Netherlands Visa
Traveling to Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations: canals, windmills, and low-lying fields of tulips. Amsterdam has equal parts history and nightlife; the capital houses some of the continent’s most important art collections against Holland’s vibrant music and party scene.
You may need a visa to travel to Netherlands, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Netherlands, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Dutch visas have different Netherlands visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Dutch visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Netherlands is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Netherlands will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Netherlands visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study
- Tourism (Netherlands Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Netherlands Transit visa
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Authorization for Temporary Stay (MVV) visa: The long stay D visa to the Netherlands is the (MVV). You can apply for it in order to ultimately obtain a residence permit for the Netherlands for one of the following purposes:
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- Asylum (various)
- Au Pair and Exchange
- Au Pair
- Cultural exchange
- Working Holiday
- Family and partner:
- Residence permit for the Netherlands for partner
- Residence permit for child under 18
- Residence permit for child born in the Netherlands
- Residence permit for adopted child
- Long-term EU residency
- Study (Netherlands Student visa)
- Student residence permit for university or higher professional education
- Student residence permit secondary or vocational education
- Studying in the Netherlands with a study residence permit of another EU state
- Residence permit for orientation year
- Pilot incoming mobility mbo-4
- Work (Netherlands Work Permit/ Netherlands Working Visa)
- Residence permit for intra-company transfer
- Highly skilled migrant
- Short term mobility for researchers
- Start up
- Residence Permit for self employed person
- International Trade Regulation
- Single Permit: GVVA
- Paid employment: residence permit
- Trainee or apprentice (various)
- Cross border service provider
- Cross border worker in the Netherlands
- Orientation year residence permit
- EU Blue Card
- Seasonal Worker (Netherlands Work Permit)
- Other
- Returning to the Netherlands
- Residence permit for medical treatment
- Residence permit honor based or domestic violence
- Other
Netherlands visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Netherlands:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Netherlands)
Visa fee
Your Netherlands visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Most Schengen visa applicants pay 80 EUR, while long-term visa fees tend to be higher.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Dutch visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Dutch visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Netherlands
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents are likely required to be presented in Dutch or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Netherlands visa application
Applicants for Dutch visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in the Netherlands —i.e. what type of The Netherlands visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Netherlands visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (family reunification, business, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single entry visa for the Netherlands or the multiple entry visa for Netherlands will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for the Netherlands cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Dutch Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. See “where to apply” for more info. - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Most applicants should apply for their Dutch visa online, through the official visa portal system. Long term visa forms are also available online.
If you are unable to access your relevant online form, you will likely apply directly through your local Dutch mission. Regardless of how you apply (online or in person) you will typically need to officially submit your application at your application destination in order to fulfill various in-person requirements.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific visa type. - Pay your Netherlands visa fee
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa at this stage of the application (online). Alternatively, you will be asked to submit payment at step 5 (your visa interview).
- Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all Dutch visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Dutch visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months—if you apply through the Dutch visa portal, you should be able to schedule your interview online. Alternatively, you may need to reach out to your application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Netherlands visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Where to apply for Netherlands visa
The Netherlands visa application processing occurs at Dutch embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. Depending on the type of Dutch visa you seek, you may be able to apply online (the Netherlands Schengen visa application—for example—is online). However, even online applicants must fulfill the in-person Netherlands visa requirements, which can only be fulfilled at physical Dutch embassies/consulates and visa application centers. If you are outside of Netherlands and are applying for visa to Holland, you will apply through the Dutch embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live.
When to apply for a Netherlands visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Netherlands are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Netherlands visa processing time
The Netherlands visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Dutch visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Netherlands visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to the Netherlands. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for the Netherlands (visa) by submitting an application to your local Dutch embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of the Netherlands visa (Netherlands Student visa, Netherlands Business Visa, etc.) you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Netherlands or a single entry visa for Netherlands.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for the Netherlands (different Dutch visa).
