Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands?

Citizens of EU/EEA, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days. Others need a Schengen Type C visa from the Dutch embassy. Check netherlandsworldwide.nl for your nationality.

What is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant permit?

The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) permit is for non-EU workers in a recognised Dutch company earning above a salary threshold (around €5,000/month in 2024). The employer must be registered with the IND. Processing is typically within 2 weeks.

What is the Orientation Year permit in the Netherlands?

The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) permit allows recent graduates of Dutch universities or top-100 world-ranked universities to live in the Netherlands for up to 1 year to find a job or start a business. Apply within 3 years of graduation.

Is health insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?

Yes. All residents in the Netherlands for longer than 4 months must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registering. Short-stay Schengen visa holders need travel or health insurance covering at least €30,000.

How do I apply for a Netherlands long-stay visa?

For stays exceeding 90 days, you need an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) obtained from the Dutch embassy before departure. Your Dutch employer or educational institution often initiates this process with the IND on your behalf.

Netherlands eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Netherlands
Schengen Zone	Yes
Visa-free stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Schengen Visa Fee	€80 (adults), €40 (children 6–12)
Processing Time	Up to 15 days
Passport Validity	At least 3 months beyond intended departure
ETIAS	Required for visa-exempt nationals (2025+)

Introduction

The Netherlands is a highly developed, open country known for its canals, tulips, cycling culture and world-class logistics hub. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe's busiest. As a founding Schengen member, the Netherlands applies uniform short-stay rules across 27 European countries. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) handles long-stay permits.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil and many more — visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must obtain a Schengen C visa from the Dutch embassy or consulate.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa-free entry requires: valid passport (3 months validity beyond departure), proof of sufficient funds (approx. €34/day from your own account), return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and Schengen travel insurance (€30,000+). For nationals requiring a Schengen C visa, applications go through the Dutch consulate or VFS Global. The Netherlands processes applications if it is the sole or main Schengen destination.

Business Visa

Short business visits fall under the Schengen C visa. For extended business activities, work assignments, or secondments exceeding 90 days, a Provisional Residence Permit (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf — MVV) must be obtained before arrival, followed by a Dutch residence permit from the IND.

Work & Long-Stay

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) — for skilled workers earning above a salary threshold (€5,008/month for 30+ year olds in 2024). Sponsored by a recognised IND employer.
Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar) — for recent graduates of Dutch or top-100 universities to look for work in the Netherlands for up to 1 year.
Self-Employment / Freelance Permit — requires a business plan assessed for economic benefit to the Netherlands by the IND's authorised agency (RVO).
Startup Permit — for innovative startups, facilitated by a recognised Dutch mentor organisation.

Student Visa

Non-EU students at Dutch institutions need an MVV (prior to arrival) and a residence permit from the IND. The university typically facilitates this process. Requirements: acceptance letter, proof of funds (€924/month recommended), and health insurance (required by Dutch law for all residents).

Airport Transit

Nationals of certain countries need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to transit through Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Check the list at netherlandsworldwide.nl.

Required Documents (Schengen C Visa)

Completed Schengen visa application form
Valid passport (issued within 10 years, 2+ blank pages)
Two passport photos (35×45 mm)
Return or onward flight reservation
Proof of accommodation
Travel or health insurance (€30,000+ Schengen-wide)
Bank statements (3 months)
Proof of employment, business, or study
Visa fee payment

Visa Fees

Category	Fee
Adult (13+ years)	€80
Child (6–12 years)	€40
Child under 6	Free
MVV (long-stay prior entry visa)	€207

How to Apply

Check visa requirements at netherlandsworldwide.nl
Complete the Schengen application form
Book an appointment at the Dutch consulate or VFS Global centre
Submit documents and provide biometric data
Pay the fee
Collect passport with visa sticker when approved

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

EU/EEA citizens and nationals of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, and many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Full list at netherlandsworldwide.nl.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Netherlands immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.