From the UAE to Europe: How to Take Your Nanny on Holidays with You
We all know that juggling between work, home, and the kids is no small feat. Add planning a family vacation to the mix, and it can seem downright overwhelming. You’ve probably considered it at least once – wouldn’t it be wonderful to take your trusted nanny along on your holiday? An extra pair of hands to help with the children, giving you a few moments of well-deserved relaxation. But then, you get tangled up in the hows and whats. How to arrange a Schengen visa for your nanny? What documents are required? Is it even feasible?
If you’ve found yourself contemplating these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Your concerns and hurdles are totally understandable because, as parents, we’ve all been there. This guide is designed to walk you through the process, step by step, taking the guesswork out of obtaining a Schengen visa for your nanny. It’s time to turn your dream vacation into a reality!
Unraveling the Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that permits its holder to travel across the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries, including popular destinations like Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, among others. Notably absent from this list are the UK and Ireland, which have separate visa policies.
A common misconception is that the Schengen visa application should be lodged at the consulate of the country that is your port of entry. However, the correct approach is to apply at the consulate of the country where you intend to spend the majority of your vacation. For instance, if you’re flying into Amsterdam but spending most of your time in Italy, you should apply for a Schengen visa from the Italian consulate.
Preparing the Essential Documents for Your Nanny’s Schengen Visa Application
Proper documentation is the backbone of a successful visa application. When applying for a Schengen visa for your nanny, you need to submit the following crucial documents:
- Application Form: Each applicant requires a separate application form, irrespective of age. The form should be filled out completely, dated, and signed by the applicant.
- Passport Photos: Provide one passport photo, not older than six months, adhering to the specifications given by the consulate.
- Original Passport: The UAE residence permit and the passport should be valid for at least three months longer than the intended stay. The passport also should have at least two empty pages. Also, you should enclose copies of the pages with all previous Schengen, US, or UK visas for the last 5 years. If those stickers are in the expired passport, then you need to present that passport’s copy as well.
- Proof of Employment Status: This can be her employment contract, which should include the salary and date of employment, and it must be sealed and signed by the General Directorate of Residence and Foreign Affairs. Plus, this part should be confirmed by her residence visa status.
- Financial Means: you need to present an original bank statement to be able to apply for the visa. But, as we know, here in the UAE, nannies very often receive their salary in cash, or they do not have enough balance on their account to finance their trip and are sponsored by the employer. In that case, she must include her employer’s original bank statement, as well as the NOC, confirming that all the nanny’s expenses will be covered during the trip.
Additional Documents to Fortify Your Nanny’s Schengen Visa Application
Depending on the consulate’s requirements, you might need to provide additional paperwork. These include:
- Travel Insurance Certificate: This should cover all medical expenses for at least 30,000 euros, including emergency hospital treatment and repatriation, for the entire duration of the nanny’s stay in the Schengen area.
- Flight and Hotel Reservations: You’ll need to provide a round-trip flight reservation and a prepaid hotel reservation covering the entire duration of your nanny’s stay in the Schengen area. These reservations should clearly state your nanny’s full name, dates of accommodation, the hotel’s address, and contact details, and be guaranteed with a valid credit card.
- Detailed Travel Plan: This is a daily program of your nanny’s stay in the Schengen area, including information on means of transport (flight reservations, train connections, etc.) and accommodation (hotel reservations).
Once you’ve gathered all your documents, the next step is to make your visa application appointment. Both you and your nanny will be required to attend this appointment.
What is the average salary for a nanny in Dubai?
| Average Annual Salary | 97,880 AED |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary | 8,156 AED |
| Lowest Annual Salary | 52,180 AED |
| Lowest Monthly Salary | 4,348 AED |
| Highest Annual Salary | 152,100 AED |
| Highest Monthly Salary | 12,675 AED |
Important Points to Consider
Understanding the visa application process can make things a lot smoother. Here are a few key points to bear in mind:
- For some countries, like Spain, Hungary, and others, there is an important requirement to keep in mind. The nanny should have been under your employment for at least six months (for some countries even for over a year) prior to the application. This must be supported by her current or previous residence visas.
- Timing: Apply for the visa at least six months in advance and at least 15 days before the traveling date. The processing time is generally between 1–3 weeks.
- Visa Fee: Remember, the visa fee is non-refundable. Even a complete file does not guarantee the automatic issuance of a visa.
Navigating the visa application process can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, a successful application is all about providing the right documents, following the instructions, and keeping up-to-date with the latest visa regulations. At The Visa Services Company, we offer comprehensive services to help you at every step of the way. We understand the importance of family, and we’re committed to ensuring your next family holiday is a memorable one, nanny included! Contact us today to learn more about our services. We’re here to make your holiday dreams come true.
FAQ
Can I sponsor a Schengen visa for a part-time nanny?
The only way for a part-time nanny to get a visa to Europe is to apply for a tourist or visit visa as an individual. For that she might need to provide the invitation letter from someone living in the destination country, plus proof of financial means, transportation, and accommodation for the whole period of her stay abroad.
Are there any country-specific rules to consider before applying for a Schengen visa for a nanny?
Despite the standard process for Schengen visas, some countries within the Schengen zone do have additional requirements and rules. For instance, France has certain rules to ensure that domestic helpers like nannies are paid according to the local wages while they’re in the country. In Spain, specifically, a hired through an agency nanny cannot apply for a domestic helper visa. There are other detailed requirements that need to be clarified depending on your destination.
Can a nanny hired from an agency apply for a Schengen visa?
Yes. The nanny should have been working for a minimum of one year. All sponsorship guarantees come from the agency, not the employer, then. The only exception is Spain, as their visa center is not accepting applications from agency-provided nannies.
Can a nanny travel to Schengen countries without a sponsor?
No, the Schengen visa for a nanny is entirely dependent on the sponsor. The sponsor will provide all documents, such as the bank statement and no objection certificate (NOC).
