Taking Your Nanny on Vacation: A Guide to Obtaining a Schengen Visa for Domestic Workers
Taking Your Nanny on Vacation: A Guide to Obtaining a Schengen Visa for Domestic Workers
Balancing work, home duties, and caring for children is a monumental task. Adding the complexities of planning a family vacation can escalate stress levels significantly. Have you considered the convenience of bringing your trusted nanny along to help manage the children and ease your burden? An extra pair of hands on your holiday can transform your experience, allowing you to truly relax and unwind. However, the thought of navigating the logistics of arranging a Schengen visa for your domestic worker in the UAE can seem overwhelming. With a plethora of varying information online and different rules for each country within the Schengen area, the process can appear confusing and intimidating. The prospect of obtaining a Schengen visa for a domestic worker is a task that can make anyone anxious, especially when you’re trying to ensure all the right boxes are checked. But don’t worry—we’re here to assist. This article is designed to simplify the process of applying for a Schengen visa for your nanny in UAE, helping you overcome any obstacles so that you can enjoy a worry-free holiday with your nanny. By following this guide, securing a Schengen visa for your domestic worker will be clear and straightforward, allowing you to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of your travel planning.
Understanding the Schengen Visa for Domestic Workers
The Schengen Visa allows for travel within 27 European countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Popular destinations like Spain, France, and Italy are included, although the UK and Ireland have separate visa requirements. It’s important to apply at the country where you’ll spend the majority of your trip, not necessarily your first point of entry.
Comprehensive Documentation Checklist
To ensure a seamless Schengen visa application process for your nanny, meticulous preparation of all required documentation is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
Requirements for a Schengen Visa for Domestic Workers:
- Employment Sponsorship: The domestic employee must be directly sponsored by the family they are traveling with, as shown by the employment contract. If an agency sponsors the employee, contracts from both the employer and the agency must be submitted.
- Employment Duration: The domestic employee should have been employed by the sponsor for at least 6 months to a year.
- Travel Companions: The domestic employee must travel with at least one family member.
- Touristic Stay: The visit must strictly be for tourism purposes.
Application Process for Schengen Visa:
- Appointment Booking: Residents of UAE who need a Schengen visa can find consulates or visa application centres within the city. While embassies are typically located in Abu Dhabi, consulates in Dubai facilitate the joint visa application centre and process. Some embassies may handle applications directly, while others delegate to external agencies like VFS Global (e.g. Portugal, Greece, Italy) or other Schengen states’ embassies.
- VFS: Applications should be made at VFS Global Offices through an online appointment system. It’s advisable to apply at least 15 days before the planned trip (but no earlier than 6 months prior). The European Union is in the process of digitising the Schengen Visa, which will soon streamline the application process by eliminating the need for a physical visa sticker.
VFS Global at Wafi Mall handles most visa applications for Schengen countries
- VFS Global handles visas for the following Schengen countries (at the point of writing): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands.
Processing Time for Schengen Visa:
- Processing times vary by host country but typically range from one week to one month. The recommended time to submit a visa application is a minimum of three weeks before your trip.
Fees for Schengen Visa:
- Fees start at 80 euros (approximately 310AED) for a single entry visa plus 100AED VFS Service Fees (but may be more if you opt for Premium VIP service).
Key Documents for Schengen Visa:
- Passport and Residence Visa: Must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 consecutive blank pages. Include photocopies of the passport’s data page, residence permit, and any previous Schengen visas.
- Photograph: One recent color photograph, 3.5 cm × 4 cm, on a white background, showing full visibility of the face.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Covering up to €30,000 for emergency medical and repatriation expenses throughout the Schengen area. Insurance can be obtained by various providers and is modestly priced at around 50-100aed.
- Flight Ticket Reservation: Include copies of the flight ticket reservations, including the return flight.
- Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements, salary certificates, and pay slips from the last three months. Ensure these documents are officially attested by the bank, as mere printouts are not acceptable.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your stay by submitting hotel reservations, proof of rental or property ownership in the destination Member State, supported by a utility bill if necessary, or a confirmation of accommodation issued by the inviting company.
- Employment Documentation: An original letter from the employer detailing the employee’s status, position, length of contract, and salary. If sponsored by an agency, a No Objection Letter (NOC) from the sponsor is required. For domestic workers sponsored by third-party agencies such as Maids.CC, the process is streamlined, and all necessary documents can be easily accessed through their app
- For Third Nationals & EU Spouses: Marriage certificate, attested by the respective embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, translated into the respective EU language or English, along with a passport copy and an undertaking letter from the spouse.
In conclusion, applying for a Schengen visa for a domestic worker doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation and understanding of the necessary requirements, you can smoothly navigate the process. This guide has provided you with the essential steps and documents needed to secure a Schengen visa for your nanny, ensuring that your family vacation is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. By demystifying the complexities of the Schengen visa application for domestic workers, we hope to have alleviated some of the stress associated with travel preparations. Remember, a well-prepared application is the key to a successful visa approval, allowing you and your trusted nanny to explore the beauties of Europe together, without any worries.