India passport → Netherlands

Netherlands visa for citizens of India

Embassy / VFSSchengen short-stay visa (Type C, up to 90 days)

Citizens of India 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.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, up to 90 days)
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
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements covering last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Determine visa type and jurisdiction
Confirm the Netherlands is your main destination and apply at the correct VFS centre per your state of residence.
2
Complete the online application form
Fill the Schengen form on the official portal and print the signed copy.
3
Gather documents
Collect passport, photos, insurance, itinerary, financial and employment proofs per the checklist.
4
Book a VFS appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest VFS Global centre; appointments are mandatory.
5
Attend in person and submit biometrics
Submit documents, pay fees, and provide fingerprints and photo at the centre.
6
Track application
Monitor status via the VFS tracking reference.
7
Collect passport
Pick up passport at the VFS centre or via courier once a decision is made.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages)
Original plus copies of all pages.
Completed Schengen visa application form
Filled online and signed.
Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background)
Must meet ICAO photo standards.

Travel

Travel medical insurance (min €30,000 coverage)
Valid across all Schengen states for the entire stay.
Flight itinerary / reservation
Round-trip booking covering the Schengen stay.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel bookings or invitation letter covering the whole trip.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
Stamped by the bank, showing sufficient funds.
Income tax returns (ITR)
Last 3 years' acknowledgements commonly requested.

Employment

Employment proof
Employer letter with leave approval, or business registration/ITR if self-employed.

Supporting

Cover letter explaining purpose of trip
Detail itinerary and purpose of visit.
No-objection certificate (for students/minors)
Optional
From school plus parents' consent if travelling alone.
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
From host in the Netherlands with their residence proof.
Marriage/birth certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For family links or minors.
VFS appointment confirmation
Booked via VFS Global before attending the centre.

Proof of funds

Bank statements (3–6 months)
Income tax returns
Employer salary slips
Sponsor letter/proof if sponsored

No fixed amount published; funds must cover the stay at roughly €34–€55 per day plus accommodation.

Good to know

Airport transit visa is not required for Indian nationals transiting the international transit area of a Dutch airport.
Biometric enrollment is mandatory in person; fingerprints are valid for 59 months.
Apply up to 6 months before travel; processing can take up to 45 days, so apply well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient funds or weak financial history

Provide 3–6 months of consistent, stamped bank statements and ITRs.

Unclear purpose of travel or incomplete itinerary

Submit a clear cover letter with confirmed bookings covering the full stay.

Invalid or missing travel insurance

Ensure €30,000 medical coverage valid across all Schengen states for the whole trip.

Passport validity or blank-page issues

Passport must be issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months after return, with 2 blank pages.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for the Netherlands?

Citizens of India need a visa for the Netherlands and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, up to 90 days).

How long can citizens of India stay in the Netherlands?

Up to 90 days.

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

Government fee: €90.

How long does Netherlands visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of India need for the Netherlands?

Passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return, 2 blank pages); Completed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, white background); Travel medical insurance (min €30,000 coverage); Flight itinerary / reservation; Proof of accommodation; 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/ind/en/nld

Sources

Plan your trip to the Netherlands

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