Applying for a Schengen Visa in the UK

Several people in the UK hold permanent residence or immigrant visas, but are not British citizens.

Depending on your immigration status, your conditions to enter the Schengen area may differ. Nevertheless, you do not need to submit a Schengen Visa application if you are an EU national, regardless of your immigration status in the UK.

Schengen Visa for British Citizens

British citizens can travel through the Schengen Area, enjoying a visa-free status for a maximum of 90 days. From June 2014, the same right is extended to the citizens of all British Overseas Territories (BOTCs).

Even if you do not need a visa, border officers can still need to confirm that you have enough funds to sustain your trip. It is also advisable to show an onward ticket to the UK. In addition, your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Zone.

The Schengen Visa concession does not cover employment or study in Europe. In other words, some Schengen countries may require you to apply for a national visa for intents other than tourism.

Schengen Visa for UK ILR holders

To get UK Permanent Residence, you need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This status allows you to reside in the UK without time nor immigrant restrictions.

After three months on ILR, you may apply for a Schengen Visafor UK residents.If you wish to travel through Europe before this time, you must submit your application from your home country.

Schengen Visa for UK citizens is free. However, the payment of a fee is necessary for British permanent resident interested in getting Schengen Visa in the UK.

If you are an EU national holding ILR, you do not need to apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK. As a European citizen, you can benefit from the Schengen visa-free policy.

Schengen Visa for spouses of UK nationals

If you are on a UK Spouse Visa, you can apply for a Schengen Visa for spouses of EU national. To be eligible, you must be married to a UK, EU, or EEA national. Along with your application form, you must produce the following documents:

·         A copy of your marriage certificate;

·         A copy of the passport of your spouse.

You are still required to submit all the relevant supporting documentation. This includes copies of your confirmed flights and accommodations in Europe. In addition, your spouse must sign your Schengen Visa application.

If you are the partner of a UK national, but you also hold an EEA/EU Family Residential Card, you do not need to apply for a Europe Visa.

How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK?

ILR holders who have stayed in the country for at least three months can apply for a Schengen Visa for UK residents.

If this is your case, to get your Schengen Visa from the UK, you need to submit the following documentation:

·         A copy of your passport, which should have been issued no more than ten years before the time of your application. It should also contain at least two blank pages;

·         Proof of your ILR status in the UK. Alternatively, you can provide a copy of your Biometric Residence Permit.

·         Your Schengen Visa application form;

·         A passport photograph complying with the Schengen standards;

·         Travel insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000;

·         A confirmed travel itinerary, including transportation and accommodation reservations;

·         Proof of sufficient funds to cover your journey;

·         A cover letter stating your purpose to visit Europe.