Typical documents requested by the majority of countries are:

• Birth certificate
• Copy of existing passport
• Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of divorce (if applicable)
• Copy of name change declaration (if applicable)
• Medical test results including HIV test
• Certificate of no criminal background
• Proof of economic solvency

All above documents should normally be translated into the language of the country you are applying to, notarized and certified by a consular officer.

If you are unable to supply any one of these documents, sometimes alternatives can be accepted. This is usually on a case by case basis but Bye Bye Big Brother will point you in the right direction.