Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Kuwait to visit family or friends

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: original document and colour copy

You must be able to show that you have enough money to cover the costs of your travel and stay in the Netherlands. This also applies if you are under 18 years old. You need at least €55 per day.

• If you will pay these costs yourself and hold Kuwaiti nationality, you must bring bank statements from the last 3 months showing the current balance, a salary statement and a copy of your credit card and credit card statement.
• If you will pay these costs yourself and do not hold Kuwaiti nationality, you must bring bank statements from the last 6 months or other documents showing that you have enough money.
• If the person who has invited you will pay for all your expenses, you will need a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Question 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”. Read how to arrange sponsorship. You will also need to bring 3 recent pay slips, a recent employment certificate, or a valid employment contract (valid for at least 12 months at the time of your visa application) from this person.

You need documents showing where you will stay during your visit.

Bring: colour copy of the document

Are you staying in a hotel or rental accommodation? Then you need a hotel reservation or rental agreement for the entire duration of your trip.

Bring: original document and colour copy

Are you staying with the person who invites you to the Netherlands? Then you must bring a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. Read how to arrange private accommodation.

• Are you staying with the person who completes the sponsorship form? And is this person sponsoring the costs of your stay, medical care and repatriation? Then questions 3A and 3B on the sponsorship form must be answered with “yes”.
• Is the person paying the costs of your stay in the Netherlands someone other than the person you are staying with? Then the person you are staying with must provide a separate sponsorship form.

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.*

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.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need the Dutch identity card (ID card) or passport of the person who has invited you. If the person who has invited you does not have Dutch nationality, you will need their valid Dutch residence permit.

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