Visas for the Netherlands

Visa requirements for the Netherlands are dependent on the applicant's nationality, other visas presently held, and the planned duration of stay.

As the Netherlands is a Schengen and EU-member state, expats from other EU and Schengen countries, including Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, can travel to and live and work in the country without a visa. Holders of valid Schengen visas residing in other countries are generally able to travel to the Netherlands without need for further visa applications. Certain conditions may apply, such as the need for a valid ID document or passport.

Expats from non-EU countries will likely need a visa to enter the Netherlands, whether for work or a short visit. For stays shorter than 90 days, non-EU nationals must get a Schengen visa; for stays longer than 90 days in the Netherlands, a residence permit is likely required.

Foreign nationals must contact the nearest embassy or consulate and check the Government of the Netherlands website, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service site, or The Netherlands and You official website

Schengen visas for the Netherlands

Expats who need a Schengen visa, also known as a short-stay visa, must complete an application form, gather supporting documents and submit them to their closest Dutch embassy or consulate before they travel. All documents must be in English or Dutch. The supporting documents normally consist of a travel itinerary including travel dates and accommodation information. In some cases, applicants may have to provide additional documents at the discretion of the Dutch embassy or consulate.

Expats should bring their documents with them when travelling to the Netherlands in case border guards request them.

Schengen visas allow entry into any Schengen state for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To stay longer, a residence permit is required.

Orange carpet visa facility

Expats who visit the Netherlands frequently for business purposes can obtain the orange carpet visa facility. This facility benefits business travellers as they won't need to provide as many documents to obtain a visa, visas are valid for longer, and in-person applications will only be required every five years.

It is not available at all foreign embassies, and expats should request more information from their relevant embassy or consulate.

Working holiday visas for the Netherlands

Nationals of select countries between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible to live and work in the Netherlands for one year on a working holiday visa. These countries include Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Uruguay.

The Working Holiday Program or Working Holiday Scheme allows holders of the visa to reside in the country on a temporary residence permit. Expats who are part of this scheme are only able to work to financially support their stay. 

Residence permits for the Netherlands