Schengen visa: How can UAE residents apply for the visa?

Browsing flight and hotel deals for the summer?

Can’t blame you, with the warm season rolling over - our summer plans are sure in sight too. So, are you considering any countries on the Schengen visa spectrum, because if you are then you’ll be happy to know that they’re so easy to apply for!

Not sure what the Schengen visa is for?

Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to a range of countries without the need for a passport and allows you to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period in those countries. Schengen visas can be issued for purposes including tourism, business, study or family visits.

Oh, and did you know you could enter 27 different countries including mainland Europe? Amazing, right?

Trust us it's great, and we’ve broken it all down for you - although, we do recommend booking for the Schengen visas as soon as possible - it does take a minute or two to get the ball rolling!

So, let’s break it all down…

How can you get started on your Schengen visa application?

If you’re a UAE resident applying for the Schengen visa, you need to apply either online, through the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Now, each country’s requirements may vary but the base requirements are pretty much the same.

Keep your passport copies, original passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance all at hand during your application.

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

Schengen visas cost AED340 for adults, AED170 for children aged 6-12 and for children below six - the cost is free.

For holders of diplomatic and service passports or family members of EU/EEA nationals, the cost for Schengen visas are free too.

What are the requirements for the Schengen visa?

So, it's important to note that UAE passport holders, starting 2024 do not require a visa to enter Schengen countries although UAE citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS visa, which is valid for three years. This is needed prior to their travel towards Europe.

And for UAE residents, it's quite simple so let’s get into the list of requirements you’d have to meet before applying for the Schengen visa.

There are four types of visa categories that you could apply for - business, tourism, visitor, and transit visa. Regardless of the category, the base requirements are the same and here’s everything you need.

1. Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form

2. Valid passport, no older than 10 years, with a validity of at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Zone

3. Two photos taken within the last three months, according to Schengen states’ standards

4. Proof of a valid residence permit in UAE, at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area

5. Travel flight itinerary showing roundtrip reservations from UAE to the Schengen Zone on the exact dates of entry and exit

6. Cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip, specifying the countries to be visited, and other details

7. Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking, rent agreement, or letter of invitation from a host

8. Proof of financial means, such as a bank account statement showing sufficient funds for the trip, a letter of sponsorship accompanied by the sponsor’s bank statement, or a combination of both

9. Europe Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros, provided by companies such as Europ Assistance and Mondial Care.

If you’re applying online, you can just upload digital copies of each document and once that’s done you’ll have the chance to select which embassy or country’s consulate you plan for. Here you can schedule your interview dates online and once that’s done - you’ll get an interview date.

After your interview is done - you can expect an answer on your visa within 15 days. And shortly after, you could be jet setting to your favourite destinations!

Easy, right?