Can you extend a short-stay Schengen visa in the Netherlands?
Extending a short-stay Schengen visa, if you are already staying in the Netherlands, is not easy. An exception is only made in very special cases, such as serious illness in which the foreign national subject to the visa requirement cannot travel.
The Dutch authorities, and in this case the IND, are very reluctant when it comes to extending a short-stay Schengen visa. There must be clear new facts and/or circumstances that were not already known when the visa was applied for. The reasons for extending a visa are subject to the following rules:
- there is force majeure, humanitarian reasons or compelling personal reasons;
- this was unforeseen, they only occurred after the visa was issued;
- the application for an extension is well motivated and supported by documents (e.g. flight details, statement from a medical specialist/general practitioner or a death notice);
- the reason for the extension has to do with the stay in the Netherlands.
Force majeure occurs, for example, if the flight plan of the visa holder's aircraft has to be changed unforeseen, for example as a result of weather conditions or as a result of a strike.
There are humanitarian grounds, for example, if the visa holder suddenly falls ill and is unable to travel, or if a close family member residing in the Netherlands suddenly falls ill or dies unexpectedly.
Conditions for extending a short-stay visa
To extend a Schengen visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- Your total stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days. For longer stays than 90 days, the visa is limited to the Netherlands only.
- You must explain why you are extending your stay. Are you unable to return to your home country before your visa expires? Then you must prove this with documents.
- You have enough money to spend during your stay in the Netherlands. This is at least € 55 per day. Or someone has to guarantee you.
- You have a valid medical travel insurance.
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months and is not older than 10 years.
- There are no indications that you have other reasons to extend your short-stay Schengen visa; for example illegal settlement in the Netherlands.
- For the renewal of your Schengen visa do you have to pay fees.
Make an appointment with the IND
To extend your Schengen visa, please contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
