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Dutch visa resources

How to apply for a Netherlands visa

How to apply for a visa for Netherlands — the shared Schengen short-stay process for visits up to 90 days, and Netherlands's national long-stay (Type D) route for longer stays, with the official EU so

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

How you apply depends on whether you are coming to Netherlands for a short stay or a long stay. Short stays follow the shared Schengen process; long stays follow Netherlands's own national procedures. The steps below point you to the right official guidance — always confirm the requirements for your nationality before you apply.

Short stays: the shared Schengen process

For visits of up to 90 days, follow the shared Schengen short-stay process. Our how to apply for a Schengen visa guide explains where and how to apply, and the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) page covers eligibility and the 90/180-day rule. If you are visa-exempt, see ETIAS.

Long stays: Netherlands's national route

For stays over 90 days you apply under Netherlands's national long-stay (Type D) procedures rather than the shared Schengen rules — see the Netherlands National Long-Stay Visa (Type D). The categories and requirements are set by Netherlands's authorities.

Apply through Netherlands's embassy or consulate

National long-stay applications are made through Netherlands's diplomatic missions — its embassy, consulate or visa application centre in your country. Confirm the current process and appointment arrangements with Netherlands's official mission before you travel.

Next steps

  1. Check the documents you’ll needView documents
  2. How to applyStart here
  3. Choose your visaFind a visa

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.