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UK applicants ยท 10 min read

Apply from the UK,
without the queue confusion.

Three providers (VFS, BLS, TLS), thirty-odd centres across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here's how to pick the right one and what to take.

Who can apply from the UK

Any non-UK passport-holder legally resident in the UK with a residence permit or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) valid for at least three months beyond their planned return date. UK citizens themselves don't need a Schengen visa for short stays โ€” see our nationality lookup.

Which consulate to apply through

Apply through the country where you'll spend the most days, or where you enter Schengen first if days are equal. For a Spain-then-France week split 4/3, apply through Spain. For exactly 3.5/3.5, apply through whichever country you enter first.

VFS, BLS or TLS โ€” who handles which country

ProviderCountries handled (examples)UK locations
VFS GlobalFrance, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, AustriaLondon (multiple sites), Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham
BLS InternationalSpain, Portugal, Czech RepublicLondon, Manchester, Edinburgh
TLS ContactBelgium, Slovenia, Latvia, Croatia (selected)London
Embassy directSome smaller consulates accept applications without a VAC intermediary.Embassy district, London

UK-specific documents you'll need

  • UK residence proof: BRP, settled status share-code, or valid visa endorsement.
  • Bank statements (3 months): sterling, on bank letterhead or stamped print-out.
  • Employer letter: on UK letterhead, including approved leave dates.
  • HMRC tax document: P60, latest payslip or SA302 (self-employed).
  • Insurance covering Schengen: โ‚ฌ30k+, valid across the trip dates.

Fees in your currency

Embassy fee is set in EUR (โ‚ฌ90 adult / โ‚ฌ45 child / free under 6) and converted at the consulate's daily rate. VAC service fees vary โ‚ฌ33โ€“โ‚ฌ50 depending on operator.

UK example, Self-Service tier

~โ‚ฌ290 total โ€” embassy โ‚ฌ90 + VAC โ‚ฌ50 + Schengen Visa Pro โ‚ฌ99 + insurance ~โ‚ฌ33.

Use our cost calculator for your specific country and dates.

Timing & biometrics

Apply 4โ€“6 weeks before travel. The consulate decision usually takes 10โ€“15 working days; processing can stretch to 45 in busy periods or for complex cases. Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are taken at the appointment unless you've supplied them in the past 5 years.

Skip the manual research

Our wizard picks the right consulate and provider based on your trip, generates the UK-specific paperwork, and books your VAC slot.

Start your guided application โ†’