Europe
Visa for United Kingdom
Updated: October 2026 · ETA mandatory for EU citizens too since 2 April 2025.
Who needs a visa?
Since 2025 all non-British nationals need either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa. German and EU citizens: ETA for £20, valid 2 years, for visits up to 6 months. Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and most third countries: a visa – even if they live in Germany. A German residence permit does not replace a UK visa.
Fees and processing time
Fees since 8 April 2026: Standard Visitor £135, Skilled Worker £819 (up to 3 years) or £1,618, Student £558, Global Talent £766, ETA £20. Work and study visas also require the Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (adults), £776 (children/students). Processing: visitor visa about 3 weeks, work visas 3 weeks from abroad; Priority (5 working days) for an extra £500.
Where to apply?
Online at gov.uk, then biometrics at the TLScontact visa centre in Berlin, Düsseldorf or Munich. Residents of Germany apply from Germany. The decision comes by e-mail and the eVisa is stored in your UKVI account – there has been no passport vignette since 2025.
Visa types
| Category | Who it is for | Government fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA | EU citizens and visa-free nationals; visits up to 6 months | £20 | 3 working days |
| Standard Visitor | Tourism, business, family; up to 6 months | £135 | 3 weeks |
| Skilled Worker | Job offer from a licensed sponsor; English B2 since 8 Jan 2026; salary from £41,700 (RQF 6) | £819 / £1,618 | 3 weeks |
| Health & Care Worker | Doctors, nurses with a sponsor; reduced fee, no IHS | £304 / £590 | 3 weeks |
| Student | CAS from a licensed institution, proof of funds | £558 | 3 weeks |
| Global Talent | Endorsement in science, tech, arts | £766 | 3–8 weeks |
| Youth Mobility | Age 18–30 from participating countries; 2 years of work | £319 | 3 weeks |
| Family / Spouse | Partners of British citizens or settled persons; income threshold £29,000 | £1,938 | 12–24 weeks |
Documents
- Passport and German residence permit
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Employer letter, payslips or tax assessment
- Travel plan, hotel booking or invitation from the UK
- For Skilled Worker: Certificate of Sponsorship, English test (B2), TB test for listed countries
- English translations – we arrange them
What we do for you
- Check the category and assess your chances honestly
- Personal checklist, check of every document
- Complete the online form from your details, write the cover letter
- Book the visa centre or consulate appointment, prepare you for questions
- Arrange translations, apostille, insurance
- Track status, answer queries, explain the decision
Common mistakes
Applying for an ETA when your nationality requires a visa; bank statements with unexplained large credits; omitting previous refusals (including Schengen, USA, Canada) – the UK checks and refuses for 'deception' for 10 years; not checking the employer's sponsor licence.
Our fee: Document check from €150, full support for one application from €490. Government fees, translations and apostille are charged separately and quoted in advance. Prices →