Netherlands (informally Holland) is a European country which is located in northeastern Europe and is famous for its tulips and windmills. You can see tulips flower from December to May and the blossoming season is March. Windmills or wind turbines help the country to contribute in green and clean energy production. The neighboring countries are Germany, Belgium, France and United Kingdom.
Amsterdam is the capital, largest and most populous city in the country and it’s the most bicycle-friendly city in the world, that’s why it’s so exciting for tourists.
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Winter temperatures average around 3°C (37°F), with occasional heat waves, and summer temperatures average around 18°C (64°F). The weather is known for its unpredictability and variability, with rain falling throughout the year. Snow is abnormally rare.
Netherlands Visas
Tourist Visa
You can enter Netherlands by a short-stay Schengen visa which is valid for 90 days within a 180 days period of time.
If you live in Schengen area, Its possible to travel to Netherlands without applying for tourist visa.
Amsterdam: One of the most famous attractions in the Netherlands is Amsterdam, the capital city. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam is also famous for its picturesque canals, peaceful cafes, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Keukenhof Gardens: Another top tourist attraction in the Netherlands is the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the world’s largest flower garden. Visitors can explore the vast fields of vibrant tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom, and take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside.
Kinderdijk Windmills: The Netherlands is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience this at the Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can witness the iconic Dutch windmills in action and learn about their historic significance in the country’s agricultural and industrial development.
Other popular attractions in the Netherlands include the historic town of Delft, the vibrant city of Rotterdam, the stunning beaches of Scheveningen, and the iconic Delta Works, which is a network of dams, dikes, and sluices that protect the country from flooding.
Orange Carpet Visa
To qualify for the Orange Carpet, employees must periodically travel to the Netherlands for business purposes, and the program is aimed towards those who make such trips. When an employee is accepted into the Orange Carpet visa program, they are eligible to apply for other visas through a more streamlined process.
Student Visa
Students who plan to study a course less than three months, can apply for Schengen visa. In case study duration is more than three months, you need to apply for MVV or Entry visa.
Work visa
People outside of EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland would need work visa in order to work in Netherlands. There are two types of work permits in Netherlands. TWW (tewerkstellingsvergunning) and GVVA (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid) which means a combination of work permit and residence visa.
Determining whether to grant a TWV or GVVA or not, the GVVA follows the same set of guidelines. The key factor to choose one of the two work visas is how long you want to work in Netherlands by your work visa. A TWV must be applied by an employer, whereas a GVVA can be applied for by the foreign national worker themselves.
Visa Application Process
If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, it’s important to understand the visa application process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Here’s a brief overview of the visa application process for the Netherlands:
- Determine if you need a visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Check the official website of the Dutch government to determine if you need a visa.
- Gather required documents: Once you’ve determined that you need a visa, gather all the required documents. This typically includes a passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, a completed visa application form, and a recent passport-sized photo.
- Schedule an appointment: You’ll need to schedule an appointment with the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country to submit your application and biometric data (such as fingerprints).
- Pay the visa fee: There is a non-refundable visa application fee that you’ll need to pay before submitting your application.
- Attend your appointment: At your appointment, you’ll need to submit your application and biometric data, and answer any questions the consular officer may have.
- Wait for processing: Once your application has been submitted, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, so be sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
- Collect your visa: If your application is approved, you’ll be notified when your visa is ready for collection. You’ll need to bring your passport and a copy of your visa application to the embassy or consulate to collect your visa.
