What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay entry permit that allows non-EU nationals to travel freely across all 29 Schengen member countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period — on a single visa. For UAE residents, it is the primary route to visiting Europe for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term conferences.
With a single visa obtained through a consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can travel freely between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and 24 other countries without stopping at internal borders.
€90
Official Visa Fee
15 days
Processing Time
90 days
Maximum Stay
29
Countries Covered
🇪🇺 Schengen 90/180-Day Rule
Your 90 days are counted across all Schengen countries combined — not per country. Days in France, Germany, and Spain all count toward the same 90-day total. Use the official EU short-stay calculator to track your permitted days before each trip.
29 Countries Covered by One Schengen Visa
Click any country to explore its dedicated tourist visa guide and apply online.
Tourist Visa by Country
Each Schengen country has its own consulate requirements. Select your destination for a tailored guide.
Need help choosing the right destination? Ask our visa experts →
Types of Schengen Visa
Our experts help you select the right category based on your travel purpose and frequency.
Single-Entry Visa (Type C)
Tourist / Short StayEnter the Schengen Area once. Perfect for a one-time holiday or business trip. Once you leave, the visa becomes void even if unused days remain.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Business / Frequent TravelMake multiple visits within the visa validity period — typically 1 to 5 years. Ideal for business travellers and frequent Europe visitors from UAE.
Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
Transit OnlyRequired for certain nationalities to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without formally entering the country.
Not sure which visa type applies to your trip? Contact our visa team for free guidance →
Documents Required for Schengen Visa from UAE
Standard requirements for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa. Generate a personalised list using our free Visa Checklist Generator →
Valid Passport
RequiredMust be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. At least 2 blank pages required.
Completed Visa Application Form
RequiredSigned and dated. Our team prepares this for you — reducing errors that lead to rejections.
Passport-Size Photograph
RequiredICAO standard, white background, taken within the last 6 months. Typically 35×45mm format.
Travel Medical Insurance
RequiredMinimum €30,000 coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation. Must be valid across all Schengen states.
Confirmed Flight Itinerary
RequiredReturn flight booking to show your travel dates. A confirmed reservation — not necessarily a paid ticket — is acceptable at most consulates.
Hotel / Accommodation Proof
RequiredHotel bookings, invitation letter from a host, or Airbnb confirmation for the full duration of your stay.
Bank Statements (3–6 months)
RequiredShowing sufficient funds — minimum €100/day of your stay is recommended as a general guideline.
Employment Letter & Salary Slip
RequiredConfirming your employment status, salary, and approved leave period from your employer in the UAE.
Visa Fee Payment
Required€90 for adults · €45 for children aged 6–12 · Free for children under 6. Paid at the visa application centre.
Biometrics (Fingerprints)
RequiredCollected at the consulate or VFS Global application centre at the time of submission. Required for all adults.
Trade Licence / Business Documents
If ApplicableFor self-employed applicants and business owners — proof of company registration and recent financial statements.
Students: Enrollment Letter
If ApplicableA letter from your UAE educational institution confirming enrollment and approved leave during the travel period.
Schengen Visa Fee Structure 2026
Fees were updated in June 2024. Official EU visa policy ↗
| Applicant Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (aged 12 and above) | €90 |
| Children aged 6–12 years | €45 |
| Children under 6 years | Free |
| Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus | €35 |
| Cabo Verde nationals | €67.50 |
| VFS service centre fee | Varies |
Processing Times
Most applications are decided within 15 calendar days of a complete submission.
For cases requiring additional documents or detailed examination by the consulate.
Family members of EU/EEA citizens qualify for a faster, free procedure.
⚡ Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date — even earlier during peak summer months.
⏱ View full processing time tracker →Which Consulate Should I Apply To?
Visiting one country
Apply at the consulate of that specific Schengen country in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Visiting multiple countries — unequal stays
Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most nights.
Visiting multiple countries — equal stays
Apply at the consulate of the first Schengen country you will enter.
General rule
Apply at the consulate responsible for your country of legal residence — for UAE residents, this is typically the Dubai or Abu Dhabi consulate of your primary destination.
Most Popular Schengen Applications from UAE
France Schengen Visa
French Embassy Dubai · 10–15 days
Germany Schengen Visa
German Consulate Dubai · 10–15 days
Italy Schengen Visa
Italian Consulate Dubai · 10–15 days
Spain Schengen Visa
Spanish Consulate Dubai · 10–15 days
Greece Schengen Visa
Greek Consulate Dubai · 10–15 days
Netherlands Schengen Visa
Dutch Embassy Abu Dhabi · 10–15 days
How to Apply — 6-Step Process
From initial consultation to visa in hand — our team guides UAE residents through every stage of the Schengen application.
Free Consultation
Speak to our Schengen visa expert. We assess your travel plan, passport nationality, and purpose — and recommend the right visa type and consulate to apply to.
Document Preparation
We prepare your application form, cover letter, and Statement of Purpose. We review your entire document package to catch errors before submission.
Appointment Booking
We book your consulate or VFS Global appointment on your behalf. Slots fill fast — especially in peak summer season. We handle this as early as 6 months before travel.
Application Submission
Submit your documents with biometrics at the visa application centre or consulate. Our team gives you a final checklist walk-through before your appointment.
Real-Time Tracking
We monitor your application status and respond promptly to any additional document requests from the consulate. You receive updates at every stage.
Visa Collection & Briefing
Collect your approved visa. We debrief you on your entry conditions, the 90/180-day rule, and which countries you can visit — so you're travel-ready.
What UAE Applicants Must Know Before Applying
Strong Financial Proof Is Essential
Consulates scrutinise bank statements carefully. Aim to show at least €100 per day of your planned stay. Recent large deposits look suspicious — maintain consistent, genuine bank activity across the 3–6 months before applying.
Travel Insurance Must Cover All Schengen States
Your policy must be valid across every Schengen country you plan to visit — not just your primary destination. It must cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation to a minimum of €30,000.
Your Itinerary Must Be Realistic
Consulates assess whether your planned itinerary is achievable and consistent with your visa type. A tourist visa with a packed business schedule raises red flags. Your cover letter and itinerary should tell a consistent story.
Refusals Create a Visa History — Handle Them Carefully
A refused Schengen visa becomes part of your visa history and can affect future applications. If you have a previous refusal, disclose it honestly and provide a strong explanation with your reapplication.
Some Consulates Accept Only Specific VFS Centres
In the UAE, certain Schengen consulates operate only through designated VFS Global centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Do not book an appointment at an unauthorised centre — your application will not be processed.
Children Need Separate Applications and Consent Letters
Each child travelling requires their own visa application form and photographs. If a child is travelling with only one parent, or with neither parent, a notarised parental consent letter is required by most Schengen consulates.
Schengen Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days can I stay in Europe on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period across all Schengen countries combined. Days are counted across the entire area — not per country. Use the official EU short-stay calculator to track your remaining permitted days before each trip.
Q: Can I extend my Schengen visa while inside Europe?
Extensions are only granted in exceptional, documented circumstances — such as force majeure or serious humanitarian reasons. You cannot extend simply because you want to stay longer. Plan your trip strictly within the 90-day limit to avoid overstay penalties, which can include a ban from the Schengen Area.
Q: Which consulate should I apply to if I visit multiple Schengen countries?
Apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the most nights. If your stay is equally divided between two or more countries, apply at the consulate of the first country you will enter. Our team will advise you on the correct consulate based on your specific itinerary.
Q: How far in advance should I apply for a Schengen visa from UAE?
You can apply between 6 months and 15 days before your intended travel date. We strongly recommend applying 4–6 weeks in advance. During peak summer and Christmas periods, consulate appointment slots fill up weeks ahead — apply early.
Q: What if my Schengen visa application is refused?
You will receive a written refusal letter stating the reason. You have the legal right to appeal — and our team can help you prepare a strong appeal or reapplication with stronger supporting evidence. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documentation.
Q: Do UAE residents who are not UAE nationals need a Schengen visa?
It depends on your passport nationality. UAE passport holders can visit most Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days. Residents of the UAE holding other passports typically need a Schengen visa. Contact us with your passport nationality for specific guidance.
Have a specific question? Ask our visa team directly →
Official EU Resources
Always verify current requirements using official government sources before submitting your application.
Free Visa Document Tools
Generate professional Schengen visa documents in minutes — available free for all UAE applicants.
Explore Other Visa Types
Planning work, study, or longer stays in Europe? Find the right visa category below.