NetherlandsWorldwide

How long does it take to get a visa for the Netherlands?

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Check how long it takes to receive a decision on your visa application if you are applying from outside the Netherlands.

Warning:

Please do not contact NetherlandsWorldwide or the Dutch embassy or consulate-general about the status of your application. Read how you can track the status of your visa application.

Processing times

The average processing times are listed below.

Type of visaProcessing time
Short-stay Schengen visa15 calendar days
Airport transit visa15 calendar days
Entry visa15 calendar days
Short-stay Caribbean visa15 calendar days
Long-stay Caribbean visa15 calendar days
MVV visa sticker10 working days
  • Your application processing time will start on the day the Consular Services Organization of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs have received the documents needed for your application, together with your passport.
  • You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. After that, you will need to pick up your passport or have it sent to you. This takes extra time. That means it’s important to apply for your visa as far in advance as possible. You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before you travel.

Why you might wait longer

The processing time can further increase to 45 calendar days. Reasons why your visa application may take longer include:

  • Your application is impacted by high volume.
  • Your application requires further consideration.
  • You need to provide additional documents.

Assessment of your visa application

Some Schengen member states want to exchange information about who is applying for Schengen visas. This check (known as ‘consultation’) is mandatory for certain nationalities and can take up to 7 days. This period falls within the 45-day processing time.

Your application will also be checked against the Schengen Information System (SIS II). In addition, your application details will be checked against and saved in the Visa Information System (VIS).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses information-supported decision-making to process applications faster and more effectively. Read the privacy statement to find out more about how your data is handled.

Contact

NetherlandsWorldwide has no additional information about the status of your application. Please do not contact us about the status of your application. See how you can track the status of your visa application for the Netherlands online.