For UAE residents planning a trip to Europe
Free Schengen visa consultation
Tell us about your trip. A visa specialist from our partner, a UAE-licensed visa services company in Dubai, explains which consulate handles your application, which documents fit your situation and typical timelines.
- Free, with no obligation
- For residents of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates
- A specialist usually contacts you within one working day
- Advice before you apply, so you can choose to apply on your own or with paid help
Request your free consultation
Takes about one minute.
Not a government website. Schengen Advice is a private referral service. We are not affiliated with any government, embassy or consulate, the European Union, or visa centres such as VFS Global, BLS International or TLScontact. Only the consulate decides on a visa application. You can always apply directly yourself.
How it works
Three steps, and you decide what happens after the call.
Tell us about your trip
Destination, travel dates and who is travelling. It takes about a minute.
A specialist contacts you
A visa specialist from our partner company in Dubai calls or messages you on WhatsApp, usually within one working day.
You get a plan for your case
Which consulate, which documents fit your situation and a realistic timeline. Then you choose how to apply.
What the consultation covers
General advice for your situation, before you book anything or pay any fees.
Your consulate
Which Schengen country you apply to, based on where you will spend the most nights.
Your documents
What to prepare if you are employed, self-employed, a business owner, or travelling with family.
Your timing
When to apply for your travel dates and how long decisions usually take.
Common refusal reasons
Gaps that often lead to refusals, such as unclear travel plans or weak proof of funds, and how to avoid them.
If you want hands-on help after the consultation, the partner company explains its paid services and fees first. There is no obligation.
Schengen visa timeline
Short-stay visa rules that apply to every Schengen consulate.
- Up to 6 months beforeThe earliest you can submit your application.
- At least 15 days beforeThe usual latest date to apply. Apply earlier when you can.
- About 15 daysTypical decision time after you apply. Some cases take up to 45 days.
- Up to 90 daysHow long you can stay in any 180-day period.
Based on the EU Visa Code. Appointment dates at visa centres depend on each centre's availability.
Good to know before you apply
| Where to apply | The consulate or visa centre of your main destination. If you spend equal time in several countries, the country you enter first. |
|---|---|
| Official visa fee | €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6. Paid to the consulate or its visa centre, which adds its own service fee. |
| Passport | Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. |
| UAE residence visa | Most consulates in the UAE ask that it stays valid for at least 3 months after your return. |
| UAE citizens | Emirati passport holders do not need a Schengen visa for short stays. |
Questions and answers
Is this an official or government website?
No. Schengen Advice is a private referral service. We are not connected to any government, embassy, consulate, the European Union or any visa centre.
Who will contact me?
A visa specialist from a UAE-licensed visa services company in Dubai that we work with. With your consent, we pass your details to this one company only.
Do I pay anything?
The consultation is free. If you want the company's help after that, it tells you its services and fees before you decide. Official visa fees and visa centre fees are separate. We may receive a referral fee from the company.
Can I apply on my own?
Yes. Anyone can apply directly through the consulate or official visa centre of their main destination. The consultation helps you prepare, whichever way you choose.
Can you guarantee a visa or an appointment date?
No. Only the consulate decides on each application, and visa centres set their own appointment availability. Nobody can guarantee a result.
I hold a UAE passport. Do I need a Schengen visa?
No. Emirati citizens can visit the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This service is for UAE residents who hold other passports.