Hi,

I’m a UK national, in a relationship with but not married to a Thai.

I’ve sponsored / supported my partner’s visit to the UK before but would quite like to take her to Europe for a visit.

Most guidance seems to be about an EU national sponsoring a visit. Can I do it as a non-EU national?

• We’ve been together about 10 years

• Live in Thailand together most of the year

• We’d be flying to EU from UK rather than Thailand (i.e. trip part of a longer holiday)

• Have travelled to lots of countries together and can provide evidence

• She works but doesn’t really earn enough to support the cost of the trip out of her salary

• I can provide evidence like tax returns, savings, etc. for my own income

Appreciate any insight or tips anyone can give!

She applies online from Thailand through the embassy or visa portal of the Schengen country that is her main destination. If the time spent is the same in each country, she applies through the first Schengen country she will enter.

After submitting the application, she will receive the list of required documents and book an appointment at the VFS office in Bangkok to submit her passport, biometrics and all supporting documents.

Or use an agent ?

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

She applies online from Thailand through the embassy or visa portal of the Schengen country that is her main destination. If the time spent is the same in each country, she applies through the first Schengen country she will enter.

Thailand visa services

After submitting the application, she will receive the list of required documents and book an appointment at the VFS office in Bangkok to submit her passport, biometrics and all supporting documents.

Or use an agent ?

Thanks. Appreciate the reply.

Key question: Do I, as a non-EU national get a chance to provide some evidence?

I’m comfortable combining pdfs so can do e.g. a covering letter with several appendices of my bank statements, evidence of relationship, intent to return to Thailand, etc.

If the application allows evidence from me then shouldn’t be a problem. If limited to Thai national on their own merit or sponsored by EU national only then more challenging.

I wasn’t planning to use an agent. Haven’t used an agent for her UK visas / visits and had no problems.

She applies online from Thailand through the Schengen country she is applying to. The application will show what documents she needs, including what you need to provide as her sponsor. She then books an appointment at VFS in Bangkok and submits everything there.

4 hours ago, Hummin said:

She applies online from Thailand through the Schengen country she is applying to. The application will show what documents she needs, including what you need to provide as her sponsor. She then books an appointment at VFS in Bangkok and submits everything there.

GeographicReference

Ok. Thank you

On 7/19/2026 at 4:50 AM, Chalky0w said:

I wasn’t planning to use an agent. Haven’t used an agent for her UK visas / visits and had no problems.

The EU is a lot more tolerant than the UK and if you follow the guidance the won't be any problem. They are not trying to restrict visas.

I have done the Schengen visa for my wife several times, both as an EU citizen and a UK citizen, all applications were based on travelling from the UK as part of a holiday. About the only real difference is you pay for the visa.

Two years ago we did a circular tour by train, Eurostar to Brussels, Luxembourg, couple of places on the Mosel valley and up to Koblenz. Back to Brussels via Koln.

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

The EU is a lot more tolerant than the UK and if you follow the guidance the won't be any problem. They are not trying to restrict visas.

I have done the Schengen visa for my wife several times, both as an EU citizen and a UK citizen, all applications were based on travelling from the UK as part of a holiday. About the only real difference is you pay for the visa.

Two years ago we did a circular tour by train, Eurostar to Brussels, Luxembourg, couple of places on the Mosel valley and up to Koblenz. Back to Brussels via Koln.

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

The EU is a lot more tolerant than the UK and if you follow the guidance the won't be any problem. They are not trying to restrict visas.

I have done the Schengen visa for my wife several times, both as an EU citizen and a UK citizen, all applications were based on travelling from the UK as part of a holiday. About the only real difference is you pay for the visa.

Two years ago we did a circular tour by train, Eurostar to Brussels, Luxembourg, couple of places on the Mosel valley and up to Koblenz. Back to Brussels via Koln.

Thank you!

Yes, there is a section to add you as sponsor. I usually submit a letter outlining relationship, finances and undertake to cover expenses

On 7/18/2026 at 9:25 PM, Chalky0w said:

Most guidance seems to be about an EU national sponsoring a visit. Can I do it as a non-EU national?

There might be separate rules for UK residents, otherwise you cannot be sponsor. Your girlfriend need to apply as a tourists and show proof of required documentation as such, including having reasonable amount of own fund, accommodation bookings, an agenda for the visit, return ticket and travel insurance.

Similar happened to when I moved out of EU to Thailand, I could no longer invite my girlfriend to my EU-home country — as I wasn't staying there permanently anymore — so, she needed to apply as tourist.

6 minutes ago, khunPer said:

There might be separate rules for UK residents, otherwise you cannot be sponsor. Your girlfriend need to apply as a tourists and show proof of required documentation as such, including having reasonable amount of own fund, accommodation bookings, an agenda for the visit, return ticket and travel insurance.

Similar happened to when I moved out of EU to Thailand, I could no longer invite my girlfriend to my EU-home country — as I wasn't staying there permanently anymore — so, she needed to apply as tourist.

InternationalRelations

There is only one reliable way to find out. Start an application in her name, or let her do it herself. The application portal and the official checklist will explain what documents she needs and how to submit them.

You may still be able to pay for your girlfriend’s trip to the EU even if you have moved to Thailand and are registered there, as long as you meet the requirements to act as her sponsor. It may be worth comparing the requirements of the countries you genuinely plan to visit, but she must apply through the country that is her main destination.

24 minutes ago, khunPer said:

There might be separate rules for UK residents, otherwise you cannot be sponsor. Your girlfriend need to apply as a tourists and show proof of required documentation as such, including having reasonable amount of own fund, accommodation bookings, an agenda for the visit, return ticket and travel insurance.

Similar happened to when I moved out of EU to Thailand, I could no longer invite my girlfriend to my EU-home country — as I wasn't staying there permanently anymore — so, she needed to apply as tourist.

UK residents used to be EU citizens so were in a different position, but that is no longer the case. At that time the Germans abused the rules and I reported them to SOLVIT, the dispute was ruled in my favour. Not that it did me any good 6 months later, but hopefully made things easier for others. At the end of the day the Schengen Handbook has the last word.

As far as your comment goes there is an option under Item 32 to provide a sponsor, or also the option to specify other means of funding.

In about 25 various visitor visa applications my wife has never provided any financial information whatsoever, a letter stating all costs will be covered has always been sufficient.

On 7/19/2026 at 10:05 AM, Chalky0w said:

Ok. Thank you

On 7/19/2026 at 10:05 AM, Chalky0w said:

Ok. Thank you

4 hours ago, Chalky0w said:

Thank you!

Some Schengen countries are more helpful than others. I would not apply with Austria.

On 7/19/2026 at 2:25 AM, Chalky0w said:

Hi,

I’m a UK national, in a relationship with but not married to a Thai.

I’ve sponsored / supported my partner’s visit to the UK before but would quite like to take her to Europe for a visit.

Most guidance seems to be about an EU national sponsoring a visit. Can I do it as a non-EU national?

• We’ve been together about 10 years

• Live in Thailand together most of the year

• We’d be flying to EU from UK rather than Thailand (i.e. trip part of a longer holiday)

• Have travelled to lots of countries together and can provide evidence

• She works but doesn’t really earn enough to support the cost of the trip out of her salary

• I can provide evidence like tax returns, savings, etc. for my own income

Appreciate any insight or tips anyone can give!

It has been mentioned already but I would reiterate that she needs to apply within Thailand (don't do as a friend did and wait until his GF was in the UK - and then think about a side trip - she can't.

How long is the trip ?

I usually fund my partner's bank account with the requisite daily amount x the number of days holiday. Funds are pulled out once the application has been submitted. Note that unlike the UK standard visitor visa, which is granted for 6 months, the Schengen visa is initially granted for the exact period of stay..................it gets better, my partner now has a 5 year visa.

10 hours ago, sandyf said:

UK residents used to be EU citizens so were in a different position, but that is no longer the case. At that time the Germans abused the rules and I reported them to SOLVIT, the dispute was ruled in my favour. Not that it did me any good 6 months later, but hopefully made things easier for others. At the end of the day the Schengen Handbook has the last word.

As far as your comment goes there is an option under Item 32 to provide a sponsor, or also the option to specify other means of funding.

In about 25 various visitor visa applications my wife has never provided any financial information whatsoever, a letter stating all costs will be covered has always been sufficient.

Thanks for your comment. My reply was from actual experience — there is a difference if you as sponsor are resident in the EU, or has moved outside.

10 hours ago, Hummin said:

There is only one reliable way to find out. Start an application in her name, or let her do it herself. The application portal and the official checklist will explain what documents she needs and how to submit them.

You may still be able to pay for your girlfriend’s trip to the EU even if you have moved to Thailand and are registered there, as long as you meet the requirements to act as her sponsor. It may be worth comparing the requirements of the countries you genuinely plan to visit, but she must apply through the country that is her main destination.

Thanks for your reply, but I'm not asking about anything. My reply to OP was based on actual facts, having moved out and still visiting EU with Thai girlfriend. It's different requirements for a girlfriend compared to a married couple.

«If you are unmarried or traveling for a standard tourist visit, you do not fall under the strict EU free-movement rules. The embassy will treat your application as a standard Schengen visit:

• The Sponsor's Finances: Your sponsor can still fund the trip. They must provide official proof of income, such as recent bank statements, pay stubs, and a formally notarized or official letter of sponsorship (depending on the specific country's embassy guidelines).

• The Thai Applicant's Finances: Even with a sponsor, it is highly recommended that you show a stable personal financial background in Thailand (e.g., personal bank statements showing a consistent history, employment letter, or property ownership). This proves your economic ties to Thailand and your intention to return home, which is a major factor in visa approval.

3. General Financial Benchmarks

While there is no fixed global minimum, most Schengen embassies require the applicant (or sponsor) to show a daily spending capacity of approximately €50 to €100 per day for the duration of the trip, in addition to pre-paid flights and accommodation.»

7 hours ago, khunPer said:

Thanks for your comment. My reply was from actual experience — there is a difference if you as sponsor are resident in the EU, or has moved outside.

It doesn't matter where you are resident, applications are normally made in the applicants country of residence with the application having a standard EU format. In this case the application will be made in Thailand with most EU countries being handled by VFS.

Your comment was inappropriate regarding the OP.

14 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

It has been mentioned already but I would reiterate that she needs to apply within Thailand (don't do as a friend did and wait until his GF was in the UK - and then think about a side trip - she can't.

Generally speaking that would be the case but it is not cast in stone. I have known a couple of instances where the Schengen visa was granted to a Thai visitor applying in London.

There has to be a valid reason why the application was not made in the home country and one situation available where a decision to visit the EU has been taken to take advantage of a last minute discounted holiday opportunity.

It is a bit of a gamble as you would need to make the booking and hope for the best.

Thanks to everyone for replies so far. Appreciate your experiences!

Seems like experience might vary from country to country - any to be avoided / any known to be easier than others? We haven’t got firm plans yet but were looking to hop around a bit.

No problem to apply from Thailand first. Useful to know the differences vs UK visitor visa application e.g. only granted for exact period not full 90 days.

2 hours ago, sandyf said:

It doesn't matter where you are resident, applications are normally made in the applicants country of residence with the application having a standard EU format. In this case the application will be made in Thailand with most EU countries being handled by VFS.

Your comment was inappropriate regarding the OP.

Sorry that you misunderstand me, I'm talking about the EU-sponsor's residency. Tere is a difference if the sponsor is living inside EU and invites, or living outside EU. The latter will to my experience — which is what I'm referring to, as I had been in a similar situation as OP — require a tourist-visa for the Thai applicant. Visa-application for EU shall normally be made in one's land of residency — i.e., often Thailand for a Thai — to the embasse of that EU-country where most of the stay will be, or the EU-contry in which the applicant enters EU. It's not the sponsor that apply for visa.

And by th way, why do you consider my comment as inappropriate?

And by th way, why do you consider my comment as inappropriate?

The OP is a UK national and a foreigner as far as the EU is concerned, unlike a citizen of the EU.