Netherlands Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
The Netherlands is not just recognized for stunning tulip fields, but also for rich culture, outstanding education, and being one of the most habitable places in the world. To visit this nation, you must have the necessary visa information. You can refer to the following information regarding the classification, requirements, and procedures for applying for a Netherlands visa.
Who needs a visa to enter the Netherlands?
Here is the detailed content regarding who needs a visa to enter the Netherlands, organized by visa types:
Visa exemption
- Citizens of the Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA) country:
- Your country is Schengen visa exempt, you can travel throughout Europe for up to 90 days, these countries include:
Transit visa
You need an Airport Transit Visa to the Netherlands if you are traveling to a country that is not in the Schengen area. Citizens of the following countries need this visa including:
Pre-arranged visa
Citizens from countries that do not qualify for visa exemption must apply for visa in advance at the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in their home country before visiting the Netherlands.
Netherlands visa types
The Netherlands offers a variety of visas to meet various travel purposes. The following are the major categories of Netherlands visa:
- Airport transit visa: An airport transit visa permits you to stop briefly or change aircraft at a Netherlands airport. You can apply for a visa between 6 months and 45 days before your planned trip to the Netherlands. However, an airport transit visa does not enable you to pass through passport check or visit the Netherlands.
- Short-stay Schengen visa: A short-stay Schengen visa permits you to remain in all Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days out of a 180-day period. For example, for a vacation, a work trip, or a visit with family or friends. The Netherlands is a Schengen nation. The visa clearly mentions the time period for which it is valid. You can freely travel across the Schengen region while your visa is valid. You can apply for a visa between 6 months and 45 days before your planned trip to the Netherlands. If you are a seafarer, you can apply for a visa up to 9 months and 15 working days before your trip to the Netherlands.
- Orange Carpet Visa Facility: The Orange Carpet Visa Facility makes it simpler for business visitors from selected countries to get a Schengen visa. You will need to submit less paperwork when applying for a visa, for example. The Orange Carpet Visa Facility is offered in a restricted number of countries.
- Schengen visa facilitation: Schengen visa facilitation permits you to stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days out of every 180 days. You can only apply for Schengen visa facilitation if you are a family member of a citizen of an EU or EEA member state, or Switzerland.
- Long-stay visa (MVV): A long-stay visa is sometimes known as an authorization for temporary stay (MVV). This visa permits you to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.
- Entry visa: If you are traveling overseas and your Netherlands residency permit has been lost, stolen, or expired, you may be required to get an entrance visa. An entrance visa allows you to return to the Netherlands.
- Caribbean visas: A Caribbean visa permits you to visit the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St Maarten. With a Caribbean visa, you cannot travel to the European area of the Netherlands. There are two types of Caribbean visas: Short-term Caribbean visas for stays of 90 days or less and long-term Caribbean visas for stays longer than 90 days.
Netherlands visa requirements
If you want a Netherlands visa, you must produce a specific set of documents in order to apply. The documents may differ based on the nation, purpose of trip, and personal circumstances, but there is usually a standard set of paperwork. The standard documents required for a Netherlands visa include:
- Application form: A completed and signed Netherlands visa application form. In most circumstances, you may download it from the embassy’s website.
- Passport pictures: The passport photo is required for identification and must have been shot on a white backdrop within the past six months, with measurements of 35 by 45 mm.
- Passport or other travel documentation: It cannot be older than ten years, must contain at least two blank visa pages, and must be valid for at least three months from the day you leave the Schengen region.
- Personal information on passport: A copy of personal information on the passport and on any prior passport
- Prior visas: Copies of any prior visas, as well as any entrance and departure stamps.
- Evidence of legal residence: You must give documentation that you are a legal resident of the nation from where you apply. A passport, visa, or residency permit, combined with a duplicate, can serve as proof of lawful residence.
- Complete Travel itinerary: This includes a reservation in your name for travel to and from the Schengen region. This is not an airline ticket.
- A document confirming: Proof that you plan to return to your home country following your vacation. This might be an employment contract, an employer statement, a document confirming that you or your children (if you are a parent) attend school in your country, or a document proving that you own property in your country.
- Netherlands Schengen visa health insurance: Your health insurance must be provided in your name, valid within the Schengen region, and cover at least €30,000 in medical expenditures.
- A document from your company: It outlines your position, remuneration, and the duration and purpose of your stay.
- Work permission: If necessary or relevant.
- Payment charge
- Proof of sufficient financial means: The tourist must show that they can give at least €34 per person each day for the duration of their stay in the Netherlands.
- Proof of income (for the sponsor).
How to apply for Netherlands visa?
To apply for Netherlands visa, follow these general steps:
Step#1. Check before you apply
Before you begin your application, determine whether you require a visa for the Netherlands and, if so, where you may apply for one.
Step#2. Collect the documentation you need
To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to provide many papers. The ones you require are determined on your travel aim.
Step#3. Make an appointment
Make an appointment with VFS Global after you have all the documentation required for your Schengen visa application. You can apply for a visa up to six months before your travel. Apply no more than 45 days before your trip.
Step#4. Get to your appointment
Go to your appointment with VFS Global and bring all the documentation from step 2, as well as the checklist itself.
Step#5. Collect or have your passport forwarded to you
When your application has been processed, you will receive an email notice. The email will not indicate if your application was successful. You may pick up your passport or have it shipped to you. If your application was granted, the visa will be attached to a page of your passport.