A Schengen employer letter from a UAE company must be an original on company letterhead. It should be signed and stamped by an authorised signatory whose name and position are shown, and be no older than 1 month. It must state:
- your position
- your salary
- your date of joining
- your contract type
- your approved leave dates, and the date you return to work
- the purpose of the trip
Many UAE HR teams issue a “salary certificate” or “NOC letter” with only the salary. Ask them to add the leave dates and purpose, because the checklists require them.
Checked on 4 November 2026 against the UAE checklists for Germany, Sweden and Portugal (VFS Global). This document proves your UAE job and return, so it matters whatever passport you hold.
What the employer letter must include
| Item | Germany | Sweden | Portugal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Position and salary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Date of joining | Yes | Yes | Contract length |
| Approved leave dates | Yes, plus the expected date you resume work | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose of the trip | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Employer’s contact details | Name, address, phone | Address, phone, email | Signatory’s name and position |
| Format | From the local employer or sponsor | Letterhead, authorised signatory, max 1 month old | Original on letterhead, stamped |
| Dependants | Attach copies of the sponsor’s passport and UAE visa | Sponsor letter plus passport and visa copies | Sponsor NOC, max 1 month old |
Employer letter template (NOC and salary certificate in one)
[COMPANY LETTERHEAD — address, phone, email, trade licence no.] [Date — within 1 month of your appointment] To: The Embassy/Consulate of [Country], Visa Section, [Abu Dhabi/Dubai] Subject: Employment confirmation and no objection — [Employee full name], passport no. [number] This is to confirm that [employee name], [nationality], holder of UAE residence visa no. [number], has been employed by [company name] since [date of joining] as [job title] on a [permanent/limited] contract. [His/Her] monthly salary is AED [total], of which basic salary is AED [amount]. We have approved [his/her] annual leave from [date] to [date] to travel to [country/Schengen area] for [tourism / visiting family / business]. [He/She] will resume duties on [date]. We have no objection to this travel. [The company will / will not] bear the travel expenses. [Authorised signatory name] [Position] [Signature and company stamp]
How to get the right letter from HR: step by step
- Get your leave approved first, so the letter can state the exact dates.
- Send HR the template above, and name the embassy that should be the addressee.
- Time it. Request the letter 1 to 2 weeks before your appointment, so it is under 1 month old on the day.
- Check it matches your form, flight dates and bank salary credits.
- Bring the original, plus a copy if the checklist asks for one.
Mistakes that cause problems
- A salary in the letter that doesn’t match the bank statements. If your bank shows a lower salary because of advances or deductions, ask HR to explain this in the letter.
- A letter with no leave dates, or with dates different from your flights.
- A letter older than 1 month on the appointment day.
- A generic “to whom it may concern” letter where the checklist wants it addressed to the embassy (Portugal).
- A letter signed by someone with no title, or with no company stamp.
Questions people ask
What should a salary certificate for a Schengen visa include?
Your position, salary, joining date, approved leave dates, the purpose of the trip and the employer’s contact details, on letterhead, signed and stamped.
How old can the employer letter be?
No older than 1 month on the day of your appointment, as Sweden’s and Portugal’s UAE checklists require.
Is a salary certificate the same as an NOC?
Not exactly. A salary certificate confirms your pay, and an NOC confirms your leave and that the employer has no objection. One letter covering both is best.
I’m self-employed. What do I submit instead?
Your trade licence and a self-declaration letter. See Schengen visas for self-employed UAE residents.
Related guides
- Schengen visa document checklist for UAE residents
- UAE bank statements for visas
- Applying for a Schengen visa between jobs
Sources
- VFS Global Germany UAE: Visit visa checklist
- VFS Global Sweden UAE: Tourism checklist
- VFS Global Portugal UAE: Tourist checklist
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications or sell visa services. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 4 November 2026. Found an error? Email [email protected] and it will be fixed and logged.