NetherlandsWorldwide

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

Language selection:English

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 us about the status of your application. You can track the status of your application online. We have no additional information about your application. Read how you can track the status of your visa application for the Netherlands.

Processing times

The processing times are listed below.

  • 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’ll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your application.
Type of visaProcessing time
Short-stay Schengen visa15 calendar days
Airport transit visa15 calendar days
Short-stay Caribbean visa15 calendar days
Long-stay Caribbean visa15 calendar days
Entry visa15 calendar days
Long-stay visa (mvv)10 working days

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.

How your Schengen visa application will be assessed

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.

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

You can track the status of your visa application for the Netherlands online. We have no additional information about the status of your application. Please do not contact us about the status of your application.