Netherlands
Western Europe · Schengen area
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Fees & exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11Reduced€45
- Child under 6FreeFree
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree
Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Free - VFS service feeService fee+€32
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 6 free, 6–11 reduced. VFS Global service fee is added on top of the consular fee.
Where to apply
VFS Global centers in most countries; Dutch embassy for exceptions.
Appointment system
Book online via VFS. Generally responsive with 1–3 week waits for appointments.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Schengen visa application form
- 2 biometric photos
- Travel medical insurance €30,000+
- Flight reservation
- Hotel bookings
- Proof of sufficient funds (€55/day)
- Employment letter
- Sponsor form + host's documents (if invited)
Editor tips
Netherlands is efficient — one of the faster processing countries. Complete all forms in English.
Country-specific quirks
If invited by a Dutch resident, the sponsor must complete a "Bewijs van garantstelling" form, notarized at their municipality.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Netherlands are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Netherlands mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Netherlands visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Netherlands mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – London
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Service fee applies on top of the consular fee. Business hours Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30; passport collection 16:00–17:30.
Official page - BirminghamVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page - ManchesterVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page - EdinburghVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
VFS Global centers in most countries; Dutch embassy for exceptions.
Appointment system
Book online via VFS. Generally responsive with 1–3 week waits for appointments.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Netherlands are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Netherlands visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – London
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Service fee applies on top of the consular fee. Business hours Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30; passport collection 16:00–17:30.
Official page - BirminghamVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page - ManchesterVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page - EdinburghVFS GlobalNetherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Address published on the provider's site — check the link below.
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Official page
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Netherlands
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Amsterdam and attach the confirmations to your application.
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