How to Apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa?

How to Apply for Netherlands visa: Steps

• Step 1: Determine your Purpose for travelling to the Netherlands, which will determine the Type of visa you should apply for.
• Step 2: Determine how many Entries to the Netherlands/the Schengen area you need.
• Step 3: Gather your Required Documents.
• Step 4: Fill out your application.
  • All applications for the Schengen visa from the Netherlands must be filed online. If you are not using a third-party visa service provider, you should apply through the official website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via their online application portal.
• Step 5: Schedule a Schengen Visa appointment (if applicable).
  • Depending on the location of the consulate/visa center you are applying through, you may have to schedule an appointment in order to submit your application. Alternatively, you may be able to drop off your application without prior arrangement, so long as you do so during normal operating hours. Contact your consulate/visa center directly to find out if you need to schedule an appointment in order to submit your application.
• Step 6: Pay the application fee.
• Step 7: Submit your Dutch Schengen visa application (at least 15 days prior to travelling, not before 6 months).
  • Different Dutch Consulates/processing centers have different procedures for submitting applications. Depending on where you are applying from, you may have to submit your application in person to the consulate/center you are applying through. When you submit your application, you will likely also be asked to submit biometric data (fingerprints). Children younger than 12 years are likely exempt from having their fingerprints collected. If you have previously submitted fingerprints (within the last 59 months), you likely will not need to resubmit them, and you therefore may not have to appear in person to submit your application (i.e. you may designate someone else to submit it on your behalf).

When to Apply

Submit your application at least 15 days prior to the day you intend to travel, and no earlier than 6 months before you leave. If you are a seafarer, you may submit your application 9 months before you leave.

Where to Apply

Applications for Schengen visas to the Netherlands should be submitted at either a Dutch Consulate or a visa application center that has a relationship with the Netherlands.

In countries where there is no Dutch consular presence, applications may be lodged via the consulate of a Schengen state representing Dutch consular interests.

You must lodge your application for a Dutch Schengen visa in the country where you legally reside.

Please note, after submitting your netherlands visa application form, you may be asked return at a later date for a personal interview to provide further information/materials related to your trip.

Processing Time for Dutch Schengen Visa

The Dutch Schengen visa processing time is generally 15 days, although it can take up to 45 days in certain cases.

If your Dutch visa was approved:

Collect your visa and make sure the information it contains is valid and complete.

If your Dutch visa was denied:

If you receive a Schengen visa rejection for the Netherlands, you have a right to an appeal within 4 weeks of receiving your rejection.

Begin this process by picking up your standard issued-visa refusal form, which describes why your request was denied. Your letter of rejection will explain the detailed steps of the appeal process, including where to send it. Then, submit your appeal.

If your appeal is approved, you can schedule a new via appointment, to which you should bring your letter indicating that your appeal was successful.

Please note, you may have to pay an appeal fee, which is likely non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the appeal (positive or negative).

Finally, once you obtain your Schengen Visa for The Netherlands, please note the following:

Your visa may be revoked if you do not notify the Dutch Consulate/visa application center of any changes to your trip itinerary that occur after you have submitted your application.

Being approved for a Schengen visa does not guarantee you entry to either the Netherlands or the general Schengen area – you can still be refused entry to both places upon arrival.

Alternatively, you may have to show additional documents regarding your finances or accommodation in order to enter the Netherlands/the Schengen area.