Netherlands Visa Application Guide for UAE Residents & Nationals
Are you planning to travel to the Netherlands from the UAE? This guide will help you apply for a Netherlands visa in the United Arab Emirates. We will explain the different types of visas, required documents, costs, processing times, and travel tips. This way, your trip can be easy, whether you are an expatriate or a UAE citizen. Does the Netherlands Require a Visa for UAE Citizens? Good news for Emiratis! If you are a UAE citizen, you do not need a visa for short visits to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries. You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes family trips, work meetings, and travel. What you still need to carry: Important Information: Starting in 2025, UAE citizens must use the European Travel Information and authorisation System, or ETIAS. To get pre-travel approval, you need to apply online. It is not a visa, but travelers without it must go through an authorization check. Step-by-step Netherlands visa guide for UAE travelers. Gulliver Holidays offers the best visa services for UAE residents planning trips to the Netherlands. Netherlands Visa Types for Visitors to the UAE Choose the right visa based on your travel purpose: How to Apply for a Netherlands Visa in the United Arab Emirates (for UAE Residents) Step 1: Check if you need a visa If you live in the UAE and have a foreign passport, you can use the visa tool from the Netherlands embassy. This tool will help you check what visa you need. Most passport holders from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa need a Schengen visa. Step 2: Choose the Visa Type and Gather Documents Collect these documents: Additional documents may include invitation letters, marriage or birth certificates, or sponsor information if needed. Step 3: Finish the Online Visa Application Fill out the Schengen visa application online by going to the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Make sure the information match your documents, print it, and sign it. Every candidate, including children, must have their own form. Step 4: Schedule a Meeting with VFS Worldwide For Netherlands visas, go to the VFS Global website. Choose the Dubai or Abu Dhabi center. You can book appointments up to six months ahead. Avoid making last-minute reservations. Step 5: Attend your appointment and provide your biometric information Bring the required documents and arrive early.You’ll: Step 6: Pay the Visa Fees Step 7: Wait for Processing Step 8: Get Your Passport You can pick it up at the center or have it delivered by courier. Check the following visa information: name, passport number, validity, and entries. If you find any mistakes, contact the Dutch consulate right away. Documents Needed for UAE Citizens to Enter Without a Visa If you’re traveling without a visa, still prepare these: Be ready to present these to border officers upon request. Cost Breakdown for Netherlands Visa (From UAE) Category Amount Schengen Visa (Adult) €90 Schengen Visa (Child 6–11) €45 Schengen Visa (Child under 6) Free VFS Service Fee AED 102.67 During your appointment, you will be required to pay both the visa and service fees. Keep some cash on hand or a credit card that accepts euros. Netherlands Visa Processing Time from the UAE Condition Estimated Time Standard 10–15 working days Peak Season Up to 25 working days Maximum 45 calendar days Apply early, ideally 6–8 weeks before your trip, especially during holidays. Tips to Boost Your Approval Chances Conclusion: When you’re ready, getting a Netherlands visa from the UAE is simple. This guide helps you understand each step. It works for Emiratis traveling without a visa and expats from the UAE planning a trip. If you prepare early and follow the official steps, you’ll be exploring Amsterdam’s canals soon!








