For those about to apply for a European visa, specifically a Schengen visa, the steps and documentation needed are outlined. A Schengen visa is required for traveling to most European countries.
It is necessary to check passport and nationality, as not all may need to obtain a Schengen visa. To apply for a Schengen visa in Dubai, UAE, use VFS Global, with Germany as an example.
VFS Global is renowned for handling visas, excluding the USA but including many countries. For a Germany visa, access the VFS Global website, select the country of application, and choose “United Arab Emirates” instead of “UAE Dubai” to avoid limited options.
On the VFS Global site specific to Germany, begin the visa application process by clicking “Start Now” and follow the provided guide. Fill in the visa form, download the generated PDF, print it, and include it in the documentation for the application day.
To book an appointment, create an account on the VFS website or contact a reputed Travel Agency in Dubai, an authenticated travel operators will get visa appointment on your behalf easily and quickly, then, and choose an available slot. Appointments may not be immediately available; keep checking the website for openings.
Fill in personal details accurately, select an appointment slot, and choose additional services if desired. Review documents and details, complete payment, and receive confirmation of the booked appointment.
Print the receipt from the VFS website as proof of the booking appointment. Submit the passport with the documents, considering the visa processing time may take from two days up to 15 days.
Ensure not to plan any travel requiring the passport during this period. Required documents include three months’ bank statements, an HR letter, two recent passport-size photos with a white background, a passport with at least six months’ validity and a copy of it, a UAE residence page copy, previous Schengen visas if any, an Emirates ID copy, hotel booking in Germany, an airline ticket, travel insurance, vaccination certificates, and the application form.
A bank statement covering six months is required. The account should show regular activity. The necessary balance is not specified, but financial stability is important.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer indicates employment status and salary. It confirms the employer has no objection to the travel.
Original copies of documents are required. Hotel bookings and plane tickets can be printed out. The salary certificate is similar to the NOC but does not mention travel plans.
The passport must be valid for six months with remaining pages for the visa stamp. Previous travel, such as visa stamps from Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, should be included.
For residents in Dubai, a resident visa valid for six months is necessary. Insurance covering the travel period is crucial, with a minimum coverage of 20,000 euros.
A trade license from the employer may be required, as in Denmark. Photocopies are acceptable for some documents, like the trade license.
Creating an itinerary is beneficial but not mandatory. It shows planning and knowledge of the destination. Requirements include a plane ticket and hotel bookings.
The plane ticket must be a confirmed ticket, valid for 48 hours. Hotel reservations should allow free cancellation.
There is no formal interview at VFS Global. After document submission, biometrics are collected.
The process from document submission to visa approval and passport receipt is detailed, highlighting the importance of complete and timely document submission. Watching vlogs on Schengen visa applications can reduce anxiety.
Emphasizing tourism as the main purpose of the visit is advised. To determine whether to submit documents via VFS Global or directly to the embassy, research is needed.
Charges include an embassy fee and an admin fee for VFS Global. For a Denmark Schengen visa, the charge was around 400 dirhams, with an additional 200 to 300 dirhams for VFS Global’s admin fee and SMS service.
An option exists for passport shipment after embassy assessment. VFS Global is required for document submission in the UAE.
Documents must be submitted to VFS Global, which then sends them to the embassy. An appointment and a fee are required.