If you want to enter Netherland, you need to know how to apply for Netherland Schengen visa for US Green card holders. The Netherlands, the world’s leading tulip exporter, is primarily situated in Northwestern Europe, featuring three island territories in the Caribbean. Amsterdam, its capital, boasts a diverse population of 907,976 residents representing over 176 nationalities.
This country is famed for its flat and low-lying landscape, abundant windmills scattered across the land, and, of course, its iconic tulips. Favorite attractions for tourists include the enchanting Amsterdam Canals, the magnificent Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the impressive Kasteel De Haar.
The Netherlands holds the distinction of being a founding member of the EU, Eurozone, G10, NATO, OECD, WTO, and the Schengen Area. Since 1995, visitors to the Netherlands have had the opportunity to apply for the Netherlands Schengen Visa, made possible by the elimination of internal borders among Schengen members.
If you need more information or face any difficulties throughout the visa application process, don’t hesitate to explore our visa consultation services. We are prepared to help you secure your visa in a smooth and efficient manner.
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Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa in the US for Netherlands?
You can apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa from the United States under the following circumstances:
- In the past, if you, as a US citizen, have faced a visa denial for entry into Netherlands or any other Schengen country without a visa.
- If your intention is to visit Netherlands exclusively.
- If your travel itinerary involves visiting multiple Schengen countries, with Netherlands as your main destination where you intend to spend the majority of your trip.
- If you wish to travel to several Schengen countries and intend to allocate an equal amount of time to each of them, you should apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa if your initial entry point is Netherlands.
- If you are a resident of a country that requires a Schengen visa, you must also be a legal resident in the United States, and your U.S. residency should remain valid for at least three months beyond your return from the Schengen Area.
Do US Green Card holders require a Schengen visa to enter Netherlands?
Even if you possess a U.S. green card, you are still required to obtain a Schengen visa prior to your entry into Netherlands or any other Schengen Zone country.
As a U.S. green card holder, you have the option to apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa, which depends on the passport you hold. For instance, if you hold an Indian passport, you cannot enter Netherlands without a visa because India lacks a visa liberalization agreement with the EU. Therefore, you must apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa from the United States.
However, if you hold a passport from a country that has a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Netherlands.
Do US citizens require a Schengen visa to enter Netherlands?
US citizens can avail of visa-free travel to Netherlands, allowing for short stays, typically of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These visits can be for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sports events, or medical treatment.
It’s crucial to understand that visa-free travel doesn’t automatically ensure entry into Netherlands. US citizens are required to satisfy certain criteria for entry.
If US citizens wish to stay in Netherlands for longer than 90 days, they must apply for a visa.
ETIAS Netherlands for US Citizen
Commencing in May 2025, US citizens embarking on journeys to Netherlands will be obliged to complete the registration process for ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. ETIAS serves as an electronic travel authorization designed to streamline entry into the Schengen Area for citizens hailing from visa-exempt nations, including the United States. This authorization will remain in effect for a duration of three years or until the expiry of your passport, whichever occurs first, effectively obviating the need for a distinct visa application procedure.
It’s important to bear in mind that if your intentions involve long-term employment, studies, or residency in Netherlands, you will need to submit an application for a National (D) Visa to fulfill the requisite conditions.
Netherlands Schengen Visa Requirements for US Green Card Holders:
To initiate the Schengen visa application process, please note that online submissions are not permissible. You will be required to visit the Dutch Embassy in person to present your application. The Embassy will then specify the necessary documents as follows:
1. Visa Application Form:
Please download the application form from this link, then complete and sign the Netherlands Schengen visa application form. You can find detailed guidance on filling out the application form here.
2. Valid Passport:
Your passport must conform to particular criteria. It is essential that your passport has a validity of at least three months beyond your intended departure from Netherlands. Furthermore, the passport should neither be nearing its expiration date nor be older than a decade. Additionally, it should have a minimum of two blank pages.
3. Two Passport Size Photographs:
You are required to enclose two recent passport-size photographs that must adhere to the Schengen visa photograph specifications.
4. Copies of previous visas if applicable
5. Travel health insurance coverage:
One of the fundamental prerequisites for obtaining a Netherlands Schengen visa is having travel health insurance that provides coverage of at least 30,000EUR. This demonstrates your ability to handle potential medical emergencies. Additionally, the travel health insurance must be valid across all Schengen Area countries. For further information on travel medical insurance requirements for a Netherlands Schengen visa, please refer to this resource.
6. Visa Flight Reservation:
You should possess details of a round-trip flight reservation, including the booking ID, your name, the destination, and the flight number. For additional information on booking flight tickets, please refer to this source.
7. Documentation confirming your place of stay in Netherlands:
You are required to provide evidence of your accommodation, such as hotel or hostel bookings, as confirmation that you have arranged a place to stay in Netherlands. For further details on the proof of accommodation, please consult this resource.
8. Evidence of your residency:
The green card, alternatively known as an “alien residence card” or a U.S. legal residence visa, must remain valid for your re-entry into the United States of America.
9. Cover Letter:
In your cover letter, you should clearly state the purpose of your visit to Netherlands, specifying the duration of your stay, your departure and return dates, and the names of any accompanying travelers. For additional details regarding the cover letter requirements for a Netherlands visa, please refer to this resource.
10. Documentation of your financial well-being:
You must demonstrate that you possess sufficient funds to finance your entire journey by providing evidence of your financial status.
11. Civil status proof:
You are required to provide proof of your marital status, which includes presenting your marriage certificate
12. Employer’s Letter of No Objection:
The letter should affirm that your company or institution raises no objections to your journey to Netherlands and that you have obtained the necessary approvals for your absence during the trip.
13. Letter of Sponsorship:
If you have someone sponsoring your trip to the Schengen Zone, you must provide a letter of sponsorship.
14. Proof of subsistence:
You must provide bank account transaction records from the past three months, credit card statements, and pay statements from your employer.
15. Proof of Income:
Based on your employment or student situation, you will need to furnish the necessary documents to back your Netherlands Schengen visa application.
- If you are employed:
- Your most recent pay stub.
- Bank statements for the past six months.
- A letter from your current employer or company stating your job title, start date, annual income, and approved time off.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) Certificate.
- For individuals who are self-employed:
- photocopy of your company or business license.
- Evidence of prior economic engagements.
- The most recent 6-month bank statement for your company.
- Certification of your company’s income tax return.
- For retired:
- Proof of pension benefits or other regular and sufficient income.
- Or Latest 6 month bank statement.
- For those who are financially dependent:
- The most recent shared income tax return or joint bank statements.
- A sponsorship letter.
- If you are a minor:
- Provide your birth certificate and a written consent form from your parent or guardian.
- Obtain notarized written permission from your parents or guardians for international travel.
- Ensure that either one parent accompanies you to sign the Netherlands Schengen visa application form, or the other parent writes permission for the application to be submitted on their behalf.
- If you are a student or researcher:
- Provide a certificate from the hosting institution or university in Netherlands confirming the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Include a certificate from your home institution or university verifying your enrollment status.
- If you are not staying in a hotel, please confirm your lodging arrangements by furnishing the name, address, and contact details of your accommodation.
- Include a letter indicating that all expenses are covered, if applicable.
15. Documents for verification
- If you plan to visit family or friends in Netherlands:
- Obtain an invitation letter from your friend or family member, along with a copy of their ID or residency permit. If the person is a relative, please provide legal evidence of your family connection, such as birth certificates.
- Submit proof of your confirmed accommodation details. If you won’t be staying at a hotel or hostel, provide the name, address, and contact number of your intended place of residence.
- If your visit to Netherlands is for business purposes:
- Obtain an invitation letter from your business partner.
- Present a reference letter from your current employer.
If you won’t be staying in a hotel, ensure you confirm your lodging arrangements by providing the name, address and contact number of the accommodation.
Additionally, include a letter stating that all expenses are covered, if applicable.
Netherland Schengen Visa Types for US Green Card Holders
Netherlands Schengen Visas may be necessary for U.S. green card holders, depending on their original citizenship. There are various Schengen visa options, each tailored to specific travel purposes.
- Netherlands Transit Visa: Certain specific countries mandate that their citizens obtain an airport transit visa when connecting flights in a foreign country. The need for this visa is determined by the country in which the connecting airport is situated.
- Netherlands Tourist Visa: This is the most frequently requested Schengen visa, primarily utilized for tourism, visiting friends or family, or other non-business-related intentions.
- Netherlands Visitor Visa: A visitor visa for Netherlands is required when you plan to visit family or friends who are legal residents of Netherlands or any of the Schengen countries. Your purpose for being there is to spend time with them.
- Netherlands Diplomatic Visa: This visa category is necessary for government officials or national delegations visiting for official purposes.
- Netherlands Business Visa: Designed for individuals with intentions to engage in business-related activities such as meetings, contract signings, and similar pursuits within the Schengen Area.
- Netherlands Medical Visa: Granted to individuals who require medical treatment within a Schengen member state.
- Netherlands Student Visa: Designed for individuals interested in pursuing studies or engaging in educational or training programs within the Schengen Area.
- Netherlands Visa for Sports, Cultural, or Film Crew: If you intend to travel to Netherlands for the purpose of participating in or attending sports events, cultural gatherings, or for film production, you will need to secure a sports, cultural, or film crew visa.
- Netherlands Spouse Visa: If you intend to travel to Netherlands to reunite with your spouse who is either a citizen or holds a work permit, whether for an event or simply to be together.
Netherlands Schengen Visa Eligibility Criteria:
For U.S. Green Card holders to be eligible for a Netherlands Schengen visa, you must meet the following conditions:
Your eligibility for a Netherlands Schengen visa is based on the following criteria:
- Your country of citizenship is not among those exempt from Schengen Area visa requirements, which means you must apply for a visa despite your U.S. permanent resident status.
- You have a valid reason for your visit, such as tourism, business, or education.
- Your planned stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
- You possess sufficient financial means to support your stay in Netherlands and the broader Schengen Area.
Netherlands Schengen Visa: Financial Criteria for U.S. Green Card Holders
To meet the financial prerequisites for a Netherlands Schengen visa, you must be capable of proving that you possess sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself throughout your journey. This can be substantiated by:
- Bank statements from the past three months, demonstrating ample funds to cover your travel expenses.
- A sponsorship letter, if someone is financing your travel.
- Confirmation of prepaid accommodations and travel arrangements.
- If you are employed, recent pay stubs can serve as proof of your financial stability.
- Travel insurance as proof of your ability to self-sustain in case of an emergency.
Flight Itinerary for Netherlands Schengen Visa:
When applying for a Netherlands visa, many consulates require the submission of a flight itinerary as part of the visa processing. This comprehensive document, known as a flight itinerary for visa, is typically generated by a flight booking GDS system. It contains essential details such as flight names, routes, costs, and information about the travelers.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to purchase fully paid flight tickets before your visa is approved. Doing so could result in losing some or all of the money spent on the tickets. Therefore, we recommend that applicants obtain dummy flight tickets until their visa application is approved. Once your visa is granted, you can proceed to pay for and book your actual flight tickets.
For customers who have not yet obtained plane tickets, we suggest using the FlightGen app to create a travel itinerary. When it comes to cover letters, we recommend using the BlinkDocs cover letter app.
- Arrival and departure within the Schengen Area
- Arrival and departure in the United States of America
You can learn more about the flight itinerary required for a Netherlands Schengen visa.
Covering Letter for Netherlands Schengen Visa
It’s important to be aware of the essential requirement to include a cover letter with your Netherlands Schengen visa application, along with a travel itinerary. You need to submit a visa cover letter to the Dutch consulate, embassy, or VFS Global visa application center, accompanying your Netherlands visa application. This letter provides a brief explanation of your purpose for traveling, employment status, and general day-to-day travel plans to strengthen your visa approval.
If you’re seeking a Netherlands Schengen visa and need assistance with the format of your cover letter, you can utilize the format provided by the BlinkDocsApp.
Many visa applications have been denied due to the absence of a properly structured cover letter that supports the visa documentation. To enhance your chances of visa approval, we offer assistance in creating your cover letter. Please consult with us to get started.
Know more about cover letter for Netherlands Schengen visa.
Travel Coverage for a Netherlands Schengen Visa
For U.S. green card holders, having travel health insurance is a crucial requirement for obtaining approval for their Netherlands Schengen visa. Travel insurance for Netherlands serves as a safeguard against unexpected travel-related mishaps, particularly covering medical expenses.
Before applying for a Netherlands Schengen visa, it is imperative to possess valid Schengen-approved Travel Health insurance. This insurance should offer a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical care and emergency hospital stays, and it should be applicable in all other Schengen countries. Additionally, it should cover repatriation expenses for medical reasons.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a Schengen visa to visit Netherlands or any other Schengen country. However, it is advisable to still obtain travel insurance because medical costs for tourists can be substantial. If you plan to stay in Netherlands for an extended period, such as for work or education, we recommend acquiring health insurance instead of travel insurance.
Your insurance must also cover other countries that you plan to visit (if any) . Know more about Travel Medical insurance for Netherlands Schengen visa here.
How to Apply for Netherlands Schengen visa from US?
Here are the step-by-step instructions for U.S. Green Card holders applying for a Netherlands Schengen visa:
- Determine the Visa Type: The initial step is to identify the specific type of visa required for your visit to Netherlands.
- Visa Application Form: Once you’ve determined the appropriate Netherlands visa type, proceed to complete the visa application form online.
- Gather Visa Requirements: Ensure you compile all the necessary documents essential for your Netherlands Schengen visa application.
- Schedule an Appointment: Following the online application, schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.
- Pay Visa Fees: Print the cover letter and payment fee receipt after you’ve completed your online Netherlands visa application and paid the necessary visa fees.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre: Submit your completed Netherlands visa application form in person at the Visa Application Centre.
- Wait for Visa Feedback: After attending your visa appointment, await feedback on your visa application from consulate officials.
- Track Your Visa Application: You will receive email notifications once the Visa Application Centre has received your application. You can monitor the progress of your visa application online.
- Collect Your Passport: Once the Visa Application Centre approves your Netherlands visa application, you must personally retrieve your passport.
Where Should US Green card holder can Apply for Netherlands Schengen visa?
VFS Global Visa Application Centers handle all Netherlands visa applications in the United States, with locations in Washington, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. To apply for short-term visas like business, visitor, or tourist Schengen visas, as well as residence/work permits for Netherlands while in the United States, you must submit your applications and undergo biometric procedures at one of these VFS Global visa application centers.
Know more about how to apply for Netherland Schengen visa based on your jurisdiction in US:
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Chicago
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Washington
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Houston
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Miami
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Los Angeles
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in San Francisco
- How to apply for Netherland Schengen visa in Chicago
Where Should make an appointment to get Netherlands Schengen visa for US Green card Holder?
VFS Global plays a vital role in assisting visa applicants at every phase of the Netherlands visa application process, collaborating with governments worldwide.
To schedule your Netherlands Schengen visa appointment, you must book an appointment online through the official website of the nearest VFS branch. As previously mentioned, there are a total of 5 VFS Visa Application Centers where you can submit the required documents and your Netherlands visa application. These centers are located in New York, Washington D.C, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.
Depending on your jurisdiction, identify the closest VFS Global visa application center and arrange an appointment for your Netherlands visa application.
When Should I apply for Netherlands Schengen visa from US?
When considering a trip to Netherlands, it’s essential to be aware of the visa processing time. It’s advisable to apply for your visa at least two months before your intended departure date, as in certain exceptional circumstances, visa processing may take up to 60 days. With this in mind, you should carefully determine the timing for your Schengen visa application for your Netherlands visit.
What is the Processing time for Netherlands Schengen visa for US Green card holders?
Typically, the Netherlands Schengen Visa Application processing period spans a minimum of 15 calendar days. However, there are situations where the processing time for a Netherlands visa can extend to 30 to 45 days, particularly during peak application periods when consulates receive a high volume of applications. In exceptional circumstances, the Netherlands visa processing time may even stretch to 60 days.
What will happen at Visa appointment Center for US Green card holders to visit Netherland
At your appointment you:
- submit all of the documents in your checklist, together with your passport
- You need to provide your fingerprints, it is not necessary if you are below age 12.
- You need to attend the interview and answer the questions that officials ask.
- Pay the visa fees
- Indicate whether you wish to pick up your passport (with visa) or have it mailed to you.
- Receive a reference number that will allow you to track the status of your application
How to Make the Payment for Netherlands Visa Fee from the United States?
You can settle visa fees through the following payment methods.
- Credit card
- Certified checks
- Postal money order
If you opt for the postal money order payment, it should be payable to “VFSServices USA Inc.” It’s important to be aware that in addition to the visa fee, VFS Global imposes an extra service fee of $47.24 USD per application.
They also accept credit card payments.
Netherland Schengen visa cost for US Green Card Holders
| Applicant | Schengen Visa Fee in EUR | Schengen Visa Fee in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 80 | 84.50 |
| Children between 6 and 12 years old | 40 | 42.25 |
| Children under 6 years old | Free | Free |
| US residents holding a passport of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, or Russia | 35 | 36.97 |
| US residents holding a passport of the Gambia | 120 | 126.75 |
What Should I do If my Netherlands visa is Denied?
If the authorities do not approve your Schengen visa application for Netherlands, you have two choices: you can either submit a fresh application for a Dutch visa, or you can decide to contest the decision.
Typically, when an individual’s visa application is declined by the Dutch Embassy, the Dutch Immigration Service automatically refers the decision for review (appeal). In cases where this automatic review doesn’t occur, the applicant will need to initiate the appeal process independently. The formal rejection letter from the Embassy will contain clear instructions on how to proceed with the appeal.
In instances where your Dutch visa was denied due to insufficient information, and the circumstances and conditions supporting the refusal remain unchanged, you may have the option to reopen your existing application. However, if your circumstances have changed or if they no longer align with your visa request, you will need to submit an entirely new application.