What are the Netherlands visa requirements?
Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands?
You need to check which country you are applying from and their visa arrangements with the European Union and the Schengen Area of countries. This covers travel in all countries within the Schengen Area of Europe (countries which have abolished border controls between each other).
If you’re living in a country within the Schengen Area or with a visa-free travel arrangement with Schengen countries, then you will not need a Netherlands Visa. These include the U.S., Australia, South Korea, the U.A.E., and Brazil.
Those applying from countries including India, Indonesia, and Thailand will need to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to the Netherlands and Amsterdam.
I need a short-stay visa to travel the Netherlands and Amsterdam, how do I apply?
Requirements for Netherlands visa
To apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa, you must complete an application form and provide the following documentation:
- A passport photo. This photo cannot have been taken more than six months ago and must bear a clear resemblance to you
- Your passport and a copy of all pages of the passport, including previously issued visas and all stamps
- Dutch visa application form. Please complete the online Application Form on the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs websitesite, ensure it is signed, print a copy and bring with you when attending for your Visa appointmen
- Proof of your itinerary, such as tickets and hotel reservations, which state the name, address and telephone number of the hotel, including a confirmation
- Evidence of legal residence (if you apply from the U.S.)
- A certificate proving you have travel and medical insurance covering you for costs up to €30,000 (which is valid within the entire Schengen Area)
- Proof you have the means for subsistence during your trip, such as bank statements from the last three months - which must show the name and address of the owner(s) - and proof of regular income, like payslips from the last three months. Electronic printouts are accepted.
When you submit your Netherlands visa application, your fingerprints will be taken. These will remain valid for five years. Some applicants, such as children under the age of 12, do not need to have their fingerprints taken.
Forms for children under the age of 18 needs to be signed by a parent or guardian.
If you are under 18 and are travelling without one or both of your parents or guardians, ask them to sign a consent form . Border guards may ask to see this form when you arrive in the Netherlands.
I plan to work or study in the Netherlands during my stay - do I need a different visa?
Yes. You’ll need a Netherlands work visa issued by the Dutch government allowing you to work in the Netherlands. To gain this you will additionally need to supply a copy of your employment contract, or if self-employed, a business license and company bank statements. To obtain a student visa, you will be asked to provide proof of enrolment, such as an invitation to study at a Dutch university.
How much does a Netherlands visa cost?
The cost of a Schengen Visa to all countries in the Schengen Area is €80. If you apply through an external service provider, such as a visa agency or VFS Global, you may have to pay an extra fee to the provider.
Are there any additional costs to obtaining a Netherlands Schengen Visa?
Yes. You will need to prove you have means of subsistence during your stay to obtain your Netherlands Schengen Visa. According to the information provided by the European Commission, a foreign national applying for a Netherlands Visa needs to show they have at least €34 available per day during their stay. You will also need to pay the costs of anything you need for your application, such as passport-style photographs or additional documents required to submit your application.
If you are applying for a work visa for the Netherlands, the costs may also be higher. For example, a self-employment visa may cost more than €1,000 for your application, or to obtain a work permit, you may be asked to take a civil integration exam costing €150.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands visa?
The Netherlands mostly outsources visa applications to the company VFS Global, which deals with the initial applications on behalf of the authorities. You can apply online via the VFS Global website, and you will need to attend an interview at a VFS Global center, which are generally located in major cities.
For example, in India, these are located in Mumbai, Pune, Puducherry, Chennai, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi, Kochi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
In the United States, visa applications can be submitted at the Netherlands visa USA application centers in
- Chicago,
- Houston,
- Los Angeles,
- Miami,
- New York,
- San Francisco
- Washington D.C.
You may also be able to submit your visa application through an embassy, depending on where you are applying - and can check if this is a possibility via their website.
Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, in some cases, it may take up to 60 days - so apply as early as you can.
Check the required documents and book an appointment online via the website of VFS Global: visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/nld
How can AXA help?
AXA offers several Schengen Visa compliant insurance policies for travel in Europe, which will cover you for your trip to the Netherlands, from a low-cost option, which costs as little as €0.99 per day of your trip. Your certificate will be available instantly online - ready for you to complete your application and begin your travels.
Other Schengen countries you might be interested in
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Frequently asked questions about Netherlands Schengen Visas
What should I do if my Netherlands Schengen Visa is refused?
If your visa is refused- you have the right to appeal to the Dutch authorities but you should be aware that the decision may not be overturned.
Can I alter my application after it has been submitted?
No. You should check you have all the correct details before applying for your visa and take care when submitting your application. However- a minor discrepancy could be corrected during the interview.
Will my visa allow me to travel to other European countries?
Yes. Providing they are one of the 25 other countries within the Schengen Area.