How To Apply for Schengen Visa From Dubai

01 Schengen Visa Types

before you apply for a Schengen visa, it is important that you determine the purpose of your visit. This will help you settle on the type of visa you should apply. Never lie about the purpose of your visit on the application form, as the consequences will be severe.

Below are the Schengen travel options you can choose from :

• Transit.
• Tourist.
• Business.
• Visiting family/friends.
• Cultural/Sports/Religious events.
• Official visits.
• Study.
• Medical reason.

02 Which Country To Apply?

After settling on the purpose of travel, you should select your destination country.

03 Schengen Visa Rules

Below are the rules that determine your Schengen destination country :

• Your application should be made to a particular country if you are visiting only that country.
• If visiting multiple Schengen countries, submit your application to the country where you will spend most of the days or to the country of your port entry.

1. Port of Entry
   
   Your destination country should be your port of entry in case you want to spend equal amounts of time in multiple Schengen countries. The point of entry is the first destination in the Schengen area.
   
   For example, if you are traveling to Denmark from Dubai and spending 15 days there and then traveling to Norway for another 15 days and then flying back home, you must apply to the respective authority of Denmark.


2. Duration of Stay
   
   if you are spending unequal amounts of time in multiple Schengen countries, you must apply to the relevant authority of the country where you will spend the majority of the days.
   
   For example, if you are flying from Dubai to the Netherlands and staying there for 15 days, then flying to Finland for 20 days, and finally to Sweden for ten days, then you must apply for the Finland Schengen Visa.

04 Eligibility for Schengen Visa from Dubai

After you establish your purpose of travel and your destination country, you must check if you are eligible to apply for the visa. There are two main requirements for any Schengen permit. These are :

1. Passport
   
   A passport is a key requirement for any traveler. Unless you belong to the country and can enter Schengen visa-free, you must apply for a passport before you travel there.
   
   The eligibility criteria for a Schengen visa are as follows :


• You should have a Dubai passport if you are applying from Dubai. If you are a foreign passport holder, you should have a valid residence permit.
• Passport must have at least two blank pages to stamp the Schengen visa.
• A passport cannot be more than ten years old.
• Passport should be valid for more than six months from the date of travel.
• If you have any old passports, submit them along with the new one.


2. Sufficient Funds
   
   Lodging in most Schengen countries can be costly due to travel, food, accommodation, and other expenses. You, therefore, must provide proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during the stay.
   
   You should provide your latest three months’ bank statement or a copy of your passbook as evidence that you will be able to afford your stay in Schengen. The amount required differs in every Schengen country depending on the cost of living.
   
   Your bank accounts should have steady transaction history. In case of unusual transactions of high amounts, you may need to explain.

05 Where to Apply For a Schengen Visa?

The application for a Schengen visa can be made at one or multiple locations depending on the regulations set by the embassy of the respective Schengen country.

Applications can be made from :

• Embassy of the destination country.
• One of the consulates of the destination country.
• One of the Visa Application Centers the embassy has outsourced.
• The embassy or consulate of the other Schengen country where the destination country has outsourced.

06 What Are The Required Documents

Below are the general documents required to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai :

• Completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Travel medical insurance covering at least 30000 Euros
• Round-trip flight reservations
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient funds

Additional documents may be required based on the specific embassy of the Schengen countries.

07 How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from Dubai?

1. First, download the offline Schengen visa application form and fill it out. Some countries are allowed to fill out the form through an online portal. Fill in your personal information such as name, DOB, address, etc., details of your travel document, the purpose of travel, and the details of your trip.


2. Pay the Schengen visa fees of 60 Euros. The visa amount is the same for all Schengen countries but may sometimes fluctuate based on factors such as the age of the applicant.
   
   You will be charged additional biometric fees and service fees when applying from a travel agency.


3. Book an appointment at the embassy/consulate or at one of the authorized VACs for the Schengen visa application submission.


4. Biometrics and your photograph will be taken and stored in the Schengen Visa Information System. (VIS)


5. Attend the interview if applicable.


6. Attend your appointment and submit your visa application form and supporting documents.


7. After your visa application, wait for a response from the Embassy/VAC


8. You can check your visa status by contacting the embassy/ consulate, through the online portal provided by the VAC you used, or by contacting your travel agency.

08 When to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa processing normally takes 15 working days but can even take 30 to 60 days. Apply for the visa at least 15 working days before your intended travel date. The best time to apply is three weeks before the date of travel and no earlier than three months before the travel date.

09 When You Have Schengen Visa

You will receive a passport that is stamped with the Schengen visa.

Before you travel, ensure you have all your travel documents and confirm your duration of stay.

Keep in mind that you may have to show your documents several times, either at the border on in the Schengen countries.

If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you should apply for the National Visa instead of the Schengen Visa.