Netherlands Business Visa - Definitive Guide

For people travelling to Holland for the purpose of taking part in business-related activities, a Netherlands Schengen business visa is required. Nationals of other Schengen countries and visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter the country. Being a part of the Schengen C category, the permit is issued as single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entries and is valid for a maximum duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

The application for the Dutch business permit from India has to be done through the Netherlands Visa Application Centers (VAC). Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the business visa. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Netherlands embassy and enter the portal for the online application. 
2. Fill in the online application form with all the relevant details. Note that the form is the same for all the Schengen C categories. You will simply have to mention your purpose of visit as ‘business’
3. Take a print out of the completed application form.
4. You must now proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India for your application submission. The embassy of Holland does not accept direct applications for Schengen visas of ordinary passports.
5. Visit the respective VAC with the application form, the required documents, as well as the fees in person. You will have to submit your biometrics here. 

Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for any of the Schengen visas in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you need not visit the appointment in person and may ask a third party to submit the application instead, provided that they possess an authorization letter signed by you. Ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide correct information. Providing fake documentation and writing false information may lead to Schengen visa rejection. 

If you are visiting the Carribean islands of the Netherlands, you will have to apply for a Carribean visa. The applications for this may be submitted directly at the embassy or consulate of Netherlands, or at a VAC. 

• Purpose of Visit: The primary purpose must be for business, including but not limited to:
  
  
• Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars.
• Participating in trade fairs or exhibitions.
• Negotiating contracts or agreements.
• Conducting business with Dutch companies.
  
  
• Travel Requirements:
  
  
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages, valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the Netherlands.
• Return or Onward Ticket: Confirmation of your travel plans.
  
  
• Business Credentials:
  
  
• Employed Individuals: Proof of employment and an employment letter.
• Self-Employed/Business Owners: Company registration documents and a covering letter explaining the purpose of the visit.

As per the Netherlands Businesss visa requirements, the following are the list of documents required for Italy tourist visa from India.

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid Passport
2. Completed and Signed Schengen Visa Application Form
3. Recent Passport-Sized Photographs (as per Schengen specifications)
4. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans
5. Travel Insurance Policy (covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, valid for all Schengen countries)
6. Proof of Financial Means (approximately €34 per day for the entire stay)
7. Employment Letter (for employed individuals) or Company Registration Documents (for self-employed/business owners)
8. Invitation Letter from the Dutch Company (including details of the visit, host company, and who will cover expenses)

Additional Documents (if applicable)

1. Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation
2. Detailed Business Agenda
3. Previous Business Interactions (e.g., emails, contracts)
4. Bank Statement (for self-financed trips)

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

• Standard Processing Time: 15 calendar days
• Extended Processing Time: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases
  
  
• Track Your Application:
  
  
• Online: Through the VFS Global website (if applied through them).
• SMS Service: Optional, for updates on your application status.
• Contacting the Application Center: Directly, for queries on your application

• Schengen Visa Application Fee:
  
  
• Adults: Currently €80
• Children (6-11 years): Currently €40
• Children under 6 years: Free
  
  
• VFS Global Service Fee (if applicable): Check with VFS Global for the current rate.
• Payment Methods: Typically cash, credit/debit cards, or demand drafts, depending on the application center.

Once you have submitted your application at the VAC, it will then be forwarded to the embassy or consulate for processing. Depending upon the jurisdiction, the VAC will send the application to the respective mission. Note that even though your application is made at a VAC, they have absolutely no influence on the outcome or the processing. The processing is solely the responsibility of the embassy or consulate. 

Once approved, you can collect your visa directly from the VAC, or have them deliver it to you for an additional charge.  

You can check the status of your business permit application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternately, you may contact your respective travel agency to know the status. 

Once you have this visa, keep in mind the following points - 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. Your travel and stay must be in accordance with these. 
  
  
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. If you do not possess them, you will be denied entry. 
  
  
• Ensure that you travel to the Netherlands within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
  
  
• While you are travelling within the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
  
  
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on a payroll of a Dutch company or establishment. You may, however, take part in unpaid voluntary work. 
  
  
• You will not be able to extend the business visa under any normal conditions.
  
  
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as allowed.

11.1 Check for Appointment Requirements

• Why is this necessary?: To ensure a smooth and efficient application process, many application centers require applicants to schedule an appointment beforehand.

• How to Check for Appointment Requirements:

• Official Government Websites:

• Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/

• Consulate General of the Netherlands in Mumbai: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/about-this-website/sections/consulate-general-in-mumbai

• VFS Global Website (for VFS Global Centers): https://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/India/

• Phone or Email Inquiry:

• Contact the application center directly to inquire about appointment requirements.

Example of How to Book an Appointment (if required):

• Online Booking (VFS Global Example):

• Visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/India/

• Click on "Contact Us" > "Book an Appointment"

• Select the application center, date, and time slot

• Fill in the required details and confirm the appointment

• Phone/Email Booking:

• Call or email the application center with your preferred date and time

• Provide required details as requested by the center

• Receive confirmation of your appointment

11.2 Submit Your Application

In Person

• Locations:

• Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

• Consulate General of the Netherlands in Mumbai

• Authorized VFS Global centers across India

• What to Bring:

• Completed application form

• All required documents (originals and copies as specified)

• Payment for the application fee (if not paid online)

• Biometric data (if applicable)

• Process:

• Arrive at the application center with all documents

• Proceed to the submission counter

• Hand over your application and supporting documents

• Provide biometric data (if this is your first Schengen visa application in the last 59 months)

• Pay the application fee (if not already paid)

• Receive a receipt and tracking information for your application

Through a Trusted Representative

• Requirements:

• A signed authorization letter from the applicant

• The representative’s valid government-issued ID

• All required documents (as listed for in-person submission)

• Process:

• Ensure the representative has all necessary documents and the authorization letter

• The representative submits the application on your behalf

• Biometric data collection is not possible through a representative; if required, the applicant must visit in person

• The representative pays the application fee (if not already paid)

• The representative receives the receipt and tracking information

11.3 Provide Biometric Data

• Applicability: If this is your first Schengen visa application in the last 59 months.

• What to Expect:

• Fingerprint scanning (all ten fingers)

• Facial image capture

• Important Notes:

• Children under 12 years old are exempt from fingerprinting.

• Individuals with physical limitations that prevent fingerprinting may provide alternative proof of identity.

• Biometric data is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for five years.

11.4 Pay the Application Fee

• Refer to the Fees Section (previously outlined):

• Schengen Visa Application Fee

• VFS Global Service Fee (if applicable)

• Payment Methods:

• Cash (at application centers)

• Credit/Debit Cards (at most application centers)

• Online Payment (for some VFS Global centers, paid during the appointment booking process)

• Understand Your Visa:
  
  
• Duration of Stay: Adhere to the allowed days in the Schengen Area.
• Entry Points: If specified, use the designated entry points.
  
  
• Register with Local Authorities (if required): For stays exceeding certain durations.
  
  
• Respect Schengen Visa Rules:
• 90/180 Rule: Do not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Purpose of Stay: Stick to the declared business purpose.

• Insufficient Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted.
  
  
• Invalid Travel Documents: Check the validity of your passport and ensure it meets the requirements.
  
  
• Incomplete Application Form: Carefully review your application before submission.
  
  
• Solution: Address the specific reason for rejection and reapply.

• Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi:
• Address: 6/50F Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 2419 7600
  
  
• Consulate General of the Netherlands in Mumbai:
• Address: Forbes Building, 1st Floor, Charanjit Rai Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400001
• Phone: +91 22 2219 4200
  
  
• VFS Global Application Centers:

Website: www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/India/ for locations and contact details.

• Apply Well in Advance: To account for any unexpected delays.
• Double-Check Your Application: Ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check official websites for updates on visa policies.
• Seek Professional Help if Needed: Consult with visa application services for complex cases.

Need more clarity on the Netherlands business visa? Check out helpful resources below

• Netherlands Visa Requirement
• Netherlands Tourist Visa Requirement
• Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
• Netherlands Embassy