The question of whether a Schengen visa for a short stay in the Netherlands is a difficult or difficult procedure, we unfortunately have to answer with 'yes'. Especially if you are doing this for the first time.
The applying for a Schengen visa traveling for the first time can therefore be a challenging job, as it requires careful preparation and a good understanding of the visa procedures. Good preparation is especially important. Start on time and make sure you do everything mandatory documents collected.
The visa process involves a lot of paperwork and documentation. You will need to fill in various forms and collect supporting documents such as proof of accommodation or accommodation, medical travel insurance, riding a proof of sufficient financial resources or a guarantee. You must therefore organize it well and it is best to use a checklist for all mandatory documents, so that you do not forget anything.
In this article we help you on your way, by naming all the steps again. In addition, you can find all the information you need on this website and possibly also a Schengen insurance apply for a Schengen visa.
Apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands: Visit to family/friends or partner
An application for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands must be submitted in person, this also applies to babies and children. The following documents must be submitted.
Points of attention:
- Each document must be provided in the original and one copy.
- The documents must be presented in (or translated into) Dutch, English, French or Spanish.
- Submitted documents will not be returned, only the travel document will be returned.
- Be aware that you will not be in possession of your passport during the visa application process.
- An application without the full set of documents may result in your visa application being rejected.
- If your visa application is rejected, the visa fee will not be refunded.
What do you need as a minimum for a Schengen visa application:
- Request: A completed and signed Schengen Visa application form is necessary.
- Travel documents: You need a passport or other travel document, as well as a copy of all pages of the passport. Your passport or travel document must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you leave the Schengen area, have at least 2 blank visa pages, and be issued no more than 10 years ago.
- Proof of legal residence: You must provide proof of legal residence in the country from which you are applying, e.g. a passport, visa, residence permit and a copy of the work permit (if applicable). The residence permit must be valid for at least 3 months after the (planned) departure from Schengen.
- Photos: A passport photo that meets the Dutch passport requirements is required. This photo must not have been taken more than 6 months ago and must bear a clear resemblance.
- Proof of appeal: If you are employed, you will need a company registration and a declaration of employment, which will indicate the number of vacation days granted, the position in the company and the monthly salary. If you are self-employed, proof of business ownership (company registration) is required.
- Proof of travel: If an inviting party finances your stay in the Member States, you must provide proof of sponsorship. This is possible with proof of guarantee and/or accommodation.
- Proof of travel medical insurance: The insurance policy must be taken out in the name of the visa applicant. The policyholder may be someone else. The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area and for the duration of your stay. At least € 30.000 in medical costs must be reimbursed, including hospital care, emergency treatment and repatriation (including in the event of death).
- Payment: The payment of the visa fee is necessary.
What else do you need to think about
Below are a number of points for attention:
- Documentation: You must collect all necessary documents such as your passport, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, Travel Insurance and more. This can be time consuming and requires good organization. Use the checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
- Information: It is important to have the correct information about the application process and requirements. This may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip.
- Appointment and interview: You have to make an appointment with an external service provider such as VFS Global, to submit your application. In some cases you will have to do an interview.
- Waiting time: It can take several days to weeks to get a decision on your visa application, depending on various factors such as the season, the specific embassy or consulate, and your personal situation.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that preparation and organization are necessary when applying for a visa. Taking the time to understand the requirements, getting your documentation in order, and filling out your application carefully can make the process go much more smoothly.
Finally, if you are unsure about certain aspects of the visa application process, or if you have specific questions about your situation, it may be helpful to seek help from a professional visa service or immigration attorney.
Steps you must take to apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands
Below again the steps you have to take in the visa application process:
- Determine the visa type: The type of visa you need depends on the reason for your visit to the Netherlands. A short stay Schengen visa is for trips of up to 90 days.
- Check if you need a visa: Not everyone needs a visa to travel to the Netherlands. It depends on your nationality, the length of your stay and the reason for your visit.
- Collect the necessary documents: This may include the following documents;
- A fully completed and signed visa application form.
- A valid passport (with a minimum of two blank visa pages and which is valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen zone).
- Two recent passport photos according to the passport photo requirements.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
- A travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation in case you become ill during your visit to the Schengen zone.
- Proof of accommodation (such as hotel reservation, holiday home rental, guarantee form and/or proof of accommodation).
- Flight ticket reservation with date (do not book your ticket yet)
- Make an appointment with the external service provider such as VFS Global or the consulate or embassy: The application is usually submitted in person.
- Pay the visa fee: There are costs associated with applying for a Schengen visa. These fees must be paid when submitting the application. Be sure to check how much the current costs because they can change.
- Go to your appointment: During your appointment, you must submit your complete application form, all required documents and proof of payment of the visa fee. You may also be asked to do an interview.
- Wait for the decision: After submitting the application, it will be assessed by the Consular Service Organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague. This can take several days to several weeks, depending on the specific circumstances.
The processing of a Schengen visa application
When you have submitted a visa application for the Netherlands, it will be assessed. This is done in 5 steps, which are described below:
- The first step in the assessment process consists of the submission of a completed application form with accompanying documents and an intake interview by the visa applicant. This can be done at an embassy, consulate or at an external service provider such as Vfs global. It will be checked whether you have submitted all mandatory documents and supporting documents. The VFS Global representative will ask you some questions about the purpose of your trip, etc.
- The second step is the processing the request and the creation of a file by the external service provider or embassy. Employees of the embassy or the external service provider are responsible for taking in the application forms and accompanying documents and for issuing the visas (if any). The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs often works with external service providers (EDVs), such as VFS Global. The external service provider then does the intake instead of the employees of the embassy or consulate. The offices of external service providers are located in visa-requiring countries and facilitate the submission of a visa application. For example, the applicant does not have to travel as far to submit his application.
- The third step is the assessment of the application. The decision-making staff of the Consular Service Organization (CSO) in The Hague receive the files from the external service provider and make an assessment based on the file. The CSO will use Information Supported Decision Making.
- A fourth step is one possibly submit a file to the IND. In a number of cases, the IND is also involved in assessing a visa application. The option to submit the application is used, among other things, if issues related to a visa application are not properly assessed by the CDO itself. It may also happen, for example, that the applicant is registered in the Schengen alert system. In that case, the IND will check whether the reason for the alert stands in the way of a visa being issued.
- Step five is the issuance of the visa in the form of a visa sticker in the passport or a rejection of the visa application with a standard letter, with the reasons for the rejection indicated.
If you want more information, you can read more here: https://schengenvisum.info/schengenvisa-aanvragen/
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