🇳🇱 Netherlands tourist visa for Indians 2026
Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Netherlands's official pages; see the source at the end.
Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Netherlands. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for the Netherlands, which allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings and conferences, with no paid work.
Quick facts
- Visa
- Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
- Maximum stay
- 90 days in any 180
- Government fee
- about $100
- Processing time
- 3–7 weeks
- Paid work
- Not allowed
- Business or conference
- Covered
Where Indians apply
The Netherlands is one of the few Schengen states to publish its real average processing time, currently 18 to 21 calendar days and up to 45 in busy periods or when extra documents are needed, so apply between six months and at least four weeks before travel.
Fee and processing time
The fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus the VFS service charge.
That is about $100 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.
Travelling for business or a conference?
Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
Before you fly: registrations and border systems
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of stamps.
Documents and steps
- Check your passport and get two biometric photosPassport valid 3 months beyond departure with two blank pages; 35 x 45 mm biometric photos under 6 months old.
- Complete the online form and book your VFS Global appointment in IndiaApply 6 months to 15 days before travel; slots at busy centres run out weeks ahead.
- Buy Schengen travel medical insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum)Minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay.
- Assemble proof of funds and employment3 months of stamped bank statements, 3 salary slips, 2 years of ITR or Form 16, employer leave letter.
- Show your ties to India and reason to returnLeave letter with return date, property or rent agreement, family documents, old passports with used visas.
- Prepare your itinerary, flight reservation and accommodationRound-trip reservation plus accommodation for every night; all dates must match the form.
- If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterInvitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- Attend the appointment, give biometrics and pay the feeFee EUR 90 adult, EUR 45 child 6-11, free under 6; fingerprints valid 59 months.
- Wait for the decision and collect your passportDecision normally within 15 calendar days of a complete file, up to 45 days with extra checks.
- At the border: EES registration and the 90/180-day limitEES fully live since 10 April 2026: biometrics at first entry; keep to 90 days in any 180.
The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.
Planning a trip to Netherlands?
Answer 6 questions, choose “Visit”, and get a dated checklist for your travel dates — free.
Plan my visitFrequently asked questions
- Do Indians need a visa for Netherlands?
- Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Netherlands. Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa for the Netherlands, which allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings and conferences, with no paid work.
- How long can Indians stay in Netherlands as a visitor?
- 90 days in any 180 under the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
- How much does the Netherlands Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost for Indians?
- The fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11, free under 6) plus the VFS service charge.
- How long does the Netherlands Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take for Indians?
- The Netherlands is one of the few Schengen states to publish its real average processing time, currently 18 to 21 calendar days and up to 45 in busy periods or when extra documents are needed, so apply between six months and at least four weeks before travel.
- Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in Netherlands on this visa?
- Invitation on letterhead naming you, the dates, purpose and who pays, plus your employer letter.
- What do Indians need to register or carry before flying to Netherlands?
- Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your biometrics at the border in place of stamps.
- Can Indians work in Netherlands on a visitor stay?
- No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Netherlands visa guide for Indians.
Thinking of staying longer?
A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in Netherlands have 2 main routes, compared in the Netherlands visa guide for Indians.
Netherlands for Indians, in depth
Visiting other countries as Indians
Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.