How Indian passport holders get a visa for Netherlands: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India
- Government fee: €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel insurance mandatory.
- Processing time: Officially 15 calendar days. Realistically 4–6 weeks; the Dutch mission explicitly asks Indians to apply no later than 45 days before travel.
- Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen area
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 36/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended exit, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Two biometric photos (35×45 mm, white background, ICAO-standard)
- Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary
- Confirmed round-trip flight booking
- Hotel bookings for every night / day-by-day itinerary
- Bank statements for last 3 months
- ITR for last 2 years
- Travel medical insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000 cover
- Employment proof / leave letter; for self-employed: GST or company registration
How & where to apply
Apply through the Embassy of the Netherlands in New Delhi or Consulate General Mumbai via VFS Global Netherlands. VFS Netherlands centres operate in Delhi (relocated to KG Marg from 19 January 2026), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jalandhar and Lucknow. VFS Global — Netherlands visa India (official partner)
Transit & connections
An ordinary Schengen visa lets you transit any Schengen airport landside.
Good to know
The Netherlands insists on applications being submitted no later than 45 days before travel — late files may be rejected outright. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/schengen-visa/apply-india
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Netherlands?
Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) visa — apply via VFS Global in India. The Netherlands insists on applications being submitted no later than 45 days before travel — late files may be rejected outright.
What documents do Indians need for a Netherlands visa?
Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended exit, 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years; Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two biometric photos (35×45 mm, white background, ICAO-standard); Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary; Confirmed round-trip flight booking; Hotel bookings for every night / day-by-day itinerary; Bank statements for last 3 months; ITR for last 2 years; Travel medical insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000 cover; Employment proof / leave letter; for self-employed: GST or company registration
How long does a Netherlands visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Officially 15 calendar days. Realistically 4–6 weeks; the Dutch mission explicitly asks Indians to apply no later than 45 days before travel.. Government fee: €90 short-stay visa fee. Children 6–12: €45. VFS service charge extra (~₹2,000–2,400). Travel insurance mandatory.. Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the entire Schengen area.
How do Indians apply for a Netherlands visa?
Apply through the Embassy of the Netherlands in New Delhi or Consulate General Mumbai via VFS Global Netherlands. VFS Netherlands centres operate in Delhi (relocated to KG Marg from 19 January 2026), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jalandhar and Lucknow. Official source: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/schengen-visa/apply-india