Planning a European holiday with your loved ones? Applying for a Schengen visa for families in Dubai can be smooth and straightforward when you understand the right process. Whether you’re a UAE citizen or an expatriate family living in Dubai, the Schengen family visa allows you to travel together across 29 European countries with just one visa.

This guide explains everything you need to know about applying as a family, from requirements and documentation to how our team can make your group visa application effortless.

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain.

Families living in Dubai often prefer applying together because it ensures all members get their visas approved at the same time and can enter and exit Europe together. This process is known as a group or family application.

A Schengen visa validity is for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, perfect for holidays, family reunions, and leisure trips.

Both UAE nationals and expatriate residents in Dubai are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa for their family trip.

You can apply as a group if you are traveling with:

• Your spouse
• Children under 18
• Parents or in-laws (for multigenerational trips)

Each applicant must submit a separate application, but they can be processed together if the travel itinerary and supporting documents are the same.

Families in Dubai usually apply for one of the following short-stay Schengen visas:

1. Tourist Visa: For family holidays, leisure trips, and sightseeing.
2. Visit Visa: For visiting relatives or friends residing in a Schengen country.

For most families, the tourist visa is the right option for a shared European vacation.

Each family member must prepare an individual set of documents. However, some documents, ,ke the travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and flight reservations, can be shared.

Here’s what’s generally required for a family Schengen visa from Dubai:

• Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity after the return date)
• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form for each applicant
• Recent passport-sized photos (as per Schengen photo requirements)
• UAE residence visa valid for at least 3 months beyond travel date (for expatriates)
• Proof of travel arrangements (flight bookings for the entire family)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Family relationship proof (birth certificates for children, marriage certificate for spouses)
• Travel insurance covering all Schengen countries and the entire travel duration
• Financial proof showing sufficient funds to cover family expenses during the trip

For minors, additional documents may include:

• Consent letter signed by both parents
• Copies of parents’ passports and residence visas

Applying for a Schengen visa as a family is easier than you might think when done step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Main Destination

Determine which Schengen country you’ll spend the most time in. That country’s embassy will handle your visa application.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Prepare individual and family-related documents. Double-check that everything is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

Step 3: Schedule A Group Appointment

Families can book a group appointment so everyone submits their applications and biometric data together.

Step 4: Attend The Appointment

All applicants, including children, must attend the appointment. Our team can help you organize all your forms, arrange the appointment, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step 5: Wait For Processing

Once submitted, the family visa application usually takes a few working days to process. It’s best to apply well in advance of your trip.

Step 6: Collect Passports

After approval, collect your passports with the visa sticker and check the details carefully before finalizing your travel plans.

Visa Processing Time

Schengen visa processing typically takes around 10–15 working days after submission, depending on the embassy and season. However, family applications may take slightly longer if extra verification is required.

It’s best to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date to avoid last-minute stress.

Family visa applications are usually straightforward, but common mistakes can lead to rejection or delays. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Ensure all documents are complete and consistent across applications.
• Book refundable flights and hotels to match your itinerary.
• Provide clear proof of family relationships.
• Make sure travel insurance covers all family members.
• Apply early, especially during peak travel months.

Our experts can review your documents before submission to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of rejections.

Applying for a Schengen visa as a family in Dubai can be overwhelming, especially when coordinating documents for multiple people. That’s where we come in.

Our Schengen visa specialists handle the process end-to-end, including:

• Personalized guidance on document preparation
• Group appointment booking
• Complete application review
• Assistance with travel itinerary and insurance

We help ensure your family’s visa experience is smooth, coordinated, and stress-free—so you can focus on planning your European adventures.

Ready To Travel Together As A Family? Let our Dubai-based visa specialists handle your Schengen family visa process smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to start your group application and enjoy a worry-free European holiday.

Can Families Apply For The Schengen Visa Together In Dubai?

Yes. Families can apply together as a group, submitting individual applications under the same travel plan.

Do Children Need To Attend The Visa Appointment?

Yes, even minors must attend for biometric submission unless they are below 12 years old.

Can We Submit One Set Of Travel Bookings For The Whole Family?

Yes. Shared documents like flight and hotel bookings can cover the entire family if the itinerary is identical.

How Long Is The Schengen Visa Valid For Family Travel?

The visa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Who Should We Contact For Help With The Family Schengen Visa?

You can reach out to our visa experts for personalized assistance and the latest requirements for your family’s Schengen visa application.