Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa | Documents Required and Application Process

Planning a trip to Europe? A Schengen Visa lets you travel to multiple European countries with one visa. Understanding the visa documents required and the application process helps ensure a smooth and hassle-free application. This page covers visa types, requirements, and step-by-step guidance to help you apply for a Schengen tourist visa with confidence.

A Schengen entry visa is a short-term visa which allows the holder to enter and travel within the Schengen Area, a group of several European countries. With one visa, it is possible to visit one or more member states for the purposes of tourism, business, visits by family members or for short stays of a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. This visa is arguably the most convenient for those who want to travel around Europe, as it eliminates the need to apply for individual visas to every country.

Individuals who are not citizens of a  Member State, but who are members of a nationality requiring the visa for entry into Europe may apply for a Visa. Residents of the UAE of any nationality can also apply provided that they have a valid UAE residence visa. Below are the key eligibility criteria you must meet to apply.

Eligibility Checklist: 

  • Valid passport for the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date of departure.
  • UAE residence visa for minimum of 3 months (required for UAE residents)
  • Nationality requires Visa (applicants who have non-Schengen passports).
  • Proof of funds (bank statements for the past three to six months).
  • Purpose of travel must be clearly documented, this includes tourism, business, family connections or medical reasons.

Before applying for your visa to Schengen , make sure the below mentioned documents are ready. 

  • Valid passport (10 years old or newer, 3 months validity, 2 blank pages)
  • UAE residence visa (valid for 3+ months)
  • visa application of schengen form (filled & signed)
  • Passport-size photos (biometric, white background)
  • Flight booking (round-trip itinerary)
  • Hotel booking / accommodation proof
  • Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage for all countries)
  • Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
  • Employment proof (salary certificate + NOC / trade license / student letter)
  • Purpose-of-travel documents (tour plan, business invitation, family invite)
  • Previous visas (if available)

For the full list of required documents, check: Essential Documentation for a Schengen Tourist Visa Application

 

Step-by-Step Visa Application

  • Consultation & Eligibility Check – Determine the correct visa type and understand all requirements.
  • Document Preparation – Our team reviews, verifies, and organizes your documents as per rules.
  • Application Submission – We submit your complete file to the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global).
  • Biometrics & Appointment – Attend your scheduled biometrics appointment at VFS.
  • Visa Processing – Typically takes 10–15 working days, depending on the embassy.
  • Collection/Delivery – Receive your passport with the visa stamp.

Visa Application from Dubai & Abu Dhabi

  • Dubai Residents: Please submit your application at the Visa Application Centre (VFS Global, Dubai)
  • Abu Dhabi Residents: Applications received at the relevant Schengen Embassy or at the VFS Global Centre in Abu Dhabi
  • Other Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain): Go Kite Travel will handle your visa application via the VFS centres.

Regardless of where you are living—whether you are applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi Go Kite Travel will make sure that the entire process is smooth, straightforward and free from any stress.

  • Visa Fee: The fee is based on the type of visa, length of stay, and nationalities.
  • Processing Time: The average processing period is five to seven working days, however, this may vary depending on the profile of the applicant and the workload of the embassy.

The processing time for your visa varies based on several factors. Refer to Processing Time for a applying visa to Schengen from Dubai for more detailed insights.

  • Validity: Short term Schengen tourist visa’s are usually valid up to ninety days within any 180 day period.
  • Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, holidays, and sightseeing within the Area.
  • Business Visa: For meetings, conferences, events, and business-related travel.
  • Visit Visa: For visiting family members or friends residing in countries.
  • Transit Visa: For travelers transiting through a Schengen airport en route to a non-Schengen destination.

The citizens who seek visa in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or from UAE can check on Go Kite Travel to do the right choice of category. 

  • Incomplete or incorrect documents
  • Insufficient financial proof to cover travel and stay
  • Unclear travel purpose or weak itinerary
  • Invalid or inadequate travel insurance coverage

Many applicants face refusals for different reasons, but learning about the Top Reasons Why Schengen tourism Visa Applications Get Rejected can help you avoid common errors.

Tips to avoid rejection: 

  • Give correct and up-to-date information
  • Maintain proper travel arrangements and confirmed bookings
  • Apply well in advance (at least 2–3 weeks before your travel date)

Apply professional visa services such as Go Kite Travel. Our experts maximize your chances of approval for your Schengen visa from UAE.

 

  • 100% end-to-end assistance throughout the entire visa process
  • 15+ years of proven experience in UAE travel & visa processing
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden or confusing charges
  • 24/7 WhatsApp support dedicated to visa applicants
  • Secure submissions via official GDRFA/ICP systems
  • DTCM Licensed (No. 906115) — officially registered in Dubai

Go Kite Travel makes your Schengen travel plans easy, safe and completely stress-free.

Frequently Asked Question

A: UAE citizens and residents in Dubai are generally eligible to apply for a visiting visa to Schengen. Make sure your residency permit for the UAE is valid for at least six months after the day you want to leave the Schengen Area.

A: A single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area once, a double-entry visa allows two entries, and a multiple-entry visa permits multiple entries within its validity period. Select the kind that best suits your plans for travel.

A: Choose the type that best fits your travel schedule. Applying early ensures you have your visa in hand when your travel date approaches.

A: Not always. While some applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide biometric data, it depends on the Schengen country you’re applying to. Check with the specific consulate or embassy for their interview requirements.

A: The duration of your stay depends on the visa type and the number of entries allowed. Typically, tourist visas grant stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

A: In most cases, you need to provide original documents along with copies. However, always check the specific requirements of the consulate or embassy you’re applying to, as some may have different document submission policies.

A: The time it takes to get a Schengen urgent visas is usually set, and you can’t always get it faster. In some rare cases, though, you might be able to pay extra and ask for priority use.

A:If your visa application has been denaied, you will be given a written reason for the decision. Depending on the consulate or embassy’s rules, you can either reapply with more information about why your first application was turned down, or you can review the decision.

A:

A: Yes.

Yes, all minors require an individual visa. Parents must provide the child’s passport, residence visa, photos, and birth certificate.

A:

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, The process is open to residents of any of the UAE’s emirates, including Ras al Khaimah. All applications for  visas are done through the authorized Visa Centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or through licensed travel agencies that submit on your behalf.

A: Yes, A strong international travel history, especially to UK, USA, or previous Schengen countries, significantly improves approval chances for a tourist or visit visa.

A: Yes, With a valid Schengen visit visa, you can freely travel between all 29 Schengen countries within the approved duration and entry conditions.

A: Yes, Unemployed applicants can apply for a visit visa, but they must show strong financial proof, sponsorship documents, and a clear purpose of travel.

A: Yes,  You can visit relatives or friends on a Schengen visitor visa by presenting an invitation letter, host’s residence proof, and accommodation details.

A: No. If staying with relatives or friends, a formal invitation letter and host accommodation proof can replace hotel bookings for your visitor visa.

A: Although optional, a well composed cover letter that explains your traveling purpose, itinerary and how you plan to come back will be of great help to your application. Many successful applicants for a Schengen Visa from Dubai include a detailed cover letter.

 

A: Yes, applicants who are self-employed may apply by providing a valid trade license, bank statements of the company, and business profile. This documentation is commonly accepted for a Schengen Visa from Dubai when financial stability is clearly demonstrated.

A: In case not provided in the past 59 months, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be needed. Applicants applying for a Schengen Visa from Dubai must attend a VFS appointment if biometrics are due.

A: Yes, any UAE citizen of any nationality may apply provided he/she has a valid UAE residence visa and has the remaining duration of at least three months before the intended date of return. Many applicants successfully apply for a Schengen Visa from Dubai regardless of nationality, provided all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.

A: No specific amount of bank balance is needed, but the applicants should show that they have enough money to cover accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. Generally, submitting 3–6 months of bank statements showing stable income improves approval chances for a Schengen tourist visa

Contact Go Kite Travel in Dubai to get a free consultation and complete assistance in applying for a Visa from anywhere in the UAE. We make the visa application process faster, easier, and more successful.

Call Now or WhatsApp Us to Get Started Today!

Make an Inquiry

    First Name*

    Last Name

    Email*

    Phone*

    Your message*

    Get Your Special Package