Schengen Visa for UK Residents
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The United Kingdom is not one of the countries in the Schengen Area. In addition, its membership in the European Union ended after Brexit. However, UK citizens can travel and stay visa-free in Europe for a maximum of 90 days.
But if you’re not a citizen but a resident in the UK, you might need to get a Schengen visa to travel to Schengen Zone countries, depending on your passport. In this article, we’ll explain how you can do that.
In this guide, you’ll find the following:
- Who can apply for a Schengen visa in the UK
- Required documents
- Step-by-step guide
- The costs for a Schengen visa in the UK
Who Can Apply for Schengen Visa from UK?
First, to apply for Schengen visa from UK, you must have a UK residence permit that is valid for at least three months after you depart from the Schengen Area. If the duration of your UK residence permit does not meet this requirement, your Schengen visa application is directly rejected by the Consulate.
Also, those staying in the UK on a traveler and tourist visa cannot apply for Schengen from the embassy in the UK as they are not residents. Instead of the UK, they should apply for a Schengen visa according to the procedure of the embassy in their home country.
If your UK visa is for three months, you have the chance to extend this period for another three months to apply for a Schengen visa. You must apply while in the UK and before the visa expires.
Documents Required for Schengen Visa UK
To apply for a Schengen Visa in the UK, you need to collect and submit all the necessary documents. Do not forget to ask the embassy of the country you will apply for a checklist to check the necessary documents and gather your documents according to the criteria set by the embassy.
The documents required for the UK Schengen visa are as follows:
Visa Application Form
You can request the Schengen visa application form, which is the same for all countries, from the embassy or download it online. Complete and sign this form, which you must prepare in duplicate.
Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport not older than 10 years. At least one page must be blank for a Schengen visa to be issued.
Two Identical Photographs
You must include two identical photos that have been taken within three months. You should pay attention to the Schengen visa photo requirements, color, and quality.
Identity Card Forms or a Valid UK Residence Permit
A passport or a new biometric ID card must confirm a UK residence permit.
Schengen Travel Health Insurance
You must have proof that you have health insurance. It must be at least €30,000 per person and cover all Schengen countries.
A Schengen Visa Cover Letter
In detail, there should be a letter explaining the reason for visiting the country, the duration of your stay, and your travel plan.
Round Trip Itinerary
It is a round-trip flight ticket or package tour program from the UK to the first Schengen country you will visit.
Proof of Accommodation
You need to prove where you will stay during your stay in the countries in the Schengen Area. You can submit the following documents:
- Hotel reservation. A document issued by the hotel where you will stay, including the hotel address, accommodation dates, and contact information.
- Invitation letter. Suppose you will stay at a friend's home in the Schengen Area; an invitation letter with the host's personal information, your relationship, and the dates of your stay.
- Rental contract. If you rent a house, you must submit the rental agreement as proof of accommodation.
Evidence of Financial Means
Each country in the Schengen Area requires proof of your financial situation to allow entry. You must have a certain amount in your account for each day you stay in the Schengen countries. Bank receipt or sponsorship letter showing this amount.
Visa Fee Payment Proof
A receipt showing that you have paid the visa fee.
There are also some other documents you need to submit according to your employment status.
If you are an employee:
- Business arrangement
- Certificate of Employer’s Permission
- Income Tax Certificate or Income Tax Return
If you are self-employed:
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
- A copy of the Business License
If you are retired:
- Last 6 Months Pension Statement
If you are a University Student in the UK
- No Objection Letter from a University or School in the UK
- University Enrollment Proof
You must submit the below documents if you are unemployed but married to a UK citizen:
- Your Spouse’s Employment Confirmation
- Your Spouse’s Valid Passport
- An Officially Translated Marriage Certificate
How Much Does Schengen Visa Cost for UK Residents?
Schengen visa fees may vary according to currency fluctuations. Also, if you apply through a visa agency, you may have to pay extra fees to the service provider.
In the table below, you can see the average costs for a Schengen visa as of June 2022. Note that the fees will be paid in UK pounds.
UK Schengen Visa Category | Fees in Euro | Fees in UK Pound |
Children under 6 years old | Free | Free |
Children between 6-12 years old | €40 | £35 |
Adults | €80 | £69 |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Schengen Visa UK?
The most suitable dates to apply for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the circumstances. According to Schengen visa UK rules, the earliest you can apply for a visa is three months before travel. The latest date you can apply for a visa is two weeks before your Schengen area trip.
The best time to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK is three weeks before the trip. However, it is logical to apply as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays. You can apply six months before your current visa expires if you have a multiple-entry visa.
Frequently Asked Questions for Schengen Visa UK
How to apply Schengen visa from UK?
First of all, to apply for a visa, you need to have a UK residence permit that is valid for three months after your Schengen trip. Next, you must gather the necessary documents. You can request a checklist from the consulate to check the required documents. Make sure you fill in the required documents, or your application request will be rejected.
When is the best time to apply for a Schengen visa?
You can apply for a UK Schengen visa three months before your travel plan. The latest date you can apply is two weeks before your trip. The ideal time to apply for a Schengen visa is three weeks before your trip.
How much does an adult Schengen UK visa cost?
UK Schengen visa fees for adults cost around €80.
What are the marriage documents when applying for a UK Schengen visa?
If you are married to a UK citizen when applying for a UK Schengen visa, the documents required are as follows:
- Your Spouse's Employment Confirmation,
- Your Spouse's Valid Passport,
- An Officially Translated Marriage Certificate