VISA

In contrast to residency permits, which are intended for long-term stays, visas are necessary for individuals planning to stay in the Netherlands for a brief period of time. This requirement is applicable to some nationalities who intend to stay for up to 90 days or merely transit through the Netherlands. There are four categories of visas that are available for applicants, including the Schengen, short stay, and tourist visa for stays up to 90 days, the transit visa for those making transfers at Dutch airports, the return visa for foreigners who need to travel abroad urgently but do not have a valid residency permit, and the MVV authorization for temporary stay for certain nationalities who wish to apply for a residence permit. It's worth noting that the Dutch startup visa, which is intended for entrepreneurs interested in establishing a business in the Netherlands, is a form of residency permit. Given the complexity of Dutch immigration regulations, it's advisable to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney when dealing with challenging cases.

Do I need a visa for the Netherlands?

The need for a Dutch visa depends on the nationality of the person planning to enter the Netherlands. Certain countries have mutual agreements with the Dutch government that allow their citizens to enter the Netherlands without a visa. For those countries not on the list, a Dutch visa is mandatory. For stays of up to 90 days, a Schengen or short-stay visa is required, while a residence permit with an MVV or TEV Procedure is needed for longer stays. Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not require a visa or a residence permit to enter the Netherlands. Regardless of the visa requirement, all international visitors must fulfill certain general criteria such as having a valid passport, travel insurance, financial capability, proof of travel purpose, and a guarantee to return to their country of residence. In the Netherlands, there are four types of visas available: Schengen or short-stay visa, transit visa, return visa, and the MVV authorization for temporary stay. It is important to note that Dutch immigration law can be complex, and consulting an immigration lawyer is recommended for difficult cases.

A Schengen visa is a permit that allows people to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. It is a short stay visa that can be used as a single entry or multiple entry visa. A single entry visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen Area for one 90-day period, while a multiple entry visa allows for two or more stays over a 180-day period. If you plan on leaving and re-entering the Schengen Area, it is important to calculate the number of days spent in the area to ensure that you do not exceed the 90-day limit.

When applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide certain documents, including a valid passport, two passport photos, and proof of planned travel, such as a reservation with a travel agent. You will also need to show proof of medical travel insurance with a coverage value of at least €30,000 in the Schengen Area, as well as documents proving that you have a reason to return to your country of residence, such as an employer’s declaration or proof of ownership of your house.

If you plan to travel outside the Schengen Area but make a stopover in a Schengen country, you will need a transit visa or airport transit visa (A-visa). This visa is for international airport passengers who are not permitted to leave the airport during their stopover.

If you are an international living in the Netherlands and have an urgent reason to travel abroad, such as a family wedding, illness, or death, and your residence permit is lost, stolen, or being processed, you can apply for a return visa. This allows you to legally re-enter the Netherlands, even if your residence permit is lost or invalid.

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need an MVV authorization for temporary stay. This requires you to apply for an MVV and a residence permit (TEV Procedure) before you travel. The MVV is a provisional residence permit that allows you to enter the Netherlands as a potential resident, and to stay in the country while your residence permit application is being processed.

To apply for a Dutch visa, you must schedule an appointment at the Dutch mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. If there is no Dutch mission in your country, you should contact a Dutch mission in a neighboring country. When you attend your appointment, you must bring all the supporting documentation. If your application is approved, the Dutch mission will attach a visa sticker to your passport.

The cost of a Schengen visa is €60 for a single entry or multiple entry visa, while the cost of a transit visa is also €60. The cost of a return visa is €148. However, certain nationalities are eligible for reduced visa fees, and the cost of a short stay or transit visa may be reduced from €60 to €35 for citizens of certain countries, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Ukraine, Russia, and Serbia.