Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days (may extend to 45 days)
- Fee
- EUR 90
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Business activities are limited to meetings, conferences, and negotiations. Paid employment requires a work visa. The Orange Carpet facility allows reduced documentation and priority processing for regular business visitors.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of Annex I countries requiring a Schengen visa.
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Purpose of visit
Must be traveling for genuine business purposes such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiations. No paid employment permitted.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means or sponsorship by inviting company.
Minimum funds: Sufficient funds for stay
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: ICAO-compliant passport photographs (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient funds or employer's financial guarantee; Months required: 3
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: All Schengen states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation arranged by inviting company; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from Dutch business contact or company, including purpose of visit, duration, and who bears costs. Can also be a Proof of Sponsorship form (Bewijs van Garantstelling/Particuliere Logiesverstrekking).
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://netherlandsworldwide.nl
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card at embassy/consulate; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form online at netherlandsworldwide.nl.
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Document gathering
Collect required documents including invitation letter from Dutch company, employer letter, and financial proof.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at Dutch embassy/consulate or VFS Global/TLScontact center.
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Document submission
Submit application and documents in person.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not previously captured within the last 59 months.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee of EUR 90.
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Processing wait
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker.