Schengen visa in Russia

[iwolga]

Hi,

I'm Russian citizen living in UK on EEA RC (card received in Feb 2020, moved to UK in Aug 2019). My current German Schengen visa is about to expire and I want to renew it.

As I have my savings\property in Russia, can I apply in Russia or is it obligatory that I apply in UK now?

[Zerubbabel]

Hello

You have to apply in the country you reside. As you reside in the UK, you have to apply from the UK.

[iwolga]

This is rather unsettling as puts me into initially unfavorable situation with savings as London embassy only accepts savings in local banks.

And, on top of other things, first available appointment is in a months’ time! Whereas I can just walk-in into visa centre in Russia and apply.

[ibwe]

This is rather unsettling as puts me into initially unfavorable situation with savings as London embassy only accepts savings in local banks.

And, on top of other things, first available appointment is in a months’ time! Whereas I can just walk-in into visa centre in Russia and apply.

Hi iwolga!

Given how Schengen countries are very strict and that the place to lodge an application is based on where you reside and not citizenship, I would say it's better to do it in London.

However, exceptions do exist. Since you are Russian and in Russia and can walk-in into a visa center, I would advise to just go and ask them if there is a possibility.

You might need to add a very convincing cover letter to explain your situation.

[iwolga]

This is rather unsettling as puts me into initially unfavorable situation with savings as London embassy only accepts savings in local banks.

And, on top of other things, first available appointment is in a months’ time! Whereas I can just walk-in into visa centre in Russia and apply.

Hi iwolga!

Given how Schengen countries are very strict and that the place to lodge an application is based on where you reside and not citizenship, I would say it's better to do it in London.

However, exceptions do exist. Since you are Russian and in Russia and can walk-in into a visa center, I would advise to just go and ask them if there is a possibility.

You might need to add a very convincing cover letter to explain your situation.

Thanks! As a matter of fact I've sent an email to German embassy in Russia, explaining my situation. I told them that I'm in Russia for 4 weeks and asked if I can apply. I also explained that both my property and my savings are in Russia as I've only been in England for 6 months now. Hence I can't demonstrate sound financial position in the UK

I received a reply from them that I can apply in Russian visa centre and that they copy the centre in my city into their reply. Now, I don't really know if it's gonna work but I'll keep forum updated.

[ibwe]

[/quote]
Thanks! As a matter of fact I've sent an email to German embassy in Russia, explaining my situation. I told them that I'm in Russia for 4 weeks and asked if I can apply. I also explained that both my property and my savings are in Russia as I've only been in England for 6 months now. Hence I can't demonstrate sound financial position in the UK

I received a reply from them that I can apply in Russian visa centre and that they copy the centre in my city into their reply. Now, I don't really know if it's gonna work but I'll keep forum updated.
[/quote]

Thanks for the update.

Based on their reply and that they even cc the center, I think it might just work.

[iwolga]

Thanks! As a matter of fact I've sent an email to German embassy in Russia, explaining my situation. I told them that I'm in Russia for 4 weeks and asked if I can apply. I also explained that both my property and my savings are in Russia as I've only been in England for 6 months now. Hence I can't demonstrate sound financial position in the UK

I received a reply from them that I can apply in Russian visa centre and that they copy the centre in my city into their reply. Now, I don't really know if it's gonna work but I'll keep forum updated.
[/quote]

Thanks for the update.

Based on their reply and that they even cc the center, I think it might just work.
[/quote]
I’ve just received my visa! I showed the reply from the embassy to visa centre, they still warned me papers can be simply refused to process. But 5 days later I’ve got a 3 years visit visa! Happy this is off my head for now

[ibwe]

[/quote]
I’ve just received my visa! I showed the reply from the embassy to visa centre, they still warned me papers can be simply refused to process. But 5 days later I’ve got a 3 years visit visa! Happy this is off my head for now
[/quote]

Awesome news indeed!
As I surmised before, if the embassy went on and gave official answer, chances were in your favor. Hats off to you for actual going ahead with the application. I am happy for you!