Highlights: Seeking to try that Margherita pizza in Naples, dig right into those indulgent croissants in Paris, explore Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona or check the real deal of Oktoberfest in Berlin? You need to apply for a Schengen visa for UAE residents today itself.
Let’s start.
Explore historical landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome, experience enchanting natural phenomena like Northern Lights in Lapland, indulge in cultural magic in Vienna or take a leisurely canal tour in Venice – the list can go on and on.
Essentially, there are innumerable fun things to do in Europe around the clock. You can experience all of these moments by setting up your mind first for a grand trip, making some bookings, arranging a set of documents and filling out some forms for the Schengen visa.
In simple terms, a Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short trip of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the beautiful Schengen area. That’s the gist! But there is more to it. Let’s break all of it into easier-to-crunch pieces for better understanding.
This is the ultimate guide to Schengen visa for UAE residents 2025. You are going to find a lot of details about applying for this procedure from the UAE, besides understanding the importance of the documentation first. Time to make travel to Europe from UAE visa requirements simpler.
What is a Schengen visa?
I mentioned the essence of a Schengen visa in the introduction. It is meant for a temporary and short trip to one or multiple countries in the Schengen area of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. There are three forms of Schengen visa:
1. Single-entry visa: Enter the Schengen area once.
2. Multiple-entry visa: Make multiple trips to Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid.
3. Airport transit visa: Connect through international transit area of an airport in Schengen area.
To be more specific, the airport transit visa doesn’t let you leave the international transit area. The best thing is the UAE is one of the most easily accessible places globally. A big chunk of global destinations are at just a 4-hour flight duration from Dubai. Isn’t it incredible?
Who need a Schengen visa in UAE?
Please keep in mind that UAE citizens (UAE passport holders), you can get visa-free entry to Schengen countries for up to 90 days. None of this documentation is necessary. But for UAE residents (citizens of non-UAE countries residing in UAE), things get a bit different.
UAE residents are required to apply for a Schengen visa to access the region. Plus, they need to hold a valid UAE residence visa (valid for a minimum of 3 months after your return date) and a passport valid for at least 3 months after exiting the Schengen area.
Make sure to specify the reason for planning a trip to Europe from UAE clearly. Is it for tourism, business, medical or family visit? There are more than just one reason for Schengen visa applications getting rejected. It is important to put in place all the necessary details.
Major change in VFS Global Schengen visa application process
Let me highlight a major change that has been in place for at least a couple of months already. The Schengen visa application process has changed and all UAE residents planning trips to Europe in 2025 must pay attention.
Currently, it is necessary to fill out the entire application form online first, before booking an appointment. Before this change, people used to grab a time slot and sort out the documentation later on. But that procedure is long gone.
This change has been brought in to reduce appointment backlogs and make the system more accurate and efficient. This means UAE expats planning trips to the Schengen area need to be more prepared up front or risk delays.
It is happening on the VFS Global Portal, responsible for handling visa processing for most Schengen countries in the UAE. Because of the update, non-Emirati residents in the UAE need to fill out and submit their visa form online to book an appointment slot.
Step-by-step process to apply for a Schengen visa from UAE
This section is going to make the entire Schengen visa application process UAE simpler. You are going to get details of the required documents for Schengen visa and the step-by-step instructions, too. Make sure to read through it.
1. Identify Schengen visa type
This means you need to identify the reason for your trip. Is it for tourism, business, family or medical reasons? Please keep in mind that a Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate of the country (the primary focus).
If a UAE resident is planning to explore more than one Schengen country, apply at the Consulate of the country you are going to spend the longest time in. If the durations of stay in each country are equal, apply at the Consulate of the first country you are going to enter.
Please check your itinerary before making your application to the Consulate of a Schengen country. In order to apply, you need to submit a set of documents as per the purpose of the trip. But presentation of the documents does not automatically lead to the issuance of a visa.
2. Begin your Schengen visa application and book an appointment
Once you have identified the most appropriate type of Schengen visa, fill out a form online. You cannot book slots yet because of the update (as mentioned earlier). Print the completed form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
You need to choose a centre next and book an appointment. These applications for short stay visas are accepted through prior appointments. You need to attend the appointment. It is not possible to send someone in your place (clearly!).
– make a secure payment using a credit card for an immediate appointment confirmation
– pay the visa fees in cash or card at the centre at the time of submitting the application
– make sure to carry a print-out of your application letter to the centre
– each person has a separate appointment and needs to submit a separate application
– appointments scheduled under one centre cannot be changed or transferred to another centre. This means you cannot transfer an appointment from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
3. Track your application
If you are at this step, it means you have paid the Schengen visa application fee and attended your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre in person. Next, track your application. You are going to get an email update as your centre gets informed about the decision.
You may also get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone number. Or else, check the status of your Schengen visa application online. Use the Reference Number present on the receipt issued by the centre and your last name to access the information.
4. Collect your passport
This means the Schengen visa application decision has been made. You need to pick up your passport from the centre or have it returned by courier for an additional fee. For some centres, your passport can be returned through courier only.
For more information and booking an appointment: vfsglobal.com
What documents are needed to apply for Schengen visa for UAE residents?
1. You need a valid passport. The expiry date needs to be at least 3 months after the date of departure from the Schengen region. For UAE residents holding multiple-entry Schengen visas, the date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country explored.
2. Completed Schengen visa application form
3. UAE residency visa
3. Valid photograph
4. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.
5. Documents to support certain key requirements, such as the purpose of your trip, proof of financial means and accommodation, and proof of your intention to return to your home country after your stay in the Schengen region. These could include flight tickets, hotel bookings, bank statements, salary certificate/NOC letter and more.
6. Your fingerprints are going to be collected at the time of application submission.
You might need to submit additional documents, depending on requests by the Consulate. Please make sure to submit all requisite documents at the time of submitting the application to minimise chances of rejection.
Countries in the Schengen area are beautiful and majestic. If you are planning on exploring some of these places at ease, clicking memorable pictures beside stunning landmarks and eating your heart out, double check the documents before submitting.
For all children under 18 years, both parents need to be present at the Visa Application Centre in the UAE to sign the VIDEX form. In case one parent is abroad, the signed authorisation form and passport holding exit stamps from UAE must be submitted.
These young applicants are also required to submit a signed letter of consent or authorisation form and passport copy of the parents. There are different rules applicable for different situations. Make sure to check vfsglobal.com for all the details.
Schengen visa fees in 2025 for UAE residents
Let’s take a look at Schengen visa fees UAE 2025. It is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12. There might be an additional fee if you go through visa service centres (responsible for collecting applications on behalf of Consulates in some cases).
Processing time for Schengen visa for UAE residents
Please keep in mind that the normal processing time for a Schengen visa application for UAE residents is 15 days. This period could be extended to up to 45 days if a more meticulous examination is necessary. Therefore, apply much earlier than the starting date of your trip.
Because of this minimum processing time, there is no guarantee that your passports will be returned by a certain date. Make sure to submit your visa application well in advance of the beginning of that fabulous trip across Europe. Holidays could get things busier, at times.
Where to apply for Schengen visa in UAE?
There is more than just one route. Let me take you through them. First of all, VFS Global Dubai or Abu Dhabi (handling visa processing for most Schengen countries). Contrary to earlier methods, you cannot book an appointment slot before filling out your application form.
You can check out BLS International (for Spain), TLS Contact Centres (for France) and Embassy/Consulate direct applications. There are plenty of travel companies, too, to make all the arrangements for your Schengen visa.
You can seek the help of travel agencies in Dubai and beyond to complete your Schengen visa application process – majorly because these firms house experts and take care of documents, appointment bookings, travel insurance, itinerary and language support.
Tips for a successful Schengen visa application
Seeking to try that Margherita pizza in Naples, dig right into those indulgent croissants in Paris, explore Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona or check the real deal of Oktoberfest in Berlin? You need to apply for a Schengen visa today itself.
Your Schengen visa is going to be your ultimate golden ticket to exploring some of the most scenic and culturally rich countries in Europe from the UAE. But it is not all fun and games, for sure. Here are some top Schengen visa tips UAE residents.
1. Focus on your documents. Make sure to submit clear documentation to minimise chances of delays or rejections.
2. You need to be transparent, all the time. Your details in the application form and the cover letter need to be honest and precise.
3. Specify the purpose of your trip clearly. Is it for tourism, business, medical or family?
4. Your previous travel history needs to be solid. This means did you use your previous Schengen visas correctly and did not overstay or violated any rules?
5. Schedule your Schengen visa appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi as early as possible. This is because appointments can book up pretty quickly.
6. Ensure all documents are accurate and organised. To be more prepared, chart up a list of all required documents, including your passport, application form, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, financial proof and more.
7. Book refundable bookings. This means book such flights and hotels that enable refunds as non-refundable financial transactions could cost you a lot, in case your Schengen visa application gets rejected for some reason and you couldn’t arrange one before the trip starts.
8. You can submit your Schengen visa application for UAE residents no more than six months before the starting date of your trip. This offers you and your travel partners time to correct any errors and reapply if needed.
9. Research embassy requirements meticulously.
10. Travel and medical insurance is immensely necessary. This documentation also needs to take care of at least €30,000 in possible medical expenses for the entire Schengen area.
11. Check your passport validity.
12. You need to present strong financial proof.
13. Check the validity of your UAE residence visa.
14. Dress better.
15. Reach the Embassy or Consulate on time. Don’t be late to the appointment.
16. You need to be confident and honest. Take up all questions calmly and truthfully. Transparency and confidence are key to rocking up your Schengen visa appointment.
17. Make sure to bring all documents.
18. Last-minute Schengen visa applications are a big NO.
Schengen visa application for UAE residents 2025: Frequently asked questions
1. Which countries are part of the Schengen area?
You can find 29 countries in the Schengen area (Schengen states). Some of the most popular Schengen states among UAE residents are: Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Austria.
2. What is the Schengen visa fee for UAE residents in 2025?
This part is a little bit of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. Reason? Let me explain it to you elaborately. First of all, there is a base fee. As already mentioned in this article, this is €90 (Dh390) for adults and €45 (Dh195) for kids aged 6-12.
This base fee is not applicable in certain conditions, such as for children under six years; school pupils, students, post-grads and accompanying teachers applying for Schengen visas for studies or educational training; family members of EU/EEA citizens; and more.
This base fee is fixed across all Schengen countries. But service fees can be pretty different (depending on the Embassy you are applying through). For example, the service fee for the German Embassy is different from that of Spain.
These fees could make one country’s visa much cheaper compared to others. This means you could be eating more pizzas in Naples, taking an extra gondola ride in Venice, indulging in some more churros in Catalonia or getting one more decent dinner in Paris.
Some of the cheaper European Embassies for UAE residents are:
– Germany
– Netherlands
– Belgium
– Italy
– Portugal
– France
– Austria
The Schengen visa for UAE residents is applied for the country you are going to enter first or spend the most time in. By applying through cheaper Embassies, you can spend that money on other things like shopping, eating, better hotels or some experience.
But remember to check appointment slots first as cheaper Embassies book up early. Keep currency exchange rates in mind. You need to pay in Dirhams, so some small fluctuations could happen in a short period and affect final costs. Don’t apply for unnecessary add-ons.
3. Can UAE citizens travel visa-free to Europe?
Yes. UAE citizens (UAE passport holders) can get visa-free entry to Schengen countries for up to 90 days. But for UAE residents (non-Emirati passport holders in the UAE), the situation could be a bit different (depending on their nationality).
4. Which nationalities in the UAE need a Schengen visa?
Citizens of dozens of countries need a Schengen visa to travel to or through the Schengen area. These include people of Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tajikistan and Vietnam.
5. Can I apply for a Schengen visa online from Dubai?
Because of the recent update, you cannot book an appointment slot before completing your Schengen visa application process online. Check the earlier sections of this article for a better idea about the procedure.
You need to choose a Visa Application Centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and make an appointment. The applications for short stay visas are accepted through prior appointments. You need to attend the appointment. It is not possible to send someone in your place (clearly!).
6. Do I need confirmed flight and hotel bookings?
You don’t, technically. Let me explain.
Book refundable bookings. This means book such flights and hotels that enable refunds as non-refundable financial transactions could cost you a lot, in case your Schengen visa application gets rejected for some reason and you couldn’t arrange one before the trip starts.
For a Schengen visa application, UAE residents don’t need confirmed or fully purchased flight and hotel bookings. Instead, a flight itinerary and hotel reservation are enough to act as proofs of your upcoming travel plans and accommodations in Europe.
For hotel bookings, find a hotel that is offering free or partial cancellation. There are some reputable hotels in Europe that are permitting customers to pay a small deposit or fee to get a confirmation document for their Schengen visa application.
For flight bookings?
You need to submit a flight itinerary or reservation. There is no need to purchase a flight ticket entirely. You can book a refundable flight ticket for your Schengen visa, although these are more expensive.
You can also obtain a temporary hold from an airline. Some travel agencies in Dubai and other parts of the UAE could also arrange dummy tickets for Schengen visa application. These tickets have a valid PNR. Let me explain this in brief.
Dummy Schengen tickets are not fully paid flight tickets. These are temporary flight reservations or booking confirmations. These dummy tickets are used as proof of travel intent. Do confirm that the reservation is genuine, all the time, and suits the Embassy’s policies.
7. Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa UAE?
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa. This tiny piece of document is going to help you in case of the most serious emergencies. During international trips, it is Rule 101 to stay prepared on the most basic things first.
8. Can I apply for multiple-entry Schengen visa from UAE?
You can. Schengen visa permits a temporary stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Single-entry visas are for entering the Schengen area once. On the other hand, multiple-entry visas permit visits for as long as the visa is valid.
9. What to do if my Schengen visa is rejected in UAE?
It is recommended to fill out your Schengen visa application for UAE residents early (up to six months before the trip starts). This could offer you enough time to reapply after making the necessary changes.
If your Schengen visa is rejected, you can appeal the decision or reapply. But it is necessary to understand the reasons for the refusal first. Make sure to act promptly and on time as appeals tend to have a short and strict deadline.
10. Will my Schengen visa fee be refunded in case of rejection?
The visa fee is not refunded. This amount takes care of the cost of the examination of the application form. In case of rejection, you are free to reapply. But do take note of the reasons for the earlier refusal before submitting another application and making amendments.
11. Can my Schengen visa be extended?
You need to clearly specify the reason for seeking an extension of your Schengen visa for UAE residents. Is it for humanitarian reasons or serious personal reasons? For more details on this, check this official document.
12. Can I apply for a Schengen visa if my passport is expiring in 2 months?
You cannot, in principle. But the Consulate may skip past this rule in justified cases of emergency. The general rule is the expiration date of your passport needs to be at least three months after your return from the Schengen area.
13. Do I need to present any other document at the Schengen external borders?
Your short-stay Schengen visa does not automatically guarantee you an entry into the Schengen area. At Schengen external borders or during other controls, you might be required to present the visa and additional documentation.
This could include financial proof that you have sufficient means to cover the stay and the return trip. Therefore, carry copies of the documents that you presented at the time of applying for the visa, such as travel confirmations, letters of invitation and others.
14. Which embassy is easiest to get Schengen visa from UAE?
Frustrated by Schengen visa rejections? Let me take you through a set of countries that enable better ease and less rejection rates. These are Iceland, Romania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Latvia, Italy, Hungary and Greece.
Iceland is possibly the easiest country to get a Schengen visa. It has a high approval rate. On top of it, Iceland is also immensely beautiful and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the planet today.
Got a Schengen visa? Flights from UAE to top Schengen areas
Emirates Dubai to Europe flights
One of the largest international airlines, Emirates is operating flights from Dubai to more than 40 destinations in Europe. For all the bookings, check emirates.com or the Emirates app. You can get flights from:
– Dubai to Vienna in Austria
– Dubai to Brussels in Belgium
– Dubai to Prague in Czech Republic
– Dubai to Copenhagen in Denmark
– Dubai to Paris, Lyon and Nice in France
– Dubai to Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dusseldorf in Germany
– Dubai to Athens in Greece
– Dubai to Budapest in Hungary
– Dubai to Rome, Milan, Venice and Bologna in Italy
– Dubai to Malta
– Dubai to Amsterdam in the Netherlands
– Dubai to Lisbon in Portugal
– Dubai to Barcelona and Madrid in Spain
Etihad Abu Dhabi to Europe flights
Etihad is the UAE’s national airline, connecting Abu Dhabi to dozens of destinations across the globe. For all flight bookings, check etihad.com or the Etihad app. You can find regular flights to a number of Schengen countries, such as:
– Abu Dhabi to Athens and Santorini
– Abu Dhabi to Lisbon
– Abu Dhabi to Paris
– Abu Dhabi to Rome, Florence, Milan and Naples
– Abu Dhabi to Barcelona, Madrid and Seville
– Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam
– Abu Dhabi to Venice
– Abu Dhabi to Berlin and Munich
– Abu Dhabi to Prague
– Abu Dhabi to Budapest
– Abu Dhabi to Vienna
– Abu Dhabi to Copenhagen
– Abu Dhabi to Stockholm
– Abu Dhabi to Zurich
In a nutshell
This Schengen visa UAE 2025 guide features a detailed set of information to make your trip to some of the most scenic European countries easier. You get elaborate data about applying for Schengen visas, arranging documents, getting fees ready and using the right route, too.
Travelling doesn’t need to be hectic. But you definitely need to plan better and pack lighter before the actual trip starts. Check for peak seasons and holidays. In such cases, the processing of your Schengen visa application could take longer.
Take a good read through this guide to realise that the process is quite simple. You need to arrange the right documents, apply at the right Embassy or Consulate and reapply or appeal the decision in case of rejection. Happy exploring!
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