Planning a trip to the Netherlands from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE? Whether it’s for tourism, business, family visit, or study, scheduling your Netherlands visa appointment is the first and most important step in the Schengen visa process.
Here’s a complete 2025 guide to help UAE residents book their Netherlands visa appointment through VFS Global, prepare documents, and avoid common mistakes that cause application delays or rejections.
🕒 Step 1: Understand If You Need a Netherlands Visa
If you hold a UAE passport, congratulations — you don’t need a visa to enter the Netherlands or any other Schengen country for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).
However, if you are a resident of the UAE with a passport from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nigeria, Egypt, or any other non-Schengen country, you must apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa before traveling.
The Netherlands visa allows you to travel not only to the Netherlands but also to all 27 Schengen countries, provided your main destination or longest stay is in the Netherlands.
🏢 Step 2: Book Your Netherlands Visa Appointment at VFS Global Dubai or Abu Dhabi
All Netherlands visa applications in the UAE are handled through VFS Global, the official outsourcing partner for the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
To book your appointment:
- Visit the official VFS Netherlands UAE Portal.
- Create an account and select ‘Schedule an Appointment’.
- Choose your preferred visa application center — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
- Select your date, time, and visa category (Tourist, Business, Family, etc.).
- Confirm your booking and print the appointment confirmation email.
👉 Tip: During busy travel seasons (March–August and December holidays), slots get filled weeks in advance. Book your appointment at least 30 days before your intended travel date.
🗓 Step 3: Choose the Right Visa Type
Before you attend your appointment, determine the visa category that fits your travel purpose:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
| Tourist Visa | For leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family | Up to 90 days |
| Business Visa | Attending meetings, exhibitions, or conferences | Up to 90 days |
| Student Visa (Short Term) | For short courses or internships | Up to 90 days |
| Family Visit Visa | Visiting relatives living in the Netherlands | Up to 90 days |
| Transit Visa | For travelers passing through a Dutch airport | Short stay |
Each visa type has specific document requirements, so make sure to review the checklist before your appointment.
📋 Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather the following documents before attending your appointment. Missing paperwork is one of the top reasons for delays or rejections.
Mandatory Documents
- Visa Application Form – Completed online and signed.
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date and have 2 blank pages.
- UAE Residence Visa – Valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Photographs – Two recent passport-size photos (white background).
- Flight Itinerary – Return flight booking or confirmed ticket.
- Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter – Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands.
- Travel Insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage valid across Schengen countries.
- Proof of Financial Means – Bank statements (3–6 months), salary slips, or sponsorship letter.
- Employment or Business Letter – No objection certificate from employer or trade license copy (for business owners).
- Cover Letter – Explain the purpose of your trip and travel plans clearly.
For Minors, include a birth certificate and consent letter signed by both parents.
📍 Step 5: Visit the Netherlands VFS Center for Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment:
- Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early with all your documents arranged in order.
- Submit your application at the VFS counter.
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Pay the visa fee in cash or card (around AED 370, including service charge).
- Collect the payment receipt and tracking number.
📍 VFS Global Netherlands Application Centers in UAE:
- Dubai: Wafi Mall, Oud Metha
- Abu Dhabi: Level 25, Shining Tower, Khalidiya
- Sharjah: ME Tower, Al Taawun Street
⏳ Step 6: Track Your Application Status
After submission, you can track your visa status via:
👉 VFS Tracking Portal.
Enter your reference number and date of birth to check progress.
Processing typically takes 15 working days, but it can extend to 30–45 days depending on nationality and travel season.
Once a decision is made, VFS will notify you via email or SMS. You can either:
- Collect your passport in person, or
- Opt for courier delivery at your address (extra AED 30–50).
📬 Step 7: After Visa Approval
Once you receive your passport, check the visa validity dates carefully.
- Entry Date – The first day you can enter Schengen territory.
- Exit Date – The last day you must leave the area.
- Number of Entries – Single or multiple entry based on your request.
If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) within the Netherlands.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete application form – Missing signatures or details can cause rejection.
- Expired travel insurance – Must cover full duration of stay.
- Fake hotel bookings – Can lead to refusal and future bans.
- Wrong visa type – Your trip purpose must match your documents.
- Late booking – Applying less than 15 days before travel risks delay.
Double-check your documents using the Netherlands Checklist.
🧾 Netherlands Visa Fees from UAE (2025)
| Visa Type | Embassy Fee | VFS Service Fee | Total (AED) |
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa | €80 | AED 80 | ~AED 370 |
| Children (6–12 years) | €40 | AED 80 | ~AED 230 |
| Long-Stay / MVV Visa | €250 | AED 80 | ~AED 950 |
Prices may vary slightly based on Euro exchange rate.
💡 Expert Tip – Apply Through a Reliable Travel Partner
While you can book your appointment directly through VFS, most UAE residents prefer to apply via licensed visa experts like us.
We offer:
- Guaranteed appointment slot confirmation
- Form filling and document review
- Travel insurance & flight reservation assistance
This ensures your file meets all embassy standards and eliminates the risk of rejection due to small mistakes.
📞 Need help with your Netherlands visa appointment from Dubai?
WhatsApp or call us at +971 50 259 3256 for step-by-step assistance.
✅ Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Book appointment via VFS Netherlands UAE
- Prepare all required documents
- Purchase valid Schengen travel insurance
- Submit biometric data and track application
- Avoid peak season delays by applying early
✈️ Your Netherlands Journey Starts Here
With the right preparation, applying for your Netherlands visa from the UAE is a simple, stress-free process. Whether you’re exploring Amsterdam’s canals, attending a business meeting in Rotterdam, or visiting friends in The Hague, the first step is booking your VFS Netherlands visa appointment — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.