Netherlands Schengen Visa Requirements for UK Residents: Complete 2026 Checklist

Applying for a Netherlands Schengen visa from the UK depends heavily on meeting document requirements. The Netherlands is known for being fair but thorough. Most visa refusals happen because of missing or incorrect documents, not because of eligibility issues.

For UK residents, the Netherlands has clear and structured requirements published by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented through VFS Global Netherlands.

This guide is written for UK residents applying for a short-stay (tourism) Schengen visa to the Netherlands and follows official Dutch and EU rules.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Must Meet These Netherlands Visa Requirements

You must meet these requirements if you are applying for a Schengen visa from the UK and your nationality is not visa-free for the Schengen area.

• You live legally in the UK

• You hold a non-UK passport

• Your nationality requires a Schengen visa

Applicants must prove legal residence in the UK at the time of application.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet Dutch and Schengen validity rules before the application can be accepted.

• Issued within the last 10 years

• At least 2 blank visa pages

• Valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area

• Original passport plus colour photocopy

Passports that do not meet these conditions may be rejected at submission.

Visa Application Form

The Netherlands requires the official Schengen visa application form to be completed online and signed.

• Online completed Schengen visa application form by the link - https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/visa-application-form

• Printed and signed by the applicant

Incomplete or unsigned forms are a common technical rejection reason.

Photo Requirements

The Netherlands follows standard Schengen biometric photo rules.

• 1 recent passport-size photo

• Taken within the last 6 months

• White or light-coloured background

If you choose to take a live photo at the visa centre, a printed photo may not be required.

Proof of UK Residence

Applicants must prove legal residence in the United Kingdom.

• UK eVisa printout with share code

• UK status valid for at least 1 month after intended departure

Without valid UK residence proof, the application cannot be submitted from the UK.

Employment or Social Ties Proof

Applicants must demonstrate strong social or economic ties to the UK.

• Employer letter and last 3 payslips (employed)

• Accountant, banker, or solicitor letter (self-employed)

• School or university letter (students)

These documents help prove the intention to return to the UK.

Financial Proof Requirements

Applicants must prove they can financially support their stay in the Netherlands.

• Last 3 months of UK bank statements

• Statements must show your name and balance

• Credit card statements may be included as supporting evidence

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires proof of at least EUR 55 per person per day, or an approved sponsor in the Netherlands.

Accommodation Proof

You must show confirmed accommodation for the entire stay.

• Hotel booking covering all nights

• OR proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation

• OR invitation or tour booking, if applicable

Missing accommodation nights are a common refusal reason.

Travel Documents

The Netherlands requires proof of intended travel.

• Reserved return ticket to the UK

• OR proof of onward travel if not returning

Fully paid tickets are not mandatory, but reservations must be realistic.

Travel Medical Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Netherlands Schengen visa applicants.

• Minimum coverage of €30,000

• Valid in all Schengen countries

• Covers medical treatment, emergency care, and repatriation

Insurance must cover the entire duration of the stay.

Minors (If Applicable)

Additional documents are required for applicants under 18.

• Birth certificate

• Parental consent documents

• Copies of parents’ passports

Failure to submit minor-related documents may stop the application from being processed.

Common Reasons for Netherlands Visa Refusal

Most refusals are linked to document issues rather than travel purpose.

• Missing or incomplete documents

• Weak proof of UK residence

• Insufficient financial evidence

• Inconsistent travel dates across documents

Dutch authorities apply EU rules strictly and inconsistencies are flagged quickly.

Final Document Checklist Before Appointment

Before attending VFS, confirm you have:

• Valid passport and photocopies of the bio page

• Completed and signed visa application form

• Schengen-compliant passport photo(s)

• Proof of UK residence (BRP or eVisa printout + share code)

• Travel medical insurance (€30,000, Schengen-wide)

• Recent bank statements and income or employment proof

• Accommodation proof covering the full stay

• Flight or onward travel reservation

• Travel itinerary (if visiting multiple cities or countries)

• Cover letter explaining your trip

• Photocopies of all supporting documents

• Certified translations if any document is not in English or the required language

All documents should be organised and easy to review.
The latest checklist will be sent by VFS after booking an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the financial requirement for Netherlands visa from the UK?
You must show proof of at least EUR 55 per person per day, or have an approved sponsor in the Netherlands.

Do I need translations for documents?
Yes, if documents are not in English or Dutch.

Can I use UK passport photos?
No, Schengen photo size is different.

How many months of bank statements are required?
Six consecutive months.