Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa under the Orange Carpet Visa Facility
Find out what documents you need in order to apply for a Schengen visa under the Orange Carpet Visa Facility.
Important to know
- This checklist is only intended for employees of a company that is registered with a Dutch embassy or consulate-general under the local Orange Carpet Visa Facility.
- In most cases you must submit your application in person.
- If you have had your fingerprints taken for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years (59 months), someone else may submit your application for you. However, if your fingerprints were taken but not saved, you will need to appear in person to have them retaken.
- The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs may request an interview or additional documents.
- You must sign a document at the appointment, declaring the following:
- you understand that you must submit all documents in order for your application to be processed
- you are aware that an incomplete application may be rejected and that your visa application fee (if applicable) will not be refunded
Personal documents
Bring: original document
You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.
Bring: original document
You will need a valid travel document, such as a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:
- it is no more than 10 years old
- it must have at least 2 empty visa pages
- it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
- it must bear your signature
Bring: original document
You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:
- colour photo
- no more than 6 months old
- 3.5cm by 4.5cm
- white or light-coloured background
Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken outside the Netherlands
If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.
Bring: original document and colour copy
You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally residing in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:
- a passport or other travel document
- a residence permit, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
- a visa
- a work permit
If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.
Documents relating to your travel and stay in the Schengen area
Bring: original document and colour copy
You will need an invitation letter on the letterhead of the company you work for. It must state:
- that the company guarantees all costs during your stay in the Netherlands
- that you are medically insured through the company
- your personal details
- the dates of your visit
- the reason for your visit
This letter must be signed by one of the authorized contact persons of the Orange Carpet Visa Facility of your company.
Bring: original document and colour copy
You will need an invitation letter on the letterhead of the company in the Netherlands. It must state:
- your personal details
- the dates of your visit
- the reason for your visit
Bring: colour copy of the document
You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name.*
The document must state that:
- the insurance provides cover in all Schengen area countries for the entire duration of your stay.
- the insurance covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes the costs of a hospital stay and treatment, emergency care, prescription medication and repatriation to your country of residence (including in the event of death).
Find out what requirements your travel medical insurance must meet
*Holders of diplomatic passports are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.