General Questions
Q1: How long does it take to get a Netherlands visa from India? A: Standard processing is 10-15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak season or if additional verification is needed. Apply 4-6 weeks before travel.
Q2: What is the success rate for Indian applicants? A: Netherlands has an 84-85% approval rate for Indian applicants, making it one of the better Schengen options. However, proper documentation is crucial.
Q3: Can I apply for a Netherlands visa if I want to visit multiple Schengen countries? A: Yes, but Netherlands must be your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry if equal stays. The visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries.
Q4: How much bank balance is required? A: Minimum €34 per day. For a 10-day trip, you need approximately €340 (βΉ35,000). However, showing higher balance (βΉ2-3 lakhs) strengthens your application.
Q5: Can I work on a tourist visa? A: No. Tourist visa is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Working requires a separate work permit/residence permit.
Application Process
Q6: Where do I apply for a Netherlands visa in India? A: Applications are submitted through VFS Global centers in 12 Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jalandhar, and Lucknow.
Q7: Can someone else submit my application? A: Yes, if you've provided biometrics for a Schengen visa within the last 5 years (59 months). Otherwise, you must appear in person.
Q8: How early can I apply? A: You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 45 days before departure.
Q9: What if I make a mistake in my application? A: Minor errors can sometimes be corrected at the VFS appointment. Major errors may require resubmission. Always double-check before submission.
Q10: Can I track my application status? A: Yes, use the reference number provided at VFS to track online at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/nld/
Documents & Requirements
Q11: Do I need to book flights before getting the visa? A: You need a flight reservation/itinerary, not a paid ticket. Many services offer verified bookings for βΉ999 that can be confirmed by the embassy.
Q12: What if I don't have 6 months of bank statements? A: Provide whatever you have, but supplement with other financial documents: salary slips, ITR, property documents, investment statements, sponsorship letters.
Q13: Can my friend/family sponsor my trip? A: Yes, but you need a sponsorship letter, their financial documents, relationship proof, and their residence permit (if they're in Netherlands).
Q14: Is travel insurance mandatory? A: Yes, absolutely mandatory. Minimum €30,000 coverage for all Schengen countries, covering your entire stay, including COVID-19.
Q15: What if my passport expires in 4 months? A: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area. If it expires in 4 months and you're traveling for 2 weeks, you're fine. Otherwise, renew first.
Fees & Processing
Q16: Are visa fees refundable if rejected? A: No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision.
Q17: What is the total cost of Netherlands visa? A: Approximately βΉ11,000-βΉ15,000 including visa fee (βΉ9,360), VFS service charge (βΉ1,635), and travel insurance (βΉ1,000-βΉ3,000).
Q18: Can I get urgent/emergency visa? A: There's no official fast-track for tourist visas. Processing time is standard 10-15 days. Apply well in advance.
Q19: What payment methods are accepted? A: Cash, demand draft, and online payment (where available) at VFS centers.
After Approval
Q20: How long is the visa valid? A: Typically issued for the exact duration of your trip, but can be issued for longer periods (6 months, 1 year, or multiple years) based on travel history and profile.
Q21: Can I extend my visa while in Netherlands? A: Extensions are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure). Don't plan on extending.
Q22: Can I enter Netherlands before my visa start date? A: No, you can only enter during the validity period mentioned on your visa.
Q23: Do I need to enter through Netherlands? A: Not necessarily. You can enter through any Schengen country, but Netherlands should be your main destination.
Q24: What if I overstay my visa? A: Serious consequences: 2-year ban from all Schengen countries, deportation, future visa rejections. Never overstay.
Rejection & Reapplication
Q25: What if my visa is rejected? A: You'll receive a rejection letter stating reasons. You can:
Q26: Does previous rejection affect future applications? A: Not automatically, but you must address the reasons for rejection in your new application. Many applicants succeed on second attempt.
Q27: Can I apply to a different Schengen country if rejected? A: Yes, but the rejection will be visible in the Schengen Information System. Better to address issues and reapply to Netherlands.
Q28: How long should I wait before reapplying? A: No mandatory waiting period, but take time to strengthen your application and address rejection reasons.
Special Cases
Q29: I'm a housewife with no income. Can I apply? A: Yes, provide your spouse's financial documents, marriage certificate, sponsorship letter, and any property you own.
Q30: I'm a student. What documents do I need? A: Student ID, bonafide certificate, leave letter, parents' financial documents, and sponsorship letter from parents.
Q31: I'm self-employed. What financial proof do I need? A: Business registration, GST certificate, company bank statements (6 months), ITR (2 years), and business license.
Q32: Can I apply for my family together? A: Yes, family applications can be submitted together. Each person needs individual documents but can share some common documents (accommodation, itinerary).
Q33: I have a Schengen visa from another country. Do I need a new one? A: If your existing Schengen visa is valid and covers your travel dates, you can use it to visit Netherlands. Otherwise, apply for a new one.
Q34: What is the 90/180 day rule? A: You can stay maximum 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. The 180-day period is a rolling window, not a fixed period.
Q35: Can I apply for a multiple-entry visa? A: Yes, but it's at the discretion of the embassy. First-time applicants usually get single-entry visas. Multiple-entry visas are granted based on travel history and profile.
Q36: What if I need to travel urgently due to emergency? A: Contact the Netherlands embassy directly explaining the emergency. They may expedite in genuine cases (medical emergency, death in family), but no guarantees.
Q37: Can I change my travel dates after visa is issued? A: If your visa validity covers the new dates, yes. If not, you may need to apply for a new visa. Contact embassy for guidance.
Q38: What happens if my visa application is under process and I need to travel? A: You cannot travel until visa is issued. Plan accordingly and apply well in advance.
Q39: Can I visit Netherlands on a business visa for tourism? A: No, you must apply for the visa category matching your primary purpose. Using business visa for tourism can lead to issues.
Q40: Is biometric appointment mandatory for everyone? A: Yes, unless you've provided biometrics for a Schengen visa within last 5 years (59 months). Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints.
