Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands: the required documents
A Thai partner who wants to visit the Netherlands for a short stay (maximum 90 days) must apply for a Schengen visa.
To apply for a Schengen visa, the visa applicant is required to submit a number of documents and evidence. You can apply for a Schengen visa at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. The procedure for this is simple, you take the following steps:
- Visit the website of the Dutch embassy in Bangkok: Apply for a Schengen visa
- Make an appointment for a visit. The embassy has outsourced the appointment system to the service bureau VFS Global.
- A visa application must always be made personally by the Thai visa applicant.
- Ensure that all necessary documents and evidence have been collected and submitted.
- The applicant receives a short intake interview and he/she must pay the costs (fees).
Please note!: There are also visa agencies or intermediaries in the Netherlands and Thailand who are willing to arrange an application for a Schengen visa for a (considerable) fee. This includes both mala fide and bona fide parties. These visa agencies charge a financial fee for their services, but this has no influence whatsoever on the decision to grant a visa for the Netherlands and other Schengen countries.
Documents for a visa application
Exactly which documents you need to submit depends on the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands, such as:
- Tourism – the visa applicant goes to the Netherlands for a few weeks for a holiday and stays in a hotel.
- Business visit – a person requiring a visa wants to go to the Netherlands for business purposes.
- Friends, family or partner visit – a visa applicant wants to visit his or her family, friends or partner in the Netherlands and usually also stays there.
There are a number of documents and evidence that your Thai partner must always provide:
- a completed and signed visa application form;
- passport and passport photos;
- documents to substantiate the travel purpose, such as a hotel booking or a legalized accommodation form (from a sponsor in the Netherlands);
- documents proving return to Thailand;
- proof of means, or in the absence thereof, a legalized form of guarantee (from the sponsor);
- proof of reservation of an airline ticket or trip;
- proof of travel medical insurance;
- possibly documents from the sponsor (guarantee or accommodation or both).
Explanation of the mandatory documents and supporting documents
Passport and passport photos
This involves a valid passport (or other cross-border document) that is valid for at least three months beyond the end of the visa period. The passport cannot be older than 10 years. 2 recent passport photos must be submitted. These passport photos must meet the Dutch passport requirements (including a light background).
Documents to substantiate the purpose of travel
By submitting documents, you must be able to prove the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands. For a short-stay visa (Schengen visa), the embassy requests documents that prove that the applicant is indeed going to the Netherlands for family, tourism or a business visit, such as:
- In tourism: a hotel reservation in the Netherlands.
- On a business visit: an invitation letter from a company established in the Netherlands.
- When visiting family, friends or partner: form for accommodation provision (in the absence of own resources, also a form for guarantee). It is possible that a person in the Netherlands acts as sponsor. This can be in the form of accommodation provider, guarantor or a combination of both.
Documents for proof of return to your own country
Documents that make the return to the country of origin plausible. These are important in order to be able to rule out the risk of settlement as much as possible. The following documents can be considered;
- documentary evidence showing that the visa applicant has a job in the country of origin, such as an employer's statement, employment contract;
- proof of enrollment at an educational institution in the country of origin;
- proof of registration of school-going children in the country of origin;
- proof of ownership of your own home and/or other immovable property in the country of origin;
- documentary evidence showing that he cares for other persons in the country of origin.
Please note!: The burden of proof to demonstrate that the visa applicant has reasons to return to the country of origin lies with that person. The IND and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can only give advice on this point. It is the embassy that actually determines whether the supporting documents are sufficient. If they consider that the supporting documents are not convincing enough, the application can be rejected on the basis of a risk of establishment. In other words, there is a fear that the applicant will stay (illegally) in the Netherlands at some point.
Proof of means
A visa applicant must provide proof that he/she has sufficient funds for the stay, transit and/or return journey. For example: One or more bank statements, traveler's checks, or cash. There must be a minimum of € 34 per day for the duration of the stay. If someone wants to come to the Netherlands for 90 days, they must be able to demonstrate that they have access to € 3060 (90 x € 34).
Please note!: If the person who wants to come to the Netherlands does not have sufficient financial means, a sponsor in the Netherlands can act as guarantor.
Proof of reservation of plane ticket or trip
The visa applicant must demonstrate that he has reserved travel or flight tickets. Please note!: proof of reservation is sufficient, it does not have to be proof of payment.
Proof of travel medical insurance
You are required to provide your Thai guest with an adequate medical travel insurance to close. This must cover any expenses for repatriation for medical reasons or urgent medical care (e.g. emergency treatment in a hospital). The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and have a minimum cover of € 30.000. The travel insurance must be taken out for the entire period of the stay in the Schengen area. Proof of the original insurance policy must be presented when submitting the visa application.
Documents from the sponsor (guarantee or accommodation or both)
Mandatory documents for accommodation
To substantiate the purpose of travel, a sponsor can have a completed 'Proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation provision' legalized at the municipality where he lives, on presentation of the passport. With this form he indicates that he invites the visa applicant for a short visit to the Netherlands. The municipality legalizes the sponsor's signature on the form. A small amount has to be paid for this. The sponsor then sends the form together with a copy of his passport or European identity card to the applicant in Thailand. The sponsor does not have to enclose any income documents if he only invites the visa applicant for accommodation and does not act as guarantor.
Mandatory documents for guarantee
If the person who wants to come to the Netherlands does not have sufficient financial means, someone in the Netherlands can act as a financial guarantor. This is only possible if this sponsor (guarantor) can demonstrate that it has sufficient and sustainable income. A standard amount applies for this. The standard amount as of 1 July 2013 is € 1477,80 per month (excluding holiday pay).
The guarantor in the Netherlands does not necessarily have to be the same person as the accommodation provider. If the guarantor and the accommodation provider are two different persons, a copy of the passport or European identity card must be enclosed with the application of both the guarantor and the accommodation provider. The visa applicant takes these documents with him to the Dutch embassy.
Employed and guarantor
If you work as an employee and want to act as a guarantor for someone, the visa applicant in Thailand will need the following documents from you:
- the completed, signed and legalized document 'certificate of guarantee and/or private accommodation';
- a copy of an employment contract valid for at least 12 months from the date of the visa application;
- a copy of the last three payslips;
- a copy of the guarantor's passport.
Entrepreneur and guarantor
If you are self-employed and want to act as a guarantor for someone, the visa applicant will need the following documents from you:
- the completed, signed and legalized document 'certificate of guarantee and/or private accommodation';
- a recent extract from the registration in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce;
- the most recent final income tax assessment from the Tax and Customs Administration;
- a recent profit and loss statement, showing the company's net profit.
The embassy decides
The Dutch embassy can decide to request more or fewer documents and evidence for a visa application. You should therefore always consult the embassy's website.
The Dutch embassy in Bangkok takes into account the specific circumstances in Thailand. For example, a copy of the employment contract is requested as proof of return. The consular department knows and understands that this is not possible for many Thai people because they work without an employment contract or are self-employed. In that case, alternatives such as photos or other evidence are possible. To do so, please contact the consular department.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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I assume that these documents are also valid for applying for a Schengen visa in Belgium, or are other documents required
Thank you for response
Check the website of the Belgian embassy in Bangkok.
Check out the website of the Belgian embassy.
Procedure is slightly different.
link 1, 2 and 3 please follow
http://www.diplomatie.be/bangkoknl/default.asp?id=23&mnu=23&ACT=5&content=78
http://www.vfsglobal.com/belgium/thailand/
https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/NL/Gidsvandeprocedures/Pages/Familiebezoek_of_vriendenbezoek.aspx
(scroll down on this link)
everything will be fine. Know from my circle of acquaintances that it can be more difficult for Belgium due to where you live (self-employed or resident). Including the personal situation of the applicant (working, self-employed or unemployed or entitled to benefits).
In addition, I would like to note that if you indeed provide all information immediately and properly, the visa will often be issued within a week (short stay).
Only and the applicant should keep a close eye on that. Don't let the friend say she quit her job.
Otherwise, the reason to return is no longer present.
Fortunately, at the time my now wife (a girlfriend 4 years ago) a. had her own house, b still had a home business and c. from home (family) also a company, so after the first rejection and 1 call from the Netherlands with the second application, a visa within 2 days.
I don't know exactly how it is now, but until 2012 much praise for the staff at the embassy. Always neat and tidy and helpful and friendly and fast (as agreed).
There are a number of rules of conduct for visitors. Act like a Thai and not like a Squat.
I myself experienced that a sweaty (western Dutchman or Dutchman full of tattoos) was scolding an employee why things were not arranged IMMEDIATELY. His girlfriend's application was missing????? some data and therefore she was rejected.
The “friend” demanded AND this with expletives and insults that made me feel ashamed of swift action.
Was politely asked to leave the building by security. this is quite right.
I would NEVER issue a visa to someone like that if I had to. I don't know if the embassy uses the same tactic.
.
Another addition: when my Thai wife, with whom I am legally married and the marriage is also registered in The Hague, and I wanted to go to the Netherlands for a short holiday in June 2013, an invitation letter was signed by me from the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. desired. This while I am officially deregistered from NL and also officially live in Thailand.
You have to follow the procedure, dear Nico, that makes sense, doesn't it?
An invitation letter is required. POINT.
An invitation letter no longer exists. This has been replaced by the form for guarantee and/or accommodation.
You are right Peter regarding the form, but Thai documents are also not required in the embassy's list.
The first time we followed that list exactly with the result visa refused, this was then announced after 2 weeks by Dutch (!) letter by the IND in Almelo, send a letter in Dutch to the Isaan, I couldn't make it up .
on the second application we copied and included all the Thai documents she had, birth certificates, title deeds, passbooks, etc., and I wrote a nice letter in which I am again guarantor and will see to it that she returns and her relationship with Thailand, I also had my signature legalized at the city office at the same time as the form.
That did help, it was now arranged with 1 day!
So an explanatory letter of invitation can never hurt, and if they don't take my word for it, yes, if the innkeeper is, I think he trusts his guests.
Furthermore, you are indeed properly helped at the embassy, no complaints, only the website of VSF Global does not excel in clarity and convenience.
Another tip is to report to the Aliens Police at the police station, despite the fact that the Marechaussee at Schiphol did not consider this necessary!
@ Hans, it is correct that it is confusing. The information is also very fragmented. Some can be found on websites of embassies, some with the national government, foreign affairs and also some with the IND.
I don't know exactly what the situation is with expats and pensioners who want to go to the Netherlands with a Thai partner.
What is also strange is that the guarantor must demonstrate that he has a monthly income above the standard amount. For example, if you have 10 million euros in your savings account, but no sustainable income (benefit/salary/pension/profit from business), you cannot guarantee it.
Well, rules…
Nico, did you have to fill in all these papers even though your wife lived in the Netherlands?
We are also married in the Netherlands, my wife has a social security number and I have been living in Thailand for 8 years. We want to go to the Netherlands for 2 weeks this year.
Maybe I should go to Singapore for 2 weeks.
I assume that your wife (and you?) are no longer registered as a resident in the Netherlands if you stay abroad for at least 8 months (“You must deregister if you expect to stay in the Netherlands for at least 12 months within a 8-month period). This period does not have to be consecutive," writes Rijksoverheid.nl ), any residence permit will then in principle expire because the main residence is no longer in the Netherlands. In fact, as of June 1, 2013, the law has been tightened and "main residence outside the Netherlands" is already assumed for a stay of more than 6 months outside the Netherlands (see IND site: forms or FAQ -> general questions -> main residence). The residence permit expires anyway if you do not extend it in time.
If you no longer have a valid Dutch passport (nationality) or valid residence permit, the person must therefore arrange a visa. Whether you were born, raised or have lived in the Netherlands for years does not matter to the authorities, you simply have to have a right of residence based on the Dutch nationality or a valid residence permit or valid visa.
Yes Ruud,
My wife also has a social security number, even had a 5-year visa for NL, but because she was not in NL for more than 6 months, that visa is no longer valid.
By the way, I wonder what would have happened if we had traveled via Brussels or Frankfurt. Can they see there that my wife's visa has expired due to long-term residence in Thailand?
But my point was that I find it strange that as a non-NL resident I have to deliver an invitation for my wife's arrival to NL. It is not listed on the website of the NL embassy in Bangkok.
Before an appointment can be made with the embassy, 275 b. being paid. This is only possible at one bank (see website). Make sure that the bank correctly takes over the details of the payment. This data forms the key that gives access to the appointment system. With my girlfriend, the bank had made a mistake in the date of birth, with the result that the payment could not be found.
Moderator: Please substantiate your position with facts such as examples, data, etc. Otherwise it's just a belch.
Never say never, I have never applied for a visa for my wife as we have never traveled beyond Europe. So I have no idea, but please correct me! One must have a ticket, travel insurance and the papers, which is right of course. My question is: Can it happen that people hand in all papers correctly, but are still refused a visa, which means that they have a considerable expense or are there insurance policies against this? In other words, is a ticket also reimbursed if a visa is refused and does this happen often?
Yes, a visa can be refused at any time, although BKK only rejects about 2-3%. One embassy is more difficult than the other and they may also set additional requirements themselves…
Still negative? Always appeal! Costs you nothing except some time. Of course, check carefully why it was rejected (have you forgotten important evidence?) , and provide new evidence if necessary. For example, explain in an accompanying letter that you as a guarantor will see to it that the foreign national will return (possibly with an explanation of the reason: obligations in the home country, future plans as a result of which illegal residence would only cause you problems, think of future migration plans) . And explain the purpose of the trip again (for example “we want to go on holiday together in the Netherlands so that the foreign national gets to know the country/culture/family/language/…”).
The embassy and IND can never really prove that there is a "danger of establishment" or "the purpose of travel is not plausible". With an objection, about 50% worldwide still receive a positive result, and with the help of a lawyer about 70% (source: foreignpartner.nl). So make sure that your application is in tip-top shape, if you can pretty much dream what people are asking for and you don't let it drive you crazy, you have a good chance of a direct positive or positive after the first rejection. If you are in an exceptional situation or if you are not so sure of your case, you can lodge an objection with an immigration law lawyer.
In terms of costs, it will not be too bad if you use your head:
– Never buy a ticket before the visa has been granted, only discuss a (non-binding / free) flight reservation.
– You can get a refund from insurers such as OOM if a visa is not issued. So check carefully whether the medical travel insurance you have in mind 1) meets the requirements 2) can get your money back and if not unnecessarily paid premium.
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PS: @ Rori says on September 12, 2013 at 11:26 am : “There are a number of rules of conduct for visitors. Act like a Thai and not like a Squat.” Lol, that's a bit insulting to "the Dutchman" when we speak in stereotypes... Just behave decently, treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. That's a general rule in most cultures I suppose... Squats and bastards with a short fuse or big mouth are unfortunately everywhere. A Thai who has been stepped on his toes is not a party either. 😉 The incidents with angry referees are the reasons that, in principle, no referees are allowed to enter the embassy when the foreign national (= applicant) comes to the appointment. The rotten apples ruin it for everyone else. 🙁
Finally, a general note: don't forget to report! : The foreign national must report to the Aliens Police within 3 (working) days. . In most regions this can be done digitally viapolice.nl, but this is not the case everywhere. You may therefore be asked to visit the police. Furthermore, a useless procedure ... perhaps it will disappear in the long term, since it no longer needs to be imposed by member states in the most recent version of the Schengen treaty, but according to Dutch law it still does at the moment (see my messages in the "orange customer ” blog by Hans Geleijnse a few months ago).
Dear Mathias.
You make the application first. If it is awarded, you will be notified that business has been agreed. You then make an appointment with the embassy to collect the visa. At that time you must be able to show the ticket and the insurance. This is asked when you make the appointment to issue the visa (stick it in the passport).
This can also be requested at the border. Tip.
Depending on where you have to go in the Netherlands, you have nice bypass options. Dusseldorf, Osnabruck, Brussels and possibly Frankfurt.
Me and my wife use this the most. There is no question about this and based on my EU passport and my wife's Thai visa or residence status, that is all they want to see.
Much friendlier arrival and departure compared to Amsterdam and a lot faster.
Seems far away but it's not too bad.
Travel time from Eindhoven:
Dusseldorf 1 hour
Osnabruck 1.15hXNUMX min
Brussels 1.30hXNUMX min
Amsterdam 1.30hXNUMX min
Frankfurt 2.30 – 3 hours min
Often much cheaper in terms of price.
I often fly/fly from Dusseldorf. Departure plane at 17.45 Departure from home at 15.30.
Now, however, I am more on the track of Osnabruck myself because the tickets with Lufthansa via Frankfurt are really cheap. Around 700 euros return to Bangkok.
The possibility of direct Phuket and Chiangmai is also possible from these airports.
Hmm Finnair used to fly to Surat thani where we have to go. This is now sometimes possible. Check with Finnair which months and days they fly there.
@ moderator: Can the previous blogs about the VKV be added to “related items” (or is that done automatically based on the tags? These are missing…)
For example:
- http://www.thailandblog.nl/expats-en-pensionado/visa/hoe-vraag-ik-toeristenvisum-aan/
- https://www.thailandblog.nl/visum-kort-verblijf/thaise-vriendin-naar-nederland-halen-reisverzekering-verplicht/
- https://www.thailandblog.nl/dagelijks-leven-in-thailand/hoera-welkom-nederland/
- https://www.thailandblog.nl/expats-en-pensionado/visa/jeannette-verkerk-ambassade-bangkok-visumprocedure/
(this message can be removed to keep the article clean)
This is done automatically with a plugin.
I lived in SE Asia for 12 years and married my Thai wife in Thailand. When we wanted to go on holiday to the Netherlands to visit family, I obviously couldn't guarantee her. I did not live in the Netherlands myself and had no income in the Netherlands. My brother in the Netherlands acted as a manager for my wife and that went smoothly and the application was immediately granted.
Hi Eric,
If I understand you correctly, anyone can guarantee a friend, if he has enough income yes….
That's right. There is no need to see a relationship with the visa applicant. I know a Dutchman who lives in Thailand, who, when he goes to the Netherlands with his Thai partner, lets his brother act as guarantor for her.
Moderator: Please stay on topic.