--- title: Netherlands visa for citizens of the DR Congo description: "Citizens of the DR Congo need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €30 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/netherlands/dr-congo lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Netherlands visa for citizens of the DR Congo Citizens of the DR Congo need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Short-Stay) - **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:** €90 + €30 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 3 months ## How to apply 1. **Determine visa type** — Confirm you need a short-stay Schengen visa for tourism, business, or family visit. 2. **Gather required documents** — Collect all documents listed above, ensuring they are complete and valid. 3. **Complete visa application form** — Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or manually. 4. **Book an appointment at VFS Global** — Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global visa application centre in Kinshasa or Lubumbashi. 5. **Attend appointment and submit biometrics** — Visit the centre in person to submit your application, provide fingerprints and photo. 6. **Pay visa fee** — Pay the visa fee (€80) and service fee (€30) at the centre. 7. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15 calendar days from the date of submission. 8. **Collect passport** — Return to the centre to collect your passport with the visa decision. 9. **Travel to Netherlands** — Ensure you have all documents with you when traveling. 10. **Comply with visa conditions** — Do not overstay; maximum stay is 90 days within any 180-day period. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **Completed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Signed and dated - **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Identity): Must meet Schengen photo requirements - **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire Schengen area and stay duration - **Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation** (Travel): Shows entry and exit dates - **Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)** (Travel): For entire stay in Schengen area - **Bank statements for last 3 months** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds for stay - **Employment letter or proof of occupation** (Employment): Includes salary, position, and leave approval - **Travel itinerary (detailed day-by-day plan)** (Travel, optional): Optional but recommended - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate)** (Supporting, optional): If applicable - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but helpful - **Previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Copies of previous visas - **Invitation letter from host in Netherlands (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Must be signed and include host's address and passport copy - **Proof of legal residence in DR Congo (if not citizen)** (Identity, optional): For non-DRC passport holders residing in DRC ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** €55 per day of stay - Bank statements - Sponsorship letter - Traveler's cheques Bank statements must be original, stamped, and dated within 1 month of application. ## Good to know - Visa applications from DR Congo are processed by VFS Global; appointments are mandatory. - Processing times may be longer during peak seasons (summer, holidays). - Incomplete applications will be rejected. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds** — Provide bank statements showing at least €55 per day of stay. - **Invalid travel insurance** — Ensure insurance covers €30,000 and is valid for entire Schengen area. - **Missing documents** — Double-check the document checklist before appointment. - **Previous visa violations** — Provide explanation and evidence if overstayed before. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of the DR Congo need a visa for the Netherlands? Citizens of the DR Congo need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Short-Stay). ### How long can citizens of the DR Congo stay in the Netherlands? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the Netherlands visa cost for citizens of the DR Congo? Government fee: €90 + €30 service fee. ### How long does Netherlands visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of the DR Congo need for the Netherlands? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-size photographs; Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation); and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for the Netherlands? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [netherlandsandyou.nl](https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/travel-and-residence/visas-for-the-netherlands/short-stay-schengen-visa) ## More - [Netherlands visa for every passport](/visa/netherlands) - [Every destination for DR Congo passport holders](/visa/passport/dr-congo)