How to Apply for a Schengen Visa for The Netherlands through VFS Global?
Last year, one of my most exciting adventures was going back to Europe. I was thrilled not just about the places that I had visited, but also because it was my first time traveling alone there. As I prepared for the trip, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Ever since I visited Europe in 2019, I had been eager to return. Luckily, I was able to find a cheap ticket to The Netherlands. This country had been on my must-visit list for a while so booking that ticket felt like a dream come true.
As a Philippine passport holder, traveling to The Netherlands requires a Schengen visa. This visa allows short stays for the purpose of leisure travel in any Schengen Area member, including The Netherlands. Although applying for a visa can feel overwhelming, this detailed guide will take you through each step of the process on how to apply for a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands.
Steps on how to apply for a Schengen Visa for The Netherlands
Because my flights to and from Europe were through Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, and since I planned to spend the most time in The Netherlands during my entire European trip, it made sense to apply for a Schengen Visa for The Netherlands. This visa application is being handled by the VFS Global Visa Application Centre. Here’s the process based on my application in July 2023.
1. Create an account at The Netherlands Consular Services
You need to create an account to complete the online Schengen visa application form.
2. Complete the Schengen visa application form
Once your account is set up, you can proceed to fill out the online visa application form. The form is user-friendly, so simply provide the requested information in each of the five parts:
- Personal Details
- Journey
- Destination
- Funding
- History
You can save your progress at any time, and changes made to each step will be automatically saved. Fields marked with * are mandatory.
After confirming all steps of your application, thoroughly review the content. If any information needs correction, you can easily return to your application.
Once everything is completed and reviewed, click “submit.” You will then be redirected to the completed application form.
3. Prepare the Requirements
Application
- Print out of the completed and signed Schengen Visa application form.
Travel documents
- Passport – Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date on which you leave the Schengen area. Your passport must also have at least 2 empty visa pages.
- Photocopy of all pages of the passport
Photo
- Passport photo that meets Dutch passport requirements. This photo cannot have been taken more than 6 months ago and must bear a clear resemblance.
Proof of financial means
- Bank Certificate and Bank Statement – A bank certificate issued within 3 months indicating your account balance and statement for the past six months. These documents should demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Europe.
Proof of travel
- Travel itinerary or flight reservation
- Hotel reservation or any proof of accommodation
- Detailed day to day itinerary of the planned trip
Proof of occupation
- Certificate of Employment
- Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) – A photocopy of your ITR form or BIR Form 2316.
Proof of health insurance
- Travel insurance – Valid throughout Schengen area and for the duration of the stay. Should at least have €30k coverage for medical costs
Other documents:
- Previously issued visa – Photocopy of page/s of the previously issued visa/s.
- Cover letter – Stating my reason of my travel to Europe and that I will be returning to the Philippines.
4. Schedule an Appointment
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents for your application, visit the VFS Global Center Online Appointment system. If it’s your first time making an appointment through the VFS Global Center for the Netherlands, create an account. After setting up your account, you can proceed to schedule an appointment.
Please note that there is a VFS service charge of €17.20 or the equivalent in the local currency, which is Php 1,011 (for submissions with biometrics) per application. Once your appointment is confirmed, print the appointment letter.
5. Go to VFS Global Center
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the VFS Global Center to submit your application and supporting documents. It’s advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. On the ground floor of the building, inform the guard of your appointment and that you’re applying for a Schengen Visa for The Netherlands. They will direct you to the queue designated for Schengen Visa applications for the Netherlands.
About 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time, the guard will ask the applicants on queue to proceed to the upper level of the VFS Global Center. If you have any bags with you, these must be surrendered at the baggage counter for a minimal fee, which you can settle after retrieving your belongings.
A staff member on the front desk will review your application and documents. Once reviewed, you’ll receive a queue number and be directed to the designated area for The Netherlands visa applicants. If there are few applicants at the time of your visit, you may not have to wait long for your turn. After submitting your documents, you’ll need to pay the visa fee (€80). Then, you’ll await for your turn for biometric data collection.
Application processing typically takes 10 to 15 working days. If you’ve opted for courier services, your passport will be delivered to your address once processed. If you haven’t availed of the SMS service, you’ll receive notifications regarding your application status via email.
6. Track the progress of your application
While waiting for the result, you can also track the progress of your application. Simply visit VFS Global Center for The Netherlands website and log in with your account.
7. Passport delivery and result
If you opt for a courier service, you can wait for your passport to be delivered in your address. However, if you choose to collect the passport in person, go to the VFS Global Center between 2:00pm to 4:00pm. I was able to receive my passport 13 days after I submitted my application.
Timeline of my application for Schengen Visa for The Netherlands
Jul 9, 2023 – Made an appointment through VFS Global Center for The Netherlands
Jul 25, 2023 – Went to VFS Global Center and submitted my Schengen visa application and documents
Aug 4, 2023 – Received an email from VFS Global Center that my passport is available for delivery or pick-up
Aug 7, 2023 – Delivery of my passport to my address with a granted Schengen Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to apply for a Schengen Visa for the Netherlands? I suggest at least three months before the trip.
- Do I need to have a show-money? Yes. Applicant must submit proof of financial means through Bank Certificate and Bank Statement.
- How much should be the show-money? It depends on the number of days that you will stay in Europe. I suggest to have a budget of around €100 per day.
- Do I need to have confirmed flight bookings? It is not recommendable to buy a confirmed ticket before getting the visa. When you submit the application, you only have to present a copy of the reservation of the flight ticket.
- Is there a visa label in the passport? Yes.
- Is there an interview at the VFS Global Center? There’s none. The visa representative will only review your form and requirements – and might ask additional documentation if needed.
- Can I reschedule my appointment? Yes, you can reschedule your appointment once through the VFS Global Center appointment portal.
- How much time does it take to get the result of the application? When I applied, I was told to wait for 10 to 15 working days. In some cases, it could take up to 21 working days.
Please note that the steps in this blog are for application for a short stay Schengen visa for The Netherlands. If you are applying for other types of visa, please contact the Embassy of The Netherlands in the Philippines or visit the official website.
Got questions? Comment it down below and we’ll try to answer it.
VFS Global Visa Application Center for The Netherlands
6th floor, Makati Circuit Corporate Center Tower Two
Makati City, Philippines
Hours of Operation: 7:00am to 4:00pm
