Understanding Visas for the Netherlands

In contrast to residence permits that cater to long-term stays, visas in the Netherlands are meant for short-term visits, spanning up to 90 days. These visas are required for specific nationalities when planning a short stay or transit through the Netherlands.

Types of Visas in the Netherlands

  1. Schengen, Short Stay, or Tourist Visa (up to 90 days): This visa is for individuals planning short stays in the Netherlands, such as tourists, business travelers, or family visitors.

  2. Transit Visa: Designed for travelers transiting through Dutch airports.

  3. Return Visa: Intended for foreigners in the Netherlands without a valid residence permit who require urgent travel abroad.

  4. MVV Authorization: This pertains to temporary stays for specific nationalities who intend to apply for a residence permit.

  5. Dutch Startup Visa: Aimed at entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the Netherlands, this is considered a type of residence permit.

It's worth noting that Dutch immigration law can be intricate, so consulting an immigration lawyer, especially for complex cases, is advisable.

Do I Need a Visa for the Netherlands?

Whether or not you require a visa to enter the Netherlands hinges on your nationality.

No Dutch Visa Necessary: Many countries maintain reciprocal agreements with the Dutch government, allowing their citizens to enter the Netherlands without a visa. If your nationality is on the list of countries that do not need a Schengen visa, you can visit the Netherlands without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit is required. Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not require visas or residence permits for the Netherlands.

Dutch Visa Required: For citizens of countries not on the list mentioned above, applying for a Dutch visa before traveling to the Netherlands is necessary. If your intended stay is 90 days or less, you must apply for a Schengen or short-stay visa. Stays exceeding 90 days necessitate a residence permit with an MVV (TEV Procedure).

General Entry Requirements: Irrespective of whether you need a visa, all international visitors must meet these general requirements to enter the Netherlands:

  • Possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity upon entry.
  • Maintain travel insurance.
  • Have the financial means to support yourself.
  • Provide proof of your travel purpose.
  • Demonstrate intent to return to your home country.
  • Pose no threat to public order, public health, domestic security, or international relations.
  • Not be listed as a person refused entry by other Schengen countries.

Schengen or Short Stay Visa:

If you plan to visit the Netherlands for a short duration, such as a holiday, business trip, or family visit, and your country does not have a non-visa agreement with the Netherlands, you'll need to apply for a short stay visa. This Schengen visa allows temporary stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, encompassing the entire Schengen Area, including the Netherlands.

The Schengen Area: This comprises 26 European countries that have abolished border controls and implemented a unified visa policy.

Single or Multiple Entry: The short stay visa can be used either as a single consecutive 90-day stay or as multiple stays spread over the 180-day period. If you intend to make multiple visits, you'll need to apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. Specify your preference (single or multiple entry) when applying. If you plan to visit non-Schengen countries during your stay (e.g., the UK), opt for a multiple-entry visa as the UK is not part of the Schengen Area. After a 90-day consecutive stay, you must spend another 90 days outside the Netherlands and Schengen Area before reapplying for a visa.

Schengen Calculator:

If you plan to make multiple entries into and exits from the Schengen Area using a multiple-entry visa, it's essential to calculate the total number of days you'll spend within the area to ensure you don't exceed the 90-day limit. You can utilize a Schengen calculator to determine how many days you've already spent in the Schengen Area and how many days you have remaining.

Required Documents for Schengen Visa:

When submitting your visa application, you must provide specific documents. It's advisable to contact your nearest Dutch embassy or consulate in advance to confirm the exact requirements. When applying for a Schengen visa, the following documents are typically required:

  1. A valid passport or travel document.
  2. Two passport-sized photos.
  3. Proof of planned travel arrangements, such as a reservation through a travel agent.
  4. Proof of valid medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in the Schengen Area.
  5. Documents demonstrating your intention to return to your country of residence, which may include an employer's declaration, rental agreement, records of your children's school attendance, or proof of property ownership.
  6. Documents substantiating the purpose of your trip, such as a hotel reservation, a business invitation from a Dutch company, or a completed invitation form from the person (sponsor) you plan to visit.
  7. Proof of financial self-sufficiency or support during your stay in the Netherlands, amounting to at least 34 euros per person per day. This can be supported by bank statements, cash, or a legalized declaration from the person sponsoring your stay, who must also meet a minimum income level.

2. Transit Visa:

The transit visa or airport transit visa (A-visa) is intended for international airport passengers making stopovers at airports within the Netherlands or other Schengen countries while en route to a destination outside the Schengen Area. Holders of transit visas are not allowed to leave the airport. If you wish to exit the airport or continue your journey by car, train, or bus to another Schengen country, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa.

3. Return Visa:

A return visa is for individuals residing in the Netherlands who have urgent reasons to travel abroad, such as a family event, illness, or death, and whose residence permit is either lost, stolen, or being processed. It permits travel abroad and legal re-entry into the Netherlands, even if the residence permit is lost or invalid. This is a national (Dutch) visa and is not valid in other Schengen nations. You can apply for a return visa at the nearest IND desk in the Netherlands.

4. MVV Authorization for Temporary Stay:

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days and you're required to obtain a Schengen visa, you'll need to apply for an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) along with a residence permit (TEV Procedure) before your travel. The MVV is similar to a visa in that it grants entry to the Netherlands, but it's actually a provisional residence permit. It allows you to enter the Netherlands as a potential resident and stay while your residence permit application is being processed.

Application Procedure for Dutch Visas:

If you need a visa to enter the Netherlands, you must apply for one before your travel.

Where to Apply for a Dutch Visa: You must apply for a Dutch visa in person at the Dutch mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. If there is no Dutch mission in your country, you should contact a Dutch mission in a neighboring country.

Schedule a Visa Application Appointment: You'll need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application, during which you should bring all the required documentation. If your application is approved, the Dutch mission will affix a visa sticker in your passport.

It is advisable to reserve, but not pay for, your travel to the Netherlands until your visa has been confirmed.

Reduced Visa Fees for Certain Nationalities:

The EU has agreements with specific countries to reduce the cost of short-stay and transit visas from 60 euros to 35 euros. These countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine, Russia, and Serbia.

Working on a Dutch Visa:

You are generally not permitted to work in the Netherlands while on a visa unless your employer has arranged a work permit for you.

Period of Validity of Visas in the Netherlands:

As mentioned earlier, Schengen visas are valid from your stated arrival date for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days. The Schengen visa will not be valid before that period. A transit visa is valid for the duration of your transit between flights at a Dutch airport.

If you have compelling personal circumstances that force you to stay longer in the Netherlands, you can request to extend your visa. However, if you want to stay longer in the Netherlands, you will need to return to your country of residence and apply for an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and a residence permit (TEV Procedure).

Extending Your Dutch Visa:

Under exceptional circumstances, it is possible to extend your Schengen visa. This extension is done through the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Department), and you must meet the following conditions:

  1. Your extended stay does not exceed 90 days.
  2. You can provide an explanation of the compelling personal circumstances that necessitate your extended stay and can provide supporting documents that prove you are unable to return to your country of residence before your visa expires.
  3. You can financially support yourself during your continued stay in the Netherlands (at least 34 euros per day), or you have a sponsor who can support you.
  4. You are covered by healthcare or travel insurance.
  5. Your passport is valid for at least six more months and is not more than 10 years old.
  6. There are no indications that you have other reasons to extend your stay, such as intending to illegally settle in the Netherlands.

Dutch Visa Extension Fees:

A visa extension due to compelling personal circumstances typically costs 30 euros. However, a visa extension due to force majeure, such as a natural disaster, or for humanitarian reasons, is usually free.