in one place, meaning they needed a retirement option that would follow them from job to job. In theory, 401(k)s did that. But in practice? Not really.

Anyone who’s switched jobs knows how unintuitive it is to transfer your retirement savings. In fact, studies show that about 40% of employees cash out their 401(k)s when they switch jobs, putting themselves back at the starting line for retirement savings. 38

The real drawback of defined contribution was that it removed most of the retirement responsibility from employers and put it squarely on the shoulders of the employees themselves. With pensions, companies had a very clear obligation to their workers. Their retirement money was a financial liability on the corporate balance sheet. Companies knew they’d have to write a check every month to each one of their retirees. But defined contribution plans ended that, forcing retirees to trade a steady stream of income for an impossible math problem.

Because most defined contribution accounts don’t come with instructions for how much you can take out every month, individual savers first must build up a nest-egg, then spend down at a rate that will last them the rest of their lives. But who really knows how long that will be?

Put simply, the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution has been, for most people, a shift from financial certainty to financial un certainty .

That’s why around the same time we saw the data that retirees were nervous about spending their savings, we started wondering: Was there something we can do about it? Could we develop an investment strategy that provided the flexibility of a 401(k) investment but also the potential for a predictable, paycheck-like income stream, similar to a pension?

It turns out, we could. That strategy is called LifePath Paycheck™, which will go live in April. As I write this, 14 retirement plan sponsors are planning to make LifePath Paycheck™ available to 500,000 employees. I believe it will one day be the most used investment strategy in defined contribution plans.

We’re talking about a revolution in retirement. And while it may happen in the U.S. first, eventually other countries will benefit from the innovation as well. At least, that is my hope. Because while retirement is mainly a saving challenge, the data is clear: It’s a spending one too.

Fear vs. hope

Before I conclude this section on retirement, I want to share a few words about one of the largest barriers to investing for the future. In my view, it’s not just affordability or complexity or the fact that people are too busy to enroll in their employer’s plan.

Arguably the biggest barrier to investing for retirement — or for anything — is fear.

In finance, we sometimes think of “fear” as a fuzzy, emotional concept — not as a hard economic data point. But that’s what it is. Fear is as important and actionable a metric as GDP. After all, investment (or lack thereof) is just a measure of fear because no one lets their money sit in a stock or a bond for 30 or 40 years if they’re afraid the future is going to be worse than the present. That’s when they put their money in a bank. Or underneath the mattress.

This is what happens in many countries. In China, where new surveys show consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level in decades, household savings have reached their highest level on record — nearly $20 trillion — according to the central bank. 39 China has a savings rate of about 30%. Nearly a third of all money earned is socked away in cash in case it’s needed for harder times ahead. The U.S., by comparison, has a savings rate in the single digits. 40

America has rarely been a fearful country. Hope has been the nation’s greatest economic asset. People put their money in American markets for the same reason they invest in their homes and businesses — because they believe this country will be better tomorrow than it is today.

This big, hopeful America has been the one I’ve known my whole life, but over the past few years, especially as I’ve had more grandchildren, I’ve started to ask myself: Will they know this version of America, too?

As I was finishing this letter, The Wall Street Journal published an article that caught my attention. It was titled “The Rough Years that Turned Gen Z into America’s Most Disillusioned Voters,” and it included some eye-catching — and really disheartening — data.

The article showed that from the mid-1990s through most of the early 21 st Century, most young people — around 60% of high school seniors, to be specific — believed they’d earn a professional degree, would land a good job, and go on to be wealthier than their parents. They were optimistic. But since the pandemic, that optimism has fallen precipitously.

Compared with 20 years ago, the current cohort of young Americans is 50% more likely to question whether life has a purpose. Four-in-10 say it’s “hard to have hope for the world.” 41

I’ve been working in finance for almost 50 years. I’ve seen a lot of numbers. But no single data point has ever concerned me more than this one.

The lack of hope worries me as a CEO. It worries me as a grandfather. But most of all, it worries me as an American.

If future generations don’t feel hopeful about this country and their future in it, then the U.S. doesn’t only lose the force that makes people want to invest. America will lose what makes it America. Without hope, we risk becoming just another place where people look at the incentive structure before them and decide that the safe choice is the only choice. We risk becoming a country where people keep their money under the mattress and their dreams bottled up in their bedroom.

How do we get our hope back?

Whether we’re trying to solve retirement or any other problem, that is the first question we have to ask, although I readily admit that I do not have the solution. I look at the state of America — and the world — and I am as answerless as everyone else. There’s so much anger and division, and I often struggle to wrap my head around it.

What I do know is that any answer has to start by bringing young people into the fold. The same surveys that show their lack of hope also show their lack of confidence — far less than any previous generation — in every pillar of society: In politics, government, the media, and in corporations. Leaders of these institutions (I am one) should be empathetic to their concerns.

Young people have lost trust in older generations. The burden is on us to get it back. And maybe investing for their long-term goals, including retirement, isn’t such a bad place to begin.

Perhaps the best way to start building hope is by telling young people, “You may not feel very hopeful about your future. But we do. And we’re going to help you invest in it.”

Young people have lost trust in older generations. The burden is on us to get it back. And maybe investing for their long-term goals, including retirement, isn’t such a bad place to begin.

The new infrastructure blueprint: Steel, concrete, and public-private partnership

I started traveling to London in the 1980s, and back then, if you had a choice between the city’s two major international airports — Heathrow or Gatwick — you probably chose Heathrow. Gatwick was farther from the city. It was also in a comparative state of disrepair.

But things changed in 2009 when Gatwick was purchased by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). They increased runway capacity and instituted commonsense changes, like oversized luggage trays that cut security screening times by more than half.

“The thing about infrastructure businesses... is a lot of them tend not to focus on customer service,” GIP’s CEO Bayo Ogunlesi told the Financial Times . GIP wanted to make Gatwick different. In the process, they also turned the airport into a prime example of how infrastructure will be built and run in the 21 st Century — with private capital. 42

In the U.S., people tend to think of infrastructure as a government endeavor, something built with taxpayer funds. But because of one very big reason that I’ll dive into momentarily, that won’t be the primary way infrastructure is built in the mid-21 st Century. Rather than only tapping government treasuries to build bridges, power grids, and airports, the world will do what Gatwick did.

The future of infrastructure is public-private partnership.

Debt matters

The $1 trillion infrastructure sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the private markets, and there are some undeniable macroeconomic trends driving this growth. In developing countries, people are getting richer, boosting demand for everything from energy to transportation while in wealthy countries, governments need to both build new infrastructure and repair the old.

Even in the U.S., where the Biden Administration has signed generational infrastructure investments into law, there’s still $2 trillion worth of deferred maintenance. 43

How will we pay for all this infrastructure? The reason I believe it’ll have to be some combination of public and private dollars is that funding probably cannot come from the government alone. The debt is just too high.

From Italy to South Africa, many nations are suffering the highest debt burdens in their history. Public debt has tripled since the mid-1970s, reaching 92% of global GDP in 2022. 44 And in America, the situation is more urgent than I can ever remember. Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. has issued roughly $11.1 trillion of new debt, and the amount is only part of the issue. 45 There’s also the interest rate the Treasury needs to pay on it.

Three years ago, the rate on a 10-year Treasury bill was under 1%. But as I write this, it’s over 4%, and that 3-percentage-point increase is very dangerous. Should the current rates hold, it amounts to an extra trillion dollars in interest payments over the next decade. 46

Why is this debt a problem now? Because historically, America has paid for old debt by issuing new debt in the form of Treasury securities. It’s a workable strategy so long as people want to buy those securities — but going forward, the U.S. cannot take for granted that investors will want to buy them in such volume or at the premium they currently do.

Today, around 30% of U.S. Treasury securities are held by foreign governments or investors. That percentage will likely go down as more countries build their own capital markets and invest domestically. 47

More leaders should pay attention to America’s snowballing debt. There’s a bad scenario where the American economy starts looking like Japan’s in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when debt exceeded GDP and led to periods of austerity and stagnation. A high-debt America would also be one where it’s much harder to fight inflation since monetary policymakers could not raise rates without dramatically adding to an already unsustainable debt-servicing bill.

But is a debt crisis inevitable? No.

While fiscal discipline can help tame debt on the margins, it will be very difficult (both politically and mathematically) to raise taxes or cut spending at the level America would need to dramatically reduce the debt. But there is another way out beyond taxing or cutting, and that’s growth. If U.S. GDP grows at an average of 3% (in real, not nominal terms) over the next five years, that would keep the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio at 120% – high, but reasonable.

I should be clear: 3% growth is a very tall order, especially given the country’s aging workforce. It will require policymakers to shift their focus. We can’t see debt as a problem that can be solved only through taxing and spending cuts anymore. Instead, America’s debt efforts have to center around pro-growth policies , which include tapping the capital markets to build one of the best catalysts for growth: Infrastructure. Especially energy infrastructure.

Energy pragmatism

Roads. Bridges. Ports. Airports. Cell towers. The infrastructure sector contains multitudes, but the multitude where BlackRock sees arguably the greatest demand for new investment is energy infrastructure.

Why energy? Two things are happening in the sector at the same time.

The first is the “energy transition.” It’s a mega force, a major economic trend being driven by nations representing 90% of the world’s GDP. 48 With wind and solar power now cheaper in many places than fossil-fuel-generated electricity, these countries are increasingly installing renewables. 49 It’s also a major way to address climate change. This shift – or energy transition – has created a ripple effect in the markets, creating both risks and opportunities for investors, including BlackRock’s clients.

I started writing about the transition in 2020. Since then, the issue has become more contentious in the U.S. But outside the debate, much is still the same. People are still investing heavily in decarbonization. In Europe, for example, net-zero remains a top investment priority for most of BlackRock’s clients. 50 But now the demand for clean energy is being amplified by something else: A focus on energy security.

Governments have been pursuing energy security since the oil crisis of the 1970s, (and probably as far back as the early Industrial Revolution), so this is not a new trend. In fact, when I wrote my original 2020 letter about sustainability, I also wrote to our clients that countries would still need to produce oil and gas to meet their energy needs. 

To be energy secure, I wrote, most parts of the globe would need “to rely on hydrocarbons for a number of years.” 51

I’m hearing more leaders talk about decarbonization and energy security together under the joint banner of what you might call “energy pragmatism.”

Then in 2022, Putin invaded Ukraine. The war lit a fresh spark under the idea of energy security. It disrupted the world’s supply of oil and gas causing massive energy inflation, particularly in Europe. The UK, Norway, and the 27 EU countries had to collectively spend 800 billion euros subsidizing energy bills. 52

This is part of the reason I’m hearing more leaders talk about decarbonization and energy security together under the joint banner of what you might call “energy pragmatism.”

Last year, as I mentioned, I visited 17 countries, and I spent a lot of time talking to the people who are responsible for powering homes and businesses, everybody from prime ministers to energy grid operators. The message I heard was completely opposite to what you often hear from activists on the far left and right who say that countries have to choose between renewables and oil and gas. These leaders believe that the world still needs both. They were far more pragmatic about energy than dogmatic. Even the most climate conscious among them saw that their long-term path to decarbonization will include hydrocarbons, albeit less of them, for some time to come.

Germany is a good example of how energy pragmatism is still a path to decarbonization. It’s one of the countries most committed to fighting climate change and has made enormous investments in wind and solar power. But sometimes the wind doesn’t blow in Berlin, and the sun doesn’t shine in Munich. And during those windless, sunless periods, the country still needs to rely on natural gas for “dispatchable power.” Germany used to get that gas from Russia, but now it needs to look elsewhere. So, they’re building additional gas facilities to import from other producers around the world. 53

Or look at Texas. They face a similar energy challenge – not because of Russia but because of the economy. The state is one of the fastest growing in the U.S., 54 and the additional demand for power is stretching ERCOT, Texas’ energy grid, to the limit. 55

Today, Texas runs on 28% renewable energy 56 – 6% more than the U.S. as a whole. 57 But without an additional 10 gigawatts of dispatchable power, which might need to come partially from natural gas, the state could continue to suffer devastating brownouts. In February, BlackRock helped convene a summit of investors and policymakers in Houston to help find a solution.

Texas and Germany are great illustrations of what the energy transition looks like. As I wrote in 2020, the transition will only succeed if it’s “fair.” Nobody will support decarbonization if it means giving up heating their home in the winter or cooling it in the summer. Or if the cost of doing so is prohibitive.

Since 2020, economists have popularized better language to describe what a fair transition actually means. One important concept is the “green premium.” It’s the surcharge people pay for “going green”: for example, switching from a car that runs on gas to an electric vehicle. The lower the green premium, the fairer decarbonization will be because it’ll be more affordable.

This is where the power of the capital markets can be unleashed to great effect. Private investment can help energy companies reduce the cost of their innovations and scale them around the world. Last year, BlackRock invested in over a dozen of these transition projects on behalf of our clients. We partnered with developers in Southeast Asia aiming to build over a gigawatt of solar capacity (enough to power a city) in both Thailand and the Philippines. 58 We also invested in Lake Turkana Wind Power, Africa’s largest windfarm. It’s located in Kenya and currently accounts for about 12% of the country’s power generation. 59

There are also earlier-stage technologies, like a giant “hot rock” battery being built by Antora Energy. The company heats up blocks of carbon with wind or solar power during parts of the day when renewable energy is cheap and abundant. These “thermal batteries” reach up to 2,400 degrees Celsius and glow brighter than the sun. 60 Then, that heat is used to power giant industrial facilities around-the-clock, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

BlackRock invested in Antora through Decarbonization Partners, a partnership we have with the investment firm, Temasek. Our funding will help Antora scale up to deliver billions of dollars worth of zero-emission energy to industrial customers. 61 (One day, their thermal batteries might help solve the kind of dispatchable power problem that Texas and Germany are facing – but without carbon emissions.)

The final technology I’ll spotlight is carbon capture. Last year, one of BlackRock’s infrastructure funds invested $550 million in a project called STRATOS, which will be the world’s largest direct air capture facility when construction is completed in 2025. 62 Among the more interesting aspects of the project is who’s building the facility: Occidental Petroleum, the big Texas oil company.

The energy market isn’t divided the way some people think, with a hard split between oil & gas producers on one side and new clean power and climate tech firms on the other. Many companies, like Occidental, do both, which is a major reason BlackRock has never supported divesting from traditional energy firms. They’re pioneers of decarbonization, too.

Today, BlackRock has more than $300 billion invested in traditional energy firms on behalf of our clients. Of that $300 billion, more than half – $170 billion – is in the U.S. 63 We invest in these energy companies for one simple reason: It’s our clients’ money. If they want to invest in hydrocarbons, we give them every opportunity to do it – the same way we invest roughly $138 billion in energy transition strategies for our clients. That’s part of being an asset manager. We follow our clients’ mandates.

But when it comes to energy, I also understand why people have different preferences in the first place. Decarbonization and energy security are the two macroeconomic trends driving the demand for more energy infrastructure. Sometimes they’re competing trends. Other times, they’re complementary, like when the same advanced battery that decarbonizes your grid can also reduce your dependence on foreign power.

The point is: The energy transition is not proceeding in a straight line. As I’ve written many times before, it’s moving in different ways and at different paces in different parts of the world. At BlackRock, our job is to help our clients navigate the big shifts in the energy market no matter where they are.

BlackRock’s next transformation

One way we’re helping our clients navigate the booming infrastructure market is by transforming our company. I began this section by writing about the owners of Gatwick Airport, GIP. In January, BlackRock announced our plans to acquire them. 

Why GIP? BlackRock’s own infrastructure business had been growing rapidly over the past several years. But to meet demand, we realized we needed to grow even faster.

It’s not just debt-strapped governments that need to find alternate pools of financing for their infrastructure. Private sector firms do too. All over the world, there’s a vast infrastructure footprint that’s owned and operated entirely by private companies. Cell towers are a good example. So are pipelines that deliver the feedstocks for chemical companies. Increasingly, the owners of these assets prefer to have a financing partner, rather than carrying the full cost for the infrastructure on their balance sheet.

I had been thinking about this trend and called an old colleague, Bayo Ogunlesi.

Both Bayo and I started our careers in finance at the investment bank First Boston. But our paths diverged. I lost $100 million on a series of bad trades at First Boston and…well, nobody needs to hear that story again. But it led me (and my BlackRock partners) to pioneer better risk management for fixed income markets. Meanwhile, Bayo and his team were pioneering modern infrastructure investing in the private markets.

Now, we plan to join our forces again. I think the result will be better opportunities for our clients to invest in the infrastructure that keeps our lights on, planes flying, trains moving, and our cell service at the maximum number of bars.

More about BlackRock’s work in 2023

In this letter, I’ve shared my view that the capital markets are going to play an even bigger role in the global economy. They’ll have to if the world wants to address the challenges around infrastructure, debt, and retirement. These are the major economic issues of the mid-21st Century. We’re going to need the power of capitalism to solve them.

The way BlackRock figures into that story is through our work with clients. We want to position them well to navigate these trends, which is why we’ve tried to stay more connected to our clients than ever.

Over the past five years, thousands of clients on behalf of millions of individuals have entrusted BlackRock with managing over $1.9 trillion in net new assets. Thousands also use our technology to better understand the risks in their portfolios and support the growth and commercial agility of their own businesses. Years of organic growth, alongside the long-term growth of the capital markets, underpin our $10 trillion of client assets, which grew by over $1.4 trillion in 2023.

In good times and bad, whether clients are focused on increasing or decreasing risk, our consistent industry-leading organic growth demonstrates that clients are consolidating more of their portfolios with BlackRock. In 2023, our clients awarded us with $289 billion in net new assets during a period of rapid change and significant portfolio de-risking.

BlackRock’s differentiated business model has enabled us to continue to grow with our clients and maintain positive organic base fee growth. We’ve grown regardless of the market backdrop and even as most of the industry experienced outflows.

I think back to 2016 and 2018 when uncertainty and cautious sentiment impacted investment behavior among institutions and individuals. Many clients de-risked and moved to cash. BlackRock stayed connected with our clients. We stayed rigorous in driving investment performance, innovating new products and technologies, and providing advice on portfolio design. Once clients were ready to step back into the markets more actively, they did it with BlackRock – leading to new records for client flows, and organic base fee growth at or above our target.

Flows and organic base fee growth accelerated into the end of 2023. We saw $96 billion of total net inflows in the fourth quarter and we entered 2024 with great momentum.

In 2024, I plan to do what I did in 2023 – spend a lot of time on the road visiting clients. I’ve already taken several trips in the U.S. and around the world, and it’s clearer than ever that companies and clients want to work with BlackRock.

For companies where we are investing on behalf of our clients, they appreciate that we typically provide long-term, consistent capital. We often invest early, and we stay invested through cycles whether it’s debt or equity, pre-IPO or post-IPO. Companies recognize BlackRock’s global relationships, brand, and expertise across markets and industries. This makes us a valuable partner, and in turn supports the sourcing and performance we can provide for clients.

Over the past 18 months, we’ve sourced and executed on a number of deals for clients. In addition to the STRATOS direct air capture project, our funds partnered with AT&T on the Gigapower JV to build out broadband in communities across the U.S. We also made investments globally, including in Brasol (Brazil), AirFirst (South Korea), Akaysha Energy (Australia), and the Lake Turkana Wind Farm (Kenya).

Our ability to source deals for clients is a primary driver of demand for BlackRock private markets strategies. These strategies saw $14 billion of net inflows in 2023, driven by infrastructure and private credit. We continue to expect these categories to be our primary growth drivers within alternatives in the coming years.

Our active investment insights, expertise and strong investment performance similarly differentiate BlackRock in the market. We saw nearly $60 billion of active net inflows in 2023, compared with industry outflows.

In ETFs, BlackRock generated an industry-leading $186 billion of net inflows in 2023. Our leadership in the ETF industry is another testament to our global platform and connectivity with clients.

What we have seen in market after market is that if we can make investing easier and more affordable, we can quickly attract new clients. We are leveraging digital wealth platforms in local markets to provide more investment access and accelerate organic growth for iShares ETFs.

In EMEA, BlackRock powers ETF savings plans for end investors, partnering with many banks and brokerage platforms, including Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, ING, Lloyds, and Nordnet. These partnerships will help millions of people access investments, invest for the long-term, and achieve financial well-being.

In 2023, we also announced our minority investment in Upvest, which will help drive innovation in how Europeans access markets and make it cheaper and simpler to start investing.

Then there is our work with Britain’s leading digital bank, Monzo, to offer its customers our products through its app, with minimum investments as low as £1. Through these relationships, we’re evolving our iShares ETF franchise to meaningfully increase access to global markets.

Let me also say a few words about Aladdin. It remains the language of portfolios, uniting all of BlackRock, and providing the technological foundation for how we serve clients across our platform. And Aladdin isn’t just the key technology that powers BlackRock; it also powers many of our clients. The need for integrated data and risk analytics as well as whole portfolio views across public and private markets is driving annual contract value (ACV) growth.

In 2023, we generated $1.5 billion in technology services revenue. Clients are looking to grow and expand with Aladdin, reflected in strong harvesting activity, with over 50% of Aladdin sales being multi-product.

As we look ahead, the re-risking of client portfolios will create tremendous prospects for both our public and private markets franchises. And integrated technology will be needed to help clients be nimble while operating at scale.

These are the times where investors are making broad changes to the way they build portfolios. BlackRock is helping investors build the “portfolio of the future” – one that integrates public and private markets and is digitally enabled. We view these changes as big catalysts. With the diversified investment and technology platform we’ve built, we’ve set ourselves up to be a structural grower in the years ahead.

Positioning our organization for the future

Just as we continually innovate and evolve our business to stay ahead of our clients, we also evolve our organization and our leadership team.

Earlier this year we announced changes to reimagine our business and transform our organization to better anticipate what clients need – and shape BlackRock so clients can continue to get the insights, solutions, and outcomes they expect from us.

For years, BlackRock has worked with clients across the whole portfolio, albeit with distinctions between product structures for ETFs, active mutual funds, and separate accounts.

Now the traditional lines between products are blurring. Clients are building portfolios that seamlessly combine both active and index strategies, including liquid and illiquid assets and spanning public and private markets, across ETF, mutual fund, and separate account structures.

BlackRock has been critical in expanding the market for ETFs by making them accessible to more investors and delivering new asset classes (like bonds) and investment strategies (like active). As a result of that success, the ETF is no longer just an indexing concept – it is becoming an efficient structure for a range of investment solutions.

We always viewed ETFs as a technology, a technology that facilitated investing. And just as our Aladdin technology has become core to asset management, so too have ETFs. That’s why we believe embedding our ETF and Index expertise across the entire firm will accelerate the growth of iShares and every investment strategy at BlackRock.

We’ll be nimbler and more closely aligned with clients through our new architecture with the aim of delivering a better experience, better performance, and better outcomes.

Voting choice

Healthy capital markets depend on a continuous feedback loop between companies and their investors. For more than a decade, BlackRock endeavored to improve that feedback loop for our clients.

We’ve done it by building an industry-leading stewardship program, one that’s focused on engaging investee companies on issues impacting our clients’ long-term economic interests. This requires understanding how companies are positioned to navigate the risks and opportunities they face – for example, how geopolitical fragmentation might rewire their supply chains or how higher borrowing cost might impact their capacity to deliver sustained earnings growth.

To do that, we built one of the largest stewardship teams to engage with companies, often alongside our investment teams, because we never believed in the industry’s reliance on the recommendations of a few proxy advisors. We knew our clients would expect us to make independent proxy voting decisions, informed by our ongoing dialogue with companies – a philosophy that continues to underpin our stewardship efforts today. For our clients who have entrusted us with this important responsibility, we remain steadfast in promoting sound corporate governance practices and financial resilience at investee companies on their behalf.

And for our clients who wish to take a more direct role in the proxy voting process, we continue to innovate to provide them with more choice. In 2022, BlackRock was the first in our industry to launch Voting Choice, a capability that enabled institutional investors to participate in the proxy voting process. Today, about half of our clients’ index equity assets under management can access Voting Choice. And in February, we launched a pilot in our largest core S&P 500 ETF, enabling Voting Choice for individual investors for the first time.

We welcome these additional voices to corporate governance and believe they can further strengthen shareholder democracy. I believe that more asset owners can participate in this important process effectively if they are well-informed. We are encouraged by their engagement and the continued transformation of the proxy voting ecosystem but continue to believe that the industry would benefit from additional proxy advisors.

Strategy for long-term growth

For 36 years, BlackRock has led by listening to our clients and evolving to help them achieve long-term outcomes. That commitment has been behind everything we’ve done as a firm, whether it’s unlocking new markets through iShares, pioneering whole portfolio advisory, launching Aladdin on the desktops of investors and so much more. Clients have been at the foundation of our mindset and our growth strategy, informing the investments we’ve made across our businesses.

The combination of technology and advisory, alongside ETFs, active and private markets capabilities, enables us to deliver a better client experience – leading to clients consolidating more of their portfolios with BlackRock or engaging us for outsourcing solutions. We believe this in turn will drive continued differentiated organic growth into the future.

As we do each year, our management team and Board spent time assessing our strategy for growth. We challenge ourselves to think: What opportunities will this economic environment create for BlackRock and our clients, what more can we do to meet and anticipate their needs? How can we evolve our organization, operating structure, investment capabilities, and service models and, in doing so, keep leading the industry?

We have strong conviction in our strategy and our ability to execute with scale and expense discipline. Our strategy remains centered on growing Aladdin, ETFs, and private markets, keeping alpha at the heart of BlackRock, leading in sustainable investing, and advising clients on their whole portfolio.

We have continually made internal investments for organic growth and efficiency, investing ahead of client opportunities in private markets, ETFs, technology, and whole portfolio solutions.

In private markets, we are prepared to capitalize on structural growth trends. Whether it’s executing on demand for much-needed infrastructure, or the growing role of private credit as banks and public lenders move away from the middle market, private capital will be essential. BlackRock is poised to capture share through our scale, proprietary origination, and track record. And we believe our planned acquisition of GIP will meaningfully accelerate our ability to offer our private markets capabilities to our clients.

In ETFs, we will continue to lead by expanding investment access globally and through innovation. The ETF is an adaptable piece of financial technology, and over time we’ve been able to do more with it than just making investing more affordable. We’ve been able to bring better liquidity and price discovery to more opaque markets. One recent example is offering people exposure to Bitcoin through ETFs.

ETFs have been an incredible growth story in the U.S., with iShares leading the way. We believe global ETF adoption is set to accelerate as catalyst trends that we saw in the U.S. years ago like the growth of fee-based advisory and model portfolios are just beginning to take root. Nearly half of 2023 iShares net inflows were from our ETFs listed internationally in local markets, led by European iShares net inflows of $70 billion.

Active asset allocation, security selection and risk management have consistently been key elements in long-term returns. Our active teams across multi-asset, fixed income and equities are well-positioned to seize on broad opportunities arising out of this new interest rate and potentially more volatile regime. We are particularly excited about the opportunity in fixed income and how artificial intelligence is propelling performance in our systematic investing businesses.

Fixed income is going to be increasingly relevant in the construction of whole portfolios with higher yields and better return potential compared to the low-rate environment of the last 15 years. Now that the rate on 10-year U.S. Treasuries is near long-term averages, clients are reconsidering bond allocations.

BlackRock is well-positioned with a diversified fixed income platform. It’s not going to be just about index, where we manage nearly $1.7 trillion. Or just about active where we manage over $1 trillion. Some of the most interesting portfolio conversations are with allocators who are blending ETFs with active or using innovations like our active ETFs for professionally managed income solutions.

Across asset classes, the need for integrated data, technology and risk management will continue to drive demand for Aladdin. Through its dynamic ecosystem of over 130,000 users, the Aladdin platform is constantly innovating and being improved. Investments in Aladdin AI copilots, enhancements in openness supporting ecosystem partnerships, and advancing whole portfolio solutions are going to further augment the value of Aladdin.

We are honored that our clients entrusted us with $289 billion of net new assets in 2023. And over the past few months, we’ve seen a decidedly more positive sentiment and tone in markets and among clients that I'm very optimistic will carry into the rest of 2024.

Our ability to adapt, evolve, and grow has generated a total return of 9,000% for our shareholders since our IPO in 1999. That is well in excess of the S&P 500 return of 490% and representative of a business model serving all our stakeholders.

Total return since BlackRock’s IPO through December 31, 2023

S&P Global. The performance graph is not necessarily indicative of future investment performance.

Our Board of Directors

BlackRock’s Board plays an integral role in our strategy, our growth and our success.

The diverse experiences and backgrounds of our Directors enable us to have rich discussions and debates. At each meeting, our Directors review components of our long-term strategy and foster constructive dialogue with our leadership team on strategic opportunities, priorities and risks facing BlackRock’s business. This dialogue ultimately pushes us to make the sometimes tactical and sometimes transformational moves to build a better BlackRock. This includes the two transformational moves we made in January: The strategic re-architecture of our organization and our agreement to acquire GIP.

These two transformational changes are the largest since our acquisition of Barclays Global Investors nearly 15 years ago.

Following the closing of the GIP transaction, we plan to have Bayo Ogunlesi join our Board of Directors. We will continue to evolve our Board over time to reflect the breadth of our global business and to guide us as we evolve ahead of our clients’ needs.

A final note

Over the past 36 years, BlackRock has grown from a company of eight people in a tiny Manhattan office into the largest asset manager in the world. But our growth is just a small part of a much larger success story.

It’s part of the same story that includes my parents retiring comfortably after 50 years of hard work. The same story where America was able to endure the 1980s S&L crisis and 2008 financial crisis – and rebound quickly and with growing strength.

And it’s the story that, hopefully, will include more people around the world. Nations that can outgrow their debt. Cities that can afford to power more homes and build more roads. Workers who can live out their golden years with dignity.

All of these stories are only possible because of the power of the capital markets and the people who are hopeful enough to invest in them.

Laurence Fink Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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1 Based on a $1,000 investment from January 1960 to December 1990. Assumes reinvestment of all dividends. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

2 Federal Reserve History , Savings and Loan Crisis

3 OCED Economic Surveys: United States (2016)

4 Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association , Capital DMarkets Fact Book (2023), p.6

5 World Federation of Exchanges , Market Statistics-February 2024, (2024)

6 World Economic Forum , Ageing and Longevity, (2023)

7 United Nations , World Population Ageing, (2017), p.8

8 The Wall Street Journal , Japan’s Nikkei Tops 40000 for First Time, Driven by AI Optimism, ( 2024)

9 Cabinet Secretariat of Japan , Doubling Asset-based Income Plan, ( 2022), p.2

10 Note: 1. Format adapted from Adele M. Hayutin, New Landscapes of Population Change: A Demographic World Tour (Hoover Press, 2022). Data from United Nations Population Division, World Population Prospects. (latest refresh 2022), Medium Fertility Projection. 2. Peak year is defined as the year in which working age population reaches its maximum for a country. Sources: United Nations Population Statistics (as of 2022). OECD (as of 06/2023). World Bank (as of 2022).

11 United Nations , UN DESA releases new report on ageing , (2019)

12 The New York Times Magazine , Can We Live to 200? ( 2021)

13 National Library of Medicine , Estimated Life-Years Gained Free of New or Recurrent Major Cardiovascular Events With the Addition of Semaglutide to Standard of Care in People With Type 2 Diabetes and High Cardiovascular Risk, ( 2022)

14 Source 1: Bureau of Labor Statistics , Employee Benefits in the United States , (2023), p.1; Source 2: Bureau of Labor Statistics , Employee Benefits in Industry , (1980), p. 6

15 BLK Estimates based on AUM as of December 31 st , 2021 and Cerulli data as of 2020. ETF assets include only qualified assets based on Cerulli data, and assumes 9.5% of institutionally held ETFs are related to pensions or retirement. Institutional estimates includes assets defined as “related to retirement” and are based on products and clients with a specific retirement mandate (e.g., LifePath, pensions). Estimates for LatAm based on assets managed for LatAm Pension Fund clients, excluding cash.

16 BlackRock as of Dec. 31, 2021. The overall number of Americans is calculated based on estimates of participants in BlackRock’s Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plan clients. The Defined Contribution number is estimated based on data from FERS as well as ISS Market Intelligence BrightScope for active participants across 401(k) and 403(b). Defined Contribution includes plans with over $100M+ in assets where participants have access to one or more BlackRock funds; some may not be invested with BlackRock. The Defined Benefit number is estimated based on data from public filings and Pension & Investments for the total number of participants across the 20 largest U.S. Defined Benefit plans that are not also Defined Contribution clients of BlackRock.

17 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, (Feb. 2023)

18 Represents the total number of active public schoolteachers enrolled in defined benefit plans with assets managed by BlackRock. Excludes Virginia, Alaska and Pennsylvania pension clients, as the states’ DB plan is not the default plan for its participants. Public school teachers count from the National Center for Education Statistics, projection for 2022 school year. Pensions participation rate based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 89% as of March 2022.

19 Social Security , Life Tables for the United States Social Security Area 1900-2100, Figure 3a

20 Social Security , When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, (2023), p.2

21 Social Security , Summary: Actuarial Status of the Social Security Trust Funds, (2023)

22 Dutch Government , Why is the state pension age increasing? (translated from Dutch)

23 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , Civilian labor force participation rate, (2000-2024)

24 U.S. Census Bureau , Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) , (2022)

25 Federal Reserve , Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022, (2023), p.2

26 BlackRock , Emergency Saving Initiative: Impact and Learnings Report, (2019-2022), p.2

27 BlackRock, Emergency Savings Initiative: Impact and Learnings Report, ( 2019-2022), p.12

28 BlackRock , What are target date funds?

29 AARP, New AARP Research: Nearly Half of Americans Do Not Have Access to Retirement Plans at Work, (2022)

30 CIA: The World Factbook , Country Comparisons: Population (2023 est.)

31 OECD , Pensions at a Glance 2023 , (2023), 222

32 Georgetown University Center for Retirement Initiatives , State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Programs: A Snapshot of Program Design Features, (2023)

33 Parliament of Australia , Superannuation and retirement incomes

34 Human Interest , The power of 401(k) automatic enrollment, (2024)

35 BlackRock , To spend or not to spend? (2023), p. 2-5

36 Source 1: The Wall Street Journal, The Champions of the 401(k) Lament the Revolution They Started, (2017); Source 2: Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, The Disappearing Defined Benefit Pension and Its Potential Impact on the Retirement Incomes of Baby Boomers , (2009)

37 U.S. Chamber of Commerce , Statement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, (2012), p. 3

38 Harvard Business Review , Too Many Employees Cash Out Their 401(k)s When Leaving a Job, ( 2023)

39 The Wall Street Journal , Why China’s Middle Class Is Losing Its Confidence, (2024)

40   The Wall Street Journal , Covid-Era Savings are Crucial to China’s Economic Recovery , (2023)

41 The Wall Street Journal , The Rough Years That Turned Gen Z Into America’s Most Disillusioned Voters , (2024)

42 Financial Times , How Adebayo Ogunlesi’s contrarian bet led to $12.5bn BlackRock tie-up , (2024)

43 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE ), 2021 Report Card For America’s Infrastructure, (2021), p. 5

44 International Monetary Fund , Global Debt Is Returning to its Rising Trend, (2023)

45 Fiscal Data: U.S. Treasury , Debt to the Penny, ( Debt was $23.4T in March 2020 and $34.5T in March 2024)

46 The Wall Street Journal , A $1 Trillion Conundrum: The U.S. Government’s Mounting Debt Bill, ( 2024)

47 US Department of Treasury , Table 5: Major Foreign Holders of Treasury Securities

48 As of March 2024. Net Zero Tracker, https://zerotracker.net (last visited March 18 th , 2024)

49 Associated Press News , The year in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges, (2023)

50 BlackRock iResearch Services global survey, sample size n=200, May-June 2023. Survey covered institutional investors’ attitudes, approaches, barriers, and opportunities regarding transition investing. 83% of EMEA respondents surveyed have net zero by 2050 or other date as a transition objective across their portfolio. https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/brochure/global-transition-investing-survey.pdf

51 BlackRock’s 2020 Letter to Clients , Sustainability as BlackRock’s New Standard for Investing, (2020)

52 Reuters , Europe’s spend on energy crisis nears 800 billion euros, (2023)

53 The New York Times , Germany Announces New L.N.G. Facility, Calling It a Green Move from Russian Energy, (2022)

54 Texas Fall 2023 Economic Forecast

55 Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Texas electrical grid remains vulnerable to extreme weather events, (2023)

56 U.S. Energy Information Administration : Electricity Data Browser

57 U.S. Energy Information Administration , Solar and wind to lead growth of U.S. power generation for the next two years, (2024)

58 BlackRock Alternatives, CFP, 2023

59 Kenya Power , Annual Report & Financial Statements, (2022)

60 Reuters , BlackRock, Temasek-led group invest $150 mln in thermal battery maker Antora, (2024)

61 Business Wire , Antora Energy Raises $150 Million to Slash Industrial Emissions and Spur U.S. Manufacturing, ( 2024)

62 Oxy, Occidental and BlackRock Form Joint Venture to Develop STRATOS, the World’s Largest Direct Air Capture Plant, (2023)

63 As of June 30, 2022. “Energy companies” refers to corporations classified as belonging to the GICS-1 Energy Sector.

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