Schengen Visa Dubai

A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to 29 European countries with a single visa.

Processing usually takes 15–21 working days after submission.

Yes, all UAE residents with a valid residence visa can apply.

Yes, even minors require a Schengen Visa.

A Schengen Visa is a short-term visa that allows UAE residents to travel to 27 European countries with a single visa. If you are living in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE and planning to visit Europe for tourism, business, or family visits, you must apply for a Schengen Visa before departure. UAE citizens holding a UAE passport are visa-exempt for Schengen countries, but expatriate residents of Dubai and other Emirates require a Schengen Visa to enter Europe.

Yes, any UAE resident with a valid UAE residence visa can apply for a Schengen Visa from Dubai. The residence visa should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date from Europe. This is one of the most important requirements embassies check before accepting your application.

UAE residents should apply to the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to visit first, or where they will spend the most days of their trip. For example, if your trip includes France, Italy, and Spain but you spend the longest duration in France, you must apply through the French Consulate in Dubai.

Processing times for a Schengen Visa in Dubai generally range between 15 to 21 working days after the biometric appointment at VFS Global or the respective embassy. However, UAE residents are advised to apply at least 30 days before their intended travel date to avoid last-minute delays, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and winter holidays.

The required documents include:

• Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months validity)

• UAE residence visa copy

• Recent passport-size photos in Schengen format

• Completed Schengen Visa application form

• Travel insurance with €30,000 coverage

• Confirmed hotel booking and flight reservation

• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months

• Salary certificate or NOC from employer

Providing complete and accurate documents increases the approval chances for UAE residents applying from Dubai.

The Schengen Visa fee in Dubai depends on the applicant’s age:

• Adults: €80 (approx. AED 330)

• Children 6–12 years: €40 (approx. AED 160)

• Children below 6 years: Free
  Additional service charges apply if you apply through VFS Global or a visa assistance service in Dubai.

While the application form can be filled out online, UAE residents must still book an appointment and appear in person for biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the respective visa application center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. First-time Schengen applicants from the UAE cannot skip this step, though frequent travelers may not need to give biometrics every time.

With a Schengen Visa, UAE residents can stay in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or family purposes. Overstaying your visa can affect future applications, so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen Visa applications from Dubai. The insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. Without valid travel insurance, your visa application will be rejected.

Yes, UAE residents can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa if they plan to travel frequently to Europe. This visa allows you to enter and exit Schengen countries multiple times during its validity. However, the embassy usually grants this type of visa if you have a strong travel history, valid reasons for multiple trips, and complete documentation.

If your Schengen Visa from Dubai is rejected, you will receive a letter with the reason for refusal. UAE residents can either appeal the decision or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons for rejection include insufficient financial proof, incomplete documents, or unclear travel purpose. Working with a visa assistance service like Odit Travels can improve your chances of approval.

Yes, UAE residents can apply for a Schengen Visa for their spouse, children, or dependents. Minors must have additional documents such as a birth certificate and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) signed by parents or guardians. Both parents’ passports and UAE residence visas are also required when applying for a child’s visa.

The most popular Schengen destinations for UAE residents are France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Many Dubai residents prefer these countries for tourism, family holidays, or business trips due to their vibrant cities, shopping experiences, and cultural attractions.

 In some cases, embassies may provide express or urgent Schengen Visa appointments for UAE residents, especially for business travel or emergencies. However, this is not guaranteed, and normal processing times still apply. It is always recommended to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Yes, Odit Travels specializes in Schengen Visa assistance for UAE residents. While the final decision rests with the respective European embassies and consulates, Odit Travels helps Dubai residents with document preparation, application guidance, appointment scheduling, and personalized support to maximize visa approval chances.