Germany Visa for UAE Residents in 2024
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Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Germany?
The requirement of a German visa for UAE residents depends on their nationality. Most expatriates holding UAE residence permits must obtain a prior visa to enter Germany. Further, with the launch of the ETIAS in May 2025, Emirati citizens must register themselves before they enter Germany or countries in the Schengen area.
Citizens of the EU and other visa-free countries for Germany do not need a visa for short-term stays. They can visit Germany without a visa and stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. UAE passport holders also do not require a visa for short-term visits.
Types of Germany Visas Available for UAE Residents
Schengen Visa
- This visa allows foreign nationals to visit Germany and other countries in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This visa is ideal for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and short business trips
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
- This visa is only for airport layovers when foreign travelers need to change flights in Germany en route to another country outside the Schengen area
Business Visa
- This visa is specifically designed for travelers who make frequent trips to Germany for business meetings, events, and negotiations. Although the total duration of stay cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, the applicants can avail of multiple-entry options for their long-term requirements
- UAE residents who wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days can obtain any of the following visas:
Employment Visa
- Individuals with a valid job offer in Germany must apply for an employment visa to engage in any long-term paid occupation
Study Visa
- This visa is for students from the UAE who wish to enroll in any educational institution in Germany for a study course longer than 3 months. The visa is valid for the duration of the course and can be extended based on the requirements
Freelancer Visa
- Any person who intends to take up freelance work or set up a business in Germany can obtain this visa. It has a validity of six months or more based on the nature of the applicant’s work
Family Reunion Visa
- UAE residents who wish to join their close family members residing in Germany can apply for this visa. The validity of this visa is typically linked to the sponsor’s residence permit
Germany Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
A completed and signed visa application form. You can download the visa application form online from the German embassy website
Passport with a validity of at least three months from the date of leaving Germany. The passport should contain at least two blank pages and must be issued within the last ten years
A valid UAE residence permit with proof of residency in the UAE
Two photographs (not older than six months) complying with the Schengen visa photo guidelines
Detailed travel itinerary in Germany with proof of flight ticket reservation
Proof of accommodation in Germany – hotel room reservation, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a local host
Bank statements for the past three months as proof of financial means to cover the cost of stay in Germany
Schengen travel health insurance with coverage of at least EUR 30,000 (approx. AED 120,000) to cover medical emergencies
A signed declaration of accuracy of information must be submitted along with the documents
Additional Documents
A valid work contract or a letter of employment (for applicants who are employed)
Business license, bank statements, and income tax returns (for applicants in self-employment)
Proof of student status for student applicants
How to Get a German Visa for UAE Residents?
Select the right visa type based on your travel purpose and duration of stay in Germany
Gather all the required documents as listed in the previous section to support your visa application
Schedule an appointment with VFS Global, the authorized visa application center for Germany in the UAE. You can apply up to six months before your travel date and must apply at least 15 days before you start your trip
Attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time. Submit the visa application form with the supporting documents. The biometric data is taken for first-time Schengen visa applicants. Please attend the visa interview if you are asked to do the same
Pay the prescribed visa fee at the center
Generally, the Schengen visa applications take around two weeks to process. After processing, you will be notified by VFS Global to collect your passport along with the visa
How Much Does a German Visa Cost and What is its Validity?
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee for adults | EUR 90 (approx. AED 360) |
| Visa application fee for minor applicants between 6 to 12 years of age | EUR 45 (approx. AED 180) |
| Visa application fee for minor applicants aged below 6 years | Free |
| Service fee (payable to VFS Global) | AED 110 |
The Schengen visa is valid for short stays and permits foreign travellers to stay in Germany for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Germany Visa On Arrival for UAE Residents
Germany does not offer a visa on arrival for UAE residents or citizens. Emirati citizens are eligible for visa-free entry into Germany for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, UAE residents who are not citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain a Schengen visa before they travel to Germany.
How Can I Check the Germany Visa Status Online?
Visit the website of VFS Global, the official partner of the German embassy in the UAE
Navigate to the ‘Track Your Application’ section on the homepage
Enter the application reference number and your date of birth
Enter the captcha code as shown and click ‘Submit’. The status of your visa application is displayed on the page
Frequently Asked Questions about German Visa for UAE Residents
Yes. You can travel to Europe with a UAE residence permit. However, it also depends on the destination country and the type of visa you need. UAE residents can apply for a Schengen visa and visit any of the 26 countries on a single visa. A few European countries also permit visa-free entry to UAE residents.
It takes about 14 days to get a visa for Germany in the UAE. However, the processing time may get extended due to documentation requirements, travel season, and the number of applicants.
You can apply for a German visit visa through VFS Global, the official partner of the German embassy in the UAE.
The ease of getting a visa to Germany depends on the visa type, submission of a complete & accurate application, and meeting the documentation requirements.
For a German visa, you must provide proof of having at least EUR 45 (approx. AED 180) per day of stay. You can provide this proof through bank statements or proof of sponsorship from your sponsor.
No. It is not possible to get a German visa in one day. The average processing time is 15 calendar days for a short-stay visa. It may take several weeks or months to obtain a long-term visa for Germany.
Germany typically requires an interview for some visa types such as a student visa and a few other national (long-term) visas.
The rejection rate for a German tourist visa was around 14.3% in 2023. The overall rejection rate for a Schengen visa was 16% during the same period.
You can check the status of your German visa through the VFS Global website. On the homepage, navigate to the ‘Track Your Application’ section, enter the required details, and click ‘Submit’.
The processing time for a visa application at the German Consulate in the UAE is around 15 calendar days.
