Traveling to Spain with a Family: Visa Requirements and Tips for UAE Residents

When planning a trip to Spain from Dubai, it is essential to determine whether you need a Spain visa to enter the country or if you can enter visa-free.

Spain is part of the Schengen area, a group of countries with shared visa policies. Therefore, the visa required to enter Spain is a Schengen Visa.

With a Schengen visa for Spain from Dubai, you can also travel to other countries within the Schengen zone for tourism, business, or visiting friends.

This guide will provide detailed information on how to apply for a Schengen visa for Spain from Dubai, including the types of visas available, the requirements, the application process, costs involved, and a list of top activities to enjoy in Spain.

01. What is Spain Visa?

A Spain visa is a legal document that allows individuals to enter, stay, and travel within Spain for a specified period.

02. Who is Required to Apply for A Spain Visa from Dubai?

If you are a resident of Dubai and planning to visit Spain, you will generally need to apply for a Spain visa unless you meet certain exemptions. Here are the key groups of people who need to apply for a Spain visa from Dubai:

  1. UAE Residents (Non-UAE Citizens):
    • If you are a resident of Dubai but not a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will most likely need a Schengen visa to enter Spain. This includes expatriates from countries that do not have visa-free agreements with the Schengen Area.
  2. UAE Citizens:
    • UAE citizens can travel to Spain visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. However, for longer stays or other purposes (such as work or study), UAE citizens will need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa.
  3. Tourists in Dubai (Non-UAE Citizens):
    • Tourists visiting Dubai who plan to travel to Spain and are from countries that do not have visa-free agreements with the Schengen Area will need to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai.
  4. Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders:
    • Holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports may have different visa requirements or exemptions. They should check with the Spanish consulate for specific rules applicable to their passport type.

03. Types of Spain Visa from Dubai

There are several types of Spain visas you can apply for from Dubai, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the main types:

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

  • Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and tourism.
  • Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or business-related activities.
  • Family Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in Spain.
  • Cultural, Sports, or Film Crews Visa: For participating in cultural or sports events, or as part of a film crew.
  • Airport Transit Visa: For changing flights at a Spanish airport without entering the Schengen Area.
  • Transit Visa: For traveling through Spain to reach another country.

2. National Visa (Long-Stay Visa)

  • Work Visa: For individuals who have secured employment in Spain.
  • Student Visa: For those pursuing studies or participating in educational programs in Spain.
  • Family Reunification Visa: For family members of residents or citizens of Spain who wish to join them.
  • Residence Visa: For those planning to reside in Spain for an extended period without working (e.g., retirees).
  • Entrepreneur Visa: For individuals planning to start a business or invest in Spain.

3. Seasonal Work Visa

  • For individuals who plan to work in Spain for a specific season, often in agriculture or tourism.

4. Au Pair Visa

  • For young people wishing to live with a Spanish family and provide childcare in exchange for room, board, and a stipend.

5. Internship Visa

  • For students or recent graduates who have been offered an internship position in Spain.

6. Golden Visa (Investor Visa)

  • For individuals who make a significant investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate, investing in businesses, or creating job opportunities.

7. Research or Training Visa

  • For individuals engaged in research or training activities in Spain.

To learn more about the different types of Spain visas, you can visit this page for detailed information and application guidelines.

04. Documentation required for a Spain Visa from Dubai

Relevant documentation is a crucial part of your Spain visa process. While submitting your Spain visa application from Dubai, you will be required to furnish the following documents:

Spain Visa Application –Submit a duly filled Spain visa application form with all your details.

Passport – The passport should have been valid for at least 3 months after your exit from Spain and it should have been issued within the last 10 years. Also, make sure that your passport has at least 2 blank pages.

Photographs – Furnish a recent, colored photograph taken against a light background that clearly displays all your facial features.

A copy of your valid UAE Residence Visa or Residence Permit

Proof of Accommodation–Submit hotel reservations or proof of lodging for your stay in Spain. If you are invited by a Spain resident then furnish a copy of the invitation letter from your host stamped by Spanish police authorities.

Proof of Finances–Furnish proof of sufficient income by submitting the latest bank statements for the last 3 months.

Proof of Transportation–Submit an email confirmation from your travel company or a copy of return flight tickets.

Travel Medical Insurance– Get travel insurance that provides a minimum coverage of 1,18,165 AED for medical emergencies & repatriation charges.

Make sure to keep these documents with you when our representative visits your premises to collect your documents and biometrics.

05. How to Apply for a Spain Visa from Dubai

Here are the 4 easy steps that you need to follow to apply for Spain Visa from Dubai, UAE:

1). Fill out the online Spain visa application form and pay the nominal Spain visa fee for scheduling your appointment.

2). You will receive a call from one of our Spain visa specialists who will book a BLS Spain Visa Dubai appointment as per your preferred dates and travel requirements.

3). One of our specialists will come to your doorstep to collect all the documents & your biometrics.

4). Receive your Spain visa along with your passport through post.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a BLS Spain Visa Appointment from Dubai as per your travel requirements to enjoy a hassle-free Spain visa acquisition experience!