Schengen short-stay visa (type C)
For visitors coming to the Netherlands and the Schengen area for tourism, family visits, business or events for a short period.
The Schengen short-stay visa (type C) is a Dutch visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€90 (adult); ~€45 (child 6-11)) and processing time (~15 calendar days (can be longer)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) is for
For visitors coming to the Netherlands and the Schengen area for tourism, family visits, business or events for a short period.
Does not lead to residence or permanent stay; for longer stays an MVV and residence permit are required.
Schengen short-stay visa (type C) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport issued within the last 10 years
- Proof of purpose of travel and accommodation
- Sufficient funds for the stay and return
- Travel medical insurance covering €30,000
- Intention to leave before the visa expires
Schengen short-stay visa (type C) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) (Netherlands) is ~€90 (adult); ~€45 (child 6-11), with an indicative processing time of ~15 calendar days (can be longer). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Dutch embassy or consulate (or external visa centre) abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Short courses only during the visit |
| Government fee | ~€90 (adult); ~€45 (child 6-11) |
| Processing time | ~15 calendar days (can be longer) |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to residence or permanent stay; for longer stays an MVV and residence permit are required. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to residence or permanent stay; for longer stays an MVV and residence permit are required.
Many applicants also compare MVV · Provisional residence permit (MVV / machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf), WHS · Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS), Student · Residence permit for study (higher education). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Schengen short-stay visa (type C) pitfalls we fix
Schengen short-stay visa (type C) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) cost?
The Schengen short-stay visa (type C) government fee is ~€90 (adult); ~€45 (child 6-11). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~15 calendar days (can be longer). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Schengen short-stay visa (type C) lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to residence or permanent stay; for longer stays an MVV and residence permit are required.
Can I work on the Schengen short-stay visa (type C)?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Schengen short-stay visa (type C)?
For visitors coming to the Netherlands and the Schengen area for tourism, family visits, business or events for a short period.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority