1. Determine Visa Type
- Short-Stay (Schengen Visa): For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or visiting family/friends.
- Long-Stay (National Visa): For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, family reunification).
2. Prepare Documents
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure.
- Completed application form: Available on the embassy/consulate website.
- Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Travel insurance: Covers medical emergencies with a minimum of €30,000 for the Schengen area.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with family/friends.
- Financial proof: Bank statements or pay slips showing enough funds for your stay.
- Flight itinerary: Show your entry and exit dates.
- Visa fee: Typically €80 for adults (subject to change).
3. Schedule Appointment
- Book an appointment at the nearest Dutch Embassy or Consulate or via an external service provider (e.g., VFS Global) in your country.
4. Submit Application
- Attend your scheduled appointment with all documents. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be taken for visa processing.
5. Wait for Processing
- Visa processing usually takes around 15 calendar days, but may take longer if extra documents or an interview is needed.
6. Collect Visa
- Once your visa is approved, you’ll be notified to collect your passport with the visa.
Additional Tips:
- Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip, but no more than 6 months in advance.
- Ensure your travel insurance covers all potential medical situations during your stay in the Schengen area.
- If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply for the visa at the embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time.