How to apply for a Dutch visa

Having trouble applying for a Dutch visa? Organising visas can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

Whether you’re planning to visit, study, work, or join family in the Netherlands, understanding the process makes things much easier.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The main types of Dutch visas

• How the application process works

• What documents you need

• And where to find official, up-to-date information

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to approach your Dutch visa application with confidence.

Here we go!

Choosing the right visa

Before applying, you’ll need to figure out which visa is right for you. The type you need depends on the length and purpose of your visit.

If you’re staying in the Netherlands for under 90 days, you’ll need to apply for the short-stay Schengen visa. These are common for tourism, business trips, or short study programs.

Short-stay Schengen visas:

• Allow you to travel across all 27 Schengen countries

• Maintain a 90/180-day rule (you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period)

• Can be either single entry (leave once, it’s over) or multiple entry (come and go within the validity period)

If you plan on moving long-term (more than 90 days), you’ll need a long-stay MVV visa (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf). Think of it as the entry ticket for your residence permit.

You apply for the MVV from abroad, typically with the assistance of your sponsor. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you pick up your residence permit at the IND office.

You typically need an MVV if you’re:

• A student enrolled in a Dutch university. Universities usually apply on your behalf once you’re admitted.

• An employee with a work contract. Employers typically handle most of the application process, and you provide supporting documents.

• A family member joining a Dutch resident or citizen.

One common misconception is that you can enter the Netherlands on a tourist visa and then switch to a work visa within the country. That’s usually not allowed, and you’ll need to apply from outside the country.

Step 1: Complete the Dutch visa application form

The first step is to complete the official visa application form. Where you find this form and how you submit it depend on the type of visa and your location.

For short-stay Schengen visas, forms are available on the website of your local Dutch embassy or consulate. Some countries handle applications through VFS Global, which can also provide the forms.

For Long-stay MVV visas, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) provides the forms and guidance directly on their website.

There are three main ways to submit your application forms :

• Directly through the IND: Mostly for residence permits when your sponsor applies on your behalf.

• At a Dutch embassy or consulate: You make an appointment, bring your documents, and submit the form in person.

• Through VFS Global: In many countries, the Netherlands outsources Schengen visa handling to VFS. You apply via their website and attend an appointment at their office.

Online applications are available in some countries, but not all. The safest bet is to check the exact requirements listed on your local embassy’s website.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

The Dutch authorities tend to be quite strict when it comes to documents. Having everything in order is what makes or breaks your application.

For all visa types, you’ll need:

• A completed and signed visa application form.

• A passport, valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages.

• Two passport photos (35 x 45 mm)

• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking, rental contract, or invitation letter from a host.

• Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and any internal travel plans.

• Financial proof showing you can support yourself (bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letters)

• Visa-compliant Dutch health insurance, with at least €30,000 in coverage across all Schengen countries.

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• An employer letter confirming your job, salary, and approved leave (for workers)

• An enrollment certificate or admission letter from a Dutch university (for students)

• A formal invitation letter and proof of family relationship (for those joining their family in the Netherlands)

Remember to double-check every document against the embassy’s checklist. Small errors are one of the most common reasons for rejection, and yet they’re the easiest to prevent!

Step 3. Book an appointment

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to secure an appointment. Without it, you can’t move forward.

You’ll book your appointment with the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate. If you’re unsure, the official Dutch embassy and consulate directory can help you figure out where to go.

In many regions, such as South Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America, the Netherlands outsources visa applications to VFS Global or other service centers.

Wait times vary, depending on where you’re applying from:

• In Europe/North America, appointments are usually available within weeks.

• In South Asia, high demand often results in waiting periods of 1–3 months.

• In Africa, wait times often stretch longer due to limited staff.

Because of these differences, it’s best to check availability as soon as you know your travel dates. As always, the best way to secure an appointment is to book early!

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

The interview is where the consular staff checks your documents and asks you some brief questions about your stay.

During your interview, you’ll likely be asked about:

• The purpose of your visit

• The length of your stay

• Your financial situation

• Ties to your home country

Keep your answers clear, concise, and in line with your application documents. Remember, consular officers want straightforward explanations, not long-winded speeches.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend bringing copies of your bank statements, travel itinerary, and any relevant letters from employers or universities.

Step 5: Provide biometric information

At your appointment, you’ll also need to provide biometric data to secure your visa and expedite checks at Schengen borders.

You’ll have to provide your:

• Fingerprints: Usually all ten, scanned digitally.

• Photo: Taken on the spot, even if you’ve submitted passport photos.

• Digital signature: Captured electronically.

The EU uses the Visa Information System (VIS) to store this data. Once collected, it’s valid for five years for repeat Schengen visa applications.

Certain individuals are exempt from providing biometric information, including children under 12 and certain government officials.

Step 6: Pay the visa application fee

Every application comes with a fee, which you must pay before your visa can be processed.

Here are the typical prices for Schengen and long-stay visas:

• Schengen short-stay visas: Around €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6.

• Long-stay MVV visas: Fees vary widely depending on purpose, usually between €210 to €350.

Always check the official embassy or IND website, since fees are updated regularly and can differ slightly by location.

Accepted payment methods include:

• Cash: Common at embassies or VFS centers, though not always preferred.

• Credit or debit card: Increasingly accepted, but please check with your local center for details.

• Bank transfer: Sometimes required for long-stay permits through the IND.

The payment method you can use depends on where you’re applying from, so it’s best to confirm in advance with your local office what they accept.

It’s also important to note that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Step 7. Wait for processing

Once everything is submitted, it’s time to wait. Processing times vary, but knowing what to expect can save you stress.

Here are the typical processing times:

• Schengen short-stay visas are usually decided within 15 calendar days. In busy seasons (during the summer holidays, for example), it may take up to 45 days.

• MVV visas take longer to process, often 60–90 days, depending on the type and the IND’s workload

Your case might take longer if:

• Documents are incomplete or inconsistent.

• Authorities should conduct additional background checks.

• The application is complex (e.g., unusual work arrangements or family reunification cases).

Delays can be frustrating, but most are routine and don’t mean rejection.

To track the progress of your application, you can check out embassy/consulate websites or your IND online account (for MMV visa applicants).

Receiving your Dutch visa

Congratulations! You’ve received your visa sticker or residence card, and you can now breathe easy.

There are, however, a few key points to keep in mind.

Visa extensions for Schengen visas are extremely rare and only granted in exceptional circumstances.

Residence permits, on the other hand, can usually be extended from within the Netherlands before your permit expires

It’s also good to know that you can’t convert a short-stay Schengen visa into a residence permit while in the Netherlands. For most long-term stays, you need to apply for an MVV from abroad.

What to do if your visa is refused

Rejections happen. Whilst disappointing, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Here’s what to do:

• Read the refusal letter carefully: It explains the reason for your rejection (missing proof, insufficient funds, unclear travel plans).

• Appeal: You normally have the right to appeal within a set timeframe.

• Reapply: Fix the issues, and try again. This is often a faster route than filing an appeal.

The key is not to give up! Many people succeed after addressing the reasons for their first rejection and reapplying.

Conclusion

When travelling to the Netherlands, visas shouldn’t be too much of a concern. The process is straightforward, and if you follow the steps we’ve outlined here, you’ll be on your way in no time.

The key is to plan ahead. Identify which visa is right for you and prepare the required documents well in advance to reduce stress and ensure everything runs smoothly.

That way, you can apply with confidence and focus on making the most of your time abroad!