Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Kuwait for a business trip or official visit

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 the application form

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 in Kuwait

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.

If you do not hold the Kuwaiti nationality, you must show a Kuwaiti identity card that is valid until 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area.

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.

You must be able to prove that you have social or economic ties to the country where you live. 

If you do not hold Kuwaiti nationality, bring the following documents:

Bring: original document and colour copy

• a letter from your sponsor in Kuwait, stamped by the Chamber of Commerce. The letter must state your employment status, job title, contract duration, and salary.
• are you self-employed? Then you must bring a valid original trade license, including translation.

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a registration document of your employer issued by the Ministry of Manpower with authorized signatures

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need an invitation from the company or event you will be visiting in the Netherlands.

If you will be travelling for business, you will need the following: 

• an invitation letter from a company or organisation for a meeting, conference, or event
• other documents showing that you are travelling for work or have business relations such as a confirmed registration for a trade fair or congress.

If you will be travelling in the context of an official visit, you will need the following:

• a note verbale from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• do you not hold Kuwaiti nationality? Then you must bring a note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country or from your country's diplomatic mission in Kuwait. This must state: the purpose of your trip, your passport details, and a statement confirming that the ministry will cover all your expenses.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of where you will be staying in the Netherlands.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show that you have enough money for your travel and costs of stay.

• If you do not hold Kuwaiti nationality, you must provide your bank statements from the last 6 months or other documents showing that you have enough money.
• If you hold Kuwaiti nationality, you will need your bank statements from the last 3 months, a salary statement and a copy of your credit card and credit card statement.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name. If you have a diplomatic passport, you are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.

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

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 consent form signed by both parents or guardians

Bring: colour copy of the document

• the child’s birth certificate
• a signed valid travel document (such as a passport) of both parents or guardians
• 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