Millions of people head to Europe each year to work, study, reunite with family, or simply enjoy the food, culture, and history. If you’re living in the UK, though, working out which visa you need has become a bit trickier since Brexit. Between the EU, the Schengen Area, and non-EU countries with their own rules, it can feel like a confusing puzzle.
At Remitly, we know how frustrating it is when paperwork stands in the way of your plans. Getting the right visa might not be the most exciting part of your journey, but it does make everything else possible. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through Schengen visas, residence permits, applications, and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding how European visas actually work
Europe doesn’t run on a single visa system, and that’s where a lot of the confusion starts. Depending on your destination, you could be dealing with the European Union, the Schengen Area, or a country that falls outside both. The first step in figuring out your European visa requirements is knowing which group your destination belongs to.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes 27 countries with an agreement that removes internal border checks, making travel between them much easier. In practice, this means that once you enter one Schengen country, you can usually move freely around the rest without extra stamps in your passport. For example, if you fly into Spain for a holiday, you can take a train to France or Germany with no extra paperwork and no extra hassle.
Schengen vs non-Schengen travel
That said, not every country in Europe plays by Schengen rules. The UK and Ireland are outside the zone, which means you’ll need separate visas to visit them. On the other hand, countries like Switzerland and Norway are part of Schengen even though they’re not EU members. Because the rules vary, it’s worth double-checking whether your destination is in Schengen or not before applying for your visa.
European visas after Brexit
For UK citizens, Brexit completely reshaped European visa rules. Gone are the days when you could pack a bag and move to Spain, France, or Germany without thinking twice about paperwork.
How Brexit changed European travel rules
Since leaving the EU, the UK is now classed as a “third country.” This means:
- Brits no longer have automatic rights to live and work in EU countries.
- You’ll need to follow the 90/180-day rule for short trips under a Schengen visa.
- For longer stays, such as jobs, university courses, or family reunification, you’ll need to apply for a national visa.
- If you plan to settle in Europe, a residence permit is required.
In short, Europe is still open to UK travellers, but Brexit has made the paperwork a lot more important than it used to be.
The main types of European visas (and which one you’ll need)
Now that you’ve got the big picture, the next step is figuring out which visa actually fits your plans. The answer depends on two things: how long you’re staying and what you’ll be doing once you’re there.
Short-stay visas: your Schengen ticket for quick trips
If you’re heading to Europe for a holiday, a weekend getaway, or a short business trip, a Schengen visa is usually the one you’ll need. It lets you stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- If you hold a UK passport (or one from many other countries), you don’t need to apply in advance; you can enter visa-free.
- If your passport doesn’t include visa-free entry, you’ll need to submit a visa application before you travel.
Long-stay visas: working, studying, and living in Europe
Planning a bigger move, like starting a new job, studying at a university, or joining a partner or family member abroad? In that case, you’ll need a national long-stay visa or residence permit.
- These are issued by the specific country you’re relocating to.
- Each nation sets its own rules and requirements.
- Many long-stay visas can lead to permanent residency or even citizenship if you decide Europe is where you want to build your life.
Special visas: holidays, diplomacy, and quick layovers
Not every situation falls into “short” or “long” stay. There are also special categories designed for specific needs.
- Working holiday visas let young people from eligible countries spend up to a year travelling and taking short-term jobs.
- Diplomatic visas are reserved for official government travel.
- Airport transit visas may be required just to change planes in certain European airports.
Special considerations for different nationalities
Visa requirements don’t look the same for everyone. Some travellers enjoy visa-free access, while others face stricter checks.
- UK, US, Canadian, and Japanese passport holders can usually enter Schengen countries visa-free for short trips.
- Some countries also have special agreements that make applications faster and easier.
How to apply for a European visa step by step
The exact European visa application process depends on the country you’re applying to, but in most cases it follows a similar pattern. Here’s what you can expect:
Before you apply: research and get organised
Check the exact requirements for your nationality and destination. Gather your documents early, especially if anything needs to be translated or certified. Book your appointment well ahead of time; embassies and consulates get fully booked during busy travel seasons.
During the application: forms, biometrics, and fees
Fill out the application carefully and accurately, as even small mistakes can cause frustrating delays.
- Be prepared to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and a digital photo.
- Pay the visa fee at your appointment and keep your receipt, just in case.
- Submit documents in the exact format requested, embassies are very particular about this.
After submission: waiting, tracking, and what’s next
Once everything is handed in, the hardest part is waiting. Many embassies let you track your application online, which takes some stress out of the process.
Schengen visas are normally processed in around 15 days, though longer visas may take weeks or even months. If your application is rejected, don’t panic. You’ll usually be told why, and in many cases, you can appeal or reapply once the issue is fixed.
Prepping for your visa interview
Some visa types, especially long-stay or work visas, require an interview. It can sound daunting, but really, it’s just an opportunity for officials to understand your plans.
Go over your application beforehand so your answers match your paperwork. Be ready to explain your plans, job, studies, or family situation. Stay calm, honest, and polite, most interviews are straightforward once you know what to expect.
Essential documents for European visa applications
The list can look a little different depending on the country and visa type, but some items are commonly required for nearly all applications.
Why travel insurance is non-negotiable
For a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must:
- Cover at least 30,000 EUR (26,000 GBP*) in medical costs, including emergencies and repatriation.
- Be valid in all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay.
Standard documents you’ll need:
In addition to insurance, most embassies require:
- A valid passport with enough blank pages and at least a few months of validity beyond your trip.
- A completed application form with accurate information.
- Recent passport-sized photos that meet their exact requirements.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental confirmation) and travel itinerary.
- Financial evidence, such as bank statements or payslips, to prove you can support yourself.
Depending on the type of visa, you might also need additional documentation like a work contract, university acceptance letter, or marriage certificate.
How long it takes and what it will cost
Processing times and visa fees vary depending on the country and visa type, but knowing the general patterns can help you plan your trip.
Visa fees breakdown
- As of 2025, a standard Schengen visa costs 90 EUR (78 GBP) for adults and 45 EUR (39 GBP) for children aged 6 to 12. Kids under six are usually exempt.
- Long-stay visas tend to vary by country, but you can expect them to fall between 50 EUR (43 GBP) and 120 EUR (104 GBP).
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the application fee isn’t the only cost. Some visa centres charge service fees, you might need to pay for a courier to return your passport, and there are often optional “fast-track” services if you’re short on time. Adding these extras to your budget upfront means fewer surprises later.
Living in Europe with a visa
Getting your visa is a big milestone, but it’s really just the beginning. Once you arrive, you’ll want to know exactly what your visa allows and how to settle into daily life without surprises.
What your residence visa lets you do (and what it doesn’t)
Not all visas grant the same rights. A work visa will usually allow you to take a job, but it might be tied to a specific role or employer. A student visa often includes permission to work part-time, but not full-time.
Family visas tend to offer more flexibility, though the details can change depending on the country. Knowing the limits of your visa helps you avoid unintentional rule-breaking and makes your transition smoother.
Getting set up: healthcare, work, and study
In many European countries, registering with the local authorities is one of the first steps. While it might seem like one more piece of admin, it’s essential for:
- Accessing public healthcare
- Securing the legal right to work
- Unlocking new opportunities
Skipping registration could mean missing out on essential services that make daily life easier.
Permanent residency and citizenship
If Europe feels less like a short-term adventure and more like home, you might want to look into permanent residency or even citizenship. In most countries, permanent residency becomes an option after around five years of continuous legal stay.
Citizenship usually takes longer and might require passing a language or integration test. It’s not an overnight process, but it’s the pathway to planting real roots and building a long-term future in your chosen country.
Start your European visa journey with confidence
Applying for a visa can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely manageable. Once you understand which visa fits your plans, gather your documents, and avoid common mistakes, the process becomes much smoother.
Visa rules do change, so always double-check the latest official guidance before applying. And if your situation is more complex, it may be worth getting professional advice.
FAQs
Can I work in Europe with a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas only allow you to travel for leisure or attend business meetings. Paid work requires a national work visa.
What happens if my European visa application is rejected?
Rejections do happen, but they’re not the end of the road. You’ll normally be told the reason, and in many cases, you can appeal or reapply with the correct documents.
How long before my trip should I apply for a European visa?
It’s best to apply at least 15 days before you travel, but no earlier than six months before. This gives you enough time without applying too far in advance.
Do I need travel insurance for all European visa applications?
Yes. For Schengen visas, it’s mandatory, and for national visas, it’s strongly recommended to avoid problems during your stay.
What is the 90/180-day rule and how does it affect me?
Under the Schengen rules, you can stay in the area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period on a short-stay visa or visa-free entry. Overstaying can lead to fines, visa restrictions, or even bans on future travel, so track your days carefully.
*Currency conversions provided in this article are based on rates available at the time of publication. Exchange rates fluctuate regularly, and the figures shown may not reflect current or future rates.