Short stay

Schengenvisa

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel to any of the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area, including the Netherlands, for up to 90 days for tourism, business or other purposes.

Eligibility for a Schengen Visa

To be eligible, the following conditions apply:

1.            Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

2.            Legal Residence: Evidence of legal residence in the country you are applying from, such as a passport or residence permit. Your residence permit must be valid for at least three months from your intended departure from the Schengen Area.

3.            Purpose of Travel: Clearly state whether your travel is for tourism, business, visiting family/friends, or other reasons.

4.            Financial Means: Demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your stay. You should demonstrate to have at least 55 euros per day per person. The funds can also be made available by a guarantor.

5.            Accommodation: Provide proof of where you will stay during your visit.

6.            Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance covering at least € 30,000 for medical emergencies for the duration of your stay.

7.            Intention of timely departure (social and economic ties to home country):

It is very important to prove the economic and social ties of the applicant to the home country during the application process. This plays a crucial role in addressing concerns related to the risk that an applicant may not return to their country of origin within the stipulated timeframe. To this end, applicants are encouraged to submit the following with their application:

• Evidence of stable employment or a reliable source of income, such as an employment contract, salary slips, employer’s declaration and bank statements showing the paid salary.
• Compelling documentation to prove family ties, relationships and/or (social) responsibilities within their home country that require the applicant’s return.
• Proof of any property or assets they may possess in their country of residence.
• Letters of invitation or confirmations from the host in the Netherlands, if applicable, affirming the timely return of the applicant.

Read more about the importance of demonstrating social and economic ties in our blog.

Steps to Apply for a Schengen Visa to the Netherlands

1.            Visa Application Form: Complete the Schengen Visa application form accurately.

2.            Gather Required Documents: This includes your passport, passport photographs, travel itinerary, insurance and the evidence of your eligibility as mentioned above.

3.            Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the Dutch embassy/consulate or visa application center in your country.

4.            Attend the appointment: Be on time for your visa application appointment, with all the required documents and sufficient means to pay the visa fee.

5.            Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary but usually takes about 15 working days.

If Your Visa Application Is Rejected

When you receive a visa rejection, here’s what you can do:

Understanding the reasons for the Rejection

The rejection letter often uses standardized language and may not offer specific reasons for the refusal. It is then crucial to request your visa file from the embassy or consulate, which will include an internal memo with the individual reasons for the rejection. It can take a long time before the file is received.

Objecting to the Decision

You have the right to object to the refusal of your application within four weeks, counted from the date of the written rejection. This process allows you to challenge the rejection and provide additional information or documentation to support your case. It is a critical step, and seeking legal assistance can greatly improve your chances of success.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact us.

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