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Dear Rob,
I don't know how to proceed anymore and need some advice.
In 2008 I applied for a visa for my Thai wife who died much too young, but who died suddenly in Den Bosch two years ago. The past two years have been very difficult, both privately and professionally, with a lot of drama.
Now I have met a nice woman through a dating site, whom I met earlier this year in Bangkok. I would like to invite her to come here for three months, but I have no idea what I wrote in that self-written letter back in 2008. It has all faded, I really don't remember anything about it. I have also completely forgotten which documents I need to submit for a holiday visa. Maybe it is because of my age, but I really can't remember. Do you have any tips for me? And does anything need to be translated from Dutch to Thai?
I am also worried about what to do if the application is rejected, because I am very afraid of that. My girlfriend has no job and no children living at home. She has one daughter of 33, with whom she lives. I am afraid that the IND will see that as a lack of reasons to return to Bangkok. A few months ago I already tried to submit the application, but then I let it go for a while, because I feared that it would be rejected anyway.
But now I still want to try. Do you know what the chances are of approval with my girlfriend's background? I understand that this is difficult to say. On the positive side, she has a house in her hometown, Nakhon Phanom, that she wants to renovate someday.
I understand that you probably get a lot of these kinds of questions, but I don't know anyone local who can help me with this tricky visa application.
I hope to hear from you again, and thank you very much in advance.
Regards,
Ton
Dear Ton,
First of all, it is sad to suddenly lose a partner, I know all about that myself unfortunately… But it is nice that you are building a new future! To answer your question: if you have not done so yet, I advise you to download the Schengen dossier here on the blog (see link below). Since 2008, a lot has changed in the procedures, so reading up on the current material is really a must. So don't worry that you no longer know exactly how it went back then because the details of doing it are different from those of today.
A new relationship does not have to be a problem for a Schengen visa to the Netherlands. It is about the total picture: do the Thai foreigner and Dutch referent make a reliable impression? Is the request not strange, unrealistic or implausible? The most important thing is to show that the chance of illegal residence (overstay) is zero. If you have known each other for a long time, that would be a plus, but even if you only met in person earlier this year, that is already a plus (compared to inviting someone you have never met in person and have known for a relatively short time). The fact that you have successfully brought someone over for a short stay before also speaks in your favour as someone who will probably be a reliable referent and that you do not underestimate what is involved in bringing someone over from a far-away country.
In the accompanying letter, about 1 page long, you briefly write who you are, who she is, how and when you met and that you stayed together during the period of date such and such. Substantiate this with evidence: travel stamps or a plane ticket showing that you have been to Thailand, a reservation for a room, vehicle with both your names on it would be a nice bonus. Perhaps a photo, or a screenshot of your e-mail box filtered by sender (name of your girlfriend) as evidence of regular correspondence without showing all kinds of personal details that the civil servant does not feel like or have time to read through anyway. The decision is a matter of minutes, the civil servant wants to see a number of evidence to substantiate that you will really not be a risk to the state of the Netherlands.
Also describe how long she will be coming here, what your plan is in short and how everything will be arranged during her absence. If she had a job or care for family, you would have written that this could be taken care of by others for a while (but not longer than X weeks and she would therefore have to return to meet various obligations). Without a job or minor children, there is no good argument for timely return. If I were a civil servant, I would think "but why would she go back? What about the income, what does she live on? What obligations and ties does she have in Thailand?" Hopefully there is something with which your girlfriend can show that she certainly has a bond and therefore a reason to return. Provide proof of this. Such as the house that she owns. Also think of elderly parents who may depend on her for care or other support.
Even if there is nothing else to prove except her promise that she will return on time, it is still a plus that you have been a reference before. Also mention that in your letter, and if possible add a copy of the visa stamp of your previous partner.
The decision-makers do not speak Thai, so have evidence in that language translated into English. Legalization is usually not necessary (although it can be useful for official documents that you are already planning to use for something else official).
Another tip: take another holiday to Thailand in the period immediately before her planned trip to the Netherlands. You can get to know each other better and fly back to the Netherlands together. Your guidance as someone with experience as a referee can certainly do no harm. Of course, add something from a reservation (flight and/or hotel) in your names. When making reservations, try to go for something that you can cancel free of charge or cheaply in time if it does lead to a rejection. A visa application should not cost hundreds of euros in wasted money.
Hopefully this, together with the file, will be a useful first aid in preparing and starting the visa application.
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