Why apply for a Schengen Visa?

Want to visit Europe? A Schengen Visa gives eligible non-EU nationals the opportunity to move freely through 27 European nations with just one visa. This visa provides an easy travel solution to visit multiple European countries for tourism, business, or family purposes.

• Global authorities granted more than 9.7 million Schengen visas during the year 2024.
• The visa allows people to stay for ninety days during any 180-day span.
• Visit 27 European countries with a single visa
• The usual processing time for a visa application is fifteen business days.
• Schengen visa rejection rate has come down to 14.8% from 16%

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What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa serves as a short-term permit for people to move freely across the Schengen Area which includes 27 European countries with eliminated internal border controls. This visa classification allows international individuals to visit European countries for business purposes and tourism as well as for family matters and transit while staying no longer than 90 days in a span of 180 days.

UAE citizens can visit Schengen countries without needing a visa for short trips. The residents of the UAE who possess non-EU passports need to complete a Schengen Visa application in advance.

Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa

Here are the 27 countries you can visit if you have a valid Schengen visa:

Austria	Belgium	Czech Republic
Denmark	Estonia	Finland
France	Germany	Greece
Hungary	Iceland	Italy
Latvia	Liechtenstein	Lithuania
Luxembourg	Malta	Netherlands
Norway	Poland	Portugal
Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland	Croatia

Note: Certain countries outside the Schengen area, like Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, might accept a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa for entry. Travellers should always verify the most current entry rules before traveling.

Benefits of Having a Schengen Visa and Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa

Some of the benefits of having a Schengen Visa is as follows:

• Visit 27 European nations with just one visa, and no border checks inside those countries.
• Choose from single, double, or multiple entry options, for trips of up to 90 days in a 180-day window.
• Plan trips across Europe more simply, because you don't need separate visas for each country.
• Good for seeing the sights, doing business, or visiting people.
• Making a record of travel that could help with future visa requests for other nations.
   

Types of Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa includes various categories that define the allowed stay duration and permitted activities in Schengen Area countries. Each variation identifies particular travel opportunities that cover airport transits as well as short-term visits and extended national stays.

The popular types of Schengen visas are given below:

Visa Type	Purpose
Tourist (Type C)	Leisure, holidays, sightseeing
Business (Type C)	Meetings, trade fairs, negotiations
Student/Training (Type C)	Short study or training programs (under 90 days)
Family/Friends Visit (Type C)	Visiting relatives or friends
Transit — Airport (Type A)	Staying in the international transit area only
Transit — Short (Type C)	Brief entry into Schengen during transit
Entry Type (Single/Multiple)	Applies to all short-stay visas

Type A Schengen Visa – Airport Transit Visa

The Type A Schengen Visa functions as an airport transit visa for passengers who need to transfer through the international transit area of Schengen airport facilities without entering the Schengen Area. This visa becomes necessary for travellers from specific countries who need to change flights at Schengen airport before reaching their non-Schengen destination.

Purpose:

• To transit through a Schengen airport without entering the country.
• For layovers or connecting international flights through Schengen zone airports.

Type B Schengen Visa – Transit Visa

The Type B Schengen Visa serves as a travel document for passengers who need to cross Schengen countries through land or sea toward destinations located outside the Schengen Zone. The historical background and practical aspects of this visa category need to be thoroughly understood because it has become largely irrelevant since the introduction of the Type C short-stay visa.

Purpose:

• To enable people to cross Schengen countries using land or sea travel as their route to a third country located outside the Schengen Zone.
• The visa allows short land-based travels that involve driving across Schengen states to get to an international destination outside the Schengen Zone.
• The visa duration does not exceed 5 days.

Type C Schengen Visa – Short-Stay Visa

The Schengen Area predominantly issues the Type C Visa to travellers who plan to stay in the region for up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa allows travellers to visit the Schengen Area for tourism and business purposes as well as family visits and short-term medical treatment and event participation. The visa is available as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry depending on your planned travel activities. The Schengen Area issues the Type C Visa mainly to travelers who need visa entry for 90 days in a 180-day period.

Purpose:

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Business trips, attend conferences, or participate in trade fairs
• Medical treatment
• Short-term study program
• Cultural or sporting events
   

Type D Schengen Visa – National Long-Stay Visa

Individual Schengen countries issue the Type D Schengen Visa as the National Long-Stay Visa to people planning stays which exceed 90 days. The visa enables students and workers and family members who want to join someone in a Schengen country and residents who plan to stay long term. The visa allows residents to stay in their designated Schengen country yet it does not permit free movement throughout the Schengen Area.

Purpose:

• Higher education or long-term study programs at universities and institutions.
• Employment or work under a valid contract or job offer in the destination country.
• Family reunification with a spouse, child, or parent legally residing in that country
• Research or academic exchange at recognized institutions.
• Medical treatment requiring long-term care.
• Residency or retirement in the Schengen country based on national eligibility rules.

Note: While it is a national visa, holders may travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, provided they meet all conditions.

Schengen Visa Eligibility and Requirements for Dubai Residents

For Dubai residents considering a brief European sojourn, a Schengen Visa offers access to 27 nations via a single permit. Be it for tourism, family visits, or business ventures, knowing the eligibility criteria and requirements is essential to apply for a Schengen Visa.

Given below is the list of eligibility criteria along with the documents required to apply for a Schengen visa: 

Schengen Visa Eligibility for Dubai Residents

• To apply for a Schengen visa, Dubai residents must fulfill these requirements:
• Possess a UAE residence visa that remains active for at least three months after your planned return from the Schengen area.
• Have a passport with a minimum of two blank pages which is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
• Plan to visit Schengen countries for tourism, business, family visits, or medical reasons.
• Be prepared to provide documentation of financial resources, lodging, and travel insurance.

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa from Dubai

To apply for a Schengen visa, make sure you have these documents:

• A completed application form.
• A passport that will remain valid for at least six months.
• A copy of your UAE residency visa.
• Passport-sized photos that meet Schengen requirements.
• A round-trip flight reservation.
• Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation, if relevant.
• Travel medical insurance that covers at least €30,000 for your entire stay.
• Bank statements from the past three to six months.
• Proof of work (a No Objection Certificate from your employer, or a trade license if you are self-employed).
• A cover letter describing why you are traveling, the dates you will be there, and your itinerary.
• Your visa fee payment receipt.

It is essential to submit your application via the consulate or visa center of the country where you plan to stay the longest.

Country-Specific Schengen Visa Document Checklists (UAE Submissions)

Country	Required Documents (in addition to core Schengen set)
Italy	In addition to core documents, include:• Business invitation on company letterhead (purpose & dates)• Employer’s No Objection Certificate (NOC)• Evidence of accommodation, return flights, funds, and valid insurance
Germany	Alongside core documents, provide:
	• Proof of purpose (visit/business)
	• Employment letter/NOC from UAE employer
	• Accommodation or host invitation, travel funds, and valid insurance
France	Core documents via France-Visas portal plus:
	• Additional purpose-specific support (interface with tourism, business, study, or family visit requirements)
	Applications are submitted at the VFS centre in Abu Dhabi, handled by the French Consular Section.
Spain	On top of core documents, include:
	• Documentation matching your purpose (e.g., tourist/business specifics)
	• Proof of funds, valid travel insurance
	Applications are processed via BLS Spain Visa centres in the UAE.

Schengen Visa — Step-by-Step Guide (UAE)

Step 1 — Check Eligibility
Apply to the country of your main stay (or first entry if stays are equal). You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, or up to 9 months in advance if you are a seafarer.

Step 2 — Gather Documents (Core Set)
Prepare the required documents.

Step 3 — Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the appropriate visa application centre (VFS Global, BLS, or other authorised partner) or at the respective embassy/consulate, depending on the Schengen country you are applying to.

Step 4 — Submit Application and Biometrics
Attend your appointment in person, submit your complete application file, and provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). If you have provided Schengen biometrics within the last 59 months, they may be reused if valid.

Step 5 — Wait for Processing
The standard processing time is around 15 calendar days after submission. During peak seasons or when extra checks are required, it may take up to 45 days.

Step 6 — Collect Visa / Passport
Track the progress of your application through the visa application centre. Once processed, collect your passport in person or arrange for courier delivery if available.

 

Schengen Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time of Schengen Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Schengen Visa (Type C)	15 working days (average)
Airport Transit Visa	7–15 working days
Long-Stay Visa (Type D)	Up to 60 days

Schengen Visa Fees from Dubai

Detailed information about the fees for Schengen Visa is given below:

Fee Component	Official Amount (EUR)	Indicative Amount (AED)*
Adult (12+ years)	€ 90	~AED 355–365
Child (6–11 years)	€ 45	~AED 175–185
Child (<6 years)	€ 0	AED 0
VAC Service Fee	Set by VFS	Collected in AED

 

Schengen Visa Processing Time in Dubai

Detailed information about the processing time for Schengen visa is given below.

Application Type	Estimated Processing Time
Standard Tourist/Visitor Visa	10 to 15 working days
Business or Urgent Travel Visa	5 to 10 working days
Visa during peak travel seasons	Up to 30 calendar days
Applications requiring further checks	30 to 60 calendar days

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

To get a Schengen visa from Dubai, you need travel insurance. This insurance needs to cover at least €30,000 and be good in all 27 Schengen countries for your whole trip. It should take care of things like emergency medical costs, staying in the hospital, and getting you back home if needed.

Most consulates want the insurance from an approved company, and it should clearly show how long you're covered and what the benefits are. The cost usually runs from AED 40 to AED 200, depending on how long you're traveling. Having valid travel insurance helps your visa application and makes sure you're covered if something goes wrong while you're traveling.

Where to Book a Schengen Visa Appointment in Dubai?

To arrange a Schengen visa appointment in Dubai, the initial step involves contacting the official visa application center or the consulate of your primary destination within the Schengen area. Many Schengen countries operating in the UAE delegate visa processes to reliable third-party services like VFS Global, TLScontact, or manage applications directly via their embassy or consulate websites.

You can follow these steps when applying for a Schengen Visa:

Step 1: Determine which Schengen country you'll be visiting the longest.

Step 2: Go to the official website of that country’s embassy or their designated visa service.

Step 3: Register an account and complete the online application.

Step 4: Set up a time to submit your documents and provide biometric data.

Step 5: Go to the visa centre in Dubai on your scheduled date with all required paperwork.

Note: Make sure to apply through the consulate or visa centre for your main destination. It’s a good idea to book ahead since there are fewer slots available, especially when it's busy.

Why Schengen Visas Are Refused — and How to Avoid Rejection

Schengen visa applications can be refused for several reasons. Understanding the common grounds for refusal helps you avoid mistakes and improve approval chances.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Insufficient financial means to cover stay and return
• Unclear travel purpose or inconsistent itinerary
• Invalid or inadequate travel insurance
• Doubts about your intention to return after the visit

How to Avoid Rejection

• Follow the official checklist precisely for your destination country
• Ensure all travel dates, flight bookings, and hotel reservations are consistent
• Provide recent bank statements and salary slips to prove financial stability
• Demonstrate strong ties to the UAE, such as employment, family, and residency
• Double-check insurance meets Schengen rules (€30,000 minimum medical coverage)

If your application is refused, the decision letter will state the reason. You may appeal or reapply with corrected documents, as per the consulate’s instructions.

Latest Schengen Visa Updates (Official EU Announcements)

Stay informed about changes that may affect Schengen visa applicants from the UAE.

• Visa Fee Update:
  As of 11 June 2024, the Schengen short-stay visa fee is set at €90 for adults (12+) and €45 for children aged 6–11. Children under 6 remain exempt.

• EES (Entry/Exit System):
  Launch confirmed for 12 October 2025, with phased roll-out over ~6 months. This system will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU short-stay travellers and record entries/exits electronically.

• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System):
  Applies only to visa-exempt travellers (not Schengen visa applicants). The revised launch is expected in the last quarter of 2026, according to the European Commission.

How can Y‑Axis help you?

Y-Axis offers expert end-to-end guidance for UAE residents applying for a Schengen Visa. Our team ensures that your application is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time—improving your chances of a smooth visa approval. We make the process stress free with personalized support.

• Complete document assistance, including personalized checklists and reviews.
• Timely visa updates from expert immigration advisors
• Visa application and form-filling assistance to avoid errors and rejections.
• End-to-end guidance until you receive your visa.