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.
Medical visa (Medical Treatment Residence Permit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 1,337
- Validity
- 1 year (renewable if medical need persists)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
This permit is for medical treatment that is medically necessary and not available in the applicant's home country. The applicant must provide evidence from a Dutch medical specialist confirming the treatment plan. Employment is NOT permitted with this residence permit. Dutch health insurance is required within 4 months of receiving a permanent residence permit.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals requiring medical treatment unavailable in their home country.
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Health
Must demonstrate that the specific medical treatment is vital and cannot be obtained in the country of origin for technical or medical reasons.
Required vaccinations: N/A - treatment-specific
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Financial
Must have sufficient financial means to cover all medical treatment costs and living expenses.
Minimum funds: Sufficient for treatment and living costs
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 12
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, insurance proof, sponsor guarantee; Minimum amount: Sufficient for medical treatment costs and living expenses
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Medical report from Dutch specialist detailing treatment and unavailability in home country; Validity months: 6
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Bank transfer; Amount: EUR 1,337
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Netherlands; Minimum coverage: Full medical treatment coverage
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain referral from home country doctor, secure acceptance from Dutch medical specialist, gather medical documentation proving treatment unavailability in home country.
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Online application
Submit residence permit application to the IND, either directly or through a legal representative.
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Fee payment
Pay IND application fee of EUR 1,337.
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Processing wait
IND processes the application. Can take up to 90 days.
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Visa collection
If applying from abroad, collect MVV from Dutch embassy/consulate.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics at IND desk in the Netherlands.
Medical visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Medical Visit)
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
Suitable for short medical consultations, diagnostic procedures, or brief treatments. Must provide appointment confirmation from Dutch medical institution. For treatment exceeding 90 days, a long-stay Medical Treatment Residence Permit is required instead.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of Annex I countries requiring a Schengen visa.
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Purpose of visit
Must be seeking medical treatment or consultation at a Dutch medical institution.
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
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Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient for medical costs and living expenses; 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 for duration of treatment; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: Letter from Dutch medical institution confirming appointment, treatment plan, and expected duration; Validity months: 3
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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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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card at embassy/consulate; Amount: EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11)
How to apply
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Online application
Complete Schengen visa application form indicating medical treatment as purpose.
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Document gathering
Gather medical appointment confirmation, financial proof, insurance, and accommodation details.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at Dutch embassy/consulate or VFS Global.
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Document submission
Submit application in person with all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee of EUR 90.
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Processing wait
Standard processing 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker.