The Netherlands Visa FAQs - Answers to Common Visa Questions

To apply for a Schengen visa in India, visit the VFS Global application centre in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, or New Delhi. If you reside in India, Afghanistan, or Bhutan, you can submit an application there. However, if you live elsewhere, check the Applying for a Schengen visa page and select your country of residence to determine where you can submit your application. If you still prefer to submit your application in India, make sure to check if it is possible.
To visit more than one Schengen country, you should apply for a visa for the country where you will spend the most time or where you will enter the Schengen area first. If you will spend an equal amount of time in multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa for the country where you will enter the Schengen area. It is important to note that if you have a single-entry visa, you will not be able to leave and re-enter the Schengen area, so plan your travel accordingly.

Access the VFS Global website to find a checklist of required documents for your purpose of travel.

If you are traveling with or to visit a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation. Check the eligibility criteria on the website to see if you qualify.

Book your appointment online at VFS Global in India for your visa application.
Remember, the appointment is free, so don't pay any money to an intermediary.
Additionally, if you are applying for visas for multiple people, ensure you book a separate appointment for each person.

You have to go to your appointment in person to submit your application, even if you are under 18, except for some cases.
If you have applied for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years in person and your fingerprints were taken and you provided a photo, then someone else can submit the application on your behalf.
However, if you are unsure whether VFS Global has your fingerprints on record, it is best to submit your application in person.

Contact VFS Global in India to modify or cancel your appointment.

At your appointment you:
produce your passport, the papers on your list, and your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older).

provide information about your journey.
pay the visa costs choose whether you want to pick up or have delivered your passport (with the visa attached), and obtain a reference number to monitor the progress of your application.

Typically, you'll learn the outcome of your application within 15 calendar days. On rare occasions, it can take up to 45 calendar days.

Learn more about how long it takes to process a visa application.

VFS Global will provide you with a reference number when you submit your application, and you may use it to check the status of your application online.

If your application was denied, you'll get a letter explaining the situation. If you don't agree with this choice, you have a few choices.
Discover your options if your visa application was denied.

The measures below should be followed if your Dutch residency permit is about to expire while you are outside of the country.

Step 1: Renew or extend your residency permit.
To determine if your residency permit is temporary (type I, III), permanent (type II, or IV), or both, check the card that comes with it. Then choose your circumstance to determine if you need to renew the card or merely extend your residence permit.
How may your temporary residence permit be extended

Step 2: Determine if you require a visa based on your nationality.
You will require a visa to enter the Netherlands if you are a citizen of one of the nations on the list below. First, see if your nation is included in the list. then choose your circumstance to discover what pertains to you.
Step 3: Determine if a visa is required in your case.
You might not require a visa to enter the Netherlands again if you are coming from a Schengen nation. To discover what applies to you, first determine if the nation you are in is a member of the Schengen zone. Then, choose your circumstance.
See what countries are in the Schengen area
Find out where and how to apply for an entry visa

Visas for the Netherlands

• Airport transit visa
  You can change aircraft or make a quick stop at a Dutch airport with an airport transit visa.
  You cannot enter the Netherlands or pass through passport control with an airport transit visa.
  Determine if you require a visa .
  Visa necessary
  Between six months and forty-five days before the day you want to travel to the
  Netherlands, you can apply for a visa.
  Learn how to submit a request for an airport transit visa.
  No need for a visa
  Learn about the additional documentation you'll need for your trip to the Netherlands as
  well as what you're allowed to and aren't allowed to carry.
  Verify your travel requirements for the Netherlands.
• Short-stay Schengen visa
  A brief stay With a Schengen visa, you are permitted to visit any country in the Schengen
  region for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. for a vacation, work travel, or journey to see
  family or friends, for example. The Netherlands belongs to the Schengen region.
  The duration of the visa's validity is stated on the document explicitly. While your visa is still
  valid, you are permitted to travel unrestrictedly across the Schengen region.
  View a list of the Schengen nations.
  Determine if you require a visa.
  Visa necessary
  Between six months and forty-five days before the day you want to travel to the
  Netherlands, you can apply for a visa. When applying for a visa as a seafarer, you have
  between nine and fifteen working days before your intended departure date for the
  Netherlands.
  Learn how to submit a Schengen visa application.No need for a visa
  Learn about the additional documentation you'll need for your trip to the Netherlands as
  well as what you're allowed to and aren't allowed to carry.
  Verify your travel requirements for the Netherlands.
• Orange Carpet Visa Facility
  Are you frequently visiting the Netherlands for business? The Orange Carpet Visa Facility
  streamlines the Schengen visa application process for business visitors from specific nations.
  Less paperwork will be required,for instance, when you apply for a visa. There are just a few
  nations that provide the Orange Carpet Visa Facility.
  Check out more information about the Orange Carpet Visa Facility.
  Schengen visa facilitation
  You are permitted to stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen-area nations for a total of
  90 days during any 180-day period thanks to Schengen visa simplification. If you are a
  relative of a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland,
  you are only eligible to apply for Schengen visa assistance.
  View the list of nations that make up the EU, EEA, and Schengen region.
  Learn more about the convenience of Schengen visas.

• Long-stay visa (MVV)
  An authorization for temporary stay (MVV) is another name for a long-stay visa. You can
  stay in the Netherlands for an extended period of time with this visa.
  Determine if a long-stay visa (MVV) is required.Visa necessaryLearn how to submit a long-stay visa (MVV) application.No need for a visaSee what has to be done in advance of your relocation to the Netherlands by using
  the moving to the Netherlands check list.
  See the moving to the Netherlands check list
• Entry visa
  If you are abroad and your Dutch residency permit has been lost, stolen, or has expired, you
  could need an entrance visa. You can enter the Netherlands once more if you have an
  entrance visa.
  In the event that your residence permit has expired, find out if you need a visa.
  In the event that your residence permit has been lost or stolen, find out if you require a visa.
  How to apply for a visa for admission
• Caribbean visas
  You can travel to the Caribbean regions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Aruba,
  Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, using a Caribbean visa. A Caribbean
  visa is not valid for travel to the European portion of the Netherlands.
  Two categories of Caribbean visas exist:
  Caribbean short-term visa. for a stay of no more than 90 days.
  Caribbean long-term visa. for an occupancy of more than 90 days.
  determine if you require a visa for the Caribbean

Requesting a Netherlands visa for the Schengen area. Select your nation.
Find out how to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa in your home country if you want to remain in the Netherlands for no more than 90 days.
click here for more

Applying for a transit visa at an airport. Choose your nation.
Depending on where you live, there are several procedures for requesting an airport transit visa.
Click here for more

MVV long-stay visa application. Select your nation.
You could require a residency permit if you want to stay in the Netherlands for a period of time longer than 90 days. In many circumstances, obtaining a long-stay visa is also necessary before departing for the Netherlands. The MVV, or authorization for temporary stay, is another name for this visa.
Click here for more

Applying for a Dutch entrance visa as a result of a misplaced or expired residency permit. Choose a location
If you are currently outside of the Netherlands and your Dutch residency permit has either expired, been lost, or was stolen, choose your current location to learn how to apply for an entrance visa. You can enter the Netherlands once more if you have an entrance visa.
Click here for more

Facility for Orange Carpet Visas
Do you or any of your employees frequently visit the Netherlands for business? Do you also require a Schengen visa? If you're unsure if you qualify for the Orange Carpet Visa Facility, inquire at the Netherlands embassy or consulate-general in your nation. This makes obtaining a visa simpler for business travellers

The Orange Carpet Visa Facility is a program designed for people who work for companies that have connections to the Netherlands. This program may also apply to other types of organizations and individual travelers. However, whether or not you can use this program depends on which country you are from.
The conditions for using this program also vary by country, and you will need to explain why you travel frequently for work. The local embassy or consulate can provide more information about this program and determine if you are eligible.

The benefits of the Orange Carpet Visa Facility vary from country to country. Here are some examples of the possible benefits:

You will not need to show as many documents to get a visa.
Your visa application will be treated with priority.
You only have to apply for a visa in person once every 5 years if your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are still in our system.
In some countries, you do not have to make an appointment to hand in your application. Or you can go to a VIP counter.

Might it be said that you are wanting to visit Aruba, Curaçao or the other Caribbean parts of the Realm for 90 days or less? Furthermore, do you really want a visa? Select your country to perceive how to apply. click here

Applying for a visa to visit the Netherlands for a limit of 90 days costs cash. The sum relies upon your circumstance.

Visa fees
At the point when you apply for a Schengen visa, you should pay the visa expense. The outline of consular charges sets out how much a visa expenses and what types of installment are acknowledged.
See the outline of consular fees
waivers from visa fees
The following people are exempt from paying the visa fee:
applying for a visa for a child under the age of five; travelling as a school student or pupil in connection with your studies; travelling with a teacher; travelling as a researcher for academic research; travelling as a person under the age of 25; and travelling to represent a non-profit organisation at a sporting, cultural, or educational event; or travelling to a conference hosted by a non-profit organisation.

In rare circumstances, if you require a visa to enter the Netherlands, you may be qualified for free visa facilitation. Check to see if the circumstances apply to your scenario.
Check the circumstances
There are three circumstances under which you may qualify for visa assistance. But you must fulfil the requirements. Choose your circumstance to discover what rules apply.

• I am a relative of a citizen of Switzerland, the EEA, or the EU.
• I am a member of a Dutch national's family.
• I am the parent of a minor Dutch national.

If you fit these criteria
You are eligible to apply for free Schengen visa facilitation if you fulfil these requirements. Indicate in your application which circumstance fits you:

You are a relative of a citizen of Switzerland, the EU, or the EEA.
You can rely on EU legislation since you are a member of a Dutch national's family.
You are the parent of a minor Dutch national.
Check the checklists to see which records you must submit:

Family members of Swiss, EU/EEA, and Dutch nationals should also use this checklist.
For parents of Dutch citizens under 18: Checklist
Request a Schengen visa waiver.
If you do not fulfil these requirements
You are not qualified for free Schengen visa facilitation if you do not fulfil these requirements or if your circumstance is not listed. To enter the Netherlands, you must apply for a standard Schengen visa.
Request a Schengen visa

You must have health insurance or travel insurance that covers any medical costs you may incur while in the Schengen region when you apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands.
You are not need to provide evidence of insurance with your visa application if you are a seafarer or hold a diplomatic passport.

Insurance specifications
You must provide proof of insurance when applying for a Schengen visa, such as the first page of your insurance policy (policy schedule). The record must demonstrate:

You are protected by the policy; it offers coverage in all Schengen-area nations for the duration of your visit. The insurance pays at least €30,000 in medical costs for hospital admission and care, emergency care, prescription medication, and repatriation (including in the event of death).

If you need a visa for the Netherlands but will also be travelling to other Schengen nations, you should only apply to the Schengen nation that is linked with your primary destination. Your application will be turned down otherwise.
If you are in transit through a Dutch airport and are unsure if you require a visa, find out.
Apply for a visa to the nation where your primary destination is located.
If you want to travel to two or more Schengen countries, you should submit an application to the one where your primary destination is located. This denotes: your primary objective in travelling to the Schengen region.

A trip's objective might be:

a vacation (tourism) venture going to see relatives or friends
View a list of the Schengen nations.

Exam for civic integration abroad. Select your nation.
Choose your home nation or region. Find out what further has to be done and whether you may take the civic integration exam there.
Click here for more

If you plan to visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days, you need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. If you cannot meet this requirement, a Dutch person can sponsor you.

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days and have less than €55 per person per day to spend, you will need someone to sponsor you. However, if you have more than €55 per day to spend during your visit, you do not need sponsorship. To prove that you have enough funds, you may need to show your bank statements or other financial documents.

You must first make arrangements for a sponsor. The sponsorship form must be filled out by your sponsor and sent to you together with supporting documentation.

Learn what your sponsor must accomplish.

The Working Holiday Program (WHP) or Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) is a cultural exchange program that allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to travel to the Netherlands for a maximum of one year. The program is designed to help participants learn about Dutch culture and society while also allowing them to work and travel in the country. To be eligible for the program, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a citizen of a country that has a working holiday agreement with the Netherlands.

Someone travelling to the Netherlands for a brief visit (up to 90 days) may be financially sponsored. If your guest has less than a specified amount of spending money per person per day, they require a sponsor.

For you to stay in the Netherlands, you need a residence permit. Depending on your circumstance, you may apply for a residency permit. Click here for more

Typically, it takes 15 days to process a Schengen visa application or an airport transit visa for the Netherlands. However, in extreme circumstances, it can take up to 45 days.

You can travel to the Netherlands with that visa if you have the information on it. learn how to interpret your visa sticker. Click here

The Schengen visa's sticker in your passport will specify how frequently you can visit the Netherlands. click here for more

A short-stay Schengen visa can only be extended in dire circumstances, such as when you are sick. Conditions are quite strict.
Conditions for extending a short-stay Schengen visa

If you disagree with the decision to reject your request for a visa to the Netherlands, you may file an appeal with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Additionally, a fresh application may be made.
Find out what to do on the IND website if your application for a long-stay visa (MVV) or residence permit was rejected.

If you filed an appeal with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) after your visa application for the Netherlands was rejected, the IND will make a decision on your appeal within 12 weeks. click here for more