Over 5.9 million people used their Schengen visas in 2022 to travel to Europe. This demonstrates the increasing popularity of Schengen countries among travelers.
As a UAE resident, you can also explore the mesmerizing destinations within the Schengen region. Read this guide to help you apply for a Schengen visa.
What is Schengen?
Schengen is a region in Europe comprising 27 countries, where citizens and visitors can move freely without border controls.
The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, which initiated the concept of free movement across the region. The Schengen Area includes most E.U. countries, with the exception of Ireland.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a type of visa allowing travel within the Schengen region of Europe.
It permits visits to multiple countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In addition, it also offers flexibility and convenience to explore multiple countries without separate visas.
It is important to note that the Schengen visa is a short-stay visa, valid for tourism, business, or family visits.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen region for longer periods, such as for work or study, you may need a different type of visa or residence permit.
Read: UAE nationals subject to long wait time for Schengen visas
Types of Schengen visas
There are several types available, depending on your travel purposes. The three main types are as follows.
- The Uniform Schengen Visa is for short-term stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It has two categories: “A” for airport transit and “C” for short-term stays in the Schengen Area with different entry options.
- The Limited Territorial Validity Visa allows travel only in the Schengen country that issued it or specifically mentioned countries. Consequently, transit or entry into other Schengen countries is not permitted.
- The National Visa is for studying, working, or living permanently in a Schengen country. A single-entry is for a specific period and purpose before returning, while a multi-entry allows free travel within the Schengen Area without additional visas.
Entry requirements for UAE residents
UAE passport holders do not need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area. However, UAE residents entering Europe visa-free need to present certain documents at the port of entry, such as:
- UAE passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months past your intended stay in the Schengen Area.
- Evidence of the purpose of the visit.
- Proof of financial means to support your stay in Schengen.
- Other documents that may be required by specific states.
Meanwhile, all those living in the Emirates but do not hold a UAE passport must obtain a Schengen visa. This includes:
- UAE passport holders previously denied visa-free entry to Schengen.
- Foreigners living in the UAE with a residence permit who are:
- Nationals of a country with a visa-free agreement with Schengen but were denied entry.
- Nationals of countries without a visa-free agreement with Schengen.
Application requirements for UAE residents
A short-term visa application requires the following documents from UAE residents:
- Application form. Prepare two copies of a fully completed and signed application form with the correct information.
- Valid passport. Your passport should be no older than 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of departure from Schengen.
- Two photos. These photos must be taken within the last three months, according to Schengen states’ standards.
- Proof of residence permit in UAE. This permit should be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Travel flight itinerary. This serves as proof of your reserved flight ticket from the UAE to the Schengen Zone and back.
- Cover letter. Explain here the purpose and details of your visit.
- Proof of accommodation. This could be a hotel booking, a rent agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host.
- Proof of financial means. This could be a bank account statement, a sponsorship letter, or both.
- Travel insurance. There are many insurance providers, charging a range of fees for different types of plans. Fees usually start at $30.
How to apply if within the UAE
To apply for a Schengen visa within the UAE, follow these steps:
- Identify the embassy or consulate where you need to apply. There are also visa processing centers that some Schengen states have partnered with where you can apply.
- Schedule an appointment at the embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Attend the visa interview with all the required documents.
- Wait for a response as the embassy processes your visa.
Note that the processing time can take up to 15 days. Afterward, you will receive a response regarding your application.
Schengen visa fees for UAE residents
| Schengen Visa Category | Visa Fee in USD |
| Adult | $92.56 |
| Children between 6-12 years of age | $46.28 |
| Children younger than 6 years of age | FREE |
| Holders of diplomatic and service passports | FREE |
| A family member of an EU/EEA national | FREE |
Where to apply in the UAE?
The majority of Schengen countries have their embassy in Abu Dhabi and at least one consulate general in Dubai.
Moreover, some embassies and consulates of the respective member states accept visa applications. Alternatively, visa submission may be outsourced to another embassy, consulate, or visa processing center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule?
Confusion arises when multiple-entry Schengen visa holders and visa-free nationals believe that the 180-day period starts on the day the visa is valid. However, the 180-day period is constantly rolling.
To determine your eligibility, you need to count back the last 180 days and check if you have spent more than 90 days in the Schengen Area during that period. You can use this helpful Schengen visa calculator to calculate the remaining days of your stay.
Q: What is the difference between visa validity and duration of stay?
Visa validity refers to the period during which your visa document is considered legally valid. It indicates the dates within which you can enter the country for which the visa is issued.
On the other hand, the duration of stay refers to the maximum number of days you are allowed to stay in a country once you have entered. It is typically indicated on your entry stamp or visa sticker.
Q: How can I extend my Schengen visa?
Schengen short-stay visa extensions are allowed. However, the chances of approval are low without a valid reason for your application.
Acceptable reasons to extend a Schengen short-stay visa include late entry, humanitarian reasons, force majeure, and important personal reasons.
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