Blessed with a picturesque canal town, beautiful landscapes and cosy coffee shops, Netherlands is one of the top tourist places to visit. Apart from that, being a cool and modern European country, it offers a broad scope to grow one's future. Further, be it work, education or business, it can be a perfect spot to settle down for Indians.

However, individuals may need to apply for a Netherlands visa to move to this country. Also, you should be a valid travel insurance policyholder to be eligible to enter the country (as mandated after May 2022). If interested, find more details about types, eligibility and application process below!

The different types of visas in the Netherlands Indians can apply for depending on their purpose of stay are:

• Short-Stay Visa: You can get a short-stay Schengen visa if you do not intend to stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days. Apart from the Netherlands, this visa type is also valid for other Schengen countries.
• Long-Stay Visa: To stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa. Dutch officials will treat it as an authorisation for temporary stay or MVV.
• Airport Transit Visa: If you need to stop at the Dutch airport to board another flight from a country outside Schengen countries, you will need an airport transit visa. Using this visa, you can stay in the airport's international zone.
• Visa Facilitation: Visa facilitation will do the trick if you travel to the Netherlands with a family member who belongs to an EEA, EU or Swiss national category or intends to join them later. 
• Caribbean Visa: A Caribbean visa is another type you would need when planning to visit the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With it you can explore places in Curacao, Aruba, St Maarten, St Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba.

To know about Netherlands visa eligibility criteria, follow the below pointers. These serve essential for every Indian to qualify for applying for the process:

• You must hold every document required for the Netherlands visa application process and submit it to the Dutch embassy or your country's consulate.
• Your country must have a Netherlands embassy. In case you don't, you will have to find a place from where you can apply for a visa.
• All candidates require a valid appointment at the consulate or embassy to apply for a Netherlands visa.
• Every document needs to be in English, Dutch, Spanish or French to qualify for the application process. If not, it needs a translation.

Here are the documents you may need to present to carry visa process for the Netherlands from India:

• Passport pictures
• A filled up and duly signed Netherlands visa application form
• A photocopy of the personal detail page of your passport
• Copies of your previous visas containing all exit and entry stamps
• Copies of the individual detail page of your last passport
• Proof stating you intend to return to your country after the visit
• Legal residence proof
• Employment document
• Proof of payment of application fee
• Work permit
• Proof of income
• Guarantee you have sufficient financial means

These are the general requirements applicable for every individual, no matter their status and purpose of stay. However, certain conditions are specific to a particular occupational status and purpose. Find its brief below.

Employed

• Employment contract
• Leave approval letter by employer
• Last three month's payslip

Self-Employed

• Registration certificate of the company

Retired

• Last three month's pension statements
• Proof of income from a property or business ownership

Sponsored

• Proof of private accommodation or sponsorship

Documents Required by a Minor

• Birth certificate
• Declaration of consent by both parents stating no problem with minor travelling
• ID proof with parents' signature

Documents Required for the Caribbean Part of the Kingdom

• Residence permit
• Front and back photocopies of used passport pages
• Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $15,000

You may have to pay the following amount as a processing fee for applying for a Netherlands short-stay and business visa:

• Regular applicants – USD 86.82 (EUR 79.98)

• Children (below 6 years) – No charge

• Children (between 6 and 12 years) – USD 43.41 (EUR 39.99)

• Spouse or children of an EU National – No charge

Apart from this, the visa application centre may also require a service fee of USD 14.87 (EUR 13.70). However, it is subject to change as per fluctuations in the economy. 

Disclaimer: The visa fees are subject to change, based on new immigration rules, the country in which you apply, the local currency and currency exchange rates.

Refer to the following Netherland visa information to understand how to apply for the process online:

Step 1: Visit the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands.

Step 2: Fill out the application form by providing the correct information in the specified column.

Step 3: After completing, click on the 'save' option.

Step 4: It will take you to a new tab where you can see your application number and security along with your application summary.

Step 5: Lastly, make the payment. It will generate an acknowledge receipt used for status tracking.

You can also choose an offline mode to apply for a Netherlands visa from India. For this purpose, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Choose the correct type of visa for your trip, considering the purpose of your visit.

Step 2: Prepare the documents required for your application process.

Step 3: Choose a visa application centre and book an application appointment.

Step 4: Show up on the appointment date and complete the necessary process.

Step 5: Keep track of the progress of your application.

Step 6: Collect the passport from the chosen visa application centre.

It generally takes two weeks to process a visa for the Netherlands. So, you must be mindful that you do not apply for it six months before your trip or when only 15 days are left. However, there can be a case where it may take a long because of the complexities involved or increased work pressure.

If you are visiting the Netherlands on a Schengen visa, you must buy travel insurance. It is because it has become an essential requirement of the Dutch application process. For example, to complete your application, you will have to submit proof of a health insurance policy having coverage of €3000 in the Netherlands and other Schengen zones.

However, remember that you get your insurance from the recognised travel industry. Otherwise, the Dutch embassy may not accept. As a result, you will get protection against evacuation, medical emergencies and repatriation.

This is all the information required to apply for a Netherlands visa from India. Whether you are visiting the country for a tour, business purpose or for setting down, you can find information regarding the suitable visa type, application process and other related information.