Indian citizens need a Schengen visa before travelling to Netherlands.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportMust be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, have at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Schengen Visa Application FormDuly filled, dated, and signed. For minors, both parents must sign.
• Passport-sized PhotographsTwo recent (not older than 6 months) passport-sized photos meeting Schengen requirements (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background).
• Cover LetterA personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit, itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight reservations or confirmed tickets.
• Proof of AccommodationConfirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in the Netherlands with proof of their address.
• Proof of Financial MeansBank statements for the last 3-6 months, salary slips, Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years, or a sponsorship letter if applicable, demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Travel Medical InsuranceValid throughout the entire Schengen area, covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
• Proof of Civil StatusMarriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, if applicable.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)If employed, a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and approved leave. If a student, a letter from your educational institution.

1. 1
   Determine your visa type and gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by the Dutch consulate or VFS Global.
2. 2
   Fill out the online Schengen visa application form accurately.

   Schengen Visa Application Form
3. 3
   Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Appointments are mandatory.

   Book VFS Global Appointment
4. 4
   Attend your appointment at the VFS Global center, submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph), and pay the visa fee. Keep your receipt.

   VFS Global Netherlands India
5. 5
   Track your application status online using the reference number provided.

   Track Application Status
6. 6
   Collect your passport from the VFS Global center once your application has been processed, or arrange for courier delivery if available.

• Insufficient Proof of Funds

  How to avoid: Ensure your bank statements, salary slips, and ITR clearly demonstrate you have sufficient financial means to cover your entire stay in the Netherlands and the Schengen area, as well as your return journey.

• Unclear Purpose of Travel

  How to avoid: Provide a detailed and consistent itinerary, including confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. Your cover letter should clearly explain the purpose of your visit and your planned activities.

• Invalid or Insufficient Travel Insurance

  How to avoid: Obtain travel medical insurance that meets all Schengen requirements: minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid throughout the entire Schengen area, and covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.

• Lack of Strong Ties to Home Country

  How to avoid: Submit documents that prove your intention to return to India, such as employment letters, property ownership, family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents), or enrollment in an educational institution.

• Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

  How to avoid: Carefully review the official checklist and ensure all required documents are submitted, are up-to-date, and that information across all documents is consistent (e.g., names, dates).

• Passport Not Meeting Requirements

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, has at least two blank pages, and was issued within the last 10 years.

• Always carry copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep original documents in a safe place.
• The Netherlands has an excellent public transport system; consider purchasing an 'OV-chipkaart' for easy travel.
• Be aware of bicycle traffic; cyclists have right of way in many areas. Look both ways before crossing bike paths.
• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10% is common in restaurants).

• Can I extend my Schengen tourist visa in the Netherlands?

  Schengen tourist visas are generally not extendable, except in very exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons, serious personal reasons). It is advisable to plan your trip within the allowed duration.

• Can I work in the Netherlands on a Schengen tourist visa?

  No, a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) for tourism does not permit you to work or engage in any paid employment in the Netherlands or any other Schengen country.

• Do I need a visa if I only transit through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

  Indian citizens generally require an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) if they are transiting through a Dutch airport and their final destination is outside the Schengen area, unless they hold a valid visa for a Schengen country, an EU/EEA residence permit, or certain other specific documents. It is crucial to verify this requirement based on your specific itinerary.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

  Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area, cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.

• How long does it take to process a Schengen visa application for the Netherlands?

  The processing time for a Schengen visa application is typically 15 calendar days from the date of submission. However, in some cases, it can be extended up to 30 or even 60 days, especially if further documentation or an interview is required. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for Netherlands?

  No, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area. You should renew your passport before applying for a Schengen visa to the Netherlands. Ensure your new passport has at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.

• I was refused a Schengen visa for France last year, can I still apply for Netherlands?

  Yes, you can still apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands even if you had a previous refusal from another Schengen country. You must declare the previous refusal in your application and provide a copy of the refusal letter. It is important to address the reasons for the previous refusal in your new application.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a Netherlands tourist visa?

  The Netherlands embassy or consulate requires proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay and return journey. While there isn't a fixed minimum amount, you should demonstrate funds to cover daily expenses at the daily rate published by the Dutch authorities, plus accommodation and travel. Provide recent bank statements and other financial documents as proof. Confirm the current figure on the official source linked on this page.

• My trip to Netherlands is in 3 weeks, is that enough time to apply for a visa?

  Applying for a Schengen visa with only three weeks until your trip is considered short notice and might be risky. The recommended application period is usually at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but processing times can vary. It is strongly advised to apply well in advance, ideally up to six months before your trip.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need to show for my visa application?

  As a self-employed applicant, you need to provide specific documents to prove your financial stability and ties to India. This typically includes your company's registration certificate, bank statements for your business and personal accounts, and income tax returns. You may also need to provide a letter from your chartered accountant.

• How much does a Netherlands visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Amsterdam, or does this cover all of Netherlands?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Netherlands visa is valid for the whole country — including Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens, Utrecht and The Hague. Apply once for Netherlands and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.