China passport → Netherlands

Netherlands visa for citizens of China

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa (Short Stay) · Tourist

Citizens of China need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Short Stay) · Tourist
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€80 + €20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip (e.g., €50-100 per day)

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and gather documents
Identify the purpose of travel (tourism, business, etc.) and collect all required documents.
2
Complete online visa application form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form on the official Netherlands visa portal.
3
Pay visa and service fees online
Pay the €80 visa fee and VFS service fee via the portal.
4
Schedule an appointment at VFS Global centre
Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global visa application centre in China.
5
Attend appointment and submit documents
Bring all original documents and copies to the centre; submit them in person.
6
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Fingerprints and a digital photo are taken at the centre (valid for 5 years).
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but may extend up to 45 days.
8
Track application status
Use the tracking number provided to monitor your application online.
9
Collect passport
Receive your passport either by courier or by visiting the centre in person.
10
Verify visa details
Check the visa sticker for correct dates, validity, and entry type upon receipt.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond departure)
Original and copy of bio page
Completed and signed visa application form
Print and sign after online submission
Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet Schengen photo standards

Travel

Travel itinerary (flight reservations)
Round-trip or onward flight booking
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
For entire stay in Schengen area
Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid for entire Schengen stay

Financial

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Show sufficient funds for trip
For retirees: pension statements
Optional
Proof of regular income

Employment

Employment letter (or student certificate, or proof of business)
Include leave approval and salary details
For self-employed: business license and tax returns
Optional
Proof of business activity
For students: enrollment letter and no-objection letter from school
Optional
Confirming study status

Supporting

Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate for minors)
Optional
If applicable
For minors: parental consent form and copies of parents' passports
Optional
If traveling without both parents
Visa fee payment receipt
Proof of payment of visa and service fees

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50-100 per day of stay

Bank statements
Salary slips
Tax returns

Must show sufficient funds for entire stay; bank statements should be recent (last 3-6 months).

Good to know

All documents not in English or Dutch must be translated by a certified translator.
Visa does not guarantee entry; border control may refuse entry if conditions are not met.
Biometrics are required for all applicants aged 12 and over; previous Schengen biometrics may be reused if taken within 59 months.
Processing times may be longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays).

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unclear proof of financial means

Provide detailed bank statements showing regular income and sufficient balance for the trip.

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and ensure the form is signed and dated correctly.

Lack of travel medical insurance

Purchase insurance that meets Schengen requirements (€30,000 coverage, valid in all Schengen states).

Previous visa violations or overstay in Schengen area

Ensure compliance with all previous visa conditions; provide explanation if necessary.

Unclear travel itinerary or purpose of visit

Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary and supporting documents (e.g., hotel bookings, event tickets).

FAQ

Do citizens of China need a visa for the Netherlands?

Citizens of China need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Short Stay) · Tourist.

How long can citizens of China stay in the Netherlands?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Netherlands visa cost for citizens of China?

Government fee: €80 + €20 service fee.

How long does Netherlands visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of China need for the Netherlands?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond departure); Completed and signed visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background); Travel itinerary (flight reservations); Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter); Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the Netherlands?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/en/nld/

Sources

visa.vfsglobal.com

Plan your trip to the Netherlands

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Netherlands.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides