Netherlands Business Visa Guide
The Netherlands has earned a global reputation for various accomplishments, including its thriving business potential. It consistently ranks among the top countries on Forbes’ list of the easiest places to conduct business. The Netherlands business visa opens its doors to individuals worldwide for engaging in business activities within the country.
Understanding the Netherlands Business Visa
The Netherlands Schengen business visa is a prerequisite for individuals traveling to Holland to participate in business-related activities. Citizens of Schengen countries and visa-exempt nations do not require a visa to enter the Netherlands. This visa, categorized under Schengen C, is issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry and allows a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply for a Netherlands Business Visa?
Applying for a Dutch business visa from India involves the Netherlands Visa Application Centers (VACs). Prior to initiating the application, it is crucial to verify your eligibility for the business visa. Once confirmed, follow these steps:
- Visit the website of the Netherlands embassy and access the online application portal.
- Complete the online application form with all relevant details. Note that the form remains the same for all Schengen C categories; you will specify your purpose as ‘business.’
- Print the completed application form.
- Schedule an appointment at one of the VACs located across India for submitting your application. The Dutch embassy does not accept direct applications for Schengen visas from ordinary passport holders.
- Visit the respective VAC with your application form, required documents, and fees in person, as biometrics need to be submitted.
It’s important to note that if you have submitted biometrics for any Schengen visas within the past five years, you do not need to repeat this process. In such cases, a third party with an authorization letter signed by you can submit the application on your behalf. Ensure that you provide genuine documents and accurate information, as falsifying information or using fake documentation may result in Schengen visa rejection.
If you plan to visit the Caribbean islands of the Netherlands, a Caribbean visa is required. Applications for this can be submitted directly at the Netherlands embassy or consulate or at a VAC.
Eligibility for Netherlands Business Visa
To qualify for a business permit, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Reside in the country where you are applying for the visa. If residing in a foreign nation with a residence permit, apply to the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- Possess a valid passport that complies with all regulations.
- The sole purpose of your visit must be business activities, such as meetings, conferences, contract signings, etc.
- Receive an invitation from a Dutch company for conducting business in the Netherlands.
- Have sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in the country.
- Apply for the permit if the Netherlands is your sole destination, one of your primary Schengen destinations where you’ll spend most of your time, or your port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Netherlands Business Visa
The following documents are typically required to apply for a Netherlands business visa:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, not older than ten years, and valid for a minimum of six months from the travel date.
- A covering letter from the sending company detailing the visitor’s basic information, source of funds, purpose and duration of the visit. The letter must be on company letterhead with an official seal and addressed to the Embassy of the Netherlands.
- An invitation letter from the Dutch organization or company providing complete visit details, or entry tickets for trade fairs, conferences, etc., in the Netherlands.
- Registration certificate of the Indian company.
- Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or copy of a business license.
- Financial documents, including bank statements from the past three months, a passbook copy, and Income Tax Returns (ITR).
Photo Specification for Netherlands Business Visa
Ensure that your visa photo meets the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
- Color photograph
- Central position of the head
- Taken within the last three months
- Solid, plain white, or grey background
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral expression
- Non-thick framed or prescription glasses allowed
- Headgear allowed for religious reasons
- Facial hair permitted
Processing Time for Netherlands Business Visa
The processing time for a business permit varies based on factors such as the number of entries, validity, embassy application volume, and your previous travel history. Typically, processing takes around 15 working days. However, it may extend to 30 working days in some cases and up to 60 days in extreme situations. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance, but not more than three months before your travel date.
Netherlands Business Visa Fees
The total fees for the application process include biometric charges, processing fees, and service charges levied by the VAC. Fees may also fluctuate with foreign exchange rates, so it’s essential to verify the exact amount before starting your application.
| Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8060.0 |
| Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 8060.0 |
After Submission
Once you have submitted your application at the VAC, it will be forwarded to the embassy or consulate for processing. The VAC will send the application to the respective mission depending on jurisdiction. It’s important to note that the VACs have no influence over the outcome or processing of your application. Processing is solely the responsibility of the embassy or consulate.
Upon approval, you can collect your visa directly from the VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional fee.
How to Check Visa Status?
You can check the status of your business permit application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering your reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, you can inquire about the status through your travel agency.
When You Have This Visa
After obtaining your visa, keep the following points in mind:
- Ensure compliance with the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries stated on the visa sticker.
- Carry all necessary travel documents before your journey, as their absence may result in denial of entry.
- Travel to the Netherlands within six months of the issue date or as specified; after this date, your permit will become invalid, and entry will not be allowed.
- When traveling within the country, keep copies of your travel documents with you.
- While on a business permit, you cannot be employed by a Dutch company. However, you may engage in unpaid voluntary work.
- Extending a business visa is generally not possible.
You can move freely within the Schengen zone, and depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen region as allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schengen C category permits, including business visas, are not extendable under normal circumstances. However, in extreme cases, such as Force Majeure or humanitarian reasons, an extension may be granted. In most situations, you must exit the country upon visa expiration.
Overstaying your business permit is considered an offense under Dutch immigration laws. You must leave the country before the visa’s expiry date. Staying beyond this period can result in deportation and potential entry bans to the Schengen zone.
The short-term C category business permit, valid for up to 30 days, does not typically require medical tests. However, longer-term permits may have specific medical test requirements. It is advisable to undergo a health check-up before traveling to a new country.
Business permits cannot be converted into other categories, and employment with a Dutch company is generally not allowed. If you wish to work in the Netherlands, you must apply for a work permit upon returning to your home country.
Yes, as the Netherlands is part of the Schengen agreement, your Dutch business permit allows you to travel to and conduct business activities in other Schengen countries. However, for countries outside the Schengen area, individual permits may be required. Some countries, such as Croatia, do accept Schengen permits for entry.
