1. Application form – must be fully completed in English and signed by the applicant. If the applicant is under 18 years old, both parents must sign the form and attach a copy of their passports. If one parent cannot sign, a letter of consent along with a copy of their passport must be provided. The form can be downloaded from the official website.
2. A recent passport-sized photo taken within the last six months, measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm, with a light-colored background, is required. The photo should be glued to the application form, and head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes. The face must be fully visible. Refer to the official ICAO photograph guidelines for more details.
3. The original passport linked to the UAE or Bahrain residence permit must be submitted. It should include the holder’s signature, have at least two consecutive blank pages, be issued within the last 10 years, and remain valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
4. Proof of accommodation is required for every night of the intended stay in the Schengen area. This could include confirmed hotel reservations, a copy of a rental contract, or proof of residential property.
5. A copy of the flight reservation, including return flight details, must be provided.
6. Travel medical insurance is mandatory and must cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in the event of death, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and the duration of the stay.
7. Evidence of sufficient financial means for the trip must be submitted. This can include payslips, a valid international credit card accompanied by bank statements, bank account statements for the last three months, or a national sponsorship or accommodation form.
8. For employed applicants, a letter from the employer is required. This must be on original company letterhead with contact details, duly stamped, and signed (scanned or electronic signatures are not accepted). The letter must include details about the applicant’s position, employment start date, salary, approved leave dates, and confirmation of continued employment after the trip. For self-employed individuals, the original trade license must be submitted. If the sponsor is not a well-known Swiss or multinational company,
9. additional documents such as hotel bookings, the trade license, and three months of bank statements must be provided. Applicants under a spouse’s or parent’s visa must include a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the resident visa sponsor.
10. For minors traveling without their parents or legal guardians, an original authorization signed by the parents or guardians in the presence of a visa officer, or a notarized authorization, must be submitted. A copy of the parents’ or guardians’ passports is also required.
11. The UAE residence permit must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. GCC nationals are required to provide a copy of their valid residence permit.
- Tourist AED 360
- Children between 6 – 12 years AED 180/- For each application
- Children below 6 years Free of Charge
- VFS appointment fee – AED 114/-
Visa applications are typically processed within 15 calendar days from the time the Embassy or Consulate receives the complete application. This timeframe does not account for transportation delays. However, in certain situations, such as when additional documentation is required or the applicant needs to attend an interview, the processing period may be extended. During peak seasons, when there is a higher volume of applications, processing times may also take longer.
It is advisable to submit your visa application at least two weeks before your planned travel date, and even earlier during holiday periods to allow for potential delays. Please note that the Embassy or Consulate has exclusive authority over the processing times and final decisions regarding visa applications. VFS Global does not influence or participate in these aspects of the process.
The photograph must be taken against a plain, light-colored background (white or off-white) to ensure the features are clear and stand out from the background.
It should have high-quality clarity, with the face sharply in focus.
The photo must be printed on standard photographic paper.
The applicant’s full face should be visible, with a neutral expression and no smile. Sunglasses, hats, caps, or other head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or cultural reasons.
