Netherlands Visa from India: A Complete Guide for First-Time Applicants

Visiting the Netherlands means cycling beside the iconic Canals of Amsterdam, tasting warm stroopwafels, posing in endless tulip gardens, and whatnot! This European wonderland turns every moment into a fairytale. No wonder this country has been one of the top destinations for over 94 thousand Indians visiting in 2024.

However, if coming here is on your mind, then getting a Netherlands visa from India is mandatory. Whether you are travelling for study, work, or tourism, the correct documents, including travel insurance, are essential for a hassle-free visa approval.

Let us guide you through the details of the Netherlands visa application process.

Who Can Apply for a Netherlands Visa from India?

Since the Netherlands is a part of the Schengen group of countries, Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen visa to enter the country legally. However, before applying, check if your requirements align with the following conditions of application:

1. Indians who want to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days for tourism or family visits.

2. Any Indian businessman or employee wishing to come to the Netherlands for work-related purposes (can be more than 90 days).

3. Indian students are interested in studying in the Netherlands (can be more than 90 days).

Types of Netherlands Visa for Indians

Before applying for a Netherlands visa, you need to understand its different types available to determine which one best suits your purpose.

Airport Transit Visa

This visa allows the travellers to make a brief stop or change planes at an airport in the Netherlands. However, you can not go through passport control or visit the destinations in the Netherlands with this visa.

Short-stay Schengen Visa

If you are planning to visit this European gateway for a short period, this visa is ideal. It will allow you to stay for a short period of 90 days. This is why it is considered a perfect Netherlands tourist visa for Indians.

Orange Carpet Visa Facility

Travellers who visit the Netherlands frequently, mostly businessmen or company staff, must apply for this visa facility. However, it is available in a limited number of countries where the company or organisation has a subsidiary in the Netherlands or is associated with its entities.

Schengen Visa Facilitation

With a Schengen visa facilitation, you will be eligible to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days and in any other Schengen area for 180 days. Individuals whose family members are EU nationals, citizens of an EEA Member State or Switzerland are eligible to apply.

Authorisation for Temporary Stay (MVV)

The MVV visa allows an applicant to stay for more than 90 days. This is why a travel permit might be required, depending on factors such as nationality and travel plans. It can work brilliantly as a Netherlands work visa for Indians.

Caribbean Visas

You will be free to visit only the Caribbean parts of the Netherlands, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten with this visa. In fact, it will permit you for both shorter stays (90 days or less) and longer stays (more than 90 days).

Eligibility Criteria for Netherlands Visa from India

To make your application process for obtaining a Netherlands visa from India smoother, here are certain eligibility criteria you must meet:

1. You need to have a passport with a minimum validity of 3 months and no more than 10 years old, with 2 blank pages.

2. An international travel insurance covering at least €30,000 (approximately ₹32 lakhs) in medical and emergency expenses is mandatory to apply for a Netherlands visa from India.

3. Have documents of income proof, such as bank statements, payslips, or income tax returns, to demonstrate your capability to cover travel expenses.

4. For students, having proof of enrollment or financial documents, such as a scholarship letter, to showcase that they have financial support.

5. Provide evidence of your travel plans and intent to return, with a travel itinerary including round-trip flight bookings and accommodation details.

6. You need to prove your social and economic ties to India with employment details (e.g. payslips) or school records of children in India.

Documents Required for Your Netherlands Visa Application

The table below shows the list of documents you will need to apply for a Netherlands visa from India.

Note: The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request additional documents, so keep all relevant documents readily available.

Steps to Applying for a Netherlands Visa from India

For first-time applicants, the numerous processes involved in obtaining a Netherlands visa from India can be overwhelming. However, if you follow the steps below thoroughly, there is no chance of making a mistake.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Depending on your purpose for visiting the Netherlands, you will need to select a visa type. Your visa type will determine the necessary documents, as well as the duration of getting approval for your Netherlands visa from India.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

After determining the visa type, visit the official VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) Global website to complete the online application form and receive the unique code. You can not use anyone else’s form, as every form has different codes.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Prepare the listed documents from the previous section based on your visa type and preferences. Remember, if any one of the required documents is not available, the visa application will get rejected.

Step 4: Book an Appointment at VFS Global

Once you have prepared the documents and completed your online application process, book an appointment on the VFS Global website and schedule a date of your preference.

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Arrive at the VFS centre to submit all necessary documents, provide biometrics, and pay the visa fee. You will also receive a reference number for tracking the status of your visa application and an email regarding the processing of your application.

Step 6: Collect Your Passport

The email would not mention whether your application is approved or not. Therefore, you will need to wait for your passport to get confirmation. Collect it from the VFS Global centre or have it couriered to your address with an additional fee.

Netherlands Visa Fees from India for Children & Adults

The price of a Netherlands visa from India can vary depending on factors such as the visa type and the age of the applicant. Here is the breakdown of the cost in Indian rupees and euros. 

Important: Costs are subject to change; therefore, verify yourself on the official website of the Netherlands Visa before applying.

Netherlands Visa for Indians Processing Time

Processing of your Netherlands visa from India will require a certain time, which is shown in the table below:

How to Avoid Rejection of Your Netherlands Visa Application?

To avoid the rejection of your Netherlands visa application, keep these tips in mind.

1. Verify that every section of the visa application form is filled out correctly and completely.

2. Purchase an international travel insurance plan from a reputable agency, like Bajaj General Insurance, before planning your trip to the Netherlands.

3. Make sure your financial documents are valid and up-to-date.

4. Collect documents such as employment letters, property deeds, and affidavits before applying for a Netherlands visa, as without them, your intent to return may seem less clear.

5. Ensure your passport is not damaged, torn, or has any other physical defects.

6. Do not hide any criminal record in the application, and provide a detailed explanation. (Consult with an immigration lawyer in such situations)

What Makes Travel Insurance Essential for Netherlands Visa Applicants? 

Apart from being a mandatory document for visa applicants in a Schengen country like the Netherlands, travel insurance includes numerous benefits.

Medical Support

With international travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance, you can get comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, such as any disease or injury in the Netherlands.

Protection from Unpredictable Events

Our travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage against unforeseen events, including accidents, theft, or third-party claims resulting from unintentional physical injury or property damage.

Visa Approval

Since our international travel insurance plans meet the insurance requirements for Schengen countries, including the Netherlands, getting a visa approval will be a lot easier.

Security from Trip Disruption

For the sudden cancellation of your trip or delay in flight during your trip to the Netherlands, the international travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance will compensate for your prepaid and non-refundable costs. 

Coverage for Loss or Theft of Belongings

During a long journey to the Netherlands, the chances of losing important belongings such as a passport, phone or baggage are quite common. However, with our international travel insurance plan, you will receive compensation for lost or stolen items.

The Bottom Line

Overall, applying for a Netherlands visa from India is the essential first step to experiencing this charming Dutch destination. Ensure you have all required documents in place, especially international travel insurance, which is mandatory for a smooth visa process.

So, start early, stay organised, and prepare your itinerary. Your unforgettable Netherlands journey is just a few smart steps away!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before the trip should one apply for a Netherlands visa?

You should apply for a visa at least 6 months before the travel date. With an advanced application, you can easily avoid delays, as the processing time may vary in case of any errors in the application.

Can I buy a flight ticket to the Netherlands before getting the visa?

There is no need to buy a confirmed flight ticket before getting your visa for the Netherlands. Instead, submit a flight reservation with your visa application to avoid financial risk.

What is generally not covered under travel insurance for Netherlands visa applicants?

Most travel insurance does not cover the cost of pre-existing medical conditions, compensation for criminal acts, accidents resulting from intoxication or self-harm, as well as death or injury caused by civil unrest, war, or acts of terrorism.

Is it possible to change my Netherlands visa appointment date?

Yes,  via the official VFS Global website, you can reschedule your Netherlands visa appointment 2 working days before the scheduled date up to a maximum of 2 times. 

Can someone else submit my Netherlands visa application for me?

It is mandatory to appear physically at your appointment to submit the Netherlands visa application. However, if your biometric data, including photo and fingerprints, was taken in the last 5 years (59 months), someone else can submit the visa application.

*Standard T&C Apply

*Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.