Netherlands
Netherlands Visa Guide for Indians
Netherlands, sometimes referred to as Holland is a nation that holds quite a lot of significance in the world. Being the founding members of the Schengen, EU, NATO, and several others, the country is rated highly. With a Netherlands visa, people from all over the world can now enter the country with great ease.
About Netherlands Visa
People travelling from around the world require a permit to enter the Netherlands. Be it tourism, business, work, or whatever purpose, you need a Netherlands visa to enter. However, nationals of other Schengen countries and from other visa-exempt nations do not require this. They are free to enter and stay in Holland for up to 90 days without a permit.
Procedure to Apply for Netherlands Visa
The application for the Netherlands visa 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 particular permit you are applying for. After this, you can proceed to make the application as follows -
- Visit the website of the Netherlands embassy and enter the portal for the online visa application for the Netherlands from India.
- Fill in the Netherlands visa online application with all the relevant details.
- Take a print out of the completed application form.
- You must now proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India for your Netherlands visa application submission. The embassy of Holland does not accept direct applications for Schengen visas of ordinary passport holders.
- 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 Schengen permit in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you need not visit the appointment in person. You 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 or false information may lead to visa rejection.
If you are visiting the Carribean part 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.
Netherlands Visa Types
Based on the purpose of the visit, and the duration of permitted stay, the following are the different types of the Holland permit:
Airport Transit Visa: This type of permit is issued for people travelling to the Netherlands as a transit stop on their journey.
Short Term Visa: Also known as the C category, or Netherlands Schengen visa, this type is issued for a short period of time of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of the visit, these can further be classified as the following:
Tourist Visa: This type of permit is issued for people whose main purpose for the trip is taking part in tourist activities and spend a holiday.
Business Visa: This allows you to travel to the Netherlands to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
Visit Visa: This is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in the country.
Study/Research: These are for people who are visiting to take part in short term studies and research in the country.
Long Term Visa: This is more commonly known as the Netherlands national visa or D type and is issued for periods longer than 90 days. Based on the purpose, these can also be classified as the following:
Work Visa: This is granted for people who are entering Holland to engage in work-related activities.
Study Visa: This is issued for students entering the Netherlands to take part in studies that last longer than 90 days.
Family Reunion Visa: This is for people who are visiting their family living in the country and staying with them.
Through this guide, we will be focusing more on the short categories.
Checklist for Netherlands Visa
A valid passport:
- It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
- It should not be older than 10 years.
- It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
A covering letter:
- This must include the applicant's details.
- It should clearly mention the source of funds.
- It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
- It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Netherlands.
Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
Proof of occupation:
Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc
Financial documents:
Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.
Photo Specification
- 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
Netherlands Visa Processing Time
The time Duration to process the Dutch permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the type of the permit, the stay duration, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 15 working days. However, in certain cases, it can take up to 30 working days. And in extreme cases, it may take 60 days. As a result, you must apply well in advance. You must apply at least 15 days before the travel date, but not more than 3 months.
