How long does a Netherlands family visit visa take to process?

A decision on a Netherlands family visit visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Netherlands family visit visa?

VFS Global centres on behalf of the Netherlands embassy/consulate. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Netherlands family visit visa?

The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed Schengen application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Completed sponsorship/private accommodation form (bewijs van garantstelling en/of particuliere logiesverstrekking) signed by the host at their municipality; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's ID/residence permit copy; Return flight reservation; Bank statements (3 months); Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Netherlands family visit visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Netherlands family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Netherlands family visit visa — used for visiting relatives or a partner, including family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Netherlands consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

15 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Netherlands family visit visa

VFS Global centres on behalf of the Netherlands embassy/consulate.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed Schengen application form
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Completed sponsorship/private accommodation form (bewijs van garantstelling en/of particuliere logiesverstrekking) signed by the host at their municipality
Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate)
Host's ID/residence permit copy
Return flight reservation
Bank statements (3 months)
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS Global service fee€30

The Netherlands offers no paid fast-track. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay no consular fee when the relationship is evidenced. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026.

Booking an appointment

Book online with VFS after completing the application. Dutch family-visit appointments are generally available within 2–3 weeks; apply up to 6 months ahead.

Practical tips

The garantstelling form must be signed by your host and legalised at their Dutch municipality (gemeente) — allow a couple of weeks and send the original to you by post.

What is unusual about the Netherlands process

A guarantor accepts financial liability for up to 5 years, including any repatriation costs — make sure your host understands this before signing.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Netherlands 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.
Birmingham — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Manchester — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Edinburgh — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Netherlands consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Netherlands family visit visa cost?: For a Netherlands family visit visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS Global service fee — €30. The Netherlands offers no paid fast-track. Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens pay no consular fee when the relationship is evidenced. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Netherlands family visit visa take to process?: A decision on a Netherlands family visit visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands family visit visa?: VFS Global centres on behalf of the Netherlands embassy/consulate. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Netherlands family visit visa?: The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed Schengen application form; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Completed sponsorship/private accommodation form (bewijs van garantstelling en/of particuliere logiesverstrekking) signed by the host at their municipality; Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate); Host's ID/residence permit copy; Return flight reservation; Bank statements (3 months); Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Netherlands family visit visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Book online with VFS after completing the application. Dutch family-visit appointments are generally available within 2–3 weeks; apply up to 6 months ahead.
Can I apply for a Netherlands family visit visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇳🇱 Netherlands family visit visa: requirements, fee and processing time