Visa Types
The Netherlands Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to The Netherlands, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in The Netherlands.
Key Points for The Netherlands PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to The Netherlands?
To visit The Netherlands, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
The Netherlands visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application form can be filled out online, but the submission of documents is done in person at the visa application center or Dutch embassy/consulate in India.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain the Netherlands visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a The Netherlands visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from the Netherlands?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-11-2024)
|
Visa |
EUR |
|
Schengen visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Schengen visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
|
Schengen visa normal fee |
90,00 |
|
Schengen visa, low fee** |
35,00 |
|
Airport transit visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Airport transit visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
|
Airport transit visa |
90,00 |
|
Caribbean visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Caribbean visa child (6 - 11) |
40,00 |
|
Caribbean visa |
80,00 |
|
MVV (Authorisation for temporary stay), different fees, depending on purpose of stay |
-- |
|
Entry visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Entry visa child (6-11) |
45,00 |
|
Entry visa |
90,00 |
To obtain more information, click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to the Netherlands as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or family visit, to choose the appropriate visa type.
- Consult the official website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to the Netherlands.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for the Netherlands as a Schengen State.
Get started with your visa application
To start the visa application process, the first step is to complete the online application form, which should be printed and signed. In the application form, you should also provide your full name, as well as the surnames of your father and spouse (if applicable).
It is important to ensure that all required documents are provided as per the checklist. Failure to provide all necessary documents may result in a delay or rejection of your visa application. To ensure that you have all required documents, download the relevant checklist for your visa category and review the "documents required" tab.
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
To apply for a visa to the Netherlands, you need to schedule an appointment with the VFS Visa Application Centre. It's important to note that all applicants, including babies and children, need to submit their application in person, unless there are exceptions, which can be confirmed by contacting the Visa Application Centre.
Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a confirmation letter. If you are applying as a group or a family, please let them know, but keep in mind that each member of the group needs to book an individual appointment.
Attend your scheduled appointment
During your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed application form along with all the required documents as per the checklist. You will also need to pay the VFS service fee and the visa fee (if applicable) at this time.
It is important to note that all applicants must appear in person for their appointment, including babies and children. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, so it is best to contact the Visa Application Centre for more information.
During the appointment, your biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and a digital photograph, will be collected. This information will be used for identity verification and to create your visa.
Stay informed about the progress of your application
Once you have submitted your visa application and provided all the required documents and biometrics, you will receive an email notification when a decision has been made on your application. If you prefer, you can also opt for SMS updates for an additional fee if you do not have easy or regular access to email.
Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online using the reference number on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name. This service allows you to see the progress of your application and estimate when a decision will be made.
Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Once your visa application is processed, you can either collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you for an extra fee.
When collecting it yourself, bring a valid ID and the receipt from the Centre. If someone else is collecting it, they will need a letter of authorization from you, a copy of your ID, their own valid ID, and the Centre's receipt.
If your visa is approved, you can travel to the Netherlands, but you must meet certain requirements. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the decision.
If you disagree with the decision, you can object in writing within four weeks, and if successful, you can apply for a "visa after appeal."
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
To apply for a Permanent Residence (PR) visa to the Netherlands from India, the required documents and forms may vary depending on your chosen pathway. Here are different pathways to PR in the Netherlands, along with general document requirements:
1. Family and Partner Reunification:
- Completed and signed the MVV application form.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Medical examination certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
2. Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Program:
- Employment contract or job offer from a recognized Dutch employer.
- Valid MVV (Machtiging to Voorlopig Verblijf) or provisional residence permit.
- IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
3. European Blue Card:
- Employment contract or job offer with a high-skilled position.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
4. Student Pathway:
- Confirmation of enrollment from a recognized Dutch educational institution.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Medical examination certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
5. Scientific Researcher Pathway:
- Proof of research project or appointment at a Dutch research institution.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
6. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit:
- Employment contract or assignment letter from a Dutch company.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
7. Startup Visa:
- Business plan detailing innovative business idea.
- Confirmation of mentorship or facilitation by a recognized startup organization.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation.
8. Entrepreneurship Pathway:
- Detailed business plan.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of innovative business idea.
- Proof of accommodation.
9. Long-term EU Residency:
- Valid residence permit from another EU member state.
- Proof of continuous legal residence in the EU.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
10. Humanitarian or Asylum Pathway:
- Supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility for humanitarian or asylum status.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
Please note that the specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the chosen pathway. It is essential to consult with the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the documents and forms required for a PR visa application to the Netherlands
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for residents of India– In India, you can apply for this visa at the Netherlands embassy in New Delhi or at the consulates-general in Bangalore or Mumbai.
You may need a residence permit if you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days. You will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before travelling to the Netherlands. This visa is also called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV).
Applying for a residence permit and an MVV
You can apply for a residence permit and an MVV in 2 ways:
- through a host in the Netherlands (such as an employer, family member or educational institution)
- in person at a Netherlands embassy or consulate-general
If you have a host in the Netherlands, in most cases your host will have to submit the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Please note that the specific forms required may vary depending on individual circumstances and the type of PR visa you are applying for. It is recommended to visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India or the website of the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the required forms for a PR visa application.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a long-stay visa for residency in the Netherlands from India:
1. Determine the type of visa: Decide on the type of long-stay visa you need based on your purpose of residency, such as work, study, family reunion, or entrepreneurship.
2. Research the requirements: Visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India or the website of the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) to understand the specific requirements for the type of long-stay visa you are applying for. Make a checklist of the required documents and conditions.
3. Collect necessary documents: Gather all the required documents, which may include a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photographs, proof of purpose of residency (such as a job offer, acceptance letter from an educational institution, or family relationship documents), proof of financial means, health insurance, and any other documents specified by the Dutch immigration authorities.
4. Fill out the application form (MVV): Complete the application form for a long-stay visa. You can obtain the form from the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India or the IND website. Fill it out accurately and truthfully.
5. Schedule an appointment: Visit the website of the visa application center or the embassy/consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application and biometric data. Make sure to choose the appropriate location and date for your appointment.
6. Attend the appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the visa application center or the embassy/consulate to submit your application form, and supporting documents, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Pay the visa application fee, if required.
7. Track your application: After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt or tracking number. Use this to track the status of your application online or through the provided contact information.
8. Await decision and notification: The processing time for a long-stay visa application can vary. You will be notified of the decision on your visa application by the visa application center or the embassy/consulate.
9. Collect your visa: If your application is approved, collect your long-stay visa from the visa application center or the embassy/consulate. Follow any additional instructions provided by the authorities.
10. Register with the municipality: Once you arrive in the Netherlands, register your residency with the local municipality (gemeente) within the specified timeframe. This step is important for obtaining a residence permit and integrating into Dutch society.
It is essential to consult the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India and the IND website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process and requirements
Here are the various pathways to obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in the Netherlands:
- Family Reunification: If you have close family members who are Dutch citizens or PR holders, you may be eligible to apply for PR through family reunification.
- Partnership/Marriage: If you are in a committed relationship or married to a Dutch citizen or PR holder, you can apply for PR based on partnership or marriage.
- Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Program: If you have a highly skilled job offer from a recognized employer in the Netherlands, you may be eligible to apply for PR through the HSM program.
- Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Scheme: If you are being transferred to a Dutch branch of an international company, you can apply for PR under the ICT scheme.
- Self-Employed: If you plan to start your own business in the Netherlands, you can apply for PR as a self-employed individual.
- Orientation Year for Graduates: After completing your studies in the Netherlands, you may be eligible for the Orientation Year for Graduates. This program allows you to search for employment in the Netherlands, and if you find a suitable job, you can apply for PR.
- Highly Educated Migrants (knowledge migrant): If you have obtained a master's or PhD degree from a recognized Dutch educational institution, you may be eligible to apply for PR as a highly educated migrant.
- Au Pair Program: If you wish to work as an au pair in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit. However, this pathway does not directly lead to PR.
- Exchange Programs: Students participating in exchange programs may have the opportunity to apply for PR after meeting certain conditions.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without requiring a separate PR permit.
- After legally residing in another EU country for an extended period, you may be eligible to apply for PR in the Netherlands.
- There are several other residence permits, such as for researchers, religious workers, artists, and investors, which may provide a pathway to PR depending on specific circumstances.
- Individuals who have sought asylum and have been granted refugee status in the Netherlands may be eligible to apply for PR.
Each pathway has its own specific requirements, criteria, and processes. It is important to thoroughly research and consult the official website of the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) or seek professional advice to determine the most suitable pathway for your situation. The requirements and regulations may also change over time, so it is essential to stay updated with the latest information from the relevant authorities.