netherlands visa

Netherlands Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Netherlands Visa from India

 

  • Visa Requirement: Indian citizens need a visa to enter the Netherlands.

 

  • Visa Types:
    • Schengen Visa (up to 90 days): Tourism, Business, Transit
    • Long-Stay Visa (MVV) (exceeding 90 days): Study, Work, Family Reunification, etc.

 

  • Application Process:
    • Submit through Netherlands Embassy/Consulate in India or VFS Global centers
    • Required documents: Passport, Application Form, Photos, Travel Itinerary, Insurance, Proof of Funds, etc.

 

  • Processing Time & Fees:
    • Schengen Visa: Typically 15 days, €80 (adults)
    • Long-Stay Visa (MVV): Several months, fees vary (e.g., €171 for most MVV applications)

 

  • Important:
    • Apply early, especially for peak seasons
    • Ensure document accuracy and prepare for potential interviews

 

Table of Contents

 

  1. Overview of Netherlands Visas
  2. Types of Netherlands Visas for Indians
  3. Schengen Visa (Up to 90 Days)
  4. Long-Stay Visa (MVV - Exceeding 90 Days)
  5. Additional Requirements and Tips
  6. Important Contacts and Resources
  7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Overview of Netherlands Visas

  • Visa Policy: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, allowing for free movement between member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for non-EU nationals.

 

  • Indian Nationals: Require a visa to enter the Netherlands, whether for tourism, business, transit, or long-stay purposes.

2. Types of Netherlands Visas for Indians

  • Schengen Visas (Up to 90 Days)

 

    • Tourist/Visitor Visa: For travel, tourism, or visiting family/friends.
    • Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
    • Transit Visa: For transit through a Netherlands airport to another destination.

 

  • Long-Stay Visas (MVV - Provisional Residence Permit)

 

    • Study: For educational purposes.
    • Work: For employment in the Netherlands.
    • Family Reunification: To join family members residing in the Netherlands.
    • Other Purposes: Retirement, volunteering, etc.

3. Schengen Visa (Up to 90 Days)

Required Documents for Schengen Visa (Up to 90 Days)

 

  • Valid Passport 

    • At Least Two Blank Pages:
      • Ensure your passport has at least two completely blank pages for the visa sticker.

 

    • Validity for at Least Three Months Beyond Planned Departure:
      • Example: If you plan to leave the Schengen area on July 15th, your passport should be valid until at least October 15th.

 

    • Passport Age:
      • The passport should not be older than 10 years from the date of application.

 

    • Damaged Passports:
      • If your passport is damaged, you may need to obtain a new one before applying.

 

Source:

Download from the official Netherlands visa website.

 

  • Filled and Signed Visa Application Form

    • Collect in person from the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai.

 

  • Language:

    • Fill out the form in English or Dutch. If in another language, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation.

 

  • Signature:

    • The applicant must sign the form in person.

 

  • Fields to Focus On:

    • Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the main reason for your visit (tourism, business, etc.).
    • Intended Stay: Specify the exact dates of your intended stay in the Schengen area.
    • Accommodation Details: Provide the address where you will stay.

 

  1. Recent Photos

 

    • Specifications:
      • Size: 35x45 mm.
      • Background: White or light-colored.
      • Facial Expression: Neutral.
      • Glasses and Headgear: Avoid, unless for medical or religious reasons.
    • Number of Photos:
      • Typically 2, but check with the submission center for confirmation.

 

  1. Travel Itinerary or Flight Reservation

 

    • Confirmation of Entry and Exit:
      • Show your planned entry and exit dates from the Schengen area.
    • Flexibility:
      • If you don’t have a fixed return ticket, explain in a cover letter.
    • Travel Agency Booking:
      • If booked through a travel agency, ensure the agency’s name and contact info are on the reservation.

 

  1. Travel Insurance

 

    • Coverage Amount:
      • At least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses.
    • Policy Duration:
      • Should cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
    • Policy Details:
      • Ensure the policy covers repatriation for medical reasons, emergency hospital treatment, and medical evacuation.

 

  1. Proof of Financial Means

 

    • Daily Allowance:
      • Approximately €34 per day for the entire stay, but this can vary based on the embassy's discretion.
    • Bank Statement Requirements:
      • Recent (usually within the last 3 months).
      • Showing a consistent flow of funds.
      • Blocked accounts or fixed deposits might require additional documentation.
    • Alternative Proofs:
      • Sponsorship letter with the sponsor’s financial documents (in cases of sponsored trips).

 

  1. Hotel Booking or Proof of Accommodation

 

    • Confirmation Letter:
      • From the hotel or host, including their contact details.
    • Address:
      • Must match the address provided in the visa application form.
    • Alternative Accommodations:
      • If staying with friends/family, provide a sponsorship letter and the host’s ID.

 

  1. For Business Visits

 

    • Invitation Letter:
      • From the Dutch company, specifying the purpose, dates, and contact information.
    • Employment or Business Documents:
      • Company registration.
      • Tax returns.
      • Business license (if applicable).

 

Application Process for Schengen Visa

 

  1. Determine the Type of Schengen Visa

  • Based on the Purpose of Your Visit:
    • Tourism
    • Business
    • Transit
    • Visiting Family/Friends
  • Ensure You Choose the Correct Type:
    • Incorrect applications may lead to rejection.

 

  1. Gather All Required Documents

  • Double-Check:
    • Ensure all documents are up to date and meet the specifications.
  • Translations and Apostilles:
    • If documents are not in English, Dutch, French, or German, provide sworn translations.
    • Check if an apostille is required for certain documents.

 

  1. Submit Your Application

  • Submission Options:
    • In Person:
      • At the Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi.
      • The Consulate General in Mumbai.
    • Through a Registered Travel Agency:
      • Partnered with VFS Global service centers across India.
  • Biometric Data Collection:
    • First-Time Applicants:
      • Will have biometrics collected at the submission center.
    • Repeat Applicants within 59 Months:
      • Might not need to provide biometrics if they are reusable.

 

Additional Tips for Submission

 

  • Appointment Scheduling:
    • Recommended for in-person submissions to avoid wait times.

 

  • Application Fee Payment:
    • Currently €80 for adults (check for updates).
    • Payment methods vary by submission center.

 

  • Tracking Your Application:
    • Use the reference number provided to track the status of your application on the VFS Global website or through the embassy/consulate.

4. Long-Stay Visa (MVV - Exceeding 90 Days)

Required Documents by Purpose for Long-Stay Visa (MVV)

 

For Study

 

  • Admission Letter from a Dutch Educational Institution

 

    • Contents:
      • Confirmation of admission.
      • Program details (duration, name, level).
      • Tuition fees (if applicable).
    • Language:
      • English, Dutch, French, or German; if not, provide a sworn translation.

 

  • Proof of Tuition Fees Payment

 

    • Receipt or Payment Confirmation:
      • Showing the payment of tuition fees for at least the first year.
    • Scholarship or Sponsorship Letter:
      • If fees are covered by a scholarship or sponsor, provide a letter from the sponsor.

 

  • Proof of Sufficient Financial Means

 

    • Bank Statement or Proof of Income:
      • Showing you can support yourself financially during your studies.
      • Approximately €925 per month for living expenses (check for updates).
    • Sponsorship Declaration:
      • If someone is sponsoring your living expenses, they must sign a sponsorship declaration.

For Work

 

  • Work Permit (Usually Arranged by the Employer)

 

    • Type of Work Permit:
      • Depending on the job type (highly skilled migrant, work experience, etc.).
    • Employer’s Responsibility:
      • Typically, the employer applies for the work permit on your behalf.

 

  • Employment Contract

 

    • Contract Details:
      • Job description.
      • Salary (must meet the minimum wage requirements for highly skilled migrants).
      • Employment duration.
    • Language:
      • English, Dutch, French, or German; if not, provide a sworn translation.

 

  • Qualification Documents

 

    • Diplomas and Certificates:
      • Relevant to the job you’re applying for.

 

    • Translations and Apostilles:
      • If documents are not in English, Dutch, French, or German, provide sworn translations and apostilles if required.

 

For Family Reunification

 

  • Proof of Family Relationship

 

    • Documents:
      • Birth certificate (for children).
      • Marriage certificate (for spouses).
      • Adoption papers (for adopted children).
    • Translations and Apostilles:
      • If documents are not in English, Dutch, French, or German, provide sworn translations and apostilles if required.

 

  • Sponsorship Declaration (Possible Additional Documents)

 

    • Sponsor’s Obligation:
      • The family member in the Netherlands must sign a sponsorship declaration.
    • Additional Documents (If Required):
      • Proof of the sponsor’s income or financial means.
      • Health insurance that covers the family member joining.

 

For Other Purposes (e.g., Retirement, Volunteering)

  • Documents Specific to the Purpose:

 

    • Retirement:
      • Proof of pension or sufficient financial means.
      • Health insurance.
    • Volunteering:
      • Letter from the organization confirming your volunteer work.
      • Proof of financial means or sponsorship.

 

Application Process for Long-Stay Visa (MVV)

 

1. Check Specific Requirements

  • Official Government of the Netherlands Website:
    • Verify the most current requirements for your specific situation.

 

  • Consult the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in India:
    • For personalized guidance, especially if your situation is complex.

 

2. Apply for an MVV

  • Before Entering the Netherlands:
    • Ensure you apply from outside the Netherlands, in this case, from India.

 

  • Through the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in India:
    • Submit your application in person or through a registered intermediary.

 

3. Submit Required Documents

  • Translation Requirement:
    • Ensure all documents are translated into English, Dutch, French, or German if they are in another language.

 

  • Apostilles and Legalizations:
    • Check if any documents require an apostille or legalization.

 

4. Wait for Approval

  • Processing Time:
    • Several months, so it’s crucial to apply well in advance of your planned move.

 

  • Status Updates:
    • May be available through the embassy/consulate or their online portals.

 

5. Collect Your MVV

  • Once Approved:
    • Collect your MVV from the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.

 

  • Travel to the Netherlands:
    • With your MVV, you can enter the Netherlands within the specified timeframe (usually 90 days).

 

6. Register with the Local Authorities

  • Upon Arrival in the Netherlands:
    • Register with the local municipality (gemeente) within the first few days.

 

  • Receive a BSN Number:
    • A citizen service number (BSN) is essential for various administrative tasks in the Netherlands.

 

Fees and Processing Time for MVV Applications

 

  • Fees:

    • Vary based on the purpose, but approximately €171 for most MVV applications (check for updates).

 

  • Processing Time:

    • Several months, emphasizing the importance of early application to avoid delays in your plans.

5. Additional Requirements and Tips

  • Early Application: Apply well in advance, especially for peak travel seasons.
  • Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are up to date and meet the requirements.
  • Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss your trip plans and provide additional information if required.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers the entire Schengen area and the duration of your stay.
  • Health and Vaccination: Check if any vaccinations are required for travel to the Netherlands.

6. Important Contacts and Resources

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands?

This depends on your nationality. Check the visa requirements for your country.

What types of Netherlands visas are there?

There are various visa types for short stays (tourism, business), long stays (study, work), and transit.

How much does a Netherlands visa cost?

The visa fee depends on the type of visa and your nationality. 

Where do I apply for a Netherlands visa?

You can apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country.

How long does it take to process a Netherlands visa application?

Processing times can vary, typically taking around 15 days. However, it's best to check with the embassy or consulate for current wait times.

What documents do I need for a Netherlands visa application?

Required documents vary depending on the visa type. Generally, they include a completed application form, passport, photos, proof of travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.

Do I need to show a return flight ticket?

In some cases, a return flight ticket might be required. Check the specific requirements for your visa type.

Can I submit my Netherlands visa application online?

This depends on your location. Check with the embassy or consulate for their application process.

My passport is expiring soon. Can I still apply for a visa?

Your passport should generally be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Netherlands.

What are the payment methods for the Netherlands visa fee?

This depends on the embassy or consulate. They might accept credit cards, debit cards, or money orders. 

Can the Netherlands visa fee be refunded if my application is rejected?

     No, the visa fee is usually non-refundable.

What kind of travel insurance is required for a Netherlands visa?

The insurance should cover medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of an emergency. Make sure it meets the minimum coverage amount set by Schengen regulations.

How long should my travel medical insurance be valid?

Your travel medical insurance should cover the entirety of your stay in the Netherlands.

Can I track the status of my Netherlands visa application?

Some embassies and consulates offer online visa application tracking.

What happens if my Netherlands visa application is rejected?

You will receive a rejection letter explaining the reason. You may be able to reapply after addressing the issue.

Can I extend my Netherlands visa after arrival?

Extending a visa after arrival is generally not possible. You should apply for the correct visa type based on your intended stay.

I'm visiting other Schengen countries besides the Netherlands. Do I need multiple visas?

A Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area, including the Netherlands. However, depending on your itinerary, you might need a specific type of Schengen visa.

Can I work on a tourist visa in the Netherlands?

No, you cannot work on a tourist visa. You'll need a work visa if you plan to work in the Netherlands.

What are the customs allowances for entering the Netherlands?

There are limitations on duty-free goods you can bring into the Netherlands. Check the customs regulations for details.

What currency is used in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR).

 

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