Why Apply for a Netherlands Business Visa?

• Valid for short business trips up to 90 days
• Allows entry into the Netherlands and Schengen Area
• Suitable for meetings, conferences, training, and negotiations
• Option for single or multiple-entry visas
• Can be issued for 1–5 years validity (for frequent travelers)

Netherlands Business Visa

A Netherlands Business Visa enables UAE residents to travel legally for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, or training programs. It provides access not only to the Netherlands but also to the wider Schengen Area, allowing seamless travel across 29 European countries. This visa is essential for professionals looking to strengthen international partnerships, expand business opportunities, and build networks in the European market.

Eligibility Criteria for a Netherlands Business Visa

You can apply for a Netherlands Business Visa if you meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen.
• Have a valid UAE residence permit to apply from the UAE.
• Intend to travel for business purposes (meetings, training, negotiations, conferences) and can prove the purpose with an invitation letter.
• Provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay and return travel.
• Hold Schengen-compliant travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
• Be able to show accommodation details (hotel booking or host invitation).

Netherlands Business Visa Document Checklist (UAE Residents) 

• Passport (issued ≤10 years ago, ≥2 blank pages, valid ≥3 months after planned Schengen exit) + UAE residence permit.
• Completed & signed Schengen application form + signed VFS checklist.
• Photos (Schengen spec).
• Invitation letter from Dutch company (with purpose, dates, who pays costs).
• Employer documents (NOC/leave letter; for self‑employed: trade licence, tax number).
• Proof of funds (recent bank statements/salary slips).
• Itinerary (round‑trip reservation) & accommodation.
• Travel medical insurance covering ≥€30,000 for the entire Schengen area and full stay.
• Previous travel history (if applicable).
   

Step-by-Step Process: Netherlands Business Visa from UAE

Step 1 – Choose visa type
Select Schengen Business Visa (Type C) for stays up to 90 days.

Step 2 – Prepare documents
Get your passport, UAE residence visa, photos, insurance (≥€30,000), flight & hotel bookings, invitation letter, employer NOC, and bank statements.

Step 3 – Fill application form & checklist
Complete the form via official website. 

Step 4 – Book an appointment
Schedule your submission at the VFS Netherlands Visa Centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Step 5 – Submit documents & biometrics
Attend the appointment with documents and provide fingerprints (if not done in the last 59 months).

Step 6 – Pay visa fees
Pay €90 (adult), €45 (child 6–11), free for under 6, plus VFS service charges in AED.

Step 7 – Track application & collect passport
Track your file online through VFS and collect your passport (or use courier service).

Step 8 – Travel
Use the visa within its validity and follow the 90/180-day stay rule.

Netherlands Business Visa Processing Time (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

The visa processing times for a Netherlands Business Visa varies depending on the season and individual circumstances.

Period	Processing Time
Standard cases	Within 15 calendar days after your file reaches the consulate.
Peak seasons / complex files	Can extend up to 45 calendar days. Some nationalities require mandatory consultation (adds up to 7 days within the 45-day period).
When to apply	Submit applications up to 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers). Do not apply later than 15 days before travel.

Note: It is recommended to apply well in advance of travel.

Netherlands Business Visa Fees (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

Visa fees are set in euros (EUR) and collected in AED at the Visa Application Centre. The AED amounts below are indicative, based on €1 ≈ AED 4.00, and may vary slightly depending on the daily consular exchange rate. VFS Global also charges a separate service fee payable in AED.

Applicant	Visa Fee (EUR)	Indicative Fee (AED)
Adult (12 years +)	€ 90	~AED 360
Child (6–11 years)	€ 45	~AED 180
Child (<6 years)	Free	AED 0

Netherlands Business Visa Refusal Reasons & How to Re-apply

A Netherlands Business Visa may be refused if the application does not meet Schengen requirements.

Below are the most common refusal reasons:

• Incomplete or missing documentation
• Purpose of travel not clearly proven
• Insufficient financial means to cover the trip
• Travel medical insurance not meeting the €30,000 minimum coverage
• Weak ties to UAE or doubts about return after travel
• Inconsistent travel history or itinerary

How to Proceed if Your Netherlands Business Visa is Refused?

If your Netherlands Business Visa is refused, you have two main options:

File an objection (appeal):

• Submit an appeal within 4 weeks of the refusal notice.
• Appeals are reviewed by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Re-apply with stronger evidence:

• Correct missing or incomplete documents.
• Provide stronger proof of financial means and travel purpose.
• Ensure travel insurance meets the €30,000 Schengen requirement.
• Clarify ties to the UAE to show intention to return.

How can Y-Axis help you?

• Evaluating the documents needed for your visa application
• Guide you on the funds that need to be displayed to the visa officials
• Counsel you to complete the process of application

Contact us today to get your Netherlands Business Visa process started.