UAE residents applying for a Netherlands visa must attend an appointment at VFS Global visa centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected at this stage unless they have already been provided for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months (around 5 years). If previous biometrics are valid in the system, personal appearance may not be required. For most applicants, however, attendance in person is mandatory. Biometrics collection is an essential part of the application, as it ensures identity verification and allows re-use for future Schengen visa applications within the validity period.