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

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. If interested, find more details about types, eligibility and application process below!

Yes, Indians will require a Netherlands visa to travel to this country. This is because the Netherlands is a member of the EU or European Union and falls under the Schengen area.

No, Indian nationals must apply for a visa in advance; they are not eligible for visas on arrival.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the Schengen countries. Hence, to acquire a Schengen visa, you must have valid travel insurance. 

1. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

2. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

3. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

4. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

5. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

6. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

7. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

8. If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

9. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

10. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

11. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

12. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

13. If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

14. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

Identify the Schengen Country You Want to Visit

Choose the country or countries you wish to visit within the Schengen area and decide which one you will enter first. This is crucial because the visa application process and required documents vary based on each country’s regulations. Once selected, identify the appropriate consulate or embassy for your visa application.

Select the Consulate or Embassy to apply for a Netherlands Visa

There are three ways to select the consulate:

1. If you plan to travel to multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you will visit most days. This will be your primary destination. 

2. If there is no specific main destination and you visit multiple countries randomly, you should apply at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you enter.

3. If you want to visit one specific country, apply to that country's consulate/embassy. 

If the country you're visiting doesn't have an embassy or consulate in India or doesn't process visas, you can apply through the Schengen state that represents it for visa matters. 

What Is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa?

The first port of entry for a Schengen visa is the first Schengen country a foreign visitor enters. Through the first port of entry, you enter the Schengen Area, and from there, you can travel to any other Schengen country using the same visa.

Initiate the Netherlands Visa Application

To start your Schengen visa application, head to the official website of the application centre or the embassy or consulate website representing the country you plan to visit first in the Schengen Area.

Check If You Need a Schengen Visa

Once you land on the right website, the first thing you should do is check if you need a visa and the particular visa type by providing your nationality, age, leading destination of stay, country of submission of application, etc., in the designated section.

The processing time for a Netherlands tourist visa for Indian citizens usually ranges from 10 to 15 working days. However, depending on the complexity of the application and the information provided, it can sometimes extend up to a month.

• Submit your application well ahead of your intended travel date.

• Ensure all your details and documents are correct and complete to avoid delays.

• Visa requirements may be updated, so it's essential to regularly check the latest details on the official Netherlands Embassy or VFS Global websites.

• Be cautious of unsolicited offers to expedite your visa process or guarantee approval for a fee.

• Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship evidence should be used to prove that you have enough money to cover your stay in the Netherlands.

What Happens If My Netherlands Visa Application Is Rejected?

If your Netherlands visa application gets rejected, you can contest the decision by objecting with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) within four weeks. If this doesn’t work, you can reapply, fixing the issues that caused the initial rejection and providing extra documents if needed. You’ll get a letter explaining why your application was denied. If your objection is rejected, you can appeal to a court for further review.

How Can I Avoid Getting My Netherlands Visa Application Rejected?

To avoid having your Netherlands visa application rejected, ensure it is complete and accurate. Provide all necessary documents, including a valid passport, accommodation proof, travel itinerary, financial evidence, and travel insurance. 

Clearly state the purpose of your visit and provide supporting documents. Show proof of sufficient funds to help yourself. Ensure all information is consistent and truthful. Lastly, apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Can I Extend My Netherlands Visa While I'm in the Netherlands?

No, you cannot extend a Netherlands visa (especially a Schengen visa) while inside the Netherlands. If you need to stay longer, you usually must leave the country and apply for a new visa at a Netherlands embassy or consulate, depending on your situation and the reason for extending your stay.