What is a Schengen (Europe) visa?

A Schengen (Europe) visa is a  short term visa that covers an area called the Schengen area. This visa gives you entry into twenty-six countries which are Schengen member states in Europe. You must apply for a Schengen visa to the country of your first entry or to the country where you have the longest amount of stay. When you are granted the visa, it will automatically be a Schengen visa and this visa grants you full access to all twenty-six countries after entry. A single-entry visa grants you one entry to the area. When you enter the country in which you hold a visa for, you will still have full access to all twenty-six countries that are members of Schengen on this single-entry visa, as it is one entry into the Schengen area.

How many countries are in the Schengen (Europe) area?

There are twenty-six countries in Europe which are the Schengen (Europe) area.

How many countries are Schengen (Europe) member states?

There are twenty-six countries in Europe which are Schengen member states.

If I have a Schengen (Europe) visa can I travel to another country in the Schengen (Europe) area?

Yes, if you have held a Schengen visa before or if you hold a multiple entry Schengen visa, then the immigration is more likely not have an issue with you entering into another Schengen member state first.

No, if it is your first entry into the Schengen area, then we always recommend that you enter the Schengen area through the country that you hold a visa for. After you enter the country you can then travel to any of the other 25 Schengen member states in the Schengen area.

What is the recommended end balance in the bank statement for a Schengen (Europe) visa?

There is no specific requirement for an end balance, but we recommend having an end balance of minimum 15,000AED in your bank statement when applying for your visa. This is to show the Consulate/Embassy that you have enough funds to cover your trip and that you have enough funds to return to your home country or country of residence.

Can I apply for a Schengen (Europe) visa without a bank statement?

No, it is mandatory to provide a salary/income bank statement from an account in the UAE.

Can I use my company’s bank account for my Schengen (Europe) visa?

This is a complicated question. Yes, if you are partner or investor you can use the company bank statement instead of the personal bank statement or with your personal bank statement, there is no problem.

Yes, if you are an employee and the company that you work for is paying for your trip, but this will require a letter from the company stating why they are paying for your trip.

Yes, if the trip is a business trip and the employer is paying for the trip then the company bank statement is mandatory.

No, if you are employed by a company and cannot get a letter from your employer stating that they are paying for your trip and why.

Can I use my home country’s bank account instead of a UAE bank statement for a Schengen (Europe) visa?

No, you cannot use a bank statement from another country to replace the mandatory UAE bank statement for the Schengen visa. You can however use it as an extra supporting document to show you have funds in your home country as well as in the UAE.

Can I use my family members bank statement for my Schengen (Europe) visa?

Yes, only if you are a housewife/househusband you can use your spouse’s bank statement or if you are under the age of 18 you can use your mother or father bank statement. It’s also allowed to provide your parents bank statement if you are a student in the UAE.

No, you cannot use your sister/brother/girlfriend/boyfriend/cousin/friend/aunty/uncle or anybody else’s bank statement for your Schengen visa.

What is the minimum salary required when applying for a Schengen (Europe) visa?

We recommend a minimum salary of 3,500AED for best chances to get the Schengen visa.

What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and why do I need one?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a letter from the employer or sponsor in the UAE giving you permission to travel on your trip. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required so the embassy/consulate can see that you have permission to travel from the company or person who sponsors your residence in the UAE.

What should be mentioned on a NOC?

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) has certain requirements. It must to be addressed to the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to. If you are employed it must mention your name as per your passport, your passport number, your position in the company, your start date of employment, salary or average monthly income, the travel dates and the return to duty date. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be printed on company letter head paper and be stamped with the company stamp and signed. The original No Objection Certificate (NOC) needs to be submitted, no scans or photos are accepted.

If I am on a partner/investor visa, do I still need a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

Yes, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is still required for partners and investors. Instead of a salary it can say the average monthly income.

How long is the processing time for a Schengen (Europe) visa from Dubai/Abu Dhabi in the UAE?

Processing time can differ from each of the twenty-six countries in the Schengen area. The processing time can also differ from high season to low season. The average processing time for a Schengen visa is 1-3 weeks. During high season this can take up to 5 weeks or 25 working days. Belgium is rare and can take up to 3 months to process a visa. There is no way to process a Schengen visa fast in the UAE. All countries in the Schengen area process the visas on a first come first served basis. Some countries in the Schengen area will accept Premium or Primetime appointments but this is just to submit your documents earlier, the processing time will not be any faster. On average if you are applying for a business visa or if you have previously held a Schengen visa the processing time can be fast but this is not always guaranteed as the Embassy or consulate will take as long as they need.

Can I apply for a Schengen (Europe) visa without a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

No, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a mandatory requirement. There is no way to avoid providing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any Schengen member state. If you cannot provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) unfortunately you cannot apply for any Schengen (Europe) visa.

How long must my housemaid or nanny have to be employed with me before they can apply for a Schengen (Europe) visa?

Most countries in the Schengen area require your housemaid or nanny to be employed with you for more than 1 year when applying for the Schengen visa. This needs to be proven with the residence visa.

After I get the Schengen (Europe) visa what documents do I need to provide when I arrive into the Schengen area.

When arriving into the Schengen (Europe) country of destination it is important to have some documents ready to be provided upon request. You should provide your departure flight booking to prove that you will be leaving, your planned accommodation booking and your travel insurance. If you are asked and you cannot provide these documents there will be an issue and your visa can be cancelled.