Next Day Appointmentarrow icon

VFS Spain Visa vs. Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

When planning a trip to Spain from the UAE, the visa process can be confusing, especially with terms like “VFS Spain Visa” and “Schengen Visa” being thrown around. While they are closely related, these terms have different meanings and implications for travelers. Let’s break down the key differences and help you understand which one you need.

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows you to travel to any of the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Spain is one of these countries. With a Schengen visa, you can travel freely across member countries for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

The Schengen Area includes popular European destinations like:

  • Spain
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Greece
  • And more.
Types of Schengen Visas
  • Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and tourism purposes.
  • Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities.
  • Student Visa (Short-term): For study or educational purposes that don’t exceed 90 days.
  • Transit Visa: For passing through a Schengen country to reach a non-Schengen destination.

If your trip is for short-term purposes, you will likely be applying for a Schengen Visa, which will allow you to visit Spain and other Schengen countries within the allowed timeframe.

What is the VFS Spain Visa?

VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company that works with various governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, including Spain. VFS acts as the official visa application center for Spain in the UAE, handling the submission of visa applications on behalf of the Spain Consulate.

When you apply for a Spain visa, you will go through VFS Global for:

  • Document submission.
  • Biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos).
  • Visa fee payment.

However, the actual decision on your visa application is made by the Spanish consulate, not VFS Global. VFS simply facilitates the process, making it easier for applicants to submit their documents and track their visa status.

Key Differences

  1. Schengen Visa:
    • A type of visa that allows you to travel within the Schengen Area.
    • Grants access to multiple countries in Europe (including Spain) for short stays.
    • Can be issued for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
  2. VFS Spain Visa:
    • Not a type of visa but rather the process of applying for a Spain Schengen Visa through VFS Global.
    • The visa itself is still a Schengen Visa but specific to entry through Spain.
    • You submit your visa application at the VFS center, but the consulate of Spain approves or rejects it.

Which One Do You Need?

If you’re applying for a short-term visit to Spain (for tourism, business, or family visits) from the UAE, you need to apply for a Schengen Visa through the VFS Spain Visa Application Center.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Identify Your Purpose: If your trip to Spain is for tourism or business, you’ll need a Schengen Visa.
  2. Apply Through VFS Global: You will submit your visa application and necessary documents at the VFS center, which is the authorized body for Spain visa applications in the UAE.
  3. Receive a Schengen Visa: Once approved by the Spanish consulate, you will receive a Schengen Visa, which will allow you to enter Spain and other Schengen countries.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa via VFS Spain in the 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.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Schengen Visa is the visa you need to travel to Spain and other Schengen countries, while VFS Spain Visa refers to the process of applying for the visa through the authorized service provider in the UAE, VFS Global. If Spain is your primary destination, you will be applying for a Schengen Visa via the VFS Spain Visa Application Center.