Apply For Schengen Visa from Dubai in 5 Easy Steps
The Schengen area consists of 26 countries all with their own unique character and things to see and do. Whether you visit France or Germany for a rich culture and history, Spain or Italy for miles of coastline with gorgeous beaches or Estonia or Latvia for their cities full of wonderful architecture, you will love everything there is on offer from the moment you touch down! In this article learn how to apply for Schengen visa from Dubai and UAE, Schengen visa application process and requirements, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, insurance, appointment.
Schengen Visa
In 2017, there were 206,232 Schengen visa applications received by the visa offices in the United Arab Emirates. 34,079 (16.5%) of these were not issued.
Applying for a Schengen Visa from Dubai
If you are planning on traveling to a Schengen country and you currently reside in Dubai, you may have to apply for a visa. If you are a citizen of the following countries, you do NOT need to apply for a visa to be able to enter any of the countries that belong to the Schengen area:
Therefore, if you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates you do NOT require a Schengen visa as long as the duration of your trip does not exceed 90 days. If you come from any other country, but you currently reside in Dubai, you DO need to apply for a visa.
You can apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai as long as you can prove that you have a legal right to remain in the country.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Dubai
You will apply for your visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you are planning to visit as long as you are visiting just 1 country.
However, if you plan to visit more than 1 Schengen country, you would apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most number of days. If you plan to visit more than 1 Schengen country and spend the same amount of time in each, you would apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you will enter first.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for over 90 days, you must apply for a National visa and a residence permit (Long stay visa), not a Schengen visa. For more information, refer to the respective embassy’s website
In some cases, visa applications have been outsourced to third-party companies, but the website of the embassy or consulate will tell you if this is the case.
Here is a list of the 26 countries that make up the Schengen area and the visa office that you need to submit your visa application to. Please note, you must live in the following areas to be able to submit your application to the visa center in Dubai:
- Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain or Fujairah
Austria
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5606
Email: info.austriauae@vfshelpline.com
Belgium
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 971-4-2055716
Email: info.belgiumuae@vfshelpline.com
Czech Republic
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 971-4-2055716
Email: info.belgiumuae@vfshelpline.com
Denmark
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5718
Email: info.denmarkuae@vfshelpline.com
Estonia (Represented by Finland)
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5907
Email: info.FinlandUEA@vfshelpline.com
Finland
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5907
Email: info.FinlandUEA@vfshelpline.com
France
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4-2055999
Email: Info.franceuae@vfshelpline.com
Germany
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 04-2055666
Email: info.germanyuae@vfshelpline.com
Greece
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00 971(0) 4 2055770
Email: info.GreeceUAE@vfshelpline.com
Hungary
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5650
Email: info.huae@vfshelpline.com
Iceland (Represented by Denmark)
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5718
Email: info.denmarkuae@vfshelpline.com
Italy
Application center: Cox and Kings Global Services
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8.00 am to 7.00 pm (Submission of documents)
Address: 48 Burjigate, Office 1102, Downtown Burji Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Adjacent to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station
Phone: 800 (800 48259)
Email: italyvisa.dubai@ckgs.ae
Latvia
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5910
Email: info.latviagcc@vfshelpline.com
Liechtenstein
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971 (4) 2055888
Email: info.swissuae@vfshelpline.com
Lithuania (Represented by Spain)
Application center: BLS International
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: I Rise Tower; 16th Floor, Office # C-9, Barsha Heights (Tecom)
Phone: 043875660 / +971525098736 / 971 2 5524492
Email: info.auh@blshelpline.com
Luxembourg (Represented by Denmark)
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5718
Email: info.denmarkuae@vfshelpline.com
Malta
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5990
Email: info.maltadubai@vfshelpline.com
The Netherlands
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971 4 205 5712
Email: info.netherlandsuae@vfshelpline.com
Norway
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5903
Email: info.norwayuae@vfshelpline.com
Poland
Application center: The Polish Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9.00 am – 10.30 am for appointments; 3.00pm – 3.30 pm for passport collection
Address: Corner of Delma and Karamah Str. (13th and 14th), P.O. Box 2334, Abu Dhabi
Phone: 02 446 5200 (Telephone hours between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm)
Email: abuzabi.amb.rk@msz.gov.pl
Portugal
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 205 5904
Email: info.portugaluae@vfshelpline.com
Slovakia
Application center: The Slovakian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Address: Al Mataf Street No.16, Villa 2, Al Bateen Area, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 2 681 7705
Email: emb.abudhabi@mzv.sk
Slovenia (Represented by Germany)
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 04-2055666
Email: info.germanyuae@vfshelpline.com
Spain
Application center: BLS International
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: I Rise Tower; 16th Floor, Office # C-9, Barsha Heights (Tecom)
Phone: 043875660 / +971525098736 / 971 2 5524492
Email: info.auh@blshelpline.com
Sweden
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971(0) 4 2055 859
Email: info.swedenuae@vfshelpline.com
Switzerland
Application center: VFS Global
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Submission of documents: Sunday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm
Address: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
Phone: 00971 (4) 2055888
Email: info.swissuae@vfshelpline.com
Types of Schengen Visas Offered
There are different types of visas you can apply for and the one you need will depend on the duration of your trip and your reason for traveling to the Schengen area:
- Schengen visa type A: Airport Transit visa – if you are in transit waiting for a connecting flight to your final destination
- Schengen visa type C: Short-stay visa – for stays up to a maximum of 90 days for the purposes of tourism, business, or visiting family/friends. This visa is issued for one, two or multiple entries
- National visa type D: Long-stay visa – for stays exceeding 90 days for the purposes of employment, business, study, research, family unification, residence etc. This visa is issued for one or multiple entries
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Dubai
Visa applications are processed within 15 days. You can apply up to 90 days ahead of your planned travel date. If you apply earlier than 90 days ahead, your application will not be processed. Some applications could take longer to process than others, so you should apply well in advance to allow enough time for your visa application to be processed.
Here are a few steps to help you apply for your Schengen visa:
Step 1: Complete your application
The first thing to do is to complete your application form. You will be able to find this on the website of the visa office you are dealing with. There are two ways to complete your form:
- Complete your form online if the embassy or visa application center has this facility
- Download the application form from their website
Step 2: Make an appointment
Making appointments with the embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!
Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
- Submit the appointment details, visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
- Receive appointment confirmation in email
You cannot submit your visa application by mail, so you will have to make an appointment at the relevant embassy or visa application center. Depending on the embassy or visa application center you can:
- Use their online booking system to book a convenient day and time
- Contact them by phone or email to make your appointment
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Before you start this step, take a look at the website of the visa office where you will be submitting your application. If you fail to comply with their requirements, your application may be rejected or, at the very least, you will have to reschedule your appointment to a time when you can provide all the documents.
Common documents include:
- Passport or travel document – it must have been issued within the previous 10 years, have 2 free pages, and it must be valid for at least 3 months past your trip
- A valid UAE residence permit or other form of identity card – valid for at least 3 months past your trip
- Visa application form filled out completely and signed
- 2 x photos – they must have been taken within the last 3 months and it must meet certain specifications
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit to the Schengen area, which countries you plan to visit, duration etc
- Round trip flight/travel reservations or other proof of intended transport
- A complete itinerary for the entire duration of travel and for all countries to be visited
- Schengen Travel insurance – for medical emergency and repatriation in the Schengen area for a minimum cover of €30,000
- Hotel reservations or proof of participation in group travel OR rental agreement OR letter of invitation etc
- Proof of financial means – 3 months bank statements OR a sponsorship letter confirming financial support will be provided by a person/company
- Evidence of employment status – employment contract, leave permission from your employer, payslips/income tax return OR business license, 6 x business bank statements, income tax return OR proof of enrollment, no objection letter from school/university
- Pension statement for the last 6 months (Retirees)
- Birth/marriage certificate
- Host’s/parent’s ID
If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
Step 4: Attend your appointment
On the day of your appointment, go to the relevant embassy or visa application center to submit your visa application. Here are a few tips for a successful appointment:
- Arrive early – you won’t be the only visa applicant of the day, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid your appointment from being rescheduled
- Remember ALL your documents – check BEFORE your appointment whether you have all the necessary documents with you. If you submit an incomplete application, it may be rejected. Don’t forget to sign in the appropriate places too
- Dress smartly – your aim should be to make a good impression in front of the visa officer and dressing in formal attire will help
Wait while the visa officer looks at your paperwork and don’t be surprised or alarmed if he/she starts asking you questions about what you have stated in your application. They are simply trying to obtain all the facts in order to make a decision about whether to grant your visa or not. All you need to do is answer any questions put to you truthfully and calmly.
Typical questions include:
- Why do you want a 3 month visa?
- Do you know anything about the EU?
- Are you married? If yes, what does your spouse do?
- Is this your first time traveling to the Schengen area?
- What do you do in Dubai?
Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!
You will also pay the fee for your visa. You should check with the embassy or visa application center you are dealing with whether you can pay the fee by cash, credit/debit card etc. Visa application centers usually charge a service fee which is in addition to the visa fee, so you should check with the relevant center how much this is. Please note, if your application is rejected these fees are non-refundable.
| Type of Visa | Fee in AED | Fee in Euro |
| Schengen visa | 250 | 60 |
| Long-stay National visa | Varies. See the respective embassy’s website | Varies. See the respective embassy’s website |
| Child between 6-12 years old | 145 | 35 |
| Child under 6 years old | Free | Free |
| Family member of EU/EEA national | Free | Free |
You may also have to provide biometric data which is a scan of your fingerprints and a digital photograph. However, if you have provided this data within the last 5 years, you may not have to do this.
Step 5: Receive your visa
After you have submitted your application to the relevant visa office, you may have the option to track its progress if the embassy or visa application center has this service. If not, you will be notified when a decision has been made and you can either collect your passport from the visa office or you may be able to have it returned to you by mail (for an additional fee).
The decision will be either:
- Approved – you will find your Schengen visa inside your passport
- Rejected – your visa application has been refused for a reason. You can usually appeal the decision
Common rejection reasons include:
- Passport is not valid – if your passport is not valid in any way (see above requirements) you must get a new one before applying for your visa
- Marriage certificate missing – if you are applying for a visa for family reasons, you may have to supply a marriage certificate as part of your application
- Cover letter not included – Schengen visa applications require you to provide a cover letter stating your reason for traveling to the Schengen area, the dates and duration of your trip, the country/countries you will be visiting, accommodation details etc. In fact, the more information you provide, the better
- Flight reservation missing – you must provide a return flight reservation when you apply for your visa, there are no exceptions
Conclusion
Once you have found the correct visa office you need to submit your visa application to, there are just 5 easy steps to apply for your Schengen visa from Dubai:
- Complete your application online or download it
- Make an appointment
- Prepare your documents
- Attend your appointment
- Receive your visa
Step 6 – start the countdown to your amazing trip to the Schengen area!
At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.
