In the Schengen rules (visa code, regulation 810/2009/EC) the rules only specify that you:
- Should have legal residence in the country from which you apply. Though if you are somewhere on a short stay you may also be able to make an application if it would be unreasonable to tell to apply from a country(ies) where you have residency.
- Your passport must be valid for three months after departure from the Schengen area
Article 12
Travel document
The applicant shall present a valid travel document satisfying the following criteria:
(a)
its validity shall extend at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States or, in the case of several visits, after the last intended date of departure from the territory of the Member States. However, in a justified case of emergency, this obligation may be waived;
(b)
it shall contain at least two blank pages;
(c)
it shall have been issued within the previous 10 years.
See here for PDFs in several languages:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ ... 32009R0810
Though some Schengen embassies seem to ask for a resident permit/card valid for 3 (or more, 6?) months upon departing back the Schengen area back to the country were you have residency (such as the UK). This is most certainly not allowed to ask of family members of EU/EEA citizens. Not sure about normal applicants though, but personally I'd say it would be rather silly to ask such things, aslong as you depart in time the authorities have nothing to worry about?
So check with the embassies list of requirements first, if they do ask for a RC/RP valid for 3 months after your return to the UK, and this is an issue, you may wish to consult with the EU (Your Europe, see "need more help?" at the bottom):
http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/tr ... dex_en.htm
Easiest way incase a memberstate has silly request is to chose an other Schengen member as your main destination... After the visa is granted you can enter, exit and travel through any Schengen member state, though when/if asked you will need to convince the authorities that you meet all the requirements of the visa (Insurance, sufficient funds, travel purpose is genuine etc.).
Save and happy travels!
