Netherlands is a popular destination for people from all walks of life, including travelers, students, and businesspersons. Over the past decade, it has appeared as one of the preferred tourist destinations; thus, many people are looking for a Netherlands visa from Dubai.

Moreover, the country is part of Schengen nations; thus, you can easily apply for one from Dubai. However, applying for it separately is better if you plan a solo trip to the Dutch Republic. Contrarily, if you plan to visit other Schengen countries besides the NL, getting a stamp for that region is better.

In this guide, we will introduce you to easy steps to apply for a Netherlands visa from Dubai. So, stick around and follow these steps to complete your application.

Netherlands Visa Types from Dubai

Select the correct category before submitting since different papers are based on your travel destination.

Let us have a look at different types of Netherlands visas.

1. Short Stay Visa

It is the best category for planning a tourism visit to the country. Currently, it allows holders to stay a maximum of 90 days and covers all Schengen countries. Further, you can also apply for this certificate through the Schengen entry facility.

2. Long Stay Visa

If you plan to stay in the Dutch territory for over 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay document. It is also known as temporary stay authorization (MVV). It is ideal for executives looking to explore new business avenues and students attending short courses.

3. Visa Facilitation

If you plan to accompany a family member from an EU, EEA, or Swiss national to the NL, you must apply under this category.

4. Caribbean visa

By applying under this category, you can get a limited access pass to the Dutch Kingdom. This permit lets you stay and enjoy Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

Documents Required for the Netherlands Visa

Before you initiate your Netherlands visa Dubai application, knowing and keeping the required list of documents ready with you is essential. Since you need to submit these papers with your request, having them ready upfront is key to getting your authorization promptly.

Here is a list of the required ones.

Fully completed application form
Passport copy with a minimum of 6 months validity
A copy of your Emirates ID
2 passport-size photographs with white background
UAE residence copy
6 months bank statements
6 months’ bank statement of your sponsor (if applicable)
Original NOC from your employer (if traveling for business purpose)
A copy of flight tickets
A copy of the hotel reservation or rent deed
Personal appearance is also mandatory for biometric verification

How to Apply for Netherlands Visa from Dubai

Getting the Netherlands visa from Dubai is not a tough task; you only need to follow the steps below and get your approval. However, you must visit the embassy in person, as there is no online facility for applying for a Dutch passport from the embassy.

Step 1: Meet Prerequisites

Firstly, decide what type of visa you need based on your travel. Click here to find one: Visa Information.
Netherlands is a part of Schengen countries; the key decision is to apply for the right permit type.
If you only plan to visit the country, apply for a Dutch ID.
Applicants in the United Arab Emirates can apply for a Schengen pass at the VFS Global application center in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Step 2: Making An Appointment

As you must attend an interview at the consulate, the first step is to schedule an appointment by clicking here: Book an appointment | vfsglobal
You should apply at least 2 months earlier than your planned travel.
Getting appointments is challenging; therefore, booking them in advance is better.
You can visit the consulate to book an interview slot.
If you’ve made an appointment previously, you can check it here: Check Appointment.
Keep the mentioned points in mind before making an interview appointment.
Dutch visas can only be applied for six months ahead of your planned trip, meaning you must wait to apply six months earlier.
The earliest you can proceed with your passport request is 15 days after travel.
Generally recommended, the timeline to file your paperwork is 3 weeks prior to your intended visit date.

Step 3: Create a Netherlands Visa Account

Log in to your account or register for a new account to fill out the Schengen passport process.
Click ‘Login / Register to fill out this Application Form.’
You can access the portal here: Netherlands Visa
You must provide a valid phone number for account verification.

Note: Each family member must apply for a separate pass and print a copy of their form.

Step 4: Application Country

Upon logging into your account, you must choose the Applicant Country.
You should choose your current location instead of your residence country.
Then tap the Next Button.

Step 5: Enter Personal Details

In the section titled “Personal Information,” you must provide the following information in order:

Identity Information

As part of the Identity Information, the following detail is required:

Given Name
Surname
Was your surname different at birth?
Nationality
Gender
Civil Status
National Identity Number (Emirates ID)

Details of Birth

The birth details form must include the following info:

Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Country of Birth
Was your nationality at birth different from UAE? (Yes/No)
Other nationalities (Yes/No)
Recheck all the above information and click on Next.

Contact information

Phone Number
Email

Address Details

You’ll need to provide your presenting address, so ensure you fill out the details carefully:

Address
Additional Address
Postal Code
City
Country

Residence Permit

In the residence permit section, enter the required details:

Nationality of Current Residency (yes/No)
Permit Type
Permit Number

Travel Details

A detailed description of the travel documentation includes the following:

Type of travel document
Travel document number
Validity Period
Expiry Date
Issuance Place

NOTE: You can skip the EU/EEA details form by selecting NO.

Occupational Details

You should carefully select your occupation in the Occupation section, as it plays an important role.

Occupation
Employer
Phone Number
Address
Postal Code
City
Country

Click Next after verifying the above information.

Step 6: Journey Information

Journey details include all your planning from your home country to the Netherlands, including:

Final Destination (Schengen Area Yes/No)
Purpose of journey

Travel Date

Arrival
Departure
Countries other than Schengen

Visa Type

Single entry
Multiple entry

Member State of first entry (Choose Netherlands)

Step 7: Destination Details

The following data are included in the details of the destination:

Member State (Select Netherlands)

Sort of Invitation

Company
Organization
Not Invited
By a Person

Accommodation Details

In Hotel (Yes/No)
Hotel Name
Phone Number
Email Address

Another visit (Any other Schengen State – Yes/No)

Step 8: Enter Funding Info

The Netherlands Application needs the following funding information:

Means of Support

Who is Funding (Me/Sponsored)
Indicates your means of Support (Cash/Cheques etc)

Step 9: Applicants History

As part of the previous travel history, the following information is required:

Fingerprints (Previously recorded or not)

Step 10: Application Summary

Considering that this is the most crucial step, it is recommended that you recheck your details before submitting.

Step 11: Accompanying the Documents

Once you have completed your form, the next step is to arrange and accompany the required papers. Depending on the immigration type, you need to attach the documents listed below.

Completed application form (separate for every individual)
Two colored photographs (taken during the last 3 months)
Passport copy having minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
Travel itinerary showing flight details
Proof of accommodation, including hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from the host
Financial strength proof by providing last 3 month bank statements.
You can also submit your sponsor’s bank statement if your travel is sponsored.
Proof of paid fee
Passport copies of parents (for minors)
Birth certificate (for minors)

Step 12: Attending Visa Interview

After you have filled out the application form and gathered the required documents, prepare for the interview.
Numerous coaching centers support you in preparing for the interview.
However, it is relatively easy as, generally, questions revolve around your submission.
Moreover, reach the interview center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled interview time and bring original copies of the documents along with copies.
Stay honest with your answers and make sure they comply with the information provided in the form.
You can reschedule your interview twice and up to 2 days before your interview.
You can cancel your appointment at least 3 days before the scheduled interview.
You must pay service charges for the cancellation of the appointment.

NOTE: You must attend the interview yourself, as you cannot nominate another person on your behalf.

Step 13: Paying the Visa Fee

You must submit the fee when you appear for the interview.
Visa charges and the duration of your stay change from one type to the other.
You can pay in cash or through your debit/credit card at the counter.
You can get your biometrics done when you go for the interview.

Step 14: Receiving Visa

If all goes well, you will receive your travel authorization confirmation at your email address.
You can then visit personally and collect your passport or request the office to dispatch it through courier (for an additional fee).
You must bring the following documents to collect your boarding pass when you visit.
Your valid ID
Receipt issued by the Visa Application Center
Authorization letter (if someone else is collecting your papers)
You can also nominate someone else to collect it.

Netherlands Visa Validity Dubai

Regardless of the validity of the entry sticker, you may only stay in the Schengen area for the number of days indicated on the document.

Overstaying can result in a 2-year Schengen ban.
You can stay for 90 days in 180 days if your passport is valid for over 6 months.
Multi-entry visa holders can exit and re-enter during the 180 days.
Your total stay is permitted to be at most 90 days.

Tracking Your Netherlands Visa Application

You can track your immigration status using a few different means if you have applied for a Netherlands visa in Dubai. Hence, once you submit your request at the VFS Global Dubai center, you can monitor its progress as follows:

VFS Website – Track Online

Tracking Your Netherlands Visa Application

You can track the application online by following the steps below:

Use the VFS Global website’s online tracking system by clicking this link: Track Your Application
Input your receipt number and last time to check the status.
After checking the captcha option, click the Submit Button.
Tracking is available 24/7.

NOTE: To access this service, you must provide your Last Name and the Reference Number on your invoice/receipt.

Check Email Updates

You will receive official email updates on your status at the email address provided. Accordingly, emails are sent at each major processing stage.

Call the Visa Centre

Contact the Netherlands Application Centre in Dubai by phone to request an update on your progress.

Address: Al Habtoor Business Tower 31st floor Dubai Marina P.O. Box 7726 Dubai
Phone: +971 4 440 7600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Fax: +971 4 440 7640
Email: [email protected]
General Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 – 16:00
Consular Section Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 – 16:00 (by appointment only)

Overcoming Netherlands Visa Rejections in Dubai

Applying for a Netherlands immigration permit in Dubai does not guarantee approval. Therefore, submission may be rejected for various reasons.

Receiving a Rejection

If your Netherlands visa Dubai application is rejected, you will receive a letter outlining why. Common justifications for refusal include:

Insufficient funds
Incomplete documents
No links to the home country

Removing Objections

Analyze the reason for your rejection. Then, re-apply while addressing the stated objections. For example, provide additional financial statements if funds were inadequate.

Submitting an Appeal

You can appeal a Netherlands visa Dubai rejection within 4 weeks.
Write a letter explaining how you have fulfilled the criteria.
Support it with any new documents.
Appeals may overturn the original decision.

FAQs

Can I get my visa delivered to my home?

Yes! You can receive your authorization letter at the address you provided; however, you must pay the courier charges.

Do I have to apply for separate visas for my family?

Yes! You must apply separately for every family member. Further, if you are traveling in a group, each group member must apply for a separate permit, and each should get a separate interview appointment.

What if my Netherlands visa from Dubai is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you can perform the following tasks.

Re-apply by submitting a new one after removing objections
Object the decision within 4 weeks from the rejection date

How long will it take to process my visa application?

The processing time is 2 weeks so you will receive a decision on your application within 15 days. Therefore, wait for two weeks before contacting the office for an update.

Final Thoughts

Netherlands visa from Dubai is a simple task. You can easily get the form, fill it out, attach the required files, and get an interview appointment to get your document. Further, you can apply for a Dutch travel pass through the Schengen entry facility if you plan to visit other countries in the region.

Likewise, you will receive a letter outlining rejection reasons if your entry is rejected. You can re-apply or challenge the decision. Moreover, you must submit for each family member if they are traveling with you.

Generally, you receive an update on your immigration within 15 days of the process. You can get updates from an online platform or by calling the office. If approved, you can collect your certificate personally, nominate someone, or deliver it to your home by paying extra charges.