Requirements

Not everyone needs a visa for their stay in the Netherlands. Also be sure to check out any links provided for additional information. Please ensure that you remain legal while resident in Holland and do not try to enter the country without the required paperwork.

Staying for less than 3 months

Countries whose cititizens do not require a visa for a stay of three months or less:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany (Federal Republic), Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Hong Kong (holders of BNO, British National Overseas Passport), Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

If you are a national from any other country, you need a visa for a stay of less than 3 months in the Netherlands. You need to apply for a visa at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country before you come to the Netherlands.

Staying for more than 3 months

If you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a period longer than 3 months, you need an MVV. An MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is an authorisation for temporary stay. Only nationals of the following countries do not need a MVV; Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Vatican City.

More information can be found on the following websites:

• www.ind.nl - the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie en Naturalisatie Dienst)
• www.minbuza.nl - the Bureau of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken)

GETTING A VISA

If you require a visa for your visit to the Netherlands, you need to apply for one at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. You should do this approximately 2 months before your arrival to the Netherlands. You cannot get a visa in the Netherlands.