A visa-exempt foreign guest may stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days and must then leave our country for a minimum of 90 days before he or she is allowed to re-enter. This rule applies to the entire Schengen area.
We call the 90 days that a foreign guest may stay in the Netherlands the 'free period'. There may be compelling reasons to extend this free period, for example because the foreign national has become seriously ill. Remember that you must always request permission from the IND to exceed the free period. If you fail to do so, the foreign guest will stay in the Netherlands illegally and that can have far-reaching consequences, such as a (temporary) entry ban.
How long can you stay in the Netherlands without a visa?
A foreign visitor/tourist may stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days. You can also enter and leave the Schengen area during this period. The 90 days (free term) can be spread over 180 days, but they can also be used in one consecutive time. If you stay in the Netherlands/Schengen area for 90 days in a row, you must therefore wait 90 days before you return to the Netherlands or to other countries in the Schengen area can travel.
There may be compelling reasons why you cannot leave the Netherlands. In that case you can ask the IND for an extension of the free period, but there are strict conditions attached to this.
Conditions extend free term
The following conditions apply to extending the free period:
- A very special and unexpected situation has arisen. It is impossible for you to leave the Netherlands due to serious illness, force majeure or very important personal reasons. You should always explain why you want to stay longer.
- The free period is extended by a maximum of 90 days. You may not be in the Schengen area for more than 180 days.
- You must request an extension within the 90-day free period, so don't wait until this period has expired.
- You have enough money to pay for your stay in the Netherlands. This is at least € 55 per day. Don't have enough money yourself? Someone can also guarantee you. That person is then responsible for paying your costs.
- You have medical travel insurance. This must also cover the extra period you stay in the Schengen area. Do you receive medical treatment here? Then you show that the insurance pays the costs of the treatment. Or that you pay the costs in a different way.
- Your passport is still valid for at least 3 months on the new planned date of departure.
- There are no indications that you have other reasons to extend your free period. For example, indications that you want to live in the Netherlands illegally.
- You do not work in a way that is not allowed under the Foreign Nationals Employment Act.
- You are not a threat to public order or national security.
Documents you need to extend the free term
You show with documents that you meet the conditions for renewal. You need these documents to apply for an extension of the free term:
- A valid passport.
- Documents with which you show which special and unexpected situation there is. For example, flight details, a statement from a medical specialist or general practitioner, death notice, invitation from a company.
- Documents with which you show that you have sufficient money for your stay in the Netherlands and for your return journey.
- A medical travel insurance for the extra period you stay here.
How to request the extension of the free term
You can apply for an extension of your free period at the IND desk. Call the IND to make an appointment.
Free term extension costs
Extension of the free term is free.
Decision on your application
On the day of the appointment, bring the requested documents with you. The IND will immediately assess your request at the appointment. The decision is positive or negative.
- The decision is positive: You meet the conditions for the extension of the free period. You will receive a sticker in your passport as proof of the extension.
- The decision is negative: You do not meet the conditions for the extension of the free period. The IND employee will tell you why the free period has not been extended. You still have to leave the Netherlands before the free period has expired.
Change in conditions for visa-free travel in 2023
Travelers who are allowed to travel to the Schengen area without a visa will have to request prior permission to visit these Schengen countries from mid-2023. You request the travel authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The application can only be made online. It is not yet known when exactly the change will take effect.
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