How long does a Netherlands long-stay visa take to process?

A decision on a Netherlands long-stay visa typically takes around 90 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Netherlands long-stay visa?

The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed; IND application reference and sponsor details; Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, enrolment, or relationship and income documents; Legalised and translated birth/marriage certificates; Civic integration exam abroad result where required for family migration; TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities; Proof of UK immigration status; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Netherlands long-stay 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 long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Netherlands long-stay (national d) visa — used for stays longer than 90 days, followed by a national residence permit. 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

€210

Typical decision

90 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Netherlands long-stay visa

Most long stays use the TEV procedure: a Dutch sponsor or the applicant files with the IND in the Netherlands, then the MVV entry visa is collected at the Dutch Embassy in London or VFS.

Required documents

Valid passport
Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed
IND application reference and sponsor details
Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, enrolment, or relationship and income documents
Legalised and translated birth/marriage certificates
Civic integration exam abroad result where required for family migration
TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities
Proof of UK immigration status
Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements

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

Family reunification / partner€210
Highly skilled migrant (recognised sponsor)€405— Usually paid by the employer.
Study (via educational institution)€243
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — no MVV required; free residence document.
VFS service fee€30

The IND fee covers both the MVV and the residence permit. It is charged even if the application is refused. 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

After IND approval you book an MVV collection appointment with the embassy or VFS for biometrics and the sticker. No interview is normally required.

Practical tips

Legalisation (Apostille) and sworn Dutch/English translation of civil documents is the most common delay — start it before the IND application.

What is unusual about the Netherlands process

The IND has a legal decision period of up to 90 days, but recognised-sponsor cases are often decided in about 2 weeks. Collect the residence card from an IND desk after arrival.

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 long-stay visa cost?: For a Netherlands long-stay visa, the consular fee is €210. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Family reunification / partner — €210; Highly skilled migrant (recognised sponsor) — €405; Study (via educational institution) — €243; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30. The IND fee covers both the MVV and the residence permit. It is charged even if the application is refused. 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 long-stay visa take to process?: A decision on a Netherlands long-stay visa typically takes around 90 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 long-stay visa?: Most long stays use the TEV procedure: a Dutch sponsor or the applicant files with the IND in the Netherlands, then the MVV entry visa is collected at the Dutch Embassy in London or VFS. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Netherlands long-stay visa?: The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed; IND application reference and sponsor details; Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, enrolment, or relationship and income documents; Legalised and translated birth/marriage certificates; Civic integration exam abroad result where required for family migration; TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities; Proof of UK immigration status; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements. 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 long-stay visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. After IND approval you book an MVV collection appointment with the embassy or VFS for biometrics and the sticker. No interview is normally required.
Can I apply for a Netherlands long-stay 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 long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time