Getting a Visa in the Netherlands

Is it necessary to obtain a visa for the Netherlands?

For citizens of the European Union it isn’t necessary to obtain a visa to live the Netherlands. However, if you would like to work in the country it is necessary to register yourself with the local authorities in the relevant town hall. Once you are registered you will receive a BSN number which means that you will be able to receive your salary, pay taxes and receive healthcare. When you go to receive your BSN you will need to bring a copy of your rental contract (or equivalent), passport and a birth certificate.

Types of visas for the Netherlands

• Transit Visa: This visa allows you to enter the country to make a stopover or cross the Netherlands.
• Stay visa (short term): Allows the holder to stay in Holland for an uninterrupted period of time not exceeding three months. It also allows several consecutive stays whose sum can not be more than three months for each semester.
• Residence Visa: This visa allows you to live in the Netherlands, provided you do not perform any work.
• Work and Residence Visa: It allows you to reside in the country whilst working there.
• Study Visa: Allows you to live in the Netherlands for both studies and research.
• Courtesy visa: Issued to diplomatic agents, consular officers or to international organizations.

When is a visa required in the Netherlands?

A visa is required if you are not an EU / EEA national. The visa must be applied for before leaving your country of residence at the Netherlands Embassy. For longer stays (longer than 3 months) an MVV document is also required. With an MVV document one can reside temporarily in Holland.

For further information , please visit the website of the Dutch embassy.

General required documents for the Netherlands Visa Application:

The website Schengen Visa Info has a load of information about how to get a Dutch visa including the following:

• Firstly, download the application form, fill it in completely. You can also fill the Netherlands Schengen Visa application form electronically and then print a hard-copy.
• Attach 2 passport photos – a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• Your passport and copies of your previous visas – valid for at least 3 months beyond return date – are required. Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
• A copy of your return-ticket reservation. It is not recommended to purchase the ticket before obtaining the visa – if not otherwise required
• Travel Visa Insurance confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within the Netherlands and the entire Schengen area
• A cover letter stating the purpose of a visit to the Netherlands and itinerary
• Flight itinerary reservation with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Netherlands
• Proof of accommodation for the whole duration of the intended stay in the Netherlands
• Civil status proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in the Netherlands.

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As a visa issuance can take long a while, you should apply for a visa before departure. To find out more about Holland and a life there, you can visit our pages ” Moving to the Netherlands “. Further information about cities in Holland can be found on our pages ” Moving to Amsterdam ” and ” Moving to Rotterdam “.