How to Apply for Spain Visa from Dubai

Located in Southwestern Europe, Spain needs no introduction. It is one of the most visited countries in the world, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, stunning architecture, enchanting history, and oh-so-delicious food. Did you know that more than 70,000 visitors from the UAE visited Spain in 2016? And the number has only increased in recent years. Great political ties between the countries, a shared history, and ease of travel are reasons for the same. Moreover, as a tourist, you do not have to apply for a separate Spain visa. Rather, a Schengen visa is enough to visit Spain on a holiday. Here you will find all the information about Spain Schengen visa.

What is a Spain Schengen Visa?

A Spain Schengen visa is a short-term visa that gives you the chance to stay in Spain for 90 days (about 3 months) within a 180-day period. Schengen visa is available as both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. The Schengen visa is issued for tourist and business purposes. One cannot work or study in Spain or any other Schengen country with this visa. 

Who Needs a Spain Schengen Visa?

Spain is one of the 27 European countries that are a part of the Schengen Area. These 27 countries have signed the Schengen Agreement that eliminates the need of border control while traveling within the Schengen area. In other words, a single visa makes you eligible to travel in all 27 countries, including Spain. But before you begin the Spain application process, you need to know whether you need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Citizens or UAE passport holders do not need to apply for a Schengen Spain visa from Dubai beforehand. UAE citizens are one of the Schengen visa-exempt countries. Moreover, if you are an expat living in Dubai, you may have to apply for a Schengen visa depending on the country you belong to. For instance, if you are a citizen of a visa exempt country, you are also eligible to travel to Spain or any of the other Schengen countries without a pre-approved visa. However, people who are from countries that are not a part of the visa-exempt countries need to apply for a Spain Schengen visa from Dubai.

Exemptions to the Rule: Citizens of UAE and expats from visa-exempt countries will have to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai if they have been denied entry in any of the Schengen countries in the past.

Steps to Apply for a Schengen Visa

Here are the steps you need to follow while applying for a Spain Schengen visa:

1. Take an appointment at the Spain embassy or visa center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
2. Fill in the Schengen visa application form.
3. Gather all the supporting documents and make photocopies of all of them.
4. Reach the embassy or visa center on time for your appointment.
5. Pay your visa fee at the embassy or visa center. The fee will depend on whether you are applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
6. Attend your visa interview and provide your biometrics (fingerprints, photographs, etc.)
7. Wait patiently for your visa approval. It usually takes 3-4 working days to get Schengen visa approval. However, it may take longer if you have to submit some additional documents.

Spain Visa Document Requirements

Submitting the right documents is essential for Spain visa approval. Here is the list of documents you need to submit while applying for a Schengen visa.

Passport: This is a no-brainer, as a passport is essential for international travel. In this case, you need to submit your original passport with a minimum validity of 3 months from the date you are planning to return from Spain or the Schengen area. Your passport should not be older than 10 years. It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

Visa Application Form: You can download the visa application form from the official Schengen visa website. The application asks for details like name, contact information, passport details, nationality, occupation, and other details. It is crucial to fill in all the information honestly. The information should match the documents you provide. Also, avoid making any spelling mistakes. It is also important to fill in the form completely. Do not forget to sign the form at the end.

Photographs: You need to submit two identical passport-size (35x45mm) photos that are not older than six months. They should be in color with a light-gray background. 70-80% of the photo should be covered by your head, and the expression on the face should be neutral. 

UAE Resident Visa: As you are applying for a Schengen Spain visa from Dubai, you need to submit the proof of your UAE residence visa. Make sure your residence visa has a minimum validity of three months from the date of returning from the Schengen area.

Cover Letter: You need to include a letter that states the reason why you want to visit Spain and the dates on which you are planning to enter and exit the country. You will also have to mention if you are planning to visit any other Schengen country and the details for the same in the cover letter.

Flight Details: You need to book your flight tickets to Spain and other Schengen areas before you apply for your visa. You need to provide the details of your flight booking, including the dates of entering and exiting Spain or other Schengen countries.

Financial Proof: All visitors to Spain must prove they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the country. For this, you need to submit bank statements for the last three months. Alternatively, you can also submit a sponsorship letter from the person sponsoring your trip. The letter should include his/her 3 months’ bank statements.

Accommodation Proof: You need to prove that you have a place to stay in Spain during your holiday. It can be hotel booking confirmation, rent agreement, or invitation letter from the host.

Spain Travel Insurance: You need to get a travel insurance with a coverage of 30,000 Euros (minimum). The insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, accidents, and reparation in case of death.

Apart from the documents mentioned here, you may have to submit additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit to Spain.

Conclusion

It is crucial to follow the right protocols and submit all the necessary documents to get your Schengen Spain visa on time. To avoid unnecessary hassles, it is best to consult a visa company who are an expert in Spain or Schengen visas. Such companies have years of experience in handling Schengen or Spain visa applications and will help you get your visa on time.