Visa Information

Visa Types

You may submit your visa application at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.

Please note: not all travel documents are recognized by the Netherlands. If you apply for a visa with such a non-recognized travel document, your visa application can be declared inadmissible. More detailed information is available on the European Union website.

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Notice: Addition of Guidance File for Netherlands Online Application Form

Please be informed that a comprehensive guidance file for completing the Netherlands online application form has been added to our website. This document provides step-by-step instructions to assist applicants in accurately filling out the form, minimizing errors, and ensuring a smooth submission process.

Applicants are strongly advised to review the guidance file before initiating their application to ensure all required fields are completed correctly and supporting information is provided in accordance with the official requirements. please click here

Short-Stay Schengen Visa

(For a maximum stay of 90 days per 180-day period)

If you wish to visit the Netherlands for a short period of time, you must obtain a visa prior to entry if you come from a country with a visa requirement for entering the Netherlands.

A short-stay Schengen visa allows the holder to transit through or remain in Dutch territory and all other Schengen States for a maximum period of three months (90 days) within any period of 180 days.

Visiting more than one Schengen country?

You will have to obtain the Schengen visa from the country where the main purpose of travel lies.

When travelling to more than one Schengen country, submit your application with the country where you will be staying the longest. In case of equally long stays, you have to apply with the Schengen country where you arrive first.

Also travelling to a non-Schengen country?

When also travelling to another country outside the Schengen area (for example in the Caribbean, Croatia, Romania, the United Kingdom and/or the United States), apply for the other visa first, before applying for the Schengen visa.

Select your short-stay Schengen visa:

TOURIST VISA

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    This visa is solely for the purpose of leisure travel including vacationing, cruising, sightseeing and other recreational activities. If during any portion of your visit to Netherlands you intend to engage in business, or official duties you must refer to other relevant visa categories.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

    Travelling with children

    If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for a tourist visa with the complete list of requirements.

    In case of a minor travelling with one parent or alone

    Please fill out the Consent letter for minors travelling abroad.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Business, conference and official visit

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    A business visa is required if during any portion of your visit you intend to conduct business or commercial activities, e.g. conferences, meetings, training

    Such a visa can only be issued to travellers not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands. If you intend to undertake paid work in the Netherlands, you will need to obtain a work permit.

    Orange Carpet

    Applications for business visa of employees from companies registered with the Netherlands embassy under the Orange Carpet program can also be submitted at the Visa Application Centre.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for a business visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please see the checklist for official visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Visit Family and Friends

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    If you are travelling to the Netherlands to visit family / friends (including girlfriend/boyfriend), you may apply for this visa.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

    Travelling with children

    If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for a visiting family or friends visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Seafarers

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    Only seamen who are (1) nationals from a country with a visa requirement to enter the Schengen space, and (2) who intend to join a ship in a Dutch (or Polish or Latvian ) port, need to apply for a seafarer visa.

    A seafarer is any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship in the maritime sector or the international inland waterway sector.

    Blue Carpet Program

    The Blue Carpet program is meant to facilitate visa applications made by seafarers to allow them to embark or disembark a ship in the Netherlands, or to attend a course/training in the Netherlands.

    A seafarer can apply for a visa under the Blue Carpet Program regardless of which shipping company/agency the seafarer works for, and regardless if they board a ship under the Dutch flag or a foreign flag.

    Requirements

    Whether or not The Netherlands is the correct country to process the visa application is determined by the (main) purpose of travel, or the country of the port where the ship is docked (Article 5 Visa Code). It does not matter where the seafarer enters the Schengen area. They may enter the Schengen area in The Netherlands (for example Amsterdam Schiphol Airport) or through another Schengen country (for example an airport in Paris).

    As shown in below examples it is not determined by the flag under which a ship sails.

    Entry into Schengen area through the Netherlands or through another Schengen country:

    • Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply visa to the Netherlands
    • Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply visa to the Netherlands
    • Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply visa to the Netherlands
    • Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply visa to Spain
    • Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply visa to Spain
    • Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply visa to Spain

    The issuing authority reserves the right in case of doubt concerning a visa application to check with the relevant maritime and / or port authority if the ship where the applicant will embark is indeed expected and if the applicant is listed for embarkment on the ship. When crossing the border, the border authorities will check the conditions for admission in an independent and strict manner. The border authorities are authorized to cancel the visas of seafarers who are not eligible (anymore) for admission.

    Advantages of the Blue Carpet Program

    • Your visa application will be treated with priority.
    • Your visa will be issued as a multiple entry visa with a longer validity.
    • You don’t need to submit your visa application in person if you submitted your fingerprints and photo for a Schengen visa application in person in the last 59 months.
    • You are allowed to apply for this visa nine months before departure.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Please see the checklist for a seafarer visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

  • Download Forms

    PDF icon Online Schengen visa application form

    Important:

    • Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
    • The portal will guide you through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

Transit

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    Nationals of certain countries need an airport transit visa to change aircraft at an airport in a Schengen country. See the list of countries whose nationals need an airport transit visa.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

    Travelling with children

    If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for an airport transit visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Trade Fairs

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    A short-stay Schengen visa with ‘trade fairs’ as the purpose of travel is for applicants who wish to travel to the Netherlands to attend a trade fair.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for a Trade Fairs visa for the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing Time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Sport Competition

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    A short-stay Schengen visa with ‘sport competition’ as the purpose of travel is for applicants who wish to travel to the Netherlands to participate a sports event.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for an Sport Competition visa for the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Medical Treatment

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    This category of visa when applicant intends to travel for medical treatment for a maximum of 90 days

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for Medical Reasons visa with the complete list of requirements..

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Entry Visa

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    You are a foreign national (i.e. non-Dutch) with a valid long-term residence permit for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Your document was stolen, lost or has expired during your stay abroad and you have to return. In this case you need for an entry visa.

    Travelling with children

    If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Please see the page Resident permit lost, stolen or expired in Iran on Netherlandsworldwide.nl for a entry visa for the complete list of requirements.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

VISA AFTER APPROVED APPEAL

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    If your application for a short stay visa for the Netherlands has been refused, you can object against this decision by sending an objection letter to the IND. If your appeal or objection is successful, your application will be approved.

    This visa category is solely for applicants whose appeal or objection has been approved by the IND.

    There is no need to schedule an appointment for this category. Applicants can walk in from 8:00 to 15:00 hrs.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    If your objection has been approved after an appeal, you do not have to pay the official consular visa fee again. However, you will have to pay the VFS service charge.

    • All payments will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24 Euro per application
    • PFor the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • All fees are non-refundable.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    • A valid travel document
    • The no-objection letter (and a copy) stating that your objection has been successful
    • Any documents mentioned in the no-objection letter (if applicable). For example, a valid:
      • hotel
      • flight reservation
      • proof of insurance

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

    Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

    For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    NOT APPLICABLE

  • Processing Time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Official visit

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing Time

  • Overview

    This visa is solely for the purpose of undertaking journeys by members of official delegations who, following an official invitation, participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations or exchange programs, as well as events held in the Netherlands by intergovernmental organizations.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

    Travelling with children

    If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for a minor (child under 18 years of age) there are specific requirements for the documents to be submitted (see the checklist).

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Please see the checklist for official visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

    For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

    The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.

    Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment using the online appointment system.

    Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment using the online appointment system.

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing Time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Note for airplane crew members

    If you are an airplane pilot or cabin crew member your passport will not have to remain with VFS during the processing of your visa application.

    Why you might wait longer than 30 calendar days:

    In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 30 calendar days. Reasons why your visa application may take longer include:

    • Your application is impacted by high volume.
    • Your application requires further consideration.
    • You need to provide additional documents.

    Longer processing time for certain nationalities:

    Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. For more information please the website of the European Commission.

    Please avoid contacting NetherlandsWorldwide or the Embassy:

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. If you have any questions about the status of your application after the 30 calendar days have passed, contact the Visa Application Centre

    We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting NetherlandsWorldwide regarding the status of your application. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to speed up the processing.

    Thank you for your understanding.

Family Members Of EU/EEA Nationals

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    If you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands, in some situations, you may be eligible for free visa facilitation. Check whether your situation meets the conditions.

    When a child travels with one parent (or alone)

    When a minor travels with one parent or alone a so-called “consent letter for minors travelling abroad” is needed. For more information, see the page Travelling with children on government.nl.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Go to the checklist to see which documents you need to submit with your application:

    Checklist for a family members of EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

    In case you are a parent of a Dutch national under 18:

    Checklist for parent(s) of Dutch nationals under 18

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

    Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

    For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Remigrant

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    This category of short-stay Schengen visa is for people who are a remigrant, or partners and/or underage (step/foster)children of remigrants. A remigrant is a person who previously migrated to the Netherlands, but returned to his/her former country and is currently receiving a remigration benefit. Remigrants must be 55 years old or over to apply for a remigrant visa.

    When you apply for this visa type, you will have to provide evidence that you fall under this category.

    A short-stay visa lets you visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is also valid in the other Schengen countries.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • 'From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Please see the checklist for a remigrant visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Make an appointment online

    Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment using the online appointment system

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Dutch Caribbean Visa

The Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands consist of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten.

Whether you need a Caribbean visa depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.

On the website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country you can find out whether you need a visa.

The website also gives more information about travelling to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

Select your Caribbean visa:

Short-stay Caribbean visa (90 days or less)

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing time

  • Overview

    If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for 90 days or less, you may need a short-stay visa. This depends on your nationality. You may also need a short-stay visa if you are transiting through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

    What is a short-stay Caribbean visa?

    • A short-stay Caribbean visa lets you travel throughout the Dutch Caribbean, i.e. Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten.
    • A standard short-term Caribbean visa is issued for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is a multiple-entry visa.
    • A short-stay Caribbean visa does not permit you to undertake paid work. If you would like to work, you must have a work permit.
    • A short-term Caribbean visa is not valid for travel to the European part of the Netherlands or to any other Schengen area country.

    Check here for nationalities which do not require a visa.

    Making an airport transit through the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom

    Check if you require a visa

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Please see the checklist for a Tourism visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please see the checklist for a Business or Official Visit visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please see the checklist for a Family or Friend Visit visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please see the checklist for a Study or to Attend a Cultural, Sporting or Religious Event Visit visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.

    Step 1: Complete the application form

    Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

    For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

    Step 2: Get all the required documents

    Get all the documents required for your application.

    For every document submitted, you must provide the original (to show at the counter) and a photocopy (to be attached to the visa file). The documents must have been drawn up in (or translated into) Dutch, English, French or Spanish.

    Step 3: Make an appointment online

    Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment at your preferred location using the online appointment system.

    Please click to see the approved travel and medical insurance companies

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing Time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Additional information for specific nationalities

    Some countries in the Schengen area share information about visa applicants. You can read more about this on the European Commission website

    Tracking the status of your application

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. Do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the embassy or consulate-general about your application. It is not possible to speed up processing of your application.

    If you have questions about the status of your application or if you have not heard anything after 45 days, contact the VFS Global application centre.

Long-stay Caribbean Visa

  • Overview
  • Visa Fees
  • Documents Required
  • Photo specifications and fingerprints
  • Processing Time

  • Overview

    If you wish to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for longer than 90 days, in most cases you will need a residence permit. If you have applied for one already, please be aware that you may require a visa to collect your residence permit in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius or St Maarten.

    Check the details on your visa

    Upon receiving your visa at VFS, please ensure that all the information is accurate, including your name and the visa’s validity period. If there’s a mistake on your visa, the airline may not let you board your flight or you may be refused entry into the Schengen area.

    Is there a mistake on your visa? Notify the agent at VFS Global immediately.

    If you notice the mistake at a later stage or if your visa was sent by courier, please contact the Dutch embassy immediately.

    During which period can I travel?

    The fields 'From' and 'Until' on your visa tell you how long your visa is valid for.

    • ‘From’: the first day that you can enter the Schengen area

    • ‘Until’: the last day by which you must leave the Schengen area

    How long can I stay?

    The field ‘Duration of stay’ on your visa tells you how many days you may stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries, within the period of validity mentioned at 'From' and ‘Until’. This is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. If you get a multiple-entry visa you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the Schengen area must not total more than 90 days.

    If you overstay, you risk a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries.

  • Visa Fees

    Please note that on top of the official visa fees VFS Global charges an extra service fee, to be paid by the applicant.

    • For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
    • All payments, except for the payment for making an appointment, will be collected in Euro cash only.
    • Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 24.
    • To confirm your appointment, you will have to pay via online payment an amount of 7,000,000 Iranian Rial (IRR). This amount will be refunded in full when you honor the appointment and validly submit your application. If you don’t show up for your appointment, this amount will not be refunded.
    • For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here.
    • Please note: All fees are non-refundable.

    Please note: The fees are to be paid in Euro and the notes must be undamaged.

    Applicants are requested to carry exact change in Euros to pay the fees for services used at the Visa Application Centre.

  • Documents Required

    You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Always submit all documents. Your application may be rejected if you fail to do so.

    Please see the checklist for a Long-Stay visa with the complete list of requirements.

    Please note: you can apply for a visa only when you have applied for your residence permit and your application has been approved. For Curaçao, provisional approval is enough.

    Step 1: Complete the application form

    Complete the online Schengen visa application form. Only forms completed online receive a unique code. Forms without a unique code may cause issues when processing your application. Print this form and submit it along with the other documents. Handwritten forms are not accepted.

    For more information, please visit the Ministry website Where can I get a visa application form for the Netherlands?

    Step 2: Get all the required documents

    Get all the documents required for your application.

    For every document submitted, you must provide the original (to show at the counter) and a photocopy (to be attached to the visa file). The documents must have been drawn up in (or translated into) Dutch, English, French or Spanish.

    Passport

    A passport or other travel document containing at least two blank pages. It should be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

    Documents for children under 18

    If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18, you must provide the child’s birth certificate and an identity document for each parent.

    Proof of legal residence

    You must be able to prove that you are legally resident in the country you are applying from. To do this, you can show your passport, residence permit or a visa.

    Photo

    See under Photo Specifications.

    Photocopy of letter from immigration service

    Has your residence permit application been approved by the local immigration service? If so, you must submit a photocopy of the letter your sponsor received.

    • Aruba: temporary admission document (VTA)
    • St Maarten: landing permit
    • Curaçao: you do not need to provide a copy of the letter
    • Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba: authorisation for temporary stay (MVV-BES)

    You should also bring any additional documents listed in the letter.

    Step 3: Make an appointment online

    Before you visit the Visa Application Centre, you will need to make an appointment at your preferred location using the online appointment system.

  • Photo specifications and fingerprints

    As a part of your visa application, your digital photograph will be taken and you will need to provide your fingerprints

    Read more about the biometric data collection when you attend the Visa application centre.

  • Processing Time

    You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your travel. The average processing time is 15 calendar days. The maximum is 45 calendar days.

    During your appointment you will be asked to submit your passport so that your visa application can be processed. You will get your passport back when your visa application is completed. There are only two situations in which you do not have to submit your passport:

    • if you do not live in the country where you are submitting the visa application and you need your passport to travel home; or
    • if you are airline flight crew or cabin crew.

    Note for airplane crew members

    If you are an airplane pilot or cabin crew member your passport will not have to remain with VFS during the processing of your visa application.

    Why you might wait longer than 30 calendar days:

    In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 30 calendar days. Reasons why your visa application may take longer include:

    • Your application is impacted by high volume.
    • Your application requires further consideration.
    • You need to provide additional documents.

    Longer processing time for certain nationalities:

    Some Schengen member states want to exchange information on visa applicants. For more information please the website of the European Commission.

    Please avoid contacting NetherlandsWorldwide or the Embassy:

    You can track the status of your application using your track & trace code. If you have any questions about the status of your application after the 30 calendar days have passed, contact the Visa Application Centre

    We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting NetherlandsWorldwide regarding the status of your application. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to speed up the processing.

    Thank you for your understanding.

Caribbean Carpet Programme

Do you regularly travel to Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Saba or St Eustatius? If so, you may be able to apply for your short-stay visa through the Caribbean Carpet Programme. The programme simplifies the application procedure and your visa will also be valid for longer.

Please see the checklist for a Caribbean Carpet Programme visa with the complete list of requirements.

Applying for the Caribbean Carpet Programme

You can find out whether you are eligible for the Caribbean Carpet Programme on the website of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, if so, how to apply. If your application for the Caribbean Carpet Programme is successful, you can apply for your visas at the Visa Application Centre.

Applying for a visa through the Caribbean Carpet Programme

If your application for the Caribbean Carpet Programme was successful, you will receive an -email confirmation. The email will also contain details about how to submit future visa applications to the Visa Application Centre.

Long Stay Visa (Mvv)

In case you intend to stay in the Netherlands for a continuous period of longer than 90 days you will need a provisional residence permit (MVV), informally known as a ‘long-stay visa’.

Applying for a provisional residence permit and a residence permit must be done with the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service IND. You apply for a specific purpose of stay, for example living with a family member, study or work.

It is often your sponsor who applies. This is a person or organization that wants you to come to the Netherlands. For example the family member you are going to stay with in the Netherlands. Or a school or employer.

If you do not have a sponsor, you apply for the MVV and residence permit yourself. To do this, please contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or in your country of permanent residence.

You must apply at least 3 (three) months before your intended stay in the Netherlands.

When you have received a positive decision on your application, you can make an appointment at the embassy to collect the MVV. Please refer to the ‘alien number’ (V number) in the letter of approval.

For detailed information about the MVV procedure plus the entry conditions for all nationalities, please visit the IND website.

More information on applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for Iran residents.