group-2

Apply visa

Complete Guide to Netherlands Visa Processing Time for Tourist, Business, and Student Visas

Last Update: 17-10-2024

A woman sitting in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate, wearing a red sleeveless top and resting her chin on her hand.

Tejeswini murali

Windmill surrounded by colourful tulips

Introduction

Navigating the Netherlands visa process can seem overwhelming, especially with various categories tailored to different travel purposes. Whether you're planning a leisure trip, attending a business conference, or pursuing your studies, understanding the specifics of each visa type is essential for a smooth application experience. This guide will explore the different Netherlands visa categories, the essential documents required for each, and how to effectively track your application status. With the right information at hand, you can ensure a hassle-free journey to the Netherlands and enjoy everything this vibrant country has to offer.

Table of Contents

  1. Netherlands Visa Processing Time for Indians
  2. Netherlands Tourist Visa Processing Time
  3. Netherlands Orange Carpet Visa Processing Time
  4. Netherlands Business Visa Processing Time
  5. Netherlands Visa to Visit Family and Friends Processing Time
  6. Netherlands Entry Visa Processing Time
  7. Netherlands Long Stay Visa (MVV) Processing Time
  8. Netherlands Student Visa Processing Time
  9. Netherlands Work Visa Processing Time
  10. Learn more about Netherlands Visas
  11. Conclusion
  12. FAQs

Netherlands Visa Processing Time for Indians

The processing time for most short-term visas for the Netherlands, such as the tourist visa, typically takes around 15 working days. However, it’s essential to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays. You can submit your application up to 6 months before your intended travel date to ensure timely approval. For long-term visas, like the Netherlands long stay visa (MVV), the processing time can take anywhere from 30 to 45 working days or more, depending on the type of visa. Applying early helps ensure you have everything ready in time for your travel plans.

Netherlands Tourist Visa Processing Time

The Netherland tourist visa can take around 15 working days to process.It is important for you to note that you should not apply no later than 15 working days before your planned travel. You can submit your application as early as 6 months prior to your intended travel date.


This visa is strictly for leisure travel, including activities such as vacationing, cruising, sightseeing, and other recreational pursuits. If you plan to engage in any business or official activities during your trip, you must apply for a different, more appropriate visa category.


The documents required for a Netherlands tourist visa:

  1. Completed visa application form.
  2. Valid passport with at least 2 empty pages and valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date.
  3. Proof of legal residence (for non-citizens applying from outside their home country).
  4. Passport-sized photos meeting Dutch requirements.
  5. Proof of travel – round-trip flight reservations.
  6. Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or residence confirmation.
  7. Proof of financial means – bank statements for the last 3 months.
  8. Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
  9. Payment receipt for the visa fee.

Netherlands Orange Carpet Visa Processing Time

The Netherlands Orange Carpet visa processing time is typically 15 working days. Applicants should apply no later than 15 working days before their trip to ensure timely processing. You can submit your application as early as 6 months before your intended travel date.


The Orange Carpet visa is a business visa for employees of companies registered under the Orange Carpet Facility Program at the Netherlands Embassy in India. It allows individuals to conduct business activities in the Netherlands, such as attending meetings, conferences, training, or trade fairs. This visa does not permit paid work by a Dutch entity. For paid employment, a work permit is required.


Apart from mandatory documents like your passport, photos, and the visa application form, it’s compulsory for you to carry the following for a Netherlands Orange Carpet visa:

  1. A covering letter from your company, signed by an authorised staff member registered with the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate, detailing your identity, purpose of the visit (meetings, conferences, or business), and the duration and location of your stay.
  2. Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
  3. A flight reservation or PNR (if a spouse or children are accompanying for personal reasons).

Netherlands Business Visa Processing Time

The Netherlands business visa processing time is typically 15 working days. You should apply at least 15 working days before your work trip, though applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance.


A Netherlands business visa is required for Indians engaging in business or commercial activities such as meetings, conferences, or training sessions. This visa allows you to stay in the Netherlands for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is strictly for business travellers not being paid by a Dutch entity. If you plan to do paid work in the Netherlands, a work permit will be required.


Apart from mandatory documents like passport and photo, the main docs you need to carry for a Netherlands business visa are:

  1. Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  2. Invitation from the hosting company or organisation
  3. Cover letter from the applicant's employer
  4. Evidence of legal residence
  5. Proof of financial means: bank statements for the last three months, employment contract or proof of self-employment
  6. Proof of health insurance: insurance valid throughout the Schengen area with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical expenses
  7. Proof of travel: round-trip flight reservation
  8. Payment of the visa fee

Netherlands Visa to Visit Family and Friends Processing Time

The Netherlands visiting family and friends visa may take around 15 working days to process. It can be applied for as early as 6 months before your intended travel date. However, it is important to apply no later than 15 working days before your trip to allow enough time for processing.


This visa is designed for individuals travelling to the Netherlands to visit family members or friends. It allows you to stay in the Netherlands for leisure and personal visits, not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period.


Apart from mandatory documents like passport and photo, the main docs you need to carry for a Netherlands visa to visit family and friends are:

  1. Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
  2. Invitation from the family member or friend in the Netherlands
  3. Evidence of legal residence
  4. Proof of financial means: bank statements for the last three months, employment contract or proof of self-employment
  5. Proof of health insurance: insurance valid throughout the Schengen area with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical expenses
  6. Proof of travel: round-trip flight reservation
  7. Payment of the visa fee

Netherlands Entry Visa Processing Time

A Netherlands entry visa can take up to 15 working days to process. It's important to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing before your return.


This visa is for foreign nationals with a valid long-term residence permit for the Kingdom of the Netherlands whose document was stolen, lost, or expired while abroad. If you need to return to the Netherlands, you must apply for this visa to re-enter the country.

Netherlands Long Stay Visa (MVV) Processing Time

A Netherlands long stay visa (MVV) can take up to 30 to 45 working days to process. Make sure to apply well in advance to ensure timely approval before your planned stay.


You should apply for a Netherlands long stay visa (MVV) if you plan to work, study, visit family or friends, or if you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. This visa is required for longer stays in the country.

Netherlands Student Visa Processing Time

A Netherlands student visa can take up to 2 to 3 months to process, depending on certain conditions. It is essential to apply as early as possible to avoid delays.


If you plan to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This visa is required for students enrolling in long-term courses or degree programs in the Netherlands.


Eligibility for a Netherlands Student Visa

To qualify for a student visa in the Netherlands, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. General Requirements: Fulfil the standard eligibility requirements that apply to all applicants.
  2. Proof of Registration: Provide proof of registration or temporary proof as a student at a recognized university or institute of higher professional education.
  3. Accredited Study Programme: Your study programme must be accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) or recognized by the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR).
  4. Recognised Institution: Enrol in an educational institution that is a recognised sponsor with the IND.
  5. Full-Time Study Programme: You must enrol in a full-time study programme.
  6. Income Requirements: Meet the income requirements set by the authorities.
  7. Academic Progress: Make sufficient progress in your studies each year, obtaining at least 50% of the credits required for each study year. Your institution will assess your progress.
  8. Consequences of Insufficient Progress: If you do not meet the progress requirements, your educational institution may deregister you from the IND.

Netherlands Work Visa Processing Time

A Netherlands work visa can take anywhere between 1 to 3 months to process, depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. It is advisable to apply early to avoid delays.


If you plan to work in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a work residence permit. This is required for long-term employment in the country.


These are the different types of work permits:

  • Recognition as sponsor
  • Employing a foreign national
  • Highly skilled migrant
  • Intra-corporate transferee residence permit 
  • Residence permit researcher
  • Start-up
  • Residence permit self-employed person
  • International Trade Regulation

Learn more about Netherlands Visas

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the Netherlands visa processing time is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Whether you're applying for a tourist, business, or student visa, timely application is essential to avoid delays. With processing times ranging from 15 working days for short-stay visas to 2-3 months for student visas, it’s advisable to plan ahead. Utilise platforms like VFS Global  for efficient tracking of your application status. By staying informed and organised, you can ensure a hassle-free journey to the Netherlands. For more insights on visa types and application processes, explore our detailed guides on Netherlands visas.

FAQs

What is the average processing time for a Netherlands tourist visa?

The average processing time for a Netherlands tourist visa is around 15 working days. It's advisable to apply no later than 15 working days before your intended travel date.

How long does it take to process a Netherlands work visa?

A Netherlands work visa can take between 1 to 3 months to process, depending on the type of work permit being applied for.

How can I ensure my Netherlands visa application is processed quickly?

To ensure quick processing, submit a complete application with all required documents, apply well in advance, and choose the appropriate visa category for your travel purpose.

Discount Icon

Get flat 10% OFF

On your first visa. Use code "TEL10". T&C apply

Apply
logo