Several types of visas are required in the Netherlands, according to the length of the stay and the purpose of the visit. EU and EEA nationals traveling for short periods of time in the Netherlands can enter the country without a tourist visa and they can also perform other activities in the country without requiring this document. These visitors can stay in the country for up to 90 days in any given 180-day period, without a visa. Other nationals will need to apply for a Visa, which, depending on their purpose of stay will allow them a temporary or a long time visit in the Netherlands. There are various types of visas such as Dutch Tourist Visa, Business Visa or Medical Visa, which try to accommodate the various needs of the persons who travel or immigrate to the Netherlands.
Individuals from countries like Algeria, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, and other countries need to apply for a visa before entering the Netherlands. This is applicable for individuals who want to immigrate to the Netherlands but also to those who are only interested in traveling or studying for a certain amount of time in the country. Our team of immigration lawyers in Neherlands can offer you specialized assistance.
Obtaining a residence permit in Netherlands is essential for those foreign nationals who wish to remain in the country for medium to long-term purposes. Such lengths of stay include those for study purposes, and those for employment (long-term employment, with an open-ended employment agreement, as well as employment for a pre-defined period). Our team can give you more details upon request.
Dutch visas for short stays
Short-stay visas are applicable for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to stay in the Netherlands for up to three months. This is commonly used for travel purposes or for family members who are only visiting and are not necessarily interested in family reunification. Some nationals are allowed to visit Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba without a visa. One of our Netherlands immigration specialists can give you more details on visiting these locations.
The Type A short-stay visa is used by nationals who are passing through an international airport zone in one of the Dutch airports. The following nationals are required to obtain an airport transit visa when passing through the Netherlands (for the purpose of changing their flight) in their travel to their destination: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Nepal, Sudan, Syria, South Sudan, Sierra Leone.
The Type C short-stay visa is required for all individuals (depending on nationality) who are exiting the airport and staying in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month timeframe. This is also referred to as the tourist visa or the Schengen visa. This is also used by those individuals who are planning on crossing more than one Schengen country.
Dutch visas for long stays – presented by our immigration lawyer in Netherlands
All individuals who want to stay in the Netherlands for more than the three-month period (and are not EU/EEA nationals) must apply for a long-stay entry visa. A residence permit is also required although in some cases the individual can apply directly for this type of permit.
Immigration to the Netherlands is permitted under a number of conditions, including one particular condition that requires the individual to live in the country for an uninterrupted period of five years. After this point, individuals can apply for permanent residency in the country.
Dutch visas and permits are issued after a special application and the submission of the required documents.
A few general requirements are asked of all the individuals who enter the Netherlands: have a valid passport (for at least six months following the entry date in the country); have travel insurance; prove the travel purposes and be able to support yourself financially during the duration of the stay. Individuals who pose a threat to others or are included on a list of people banned from entering Schengen countries cannot meet the general requirements to enter the country.
Dutch Visas for Under-Age Children
Many couples who immigrate to the Netherlands and work there for a few years want to bring their children with them. If your child is under 18 he can apply for a visa and a residence permit. The parents need to make proof of their financial resources and of the fact that their income is a regular one. The work contract, as well as bank statements of one of the parents, are welcomed in an application for a Dutch visa for under-age children. If parents have separated, the Dutch state requires a confirmation letter from the parent who lives in another country, so that the state can legally offer a Dutch visa to the children who are going to travel to the Netherlands. A parent needs as well to have the custody of the child in order to be able to bring him/her in the Netherlands and live together.
Dutch Visas for Business Purposes:
A business trip visa can be issued to individuals who intend to travel for less than three months in the Netherlands for business purposes. This visa does not allow the person to get employed in this country unless you apply for a work permit as well. The requirements for the application consist of an invitation letter from a Dutch company specifying a detailed address along with the purpose and objectives of your visit. If you represent a foreign company you need to provide as well a document that can make proof of the previous trade relationship that you have with the Dutch company inviting you in the Netherlands. The bank statements from the last six months are also required by the authorities.
Another type of visa for American investors is the DAFT visa. Basically, US businessmen can move to the Netherlands under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty and our team of immigration lawyers can give you more details about the provisions of this treaty.
Reach out to our specialists if you wish to know more about how to apply for citizenship by investment in Netherlands.
Dutch Visas for Medical Purposes:
If a person seeks medical services in the Netherlands he/she will need to apply for a visa for medical purposes. The requirements include a local medical report justifying the travel to the Netherlands for treatment. Before traveling to the Netherlands you will have to make an appointment with a Dutch physician, and the hospital in the Netherlands must provide a confirmation of your medical situation and the date of the planned consultation. You will have to file as well a document confirming the payment of the medical fees.
Our experts invite you to watch a short video on the types of Dutch visas:
Foreign nationals who are related to Dutch citizens can apply for Netherlands citizenship by descent. We can give you more details as needed.
If you need personalized information about traveling to and staying in the Netherlands you can get in touch with our immigration lawyers in Netherlands who offer professional and affordable immigration services in the country. In case you are an American citizen, you can apply for a DAFT visa with the help of our Dutch lawyers. In case you are interested in emigrating to other countries, such as Spain or Portugal, we can put you in contact with our partners.