Visa requirements

Netherlands

General visa requirements for travelling to Netherlands. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Business visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business (Visa-Free Nationals))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay
90 days
Processing time
N/A - no application required
Fee
Free
Validity
180 days
Entry
Multiple entry

Business activities limited to meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and negotiations. Any paid work requires a separate work permit. Same 90/180-day Schengen rule applies.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Citizens of Schengen Annex II visa-exempt countries.

    Eligible countries: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Republic of), Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Moldova (Republic of), Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Province of China, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

  • Purpose of visit

    Business visits only: meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations. No paid employment.

    Includes
    • Meetings
    • conferences
    • trade fairs
    • negotiations

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Cash, credit cards, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient for duration of stay

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel booking or invitation from Dutch business contact; Must cover full stay: Yes

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes

Sign in to apply

Business visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

  • Nationality

    Citizens of Annex I countries requiring a Schengen visa.

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be traveling for genuine business purposes such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiations. No paid employment permitted.

    Includes
    • Meetings
    • conferences
    • trade fairs
    • negotiations
  • Financial

    Must demonstrate sufficient financial means or sponsorship by inviting company.

    Minimum funds: Sufficient funds for stay

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3

  • Photo

    Count: 2; Specifications: ICAO-compliant passport photographs (35x45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months)

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient funds or employer's financial guarantee; Months required: 3

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: All Schengen states; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000

  • 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

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • 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).

  • 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

  • Cover letter

    Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Cash, card at embassy/consulate; Amount: EUR 90

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Complete the Schengen visa application form online at netherlandsworldwide.nl.

  2. Document gathering

    Collect required documents including invitation letter from Dutch company, employer letter, and financial proof.

  3. Appointment booking

    Book appointment at Dutch embassy/consulate or VFS Global/TLScontact center.

  4. Document submission

    Submit application and documents in person.

  5. Biometrics

    Provide biometric data if not previously captured within the last 59 months.

  6. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of EUR 90.

  7. Processing wait

    Standard processing is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days.

  8. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa sticker.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.