Our Services

  • Home
  • Visa
  • Netherlands Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa)

Netherlands Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa)

The Netherlands Business Visa is a Schengen short-stay visa issued to professionals visiting the Netherlands to take part in commercial activities, including meetings, conferences, or training courses. It permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. This visa can only be issued to applicants who are not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands — if you intend to undertake paid work, you need a work permit instead. Applicants typically need supporting documentation from both their employer and the hosting company or organisation in the Netherlands confirming the business purpose of the trip. As with every Netherlands Visa category, the final decision on approval rests solely with the Dutch embassy or consulate.

Eligibility

You may apply for a Netherlands Business Visa if:

  • You are travelling to the Netherlands for meetings, conferences, training courses, or other commercial activities.
  • You are not being paid for work by an entity within the Netherlands.
  • Your stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • You can provide an invitation or supporting letter from the hosting company or organisation in the Netherlands, along with a letter from your own employer confirming the purpose of travel.
  • You have sufficient, verifiable financial means to support your stay.

Government Visa Fees

CategoryFee
Adults (Schengen Short-Stay Visa)€80
Children aged 6–12€40
Children under 6Free

An additional service fee applies through the visa application centre processing the submission. Government fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused or the application withdrawn.

Processing Time

Standard Schengen business visa applications are generally decided within 15 calendar days of a complete submission, though this may extend to 30, or in exceptional cases up to 60 days, if further examination is required. Since business trips are often tied to fixed meeting or event dates, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible — up to six months before travel — to allow time for any additional document requests.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, with at least two blank visa pages)
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Two recent, identical biometric passport-sized photographs
Visa fee payment receipt
Invitation or supporting letter from the hosting company or organisation in the Netherlands, specifying the purpose and duration of the visit
Letter from the applicant's employer confirming role, purpose of travel, and confirmation that the trip is not paid work in the Netherlands
Business registration documents, for self-employed applicants
Proof of accommodation during the stay
Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial means

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm the Business Visa is the correct category for your trip.
Complete the Schengen visa application form via the Dutch consular portal or NetherlandsWorldwide.
Gather employer and business documentation along with other supporting documents.
Book an appointment at the Dutch embassy, consulate, or an authorised visa application centre.
Attend the appointment, submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics.
Track your application using your Track & Trace code.
Collect the passport or receive the visa decision.

Important Notes

The Netherlands Business Visa cannot be used for paid work by a Dutch entity — a work permit is required for that.
Visa approval depends solely on the Dutch embassy or consulate.
Additional documents may be requested during processing, particularly to verify the hosting company or event.
Processing times can extend during peak seasons or for more complex cases.
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants.
Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

A Netherlands Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa) application requires accurate documentation, a valid business invitation, proof of financial means, and compliance with the requirements of the Dutch authorities and the Schengen visa regulations. Missing or incorrect documents may lead to delays or visa refusal. Shivansh Consultants provides Documentation Support, Eligibility Assessment, and a thorough Application Review to help you submit a complete and accurate application.

Our experienced visa consultants offer Personalized Guidance, a Transparent Process, and End-to-End Assistance—from document preparation to application submission support. We help simplify your Netherlands Business Visa application while ensuring it meets the latest requirements. Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant Dutch visa authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Netherlands Business Visa used for?
It allows short professional visits such as meetings, conferences, and training courses in the Netherlands. It cannot be used if you are being paid for work by a Dutch entity, which requires a work permit instead.
How much does a Netherlands Business Visa cost?
The government fee is €80 for adults, with a reduced fee of €40 for children aged 6 to 12. An additional service fee may apply through the visa application centre.
What documents are required for a Netherlands Business Visa?
Applicants generally need an employer letter, an invitation from the Dutch hosting company, proof of financial means, and travel insurance.
How long does it take to process a Netherlands Business Visa?
Decisions are generally made within 15 calendar days, though this can extend to 30 or, in exceptional cases, 60 days. Applying well ahead of the planned trip is recommended.
Can I get paid for work in the Netherlands on a Business Visa?
No. This visa can only be issued if you are not being paid for work by a Dutch entity. Anyone seeking paid employment in the Netherlands must obtain the appropriate work permit and residence permit instead.