If you're a UK resident with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and planning to travel to European Union, chances are you'll need a Schengen visa. This guide outlines the full Schengen visa application procedure for BRP holders, from eligibility to document preparation and booking appointments at the right visa application centre.
Do UK Citizens Need a Schengen Visa?
UK citizens can stay in the Schengen Area without a Schengen visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. However, starting from 2025, British passport holders will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) approval before travelling to any country within the Schengen zone.
Do UK Residents with BRP Need a Schengen Visa?
Yes — if you're not a UK or EU national and your passport is from a country that doesn’t have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area, you must apply for a Schengen visa even if you legally reside in the United Kingdom with a BRP. You can apply for a Schengen visa in the UK only if you are a legal resident with a valid UK residence permit.
Types of Schengen Visas
It is very important to understand what type of schengen visa you need. The most common options include:
Tourist visa (C type visa): short stay visa for leisure and travel
Business visa: also a short stay visa visa, but for conferences, business meetings
Family visit: schengen visa for visiting family members or friends
Medical treatment visa: for treatment in a Schengen country within the Schengen Area
Airport transit visa (A type): only for certain nationalities transiting through the Schengen Area (a Schengen transit visa may be required)
National visa (D type): for long-term stays, usually over 90 days
Schengen Visa Application Process
Once you have determined the correct type of visa, follow the instructions for apply for a Schengen visa:
Identify the visa application centre for the Schengen country that is either your main destination or the first country you enter if visiting multiple Schengen member states.
Visit the visa application centre's website: Find information for your region of residence in the United Kingdom. Each Schengen country may have its own third-party provider (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS, etc.).
Prepare your application pack, making sure you include all the necessary documents to apply for a Schengen visa:
Valid passport
BRP (valid residence permit)
Visa application form
Travel itinerary
Insurance policy
Proof of financial means
Employment letter or university letter (if applicable)
Additional documents depending on the type of visa
Book an appointment: Slots can be hard to get. Use the official booking system.
All applicants for a Schengen visa must make an appointment online before submitting their application at the visa application center. Be sure to monitor availability regularly, especially during peak travel seasons.Submit your visa application: All applicants must submit their Schengen visa application in person at their appointment. Go to the visa application centre at the appointed time with all the required documents and a letter confirming your appointment.
Track your application: After submitting documents for a Schengen visa, you will receive a registration number.
Where to Apply: Schengen Visa Centres by Country
Once you know which country you are applying to, use the official visa application centre for that Schengen state. Below is a list of visa application centres or consulate links for major Schengen member states:
• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• Norway
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
Make sure to visit the official provider (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International) relevant to your region of residence in the United Kingdom.
Visa Application Centre: What to Expect
At the visa application center:
Submit biometric data
Submit your passport, application form, and all required documents
Pay the visa fee (and any service fees)
Receive a receipt for tracking your passport after submitting documents
Common Problems When Applying for a Schengen Visa in the United Kingdom
Many applicants face technical and logistical challenges during the Schengen visa application process.
Limited availability of appointments: Slots often show as unavailable
Appointments disappearing quickly: Free times vanish within seconds of appearing
Website issues: Frequent login problems, form glitches, pages not loading
Long waiting periods: Time between booking and actual visa processing may be weeks or months
Strategies to Improve Your Chances
Many applicants face high competition for limited appointment slots. To improve your chances to apply for a Schengen visa successfully:
Refresh booking pages frequently: Every 15–20 minutes
Try early morning or evening: Slots often released between 6–9am and after 6pm
Create multiple accounts (when allowed)
Check other United Kingdom cities (e.g. Manchester, Birmingham)
Consider premium services: Extra cost but usually faster
Avoid peak days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less busy
If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen visa during peak season, it’s especially important to act early and check availability across multiple locations.
If you're struggling to find available time slots or want to avoid the frustration of constantly checking multiple visa centre websites, you can use VisaBot — a tracking tool that monitors the availability of appointments for Schengen visas in the United Kingdom in real time.
Save time and boost your chances — try VisaBot today and secure your Schengen visa appointment faster.
Schengen Visa Application Form: What You Need to Know
Before you apply for a Schengen visa, you’ll need to complete the visa application form. Each Schengen country has its own version of the visa application form. Common fields include:
Personal information (match passport)
Travel itinerary
Visa type requested
UK immigration status
Host/contact details in the Schengen area
Signature and date
Always double-check that all fields are filled in correctly and consistently. Before you apply for a Schengen visa, review your application thoroughly to avoid mistakes. When submitting your Schengen visa application at the visa centre, you can still make changes to the form, but you cannot do so at the consulate. Incorrect or missing information is the main reason for visa rejection.
Required Documents for a Schengen Visa
To apply for a Schengen visa, you must provide a consistent and complete set of documents:
Valid passport (2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond return)
Valid residence permit (BRP)
Schengen visa application form
Two recent passport-size photographs
Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
Proof of accommodation (hotel or invitation letter)
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Marriage certificate or birth certificate (for family visits)
A valid visa, if applicable, for previous Schengen entry
This is not a complete list, as the documents required will vary depending on the purpose of your visa, but all documents must confirm your plans to travel to the Schengen area.
Applying to Multiple Schengen Countries
If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply to:
The country where you’ll spend the most time (main destination), or
The first Schengen country you will enter, if the stay duration is equal in all countries
This determines which visa application centre you’ll need to contact for your application process.
Who Can Travel Visa-Free?
British passport holders can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. UK residents with BRP must check if their nationality allows visa-free travel to European countries in the Schengen zone. Most citizens of non-EU countries need a visa to travel within the Schengen area.
UK Citizens vs UK Residents
British citizens: Do not require a visa for short Schengen zone trips (under 90 days)
UK residents with BRP: Must apply for a Schengen visa, unless their nationality is exempt from European Union visa requirements.
Additional Tips for UK Residents Applying
Don’t apply too late: earliest — 6 months before travel, latest — 15 days before
Some countries require you to live in the United Kingdom for a certain period of time before apply for a Schengen visa.
Double-check embassy holiday closures
Use official links only — avoid third-party agents unless they are accredited by the consulate.
If you are applying for a French Schengen visa, for example, please only use the official VFS Global website for the United Kingdom.
Visa Fee and Processing Times
Standard visa fee varies by age and nationality
Some categories (children under 6, students, spouses of EU citizens) may be exempt
Visa processing time: usually up to 15 working days, during peak periods — longer, officially up to 45 days
VFS Global and Other Visa Centres
Depending on the Schengen country, visa application centres vary:
VFS Global: France, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland, etc.
TLScontact: Belgium, Germany
BLS: Spain
Use only the authorised centre for your destination country.
After Submission
Check visa sticker for correctness (name, dates, type of visa) — especially if it’s a valid visa for multiple entries. If you find any errors, be sure to contact the visa application center or consulate.
What If Your Schengen Visa Is Refused?
Review the refusal letter
You may appeal or reapply
If reapplying, address the reason for refusal
Always declare past refusals in your new application process
FAQs
Do I need a visa if I hold a BRP but am a non-EU citizen?
Yes, unless your passport country is visa-exempt.
How long should my BRP be valid?
It must be a valid residence permit, at least 3 months beyond your intended return date.
Can I visit multiple Schengen countries with one visa?
Yes, if the visa is valid and not restricted to one country within the Schengen member states.
Should I buy tickets before my visa is approved?
No. Provide a reservation — not purchased tickets.
Can I apply if my passport has fewer than 2 blank pages?
No. You need at least two blank pages and 3+ months of validity after your trip.
How early can I apply for a Schengen visa?
Up to 6 months before travel.
Do I need a cover letter or invitation letter?
Yes, if visiting someone or applying for specific visa types.
What happens if I was previously denied entry to a Schengen country?
You must disclose it and provide explanations when applying again.
Are there visa exemptions for family members of EU citizens?
Yes, under certain conditions — often with a simplified list of all the necessary documents.
Conclusion
This concludes your guide on how to apply for Schengen visa from UK with BRP card. Always check the latest rules on the website of the embassy or visa centre for your destination country within the Schengen zone before starting your application process.
