Belgium Visa from Dubai for UAE Residents

Belgium visa from Dubai: how it actually works for UAE residents

UAE residents apply for a Belgium Schengen (type C) visa in the UAE, not in Belgium: you fill in Belgium's online Visa on Web form, book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Dubai (Wafi Mall) or Abu Dhabi (World Trade Centre Mall), submit your file and passport there, and the Belgian Embassy in Abu Dhabi decides. Belgium has no consulate in Dubai and the embassy does not take walk-in visa applications — VFS is the only door.

The government fee is EUR 90 per adult (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6), paid at the centre. The embassy says a standard file takes 2 to 3 weeks; files that need a Schengen-wide security check or are referred to the Immigration Office in Brussels take at least 2 weeks longer. Belgium asks you to apply at least 15 days before travel — we recommend 4 to 6 weeks, and up to 6 months ahead in summer.

Our Belgium service (AED 799) covers the Visa on Web form, the VFS appointment, a full document check against the Belgian checklist, cover letter, itinerary, hotel and flight reservations and Schengen-compliant insurance — so the file you hand over at Wafi Mall is complete the first time.

• Visa on Web form filled for you — Belgium's mandatory online application, completed and printed with the correct visa type and travel dates.
• VFS appointment booked — Dubai (Wafi Mall) or Abu Dhabi (WTC Mall), the earliest slot that fits your travel date.
• Document check against the Belgian checklist — bank statements, employment proof, residence and photos reviewed before the appointment so nothing is missing on the day.
• Supporting documents prepared — cover letter, day-by-day itinerary, hotel and flight reservations and EUR 30,000 travel medical insurance.
• Tracking until the passport is back — we follow the file on the VFS tracker and tell you the moment it is ready for collection.

• Where to apply: VFS Global Belgium Visa Application Centre — Dubai: Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2 — Abu Dhabi: Level B2 (lower ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street. Submission 09:00–15:00, passport collection 15:00–17:00. VFS call centre +971 4 205 5716.
• Visa on Web first: every applicant must complete Belgium's online form at visaonweb.diplomatie.be before the appointment. The printed form and its barcode are part of the file.
• Biometrics: fingerprints and a photograph are taken at the appointment. Applicants who gave fingerprints for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months may be exempt, but must still attend to submit the passport.
• Government fee: EUR 90 per adult and child aged 12+, EUR 45 for children aged 6–11, free under 6 (rate in force since 11 June 2024), paid in AED at the centre. VFS charges its own service fee on top. Our AED 799 is a separate service fee.
• Processing: decided by the Belgian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, usually within 2 to 3 weeks of submission. Files sent to the Immigration Office in Brussels (further checks, or a previous refusal) take at least 2 weeks longer. Apply at least 15 days before travel — ideally 4–6 weeks; applications open up to 6 months ahead.
• Passport: must be valid at least 3 months beyond the date you leave the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, signed, with at least 2 blank pages.
• UAE residence: your UAE residence visa (and passport) must be valid at least 3 months beyond the intended stay (VFS Belgium checklist). You need a valid UAE residence visa to apply in the UAE.
• Visa validity: the embassy sets the dates from your bookings — typically single or multiple entry, up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and it is valid for the whole Schengen area. Belgium must be your main destination (most nights) or first entry point.
• Belgian Embassy in the UAE: Capital Plaza Office Tower, 8th floor, Corniche, Abu Dhabi (P.O. Box 3686), tel. +971 2 410 0200, visa e-mail abudhabi.visa@diplobel.fed.be. The embassy answers no visa questions by phone and does not accept applications directly — VFS only. There is no Belgian consulate in Dubai.
• Decisions rest solely with the Belgian authorities; no agency can guarantee approval. Rules and fees can change — we re-confirm everything against the embassy and VFS pages before you pay.

• Original passport — valid 3+ months beyond your return, issued within 10 years, signed, 2 blank pages — plus a copy of the data page and previous visas.
• UAE residence visa copy and Emirates ID (both sides), valid beyond your return date.
• One recent passport photograph, 35 × 45 mm, white background, not older than 6 months.
• Personal bank statements for the last 3 months, original, stamped and signed by the bank (credit-card statements are not accepted).
• Employees: salary certificate or NOC from your employer stating position, salary, joining date and approved leave. Self-employed: trade licence and company bank statements.
• Previous Schengen, UK or US visas, if any (copies).
• Confirmed flight reservation (return) and a hotel reservation covering every night, prepaid or guaranteed with a valid credit card, in the applicant’s name (or a host invitation for private visits).
• Travel medical insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum cover, valid for all Schengen states and the full trip.
• Day-by-day travel itinerary and a cover letter explaining the purpose and dates of the trip.
• Completed Visa on Web application form (printed) — we prepare it with you.
• For minors: birth certificate, an NOC from the non-travelling parent legalised by their embassy, and copies of both parents’ passports and residence visas.

• Visa on Web application form, completed and printed
• VFS appointment confirmation (Dubai or Abu Dhabi)
• Personalised document checklist for your case
• Cover letter and day-by-day itinerary
• Hotel reservation and return flight reservation
• Schengen travel medical insurance (EUR 30,000), usable for the trip