Netherlands Visa FAQs for Indians: 25 Questions Answered

The answers below are as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. For the full overview of categories and routes, read our Netherlands visa guide for Indians.

Do Indians need a visa for the Netherlands at all?

1. Is there a visa on arrival or an eVisa?

No. India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals need a visa, and there is no Netherlands eVisa. You fill in the Schengen form online at consular.mfaservices.nl, print and sign it, and submit it in person with fingerprints at VFS Global.

2. Do I need a visa just to change planes at Schiphol?

No, as long as you stay in the international transit area. India is not on the EU common airport-transit-visa list or the Dutch national list. Leaving the transit area needs a Schengen visa.

3. How long can I stay on a Dutch Schengen visa?

A maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. The 'Duration of stay' field on the sticker shows your days. Overstaying risks a two-year Schengen visa sanction.

4. I am Indian but live in Dubai. Can I apply in India?

No. You apply where you legally live. The India centres accept residents of India, Afghanistan and Bhutan; UAE residents use VFS Global in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

How much does a Netherlands visa cost in 2026?

5. Is the visa fee charged in rupees?

No fixed INR amount is published. NetherlandsWorldwide lists the fee in euros, payable by card or in cash in Indian rupees. VFS lists cash, debit or credit card and UPI.

6. Does every centre charge the same VFS fee?

Yes. Every Netherlands VFS centre charges INR 1,890 per application, and all fees are non-refundable.

7. Do I get my money back if I am refused?

No. If you reapply instead of objecting, the visa fee and VFS service charges are paid again.

Where and when do you apply?

8. Which cities have a Netherlands visa centre?

Twelve: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune. No state-based restriction is published for Schengen visas, so you may use any of them.

9. Which Dutch office covers my state?

The Consulate-General in Mumbai covers Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa. The Consulate-General in Bengaluru covers Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Embassy in New Delhi has not published its state list.

10. Does every family member need an appointment?

Yes. Each person, including babies and children, needs a separate appointment and must attend. Only Orange Carpet applicants and official passport holders can walk in during set morning hours.

11. Can a travel agent book my slot?

NetherlandsWorldwide tells you to book your own appointment on the VFS site, not through an intermediary. Book the correct category: a wrong one means you cannot submit and lose the service fee.

12. How early can I apply?

Up to 6 months before travel (seafarers 9 months) and no later than 15 days before departure.

Which documents cause the most questions?

13. How many months of bank statements are needed?

Personal statements for the past 3 months, stamped and signed by the bank, or Indian income tax returns for the last 2 tax years.

14. What proof of job or business do they want?

Employees: contract, leave approval letter and payslips for the past 3 months. Self-employed: company registration with GST number, business bank statements and an ITR with a verified barcode. Retired: 3 months' pension statements.

15. Is a cover letter compulsory?

Yes. It must give the reason for the visit, duration, names of fellow travellers, and transport and accommodation details.

16. Must I buy my flight ticket first?

No. The checklist asks for a travel reservation to and from the Schengen area and states that a paid ticket is not required. A verifiable flight reservation fits that requirement.

17. What insurance is accepted?

Travel medical insurance valid in all Schengen countries for the whole trip, with at least EUR 30,000 cover for medical costs and repatriation. VFS publishes an approved list of insurers in India.

18. Do I bring a photo?

Not when applying through VFS: the digital photo and fingerprints are taken at the appointment. The published size is 3.5cm by 4.5cm on a white or light background if one is ever asked for.

How long will you wait, and how do you track it?

19. How long does a decision take?

NetherlandsWorldwide gives 18 to 21 calendar days on average from receipt of your passport and documents, rising to 45 days at busy times or when more checks are needed. VFS India still states 25 days.

20. How do I check my status?

On the VFS website, with the reference number on your receipt. It starts with city letters and 'NL', for example DENL for New Delhi. The embassy cannot give status updates.

21. When should I chase VFS, and can I pay to speed it up?

Contact VFS if you have heard nothing after 45 days. Processing cannot be sped up.

22. Can someone else collect my passport?

Yes, with your signed authorisation letter, the original VFS receipt and copies of both people's government photo IDs. You can also choose courier return at submission.

What happens after a refusal, and can you get a multi-year visa?

23. How many Indian applications are refused?

European Commission data shows 20.7% of Schengen applications lodged at Dutch consulates in India were not issued in 2025 (20,156 of 97,650). The figure was 16.1% in 2024. These are past outcomes, not a prediction for your file.

24. Can I challenge a refusal?

Yes. Object in writing to the IND within four weeks of the date on the decision, or submit a new application with the missing documents. NetherlandsWorldwide cannot tell you why you were refused.

25. When will I get a multiple-entry visa?

Under the EU decision of 18 April 2024, Indians living in India who obtained and lawfully used two visas in the previous three years receive a two-year multiple-entry visa, ending 3 months before passport expiry. Visas of up to 5 years are possible in justified cases.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or send us a message.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit other Schengen countries on a Dutch visa?

Yes, within the 90-days-in-180 limit across the Schengen area. The Netherlands checklist asks for proof of accommodation for each Schengen country you visit, so cover every stop in your bookings and cover letter.

What is an MVV and who applies for it?

An MVV is the long-stay entry visa linked to a Dutch residence permit. The IND decides it, usually on an application by the sponsor such as an employer or university. You then collect the sticker by appointment at the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulates-General in Bengaluru or Mumbai, with optional DTDC courier return for INR 850.

How much does a Dutch student residence permit cost?

The IND fee for 2026 is EUR 254.00, paid to your educational institution, which pays the IND. It is not refunded if the application is refused, and the IND legal decision period is 60 days.

What salary does a highly skilled migrant need in 2026?

From 1 January 2026 the IND minimum gross monthly salary is EUR 5,942 if you are 30 or over and EUR 4,357 if you are under 30, excluding holiday allowance. The reduced criterion for recent graduates is EUR 3,122.