Getting a Schengen visa is the first thing you need to do if you are a Professional from the UAE who wants to go on trip to Europe. With just one acceptance, this visa lets you visit 29 European countries. To make things even easier, Gulliver Holidays offers the best Schengen visa services in the UAE. They will check your documents, make appointments, and make sure you show up for them, so you can focus on your trip and not the paperwork. How do I get a Schengen visa?
What Is a Schengen Visa?
With a Schengen visa, you can stay in Europe for short periods of time, up to 90 days in a 180-day term. All Schengen countries are covered, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many more.
This visa is great for people who are going on business trips for meetings, conferences, or company training.
Ready to apply? Contact Gulliver Holidays today to get your Schengen visa file prepared the right way—quickly, carefully, and with full support from start to finish.
Types of Schengen Visas for UAE Travelers
1. Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Most people living in the UAE apply for this. You can use it for up to 90 days for business, pleasure, or short stays.
2. Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry
- Single entry: You can only go into the Schengen area one time. The visa ends when you leave.
- Multiple-Entry: You can enter and leave the country more than once during the visa’s validity period. This is great for people who move a lot.
3. Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a national visa for that specific country.
4: Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
People who are just passing through a Schengen airport and not entering the country need to do this.
If you go to Europe a lot, get a Multiple Entry visa that lets you enter and leave the country more than once. In the long run, it saves time and paper work.
How to Get a Schengen Visa from the UAE, (Step by Step)
Step 1: Choose the Right Embassy
The place where you’ll be spending the most time is where you need to apply.
Apply to the country you’ll enter first if you’re going to more than one for the same number of days.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity after travel)
- UAE residence visa copy
- Passport-sized photos
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Business invitation letter from a company in Europe
- Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation
- Flight reservation
- Bank statements for the past 3–6 months
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer
Tip: To make sure you don’t miss any papers, always follow the official list from the embassy or visa center.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
You can do it online through many official platforms, but Gulliver Holidays will handle the entire process for you. We’ll make sure your passport and documents match perfectly, and we’ll do our best to avoid any mistakes or delays in your visa approval.
Step 4: Book an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment through VFS Global or BLS International. Slots fill up quickly, so book at least 3–4 weeks before travel.
Step 5: Attend Your Appointment
At the visa center:
- Submit your documents
- Give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
- Pay the visa and service fees
- Get a receipt and tracking number
Step 6: Wait for Processing
The normal time to process is 15 calendar days, but you should apply early. It could take up to 30 days during busy times.
Step 7: Collect Your Passport
Once approved, check your visa details — name, validity, and number of entries. If something looks wrong, inform the center immediately.
Schengen Visa Fees and Costs in the UAE
| Type | Cost in Euros | Approx. AED |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Visa Fee | €90 | ~AED 380 |
| Child (6–11 years) | €45 | ~AED 190 |
| Service Fee | Varies | AED 40–200 |
Other Costs:
- AED 50 to 150 for travel insurance
- AED 30–40 for courier delivery
- Changes to SMS: AED 5–10
- Premium Lounge (optional): 150 to 300 AED
- The total cost is thought to be between 500 and 600 AED per person.
Where to Apply in the UAE
In Dubai
- VFS Global – Wafi Mall: Handles applications for Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, and others.
- BLS International – Barsha Heights: Accepts Spain and Italy applications.
In Abu Dhabi
- VFS Global – World Trade Center Mall: Accepts France, Germany, and Netherlands.
- BLS International – Nation Towers or Reem Island: Handles Italy and Spain.
Check which center your destination country uses before booking an appointment.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
- Average: 10–15 days
- Peak Periods: May–July and November–December (can take longer)
- Earliest Application: Up to 6 months before your trip
- Latest Application: At least 15 days before travel
Apply early to avoid stress and ensure smooth travel.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Insufficient financial proof
- Invalid or missing travel insurance
- Inconsistent information between documents
- Unclear travel purpose
- Weak ties to UAE (no proof of return or employment)
Avoid this by:
- Double-checking all forms
- Showing clear ties to your job and residence in the UAE
- Providing complete and genuine documents
Tips to Increase Your Approval Chances
- Apply early — at least 4 weeks before travel
- Use the correct embassy checklist
- Show strong financial stability
- Include a company NOC and invitation letter
- Be honest and consistent in all forms
- Keep copies of all documents for your records
- Avoid peak season delays by applying early
Why Choose Gulliver Holidays for Your Schengen Visa
- Expert guidance: Clear checklists, fast reviews, and step-by-step support.
- Time savings: Quick appointment help and organized file preparation.
- High attention to detail: Fewer mistakes, smoother approvals.
- UAE-wide support: Easy assistance whether you apply in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
FAQs: Schengen Visa from the UAE
1: Do UAE citizens need a Schengen visa?
UAE nationals can visit short-term visa-free.
Expatriate residents in the UAE usually need a Schengen visa (depends on nationality).
2: Can I visit multiple countries with one visa?
Yes. After entry, you can move between all Schengen states while following the 90/180-day rule.
3: How long does processing take?
Usually 10–15 calendar days after your appointment.
During peak seasons, it might take longer.
4: Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. It must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies in all Schengen countries for the full trip.
5: What is the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry?
Single-entry: you can enter once; when you exit, it ends.
Multiple-entry: you can enter and exit many times while the visa is valid (still limited to 90/180).
6: How to apply Schengen visa from UAE?
First, choose the main destination (the country where you’ll spend the most nights).
Next, complete the Schengen application form and gather documents.
Then, book an appointment with the official visa center (VFS Global or BLS International).
After that, submit biometrics, pay the fees, and get your tracking number.
Finally, wait 10–15 days for a decision and collect your passport.
Need help? Gulliver Holidays can prepare your file, book your slot, and guide you step by step.
7: What if my visa is refused?
You will receive a letter with the reason.
You can appeal within the set time or reapply after fixing the issues (e.g., missing documents).
A clean, consistent file helps prevent refusals.
8: Can I work on a Schengen visa?
No. A short-stay Schengen visa allows business visits (meetings, conferences) and tourism, not employment.
9: Do children need a Schengen visa?
Yes, unless they are UAE citizens (visa-free). Extra documents like a birth certificate and parental consent may be required.
10: Does my passport need special validity?
Yes. It should be valid 3–6 months beyond your trip and have at least two blank pages.
11: Do I need confirmed flights and hotels?
Many embassies accept reservations. However, they expect a clear itinerary that matches your purpose. Always follow the country’s official checklist.
12: Are biometrics required every time?
Fingerprints are usually valid in the system for 59 months. If you gave biometrics within that time, you may not need to give them again.
13:Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Europe?
Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Europe?
14: Can Gulliver Holidays help me get the visa?
Yes. Gulliver Holidays offers end-to-end Schengen visa support across the UAE—document checks, appointment booking, file assembly, and ongoing guidance—so your application is complete and stress-free.
15: What are common reasons for refusal?
Missing or inconsistent documents, weak financial proof, no valid insurance, unclear purpose, or applying to the wrong embassy. A careful file usually avoids these.
16: What is the 90/180-day rule in simple words?
Count 180 days backward from any day in Schengen; within that window, you must have no more than 90 days of stay.
17: Do I need to show money in my account if my company pays?
If your employer fully sponsors your trip, attach a company sponsorship/NOC letter. Still, bring some personal financial proof if possible.
18: Do I need a cover letter?
Not always. But for multi-country trips or special cases, a short, clear cover letter helps explain your plan.
19: Can I convert a single-entry to multiple-entry later?
No. You must apply again and request multiple entry, ideally with travel history to support it.
