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
| Provider | Countries handled (examples) | UK locations |
|---|---|---|
| VFS Global | France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Austria | London (multiple sites), Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham |
| BLS International | Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| TLS Contact | Belgium, Slovenia, Latvia, Croatia (selected) | London |
| Embassy direct | Some 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: โฌ30k+, valid across the trip dates.
Fees in your currency
Embassy fee is set in EUR (โฌ90 adult / โฌ45 child / free under 6) and converted at the consulate's daily rate. VAC service fees vary โฌ33โโฌ50 depending on operator.
~โฌ290 total โ embassy โฌ90 + VAC โฌ50 + Schengen Visa Pro โฌ99 + insurance ~โฌ33.
Use our cost calculator for your specific country and dates.
Timing & biometrics
Apply 4โ6 weeks before travel. The consulate decision usually takes 10โ15 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