Tourist visa for Netherlands: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

• Schengen visa application form completed online, printed and signedConditions and details

  The "tourism" list requires a Schengen visa application form completed and signed, printed and submitted with the other documents (original). The form is completed online on the consular services website: this is how it receives a unique code. The page advises against using another person's form, because a form without this code can cause problems during processing.
• Valid travel document (passport)Conditions and details

  Original of a valid travel document, for example a passport, which must: have been issued no more than 10 years ago; contain at least 2 blank visa pages; remain valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area; bear the holder's signature.
• Proof of legal residence in the country where the application is submittedConditions and details

  Original and colour copy of valid proof of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted, for example: passport or other travel document, residence permit valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area, visa, work permit. A person who does not reside in the country of submission must explain why he cannot submit in his country of residence.
• Proof of social or economic ties in the country of residenceConditions and details

  Colour copy of documents proving social or economic ties with the country of residence. The documents to be used depend on the situation: employed, self-employed, student or other.
• Proof of place of stay in the NetherlandsConditions and details

  Colour copy of proof of place of stay in the Netherlands: hotel reservation or rental contract covering the entire duration of the trip in the case of a stay at a hotel or in rental accommodation; proof of ownership for a person who owns a home or another property in the Netherlands. For a stay with a private individual, see the entry on the private accommodation declaration.
• Proof of coverage of travel and living costsConditions and details

  Colour copy of documents showing who pays for the international travel and the living costs in the Netherlands. If the person pays themselves: bank statements for the last 3 months and, if employed, 3 recent payslips.
• Booking of the outward and return trip to the Schengen areaConditions and details

  Colour copy of a booking in the applicant's name for the trip to the Schengen area and the return, or another document showing the travel itinerary. A paid ticket is not required. In the case of an organised tour, provide the booking; in the case of travel by rental car, the driving licence and the rental contract.
• Medical travel insurance (cover of at least €30 000)Conditions and details

  Colour copy of proof of medical travel insurance in the applicant's name, valid in all countries of the Schengen area for the entire duration of the stay and covering at least €30 000 of medical costs: hospitalisation and treatment, emergency care, prescription medicines and repatriation to the country of residence, including in the event of death.

Depending on your situation

• Photograph meeting Dutch standards (except when submitted to an external service provider)Conditions and details

  Colour photo, less than 6 months old, 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm, on a white or light background. The page states that if the application is submitted to an external service provider, no photo is to be provided: a digital photo is taken at the appointment.
• Employee: employer's certificate and bank statements or payslips for the last 3 monthsConditions and details

  For an employed person: recent employer's declaration stating the position, the duration of the contract and the salary, or employment certificate, together with bank statements or payslips for the last 3 months.
• Self-employed: authorisation to operate or income tax declaration, and bank statements for the last 3 monthsFor a self-employed person: business permit or a photocopy of the income tax return, accompanied by bank statements for the last 3 months.
• Student: proof of enrolment in a study programme in the country of residenceFor a student: document proving enrolment in a study programme in the country of residence, which states the field and duration of the studies.
• Accommodation with a private individual: private accommodation declaration (IND form), legalised signatureConditions and details

  A person staying with a private individual in the Netherlands may need proof of private accommodation, depending on their nationality and country of residence. The host fills in and signs the IND form (one form per visitor, including children). When the visitor needs a visa, the host's signature must be legalised at a Dutch municipality, in the presence of an authorised official. The original is sent by post to the visitor, who needs it for their visa application, to be submitted within 6 months of the legalisation.
• Means below €55 per day: proof of sponsorship by a guarantor in the NetherlandsThe visitor must have €55 per day of stay, including minors. Below that, the person inviting must show that they can cover their expenses in the Netherlands (“sponsorship”).