What documents do I need when applying for a visa for the Netherlands?

See the step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa in your country or region. Step 2 tells you which documents you need for your application.

In some cases you may be referred to the VFS Global website. VFS Global is an external service provider that processes visa applications. 

Select your visa type on the VFS Global website. You will find a checklist of documents needed for your application under the ‘documents required’ heading.

To find out which documents you need when applying for visa facilitation, see the relevant visa application checklist. The checklist also explains what requirements the documents must meet.

Check which documents you need when applying for visa facilitation:

• Checklist for family members of EU/EEA or Swiss nationals
• Checklist for family members of Dutch nationals
• Checklist for parents of Dutch nationals aged under 18

To find out which documents you need when applying for an airport transit visa, see the checklist for applying for an airport transit visa.
The checklist will tell you which documents you need for your application.

Which documents you need when applying for a long-stay visa depends on how you submit your application.

I am applying for a long-stay visa through a sponsor in the Netherlands

If your application for a long-stay visa is successful, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will send an approval letter to your sponsor in the Netherlands informing them of this. This letter, called an ‘inwilligingsbrief’, will explain which documents you need to bring to your appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate.

I am applying for a long-stay visa myself through the Dutch embassy or consulate

Read more about the documents you need when applying for a long-stay visa on the IND website.

Select your purpose of stay on the IND website. You can then read more about the documents required and how to apply for a long-stay visa.

To find out which documents you need when applying for a short-stay Caribbean visa, read more about applying for a long-stay Caribbean visa in your country or region.

This information will tell you which documents you need when applying and where to submit your application to.

To find out which documents you need when applying for a long-stay Caribbean visa, read more about applying for a long-stay Caribbean visa in your country or region.

This information will tell you which documents you need when applying and where to submit your application to.

To find out which documents you need when applying for an entry visa, see the checklist for applying for an entry visa. The checklist explains which documents you need, and the requirements the documents must meet.