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.
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 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
-
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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for a tourist visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Business
-
Overview
A business visa is required if during any portion of your visit you intend to conduct business or commercial activities, e.g. meetings, conferences, training, trade fairs.
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 programme can also be submitted at 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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for a business visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Visiting Family Or Friends
-
Overview
If you are traveling to the Netherlands to visit family or friends (including girlfriend/boyfriend), you can 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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Sea Farers
-
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 port, need to apply for a seafarer visa.
The authority of the Netherlands to take in a visa application is determined by the (main) purpose, or the country of the port where the ship is docked (Article 5 Visa Code). As shown in below examples it is not determined by the flag under which a ship sails or where the applicant enters the Schengen area.
Entry into Schengen area through the Netherlands (for example Schiphol Airport):
- Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
- Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
- Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
Entry into Schengen area not through the Netherlands but through another Schengen country (for example Airport in Paris):
- Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Dutch port => Apply for visa to the Netherlands
- Dutch flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
- Spanish flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
- Panamanian flagged ship + embarking in Spanish port => Apply for visa to Spain
The issuing authority reserves the right in case of doubt concerning a visa application to contact the Seaport police or the Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat, Toezicht Beheer Eenheid (TBE), unit Scheepvaart with the question if the ship where applicant will embark indeed is expected and if the applicant is listed for embarkment on the ship. At crossing the border the Dutch border authorities will check the conditions for admission in an independent and strict manner. At that moment the border authorities are authorized to cancel the visas of seafarers who are not eligible (anymore) for admission.
Blue Carpet
In Singapore a Blue Carpet procedure, exists for seafarers who meet BOTH of the following criteria:
- They are travelling to the Netherlands to board a ship in the Netherlands
- The ship that they are boarding is sailing under a Dutch flag or the ship is owned by a Dutch shipping agency (sailing under a non-Dutch flag).
The Blue Carpet procedure simplifies and accelerates the issue of visas to seafarers prior to their departure. It is also possible to apply for multiple-entry short-stay visa and for a longer period of validity.
The advantages of the procedure are :
- Cost-saving: Paying once for a (multi-entry) visa for a longer period of validity, instead of paying each time for a single-entry visa
- Reduction in the administrative burden: less visa applications.
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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for a seafarer visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Airport Transit
-
Overview
Nationals of certain countries also 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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for an airport transit visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Official Visit
-
Overview
With reference to Singapore diplomatic and official passport holders travelling to the Schengen area via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol the following information is important:
In accordance with immigration regulations as stated in the Dutch Aliens Act, in general, it is required for travellers with Singapore passports to apply for a visa prior to arrival at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Consequently, Singapore travellers holding a diplomatic or official passport who benefit from the exemption of a Schengen visa (as agreed by Singapore authorities based on the principle of reciprocity with a number of Schengen states, i.e. Sweden; Switzerland; etc.) are therefore still required to have a valid Schengen visa at the moment of entrance in the Schengen area via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, regardless of the fact that their final destination may grant visa exemption for such Singapore diplomatic or official passport holders.
-
Visa Fees
Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in SGD 29.00 (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist below for an Official Visit Visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Entry visa
-
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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for a entry visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Family Members eu/eea And Swiss Nationals
-
Overview
Please note: the following procedure does not apply to family members of Dutch nationals travelling to or living in the Netherlands, unless they have recently worked/lived in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
If you want to travel to the Netherlands with a family member who is an EU, EEA or Swiss national, or visit them there, you can apply for visa facilitation. This usually means you can get your visa faster and free of charge.
Family members are:
- Spouse/partner/common law spouse
- The direct descendants (children) who are under the age of 21 or are dependents, and those of the spouse or partner.
- The dependent direct relatives in the ascending line (e.g. parents) and those of the spouse or partner.
An applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category. Applications for Schengen visas for this purpose are free of charge; service fees are applicable.
Eligibility
You are eligible if you can prove objectively that all of the following requirements are met:
-
You are a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
(this includes a spouse, registered partner, child who is under 21 or a depending family member); and
- you are accompanying the EU/EEA/Swiss national or planning to join him/her; and
- this EU/EEA/Swiss national is travelling to or is residing in another member state than that of which he/she is a national.
What else do you need to know?
- If you think you qualify for visa facilitation you will need to prove that you meet all of these criteria when you submit your Schengen visa (type C) application.
- The accelerated procedure means that you need not answer the questions on the Schengen visa application form marked with an asterisk (), which are numbers 19, 20, 31, 32, 33 and fewer supporting documents are required. *Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens must present documents to prove their relationship and fill in fields no 34 and 35 of the visa application form.
- The Schengen visa fee will be waived. but you will need to pay the VFS service fee.
Find detailed information about the procedure for verification against EU law on the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website.
Parent(s) of Dutch nationals under 18
If you are the parent of a Dutch national aged under 18, and you want to travel to the Netherlands with your child, you can apply for visa facilitation if you meet the conditions.
On the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) you can find out what conditions you must meet.
Under the tab “Required documents” of this website you will find the checklist with the required documents to be submitted with your application
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
Visa Facilitation for family members of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals
Applicant will have to provide evidence that he/she falls under this category. Applications for Schengen visas for this purpose are free of charge.
Service fees are applicable.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
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:
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Orange Carpet
-
Overview
Applications for business visa of employees of companies that are registered with the Netherlands Embassy in Singapore as being eligible for the Orange Carpet Facility Program can be submitted at the VFS Visa Application Center in Singapore.
For more information about registering a business for Orange Carpet eligibility, please click here.
A Business visa (be it applied through the Orange Carpet Facility Program or not) is required if during any portion of the visit you intend to conduct business or commercial activities. e.g. attend meetings, conferences, trainings, trade fairs, etc. Such 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.
Please note that if you are submitting a business visa application under the Orange Carpet facility program (either because you are an employee of a company that are registered at the Netherlands embassy in Singapore as being eligible for Orange Carpet facilitation or an accompanying family member).
Appointments
Orange Carpet Clients can submit their applications without making an appointment at the operational days of the visa application centers between 11.00 am and 12.30 pm or by making an appointment using the online appointment system.
When visiting the visa application center, please indicate that you are an Orange Carpet applicant. The visa application center will then, on the basis of your application, check that your employer is registered as being eligible for Orange Carpet facilitation.
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.
Application for a Minor
Please note that if you are applying for a Schengen visa for a minor, there are specific requirements regarding the documents that need to be submitted. For more information, please see the tab ‘Documents required’.
-
Visa Fees
Please note that VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
Please see the checklist for a Orange Carpet visa with the complete list of requirements.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is strongly recommended to complete the form using the online portal instead of the paper format.
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
VISA AFTER APPEAL
-
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 08.00 to 14.00 hrs on working 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
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
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 SGD by Nets or cash only.
- Applicant shall be levied a VFS service charge of 26 Euro per application over and above visa fees. Total service fee EUR 26.
- For the VFS Global additional services for visa applicants please click here
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here
- a valid travel document
- the no objection letter (and a copy) stating that your objection has been successful
- any documents mentioned in the letter (if applicable). For example, a hotel or flight reservation, or proof of insurance.
- 1 passport photo (see photo specifications)
-
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.
NOT APPLICABLE
-
Processing Time
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
Please click here to download - Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Partner in Long Distance Relationship
-
Overview
Until further notice, your partner from a country to which an entry ban applies may travel to the Netherlands under certain conditions. Your partner may stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Children under the age of 18 can also travel with your partner.
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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in SGD 29.00 (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
- You must both sign the Declaration of
relationship for COVID-19 entry ban
exemption form. On it you must
indicate when your relationship started.
You must also
enclose proof of your relationship and
time spent together. You decide what
proof you send. For example:
- airline tickets
- previously used visas
- copies of passport stamps
- payment details showing that you spent time together somewhere (such as hotel reservations)
- statements by third parties that you are in a relationship (such as a statement from parents or friends)
- photos.
- You must meet the conditions required for a short-stay visa if you are subject to a visa requirement for the Netherlands.
- You must both sign the Declaration of
relationship for COVID-19 entry ban
exemption form. On it you must
indicate when your relationship started.
You must also
enclose proof of your relationship and
time spent together. You decide what
proof you send. For example:
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- Complete the online Schengen visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. 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.
Short-stay Caribbean visa (90 days or less)
-
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 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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
Step 1: Complete the application form
Complete the online application form, print it out and take it to your appointment.
Step 2: Get all the required documents
Get all the documents required for your application. The online form explains which documents you need to provide and which requirements they must meet.
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.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean Visa.
- Complete the online Caribbean visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean visa
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
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)
- Long-stay Caribbean visa
- Caribbean Carpet programme (for frequent visitors to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom)
Long-stay Caribbean Visa
-
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 long-stay 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 VFS Global offers an additional optional service for visa applicants in Singapore. VFS charges an extra service fee for this service, to be paid by the applicant.
- For the official visa fees charged by the Dutch government, click here.
- VFS service charge:
- All charges (visa fee, VFS Global service charges and other charges) are to be paid in cash & Nets Singapore Dollars only.
- All fees are non-refundable.
Apart from the visa fee, a VFS service charge in Singapore Dollars is applicable (for submission with biometrics) for applicants applying at the visa application centre.
-
Documents Required
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 application form, print it out and take it to your appointment.
Step 2: Get all the required documents (download checklist here)
Get all the documents required for your application. Below you can find out which documents you need to provide and which requirements they must meet.
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.
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.
-
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
The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you intend to travel. In most cases, the processing time is 15 calendar days. After applying for your visa, you will not be able to take home your passport while your visa application is being processed.
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 15 calendar days:
In some cases the processing time for your visa application may exceed 15 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 15 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.
-
Download Forms
When filling this form, please ready your passport and travel itinerary.
- It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean Visa.
- Complete the online Caribbean visa application form, print it out and take it to your appointment. It is mandatory to use this form to apply for a Caribbean visa
- The portal will guide through the application questions and will make sure you do not forget to enter any necessary values.
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.
Applying for the Caribbean Carpet Programme
You can find out whether you’re eligible for the Caribbean Carpet Programme on the website of the Dutch embassy or consulate. The website also gives details of how to apply for the Caribbean Carpet Programme. If your application for the Caribbean Carpet Programme is successful, you can also apply for your visas via the Visa Application Centre.
Applying for a visa through the Caribbean Carpet Programme
If your application for the Caribbean Carpet Programme is 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)
This visa type to be submitted at the Dutch Embassy, Singapore
In case you intend to stay in the Netherlands for a continuous period of longer than 90 days you will need a temporary residence permit (MVV), informally known as a ‘long-stay visa’. You can apply with the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for a residence permit. It is important that you apply at least 3 (three) months before your intended stay in the Netherlands.
Your sponsor can also start the procedure for your MVV application in the Netherlands. If you choose to start your application in the Netherlands you are advised to wait for the decision. Your sponsor will be informed by the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) about the decision on your application.
When you have received a positive decision on your application, you can make an appointment at the embassy to collect the long-stay visa. 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, Click here.
More information on applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) for Singapore residents.