Visa Types
The Netherlands Visa Process Simplified
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through The Netherlands.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border. To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
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Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for The Netherlands Visitor 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 visit visa?
On a visit visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
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
Here’s a comprehensive document checklist for applying for a Netherlands Visitor Visa from India, covering various categories including Tourist Visa, Visitor Visa, Business Visa, and Transit Visa:
1. Valid Passport:
- Valid passport with a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay in the Netherlands.
- Copies of the bio page and any pages with stamps or visas.
2. Completed Application Form:
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form.
- Ensure all sections are completed accurately and signed.
3. Digital Photographs:
- Provide two recent passport-sized photographs for each applicant.
- Follow the specifications provided by the the Netherlands embassy or consulate.
4. Proof of Identity:
- Copy of your national identity card (if applicable).
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Divorce or separation certificate (if applicable).
- Adoption certificate (if applicable).
5. Travel Documents:
- Flight itinerary or confirmed round-trip tickets.
- Hotel reservations or accommodation details for your stay in the Netherlands.
- Travel insurance coverage for the duration of your visit to the Netherlands.
6. Financial Documents:
- Bank statements for the past six months to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the Netherlands.
- Proof of employment, such as employment letter, pay slips, or income tax returns.
- Business registration documents and financial statements (if self-employed).
- Sponsorship letter and supporting financial documents (if applicable).
7. Ties to India:
- Property ownership documents.
- Proof of employment or business ties in India.
- Family records or documents to demonstrate close family ties in India.
- Any other documents that prove your intention to return to India after your visit.
8. Additional Documents:
- Previous travel history, including copies of visas and entry/exit stamps.
- Marriage certificate or wedding photographs (if visiting for a wedding ceremony).
- Any other relevant supporting documents based on your specific circumstances.
9. Purpose of Visit:
- Tourist Visa:
- Detailed travel itinerary outlining the places you plan to visit in the Netherlands.
- Proof of hotel bookings or accommodation arrangements.
- Sightseeing or tour reservations (if applicable).
- Visitor Visa:
- Letter of invitation from a host in the Netherlands(if visiting friends or relatives).
- Detailed itinerary of your visit, including activities and events.
- Proof of family relationship or ties to the host (if applicable).
- Business Visa:
- • Letter of invitation from the company or organization in the Netherlands you will be visiting.
- Proof of business activities, such as meeting agendas or conference invitations.
- Proof of your employment or business ties in India.
- Transit Visa:
- Confirmed flight tickets for your onward travel.
- Valid visa for your final destination (if required).
- Proof of transit purpose, such as hotel reservations or connecting flight details.
It is important to note that the specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the embassy or consulate where you submit your application. It is recommended to visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required documents for your specific visitor visa application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a visitor visa (short-stay visa) to the Netherlands from India, you will typically need to complete the following application forms:
Application Form: Fill out the Schengen Visa application form, which can be obtained from the website of the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in India. The form must be completed accurately and signed by the applicant.
Insurance Declaration: Although not a specific form, you will need to provide a declaration or proof of travel medical insurance that meets the requirements of the Netherlands and the Schengen area. The insurance should cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Please note that the application forms and requirements may change over time. It is essential to visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India or the official website of the Dutch immigration authorities to access the most recent and accurate application forms and instructions.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Here is a step-by-step guide in bullets for applying for a visitor visa to the Netherlands from India:
- Determine the Visa Type: Identify the type of visa you need based on the purpose and duration of your visit. For short-term visits, you will typically apply for a Schengen visitor visa (also known as a short-stay visa).
- Gather Required Documents:Collect all the necessary documents according to the visa requirements. This typically includes the application form, passport, photographs, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, financial documents, employment/business documents, and any additional supporting documents.
- Completed application form for Schengen Visa.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Travel medical insurance that meets Schengen requirements.
- Proof of travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
- Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in the Netherlands.
- Documents supporting the purpose of your visit (e.g., invitation letters, conference registrations, or tourist itineraries).
- Schedule an Appointment:Visit the website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India to schedule an appointment for your visa application submission. Make sure to book an appointment well in advance, as slots may fill up quickly.
- Attend the Appointment:On the scheduled date, arrive at the visa application center or embassy/consulate on time. Bring all the required documents and the visa application fee in cash or as specified by the embassy/consulate.
- Submit Application and Biometrics:Submit your completed application form and supporting documents. You may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the application center.
- Pay Visa Fee:Pay the visa application fee as per the instructions provided by the embassy/consulate. The fee may vary depending on your age, visa type, and other factors.
- Track Your Application:After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Use this number to track the status of your application online.
- Wait for Processing:The processing time for a Schengen visitor visa can vary, but it typically takes up to 15 calendar days. During this time, the embassy/consulate will review your application and supporting documents.
- Collect Your Passport:Once your visa application is processed, collect your passport from the visa application center or embassy/consulate. If your visa is approved, it will be affixed to your passport.
- Travel to the Netherlands:With your visa in hand, you can now travel to the Netherlands within the validity period specified on the visa. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents, including your passport and visa, during your journey.
It’s important to note that the above steps are a general guide, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It is advisable to visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the visa application process.