The Netherlands Schengen Visa Application Requirements
The world’s biggest exporter of tulips, the Netherlands is a country located mainly in Northwestern Europe, with three island territories in the Caribbean. Its capital Amsterdam is home to 907,976 inhabitants of more than 176 nationalities.
The Netherlands is known for its low land and flat geography, the numerous windmills all across the country, and of course tulips. Some of the favorite tourist attractions for travelers are the Amsterdam Canals, the spectacular Rijksmuseum, the museum of Anne Frank, the Van Gogh Museum, the Kasteel De Haar, etc.
It is a founding member of the EU, Eurozone, G10, NATO, OECD, WTO, and the Schengen Area. All those who wish to visit the country can apply for the Netherlands Schengen Visa since 1995 when the Schengen members abolished internal borders.
Fun Fact: There are over 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands, still standing from 1850!
The Netherlands Entry Requirements
Because of the common travel area of the Schengen Zone, the member states which have abolished borders for their citizens, the EU nationals only need an identification document, to enter the Netherlands. Therefore, if you are an EU national you only need to carry an ID/passport to enter the Netherlands.
On the other hand, if you are a non-EU traveler wishing to visit the Netherlands will need to present the following, when you show up at the Dutch port of entry:
- A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond their planned date of Exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.
- A visa – if they are subject to the Dutch visa regime.
- Return airline ticket. A ticket that shows you will be returning to your home country, or an onward trip ticket that shows you will leave the Schengen area to another country.
- Travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Your insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
- Sufficient funds. The Dutch embassy/consulate in your country of residence wants you to attest to the possession of at least €34 per day you plan to spend in the Netherlands.
- Additionally, the Dutch border officer may ask you a few questions about your trip to the Netherlands:
- What is your purpose for visiting the Netherlands?
- How long do you intend to stay in the Netherlands?
- Where are you going to stay in the Netherlands? Etc.
Keep in mind that the border police hold the final decision if you shall be permitted to enter the Netherlands or not. If the Dutch border officer concludes that you are at no risk for the Netherlands, upon checking your documents, you will be permitted to enter the Netherlands, and thus the Schengen territory.
Make sure that the Dutch border officer stamps your passport when you enter the Netherlands. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained in the Netherlands.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter The Netherlands?
Before you head to the Netherlands, you need to check whether you need a short-stay visa according to your purpose of entry or not. You will need a visa to enter the Netherlands and any other member country of the Schengen zone if you belong to one of the following categories:
- You are a passport holder of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states
- You are a passport holder of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering the Netherlands or any other Schengen country.
What Documents Are Required for a Dutch Schengen Visa Application?
According to the Netherlands visa requirements, you will need to submit some statuary documents as part of your short-term Dutch Visa application at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country of residence. The statutory Dutch visa requirements are as follows:
- Dutch visa application form. Fill it completely and with sincerity. Do not forget to sign it at the end after you print it.
- Two passport photos. The photographs should be no older than three months and taken according to the photograph requirements for the Dutch Schengen visa application.
- Your valid passport. Make sure your passport is not older than 10 years, and that it has a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Netherlands and the whole territory of Schengen.
- Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
- Netherlands Travel Health Insurance. A confirmation that you hold travel health insurance valid, for the territory of the Netherlands and the whole Schengen Zone. Your insurance must cover medical emergencies in this zone with a minimum coverage of 30,000€.
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave the Netherlands. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
- Proof of accommodation. Evidence that shows where you will be staying throughout your time in the Netherlands I.e. a hotel reservation.
- Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in the Netherlands. The embassy/consulate of the Netherland in your country of residence wants you to attest to the possession of at least 34€ per each day you plan on spending in the Netherlands.
- A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit the Netherlands, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave, and other details.
Additional Dutch Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status
The additional Netherlands visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or
If self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If a student:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
- Advertisements
If retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If applicable:
- Proof of regular income generated by the property, for the last 6 months.
Additional Dutch Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to the Netherlands, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Dutch Visa Requirements in their application file:
- An extract of the minor’s birth certificate, who is traveling to the Netherlands.
- The Netherlands application form signed by both parents.
- An identity document, bearing the parents’ signature, (1 document for each parent)
- A declaration of consent from both parents, stating that the minor can travel.
- A court judgement stating which parent has been allocated parental responsibility for the minor (if applicable).
- A declaration from the minor’s school consenting to his/her absence (if applicable).
Netherlands Transit Visa Requirements
A Netherlands Transit Visa has been established for those reaching the Netherlands from a non-Schengen country through the sea, in particular for seamen.
Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to the Netherlands
- A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.
- The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
- Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers).
- Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark (required only for seafarers).
- Employment contract. Contract with the navigation company / ship in order to board the ship (required only for seafarers).
Netherlands Business Visa Requirements
If you wish to travel to the Netherlands to perform business related activities, as to sign a contract, participate in business meetings etc., you should apply for a Dutch Business Visa.
Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to the Netherlands
- Invitation letter from the Dutch company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
- A dispatch letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to the Netherlands.
- Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
- Memorandum and Article of Association. It should be submitted in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies).
- Trade License (first issued and present renewal).
- Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in the Netherlands, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
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