Schengen Visa Application from UK – Part 2 Essential Information

The document requirements for Schengen Visa applications from the UK can be confusing, especially as each destination has their own unique guidelines as to what must be provided. Following on from last month's Introduction to Schengen Visas, we demystify this complex subject, giving you a simple and to-the-point explanation of what paperwork you must submit in order to be issued one of these travel visas.

This post is part of a series

Click the button below to navigate to different parts of this series.

In this article

schengen visa application form

The basic list of documents required for most of the countries will be listed in the article, with as much information as we can provide on each one. We recommend you take this as a guide only to give you an idea of what you need to submit.

Dependant on destination, this could either be an online form or an original hard copy, which needs to be completed and signed by the applicant. The general questions are similar, though certain countries will have additional questions so it’s important you use the correct form to avoid missing anything important. This could result in a delayed or rejected application.

Include as much information as possible on your form, including your travel itinerary. You will need to supply proof of your travel dates and arrangements, and ensure your itinerary listed on your application form matches the supporting documents you will be required to provide, as detailed below.

schengen visa passport

You must have a valid passport to apply for a Schengen visa, meeting the following requirements:

  • Have at least two blank pages
  • Be valid for at least 90 days beyond the date you leave the Schengen Area
  • Be issued within the last 10 years on the date you leave the Schengen Area

If you have been issued any Schengen visas within the past 2 years, you will also be required to provide photocopies of these to support your application.

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To apply for a Schengen visa from the UK, you will be required to supply a photocopy of this document. The permit must be valid for at least three more months after your departure from the Schengen Area. If this condition is not fulfilled, the Consulate where you lodge your Schengen visa application will reject your application immediately.

If you hold a residence permit from another country, you cannot apply for a Schengen Visa from the UK. You must get in touch with the Embassy of the country you wish to visit, in the country in which you are a resident.

passport photo

If you are applying via a physical form, the photos will need to be attached to the form itself. If this is an online form a digital upload will be sufficient. Ensure that your photo meets the following criteria:

  • Two identical photos, no older than six months.
  • Photo size: 35x45mm.
  • Must be a colour photo.
  • Plain brightly coloured background.
  • The applicant should face the camera directly.
  • Neutral facial expression.
  • Avoid uniforms and wearing clothes similar to the background colour.
schengen visa application form

Proof of current occupation:

  • Employed – Letter from employer and pay slips (period covered is dependant on destination country)
  • Student – Letter from school/collect/university
  • Self-employed – self-employed letter from accountant, solicitor, bank manager and Certificate of Incorporation
  • Unemployed/retired – letter from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
  • Housewife/man – would need to be sponsored by spouse, and must provide their spouse’s passport, marriage certificate, proof of occupation, proof of funds, and a cover letter confirming sponsorship.

Proof of funds. This illustrates that you are financially able to support yourself whist you are in the destination country. You must provide:

  •  3 month bank statements (may be longer dependant on circumstances)

You must provide your travel arrangement booking, with the dates matching that of your application. If you are visiting more than one destination, each flight or other travel arrangement must be provided.

A hotel or similar accommodation must be proved via booking form. If you are staying with relatives or have other arrangements, an invitation letter can be provided but must state explicitly the dates you will be staying, the address where you will be and your relationship to the person who is hosting you.

Travel Insurance is a must when completing a Schengen Visa application from the UK. This must be valid for the duration of your trip.

The guidance above relates to a tourist travel visa only. If you are travelling for business, or would like to apply for a family visa, the information will differ slightly, so it’s important you check the correct visa type before you apply.

Read part 1 to read which citizenships can apply for the Schengen visa.

Read part 3 here to find out about how to get your Schengen Visa appointment.

While you’re here, why not keep up to date with all the latest comings and goings by following us on social media?

Declan Ramsden
Declan Ramsden

Declan is a Content Creator at Vital Consular. He studied English Literature for 4 years before joining the company. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to retro music and reading classic novels – particularly Charles Dickens!

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12 Comments

  1. Hi,
    My name is Mubashir.
    Dear sir/ Ms
    I am so poor boy and my father is very poor man that I want to go to purtagal so please Invite because my father is a very serious patient of a spine. I have leave the education for the reason of my poorness so I go to purtagal I have work hard and make money and support my family.
    Thank you
    Please give me feedback on my Email or wattsap

    Please help me

    • Hey Mubashir,

      I’m really sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to help (we no longer offer Visa services) – I’d recommend contacting the Portuguese Embassy and seeing if they can do anything for you. I hope it all works out for you, and all the best for the future.

  2. Hi I’m from Uk and I have resident permit with tunisa veld passport I need to drive to Algeria crossing France and Spain how I can apply for visa to go and come back please thanks

    • Hey,

      Unfortunately we no longer deal with visas, so we wouldn’t be able to advise you – sorry! You’d be best off getting in touch with the Algerian Embassy and seeing what requirements you need.

  3. Hi, we just moved to the UK and have a uK resident card, we have a UK bank account and fulltime employed. We only arrived in the UK 2 weeks ago. We have more than enough funds for a trip to EU, unfortunately we do not have 3months bak statement. Wil this be a problem?

    • Hey Darryn,

      Unfortunately we’ve stopped offering Visa services, so we can’t advise you – I wouldn’t want to give you the wrong information. Try reaching out to the Embassy of whichever country you’re applying for a Visa for and seeing what they say. All the best!

  4. Hi my wife has a spouse visa with a biometric card and is of a Syrian national. We are traveling to Saudi via transit flight through France and Bucharest . Would she need a transit visa when transiting these airports, although her destination is Saudi. Thanks

    • Hello Tariq,

      Unfortunately we no longer offer visa services, so we’re not best placed to advise you on the process – I wouldn’t want to give you any incorrect information! I would suggest getting in touch with the French, Romanian and Saudi embassies and checking the visa requirements. Thanks for reaching out and sorry we couldn’t be of more help!

  5. Please I have my resident permit and I have 3months bank statements . I want to go to Germany for a vacation to see my uncle and kids with my family as well . Have some questions below .My kids are under 6 but my 1st is just 6years old ,is he going to pay? And how long does the schengen visa take, Must I book my flight before getting my visa. How do I start please

    • Hey Chisom,

      I apologise, but we no longer offer our visa service. For that reason, we’re probably not the best people to ask for advice on visa matters – I wouldn’t want to give you any incorrect information! I would recommend getting in touch with the German embassy and asking them directly. They’ll be able to tell you exactly what you need to do. Thanks for reaching out, and apologies again we can’t help more!

    • Hey Linette,

      Unfortunately, we no longer offer visa services so we aren’t the best people to answer this. I’d recommend getting in touch with the Embassy of whichever country you’re looking to travel to. Thanks, and sorry we can’t be of more help.

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