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European Union Visa
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SCHENGEN VISA FROM THE UAE FOR RUSSIAN CITIZENS: CURRENT REQUIREMENTS — DECEMBER 2025

The new European Commission decision limits multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russians in Russia, but applications in the UAE follow standard rules with high approval chances for UAE residents.
On 6 November 2025, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Decision C (2025) 7552 final, which significantly changed the rules for issuing multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian nationals. The decision entered into force immediately.

Detailed breakdown of the Commission Decision of 6 November 2025:

  • Scope of application.
    • The document clearly states: "This Decision applies to visa applications for short-stay visas lodged by Russian nationals residing in the Russian Federation with Member States' consulates in the Russian Federation".
    • Therefore, Russian citizens living in the UAE (or temporarily staying there with a UAE residence visa/Emirates ID) are NOT subject to these new restrictions. They continue to be assessed under the standard rules of the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009) with no additional limits on multiple-entry visas (see also Whereas (4) and the 2022 Commission guidelines for Russian applicants outside Russia).
  • Restrictions on multiple-entry visas
    Multiple-entry visas are now available only to two strictly defined categories and with tough prior conditions:

    a) Close family members (spouses including registered partnerships, children under 21, parents) of EU citizens or Russians legally residing in the EU — maximum 1 year, and only if the applicant has already lawfully used at least 3 Schengen visas in the past 2 years.

    b) Transport workers (seafarers, truck/bus drivers, train crew) applying in a professional capacity — maximum 9 months, and only if at least 2 visas have been lawfully used in the past 2 years.

    For all other Russian nationals applying inside Russia, the standard cascading rules of Article 24(2) no longer apply: they will receive single-entry visas or, in very rare cases, a limited multiple-entry visa at the consul’s discretion.
  • Exceptions
    Consulates retain the right, in well-justified individual cases, to issue multiple-entry visas valid up to 5 years (especially for human rights defenders, journalists, dissidents, etc.).
Thanks to these exceptions and the clear territorial limitation, applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE in December 2025 remains one of the most reliable and predictable options for Russian citizens who want a long-term multiple-entry visa.

Why the UAE is the best place to apply at the end of 2025:

  • Full-fledged VFS Global and TLScontact visa centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Portugal, etc.
  • The new restrictions of 6 November 2025 simply do not apply here — standard Visa Code rules are in force.
  • Multiple-entry visas of 1−5 years are issued in the usual way if you have a good visa history and a solid application package.
  • Average processing time in the UAE: around 14 working days (sometimes up to one month in rare cases).

Current requirements of Schengen consulates in the UAE — December 2025:

  • Financial proof — the most important factor
    Bank statements for the last 3−6 months must show:
    • Minimum balance of 50,000−100,000 AED (or equivalent), depending on the country and trip length.
    • Regular income (salary, dividends, rental income, freelance, business) — no suspicious one-off transfers.
    • Clear transaction history. Sponsorship is possible and depends on your type of residence visa.
  • Ties to the UAE
    • UAE residence visa valid for at least 3 months after the planned return from the Schengen area.
    • Employment contract / trade licence.
    • Property ownership or long-term Ejari rental contract.
  • Trip purpose and itinerary
    • Hotel bookings (preferably paid or freely cancellable but verifiable).
    • Return flight tickets.
    • Detailed day-by-day travel plan with cities and purpose.
  • Visa history
    • First-time applicants: usually single-entry visas strictly for the trip dates.
    • 1−2 cleanly used visas in the last 3 years → usually 6−12 months multiple entry.
    • 3+ clean visas → realistic chances of 2−5 years (especially Greece and Italy).

Most common reasons for refusal in the UAE (end of 2025):

  • Insufficient bank balance or suspicious transactions.
  • No regular salary credits.
  • Funds only on foreign (non-UAE) accounts — local UAE bank statements are strongly preferred.
  • Weak ties to the UAE (e.g. no rental contract).
  • Overly long requested stay (60−90 days) without strong justification.
Important timing note: You can apply up to 6 months before your intended first trip. That’s why December 2025 — January 2026 is the perfect time to start preparing if you plan to travel to Europe in spring/summer 2026.
In the UAE, slots for the most popular countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Austria) disappear within minutes. Waiting for an appointment on your own can easily take 1−2 months or longer.
We, as professional visa managers, completely remove this headache: we monitor the booking systems 24/7, catch the earliest and most convenient slots (often the same or next day after cancellations) and guarantee you get an appointment on time.

Conclusion and recommendations — December 2025 / January 2026

The Commission Decision of 6 November 2025 has made obtaining a proper multiple-entry Schengen visa inside Russia practically impossible for ordinary travellers, business people and freelancers. At the same time, applying from third countries — especially from the UAE — remains the fastest, most reliable and predictable way to get a 1−5 year visa.
With a carefully prepared application and strong profile, approval rates reach 87–95 %. If you are a UAE resident, this is currently your best option.
We track real-time changes in every consulate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, see the latest approved cases and know exactly what works right now.
Drop us a message today — we will analyse your profile for free, recommend the best country to apply through, tell you exactly which documents to strengthen, and prepare a powerful cover letter that genuinely increases your chances.
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