Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa for returning migrants
Find out what documents you need in order to apply for a Schengen visa if you have returned to your country of birth under the Dutch Remigration Act.
Important to know
- Only use this checklist if you returned to your country of birth on the basis of the Remigration Act. Arrive at your appointment well prepared. Check if you can apply for a visa for returning migrants and how to do so.
- In most cases you must submit your application in person. This applies to babies and children too.
- 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 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.
Complete your own application form online. Only then will you receive a form with a unique code. Forms without this code may cause issues while processing your application. For that reason, do not use someone else’s form.
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.
Bring: colour copy of the document
You must bring an approval letter from the SVB. This letter must include:
- Confirmation that you have returned to your country of birth under the Dutch Remigration Act.
- Confirmation that you are entitled to the remigration benefit.
- The date of your departure from the Netherlands.
- The SVB decision, which states:
- The effective date of your right of residence in the Netherlands.
- The length of your uninterrupted residence in the Netherlands (the period between the start date of your residence right and the date of your departure).
Did your partner of child return with you to your country of birth? You must submit the SVB approval letter seperately with their applications.
Documents relating to minors
If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18 who will be travelling without 1 or both of their parents or guardians, you will need the following documents:
Bring: original document and colour copy
- a recent extract of the child’s birth certificate
- a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor
Bring: colour copy of the document
- a signed valid travel document (such as a passport) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
- if 1 of the parents or guardians has a valid Schengen visa: the biographical data page of their passport and of their valid Schengen visa. The biographical data page contains the passport holder’s details and photo
- if 1 of the parents or guardians has died: the death certificate of the deceased parent or guardian
- if a guardian has been appointed: official proof of guardianship
- if there is a court order in place: permission from the court for the minor to travel