Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

All Topics about Rotterdam All Cities in Netherlands

1. Schengen Visa

Required for non-EU/EEA citizens. Allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Application Process: Applications can be submitted at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country.
Required Documents: Includes a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and a completed application form.
Processing Time: Varies depending on the embassy, but it can take up to 15 days for urgent applications.

Required for citizens of some non-EU/EEA countries. Issued alongside the Schengen Visa.

Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from a Dutch resident or organization is usually necessary.
Validity Duration: The MVV is valid for the duration of your Schengen Visa, typically up to 90 days.
Application Fee: There's an additional fee for the MVV, on top of the Schengen Visa application fee.

Allows foreign entrepreneurs to manage their EU company online, including visa applications for Rotterdam.

Digital Society: Embraces digitalization and empowers entrepreneurs in the EU with a single digital ID.
Business Opportunities: Provides access to the European single market, enhancing business opportunities within the EU.
Visa Simplification: Simplifies visa applications for Rotterdam and other Schengen Area countries.

Allows young adults (18-30 years) from selected countries to live and work in the Netherlands for up to a year.

Eligibility: Citizens of participating countries can apply, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
Job Opportunities: Provides opportunities to gain work experience in the Netherlands while traveling.
Temporary Stay: Ideal for travelers seeking a temporary stay in Rotterdam for cultural exchange and personal growth.

For entrepreneurs or investors who wish to establish a business in the Netherlands, allowing them to live in Rotterdam for an extended period.

Entrepreneurship: Encourages entrepreneurial activities and economic growth within the Netherlands.
Investment Opportunities: Attracts investors who wish to invest in Dutch businesses or start their own ventures.
Residence Permit: Allows the holder to live and work in Rotterdam for an extended period, subject to visa conditions.

For travelers who are not eligible for the Schengen Visa but need to transit through Rotterdam's airport.

Airport Transit: Allows you to stay in the airport transit area during a connecting flight.
Application Requirements: Includes a valid visa or residence permit for your final destination, and proof of onward travel.
Limited Validity: Transit visas are usually valid for up to 5 days, depending on the embassy's regulations.

For international students who wish to study in Rotterdam's universities or colleges.

Academic Opportunities: Offers a wide range of courses and programs at renowned educational institutions.
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange and global understanding among students from diverse backgrounds.
Residence Permit: Allows the holder to live in Rotterdam for the duration of their studies, subject to visa conditions.

For travelers who wish to visit Rotterdam for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.

Attraction Visits: Allows you to explore popular attractions such as the Euromast, Markthal, and Rotterdam Zoo.
Cultural Immersion: Encourages cultural immersion by experiencing Rotterdam's rich history, architecture, and cuisine.
Temporary Stay: Ideal for travelers seeking a short-term stay in Rotterdam for tourism purposes.

For foreign workers who have secured a job offer in the Netherlands and wish to live in Rotterdam.

Job Offer: Requires a valid job offer from a Dutch employer before applying for a work permit.
Employment Type: Applies to both highly-skilled and low-skilled jobs, depending on the job offer and your qualifications.
Residence Permit: Allows the holder to live and work in Rotterdam for an extended period, subject to permit conditions.

For families of EU citizens or Dutch residents who wish to live together in Rotterdam.

Family Unity: Promotes family unity by allowing family members to join their loved ones in the Netherlands.
Residence Permit: Allows the holder to live in Rotterdam for an extended period, subject to visa conditions.
Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with the EU citizen or Dutch resident.

For foreign buyers who wish to participate in Rotterdam's auctions for art and antiques.

Artistic Heritage: Gives you the opportunity to access and purchase valuable pieces of Dutch artistic heritage.
Auction Access: Allows you to participate in Rotterdam's renowned art and antique auctions.
Temporary Stay: Ideal for travelers seeking a temporary stay in Rotterdam for the purpose of auction participation.

For travelers who wish to volunteer in charitable organizations or NGOs in Rotterdam.

Charity Work: Allows you to contribute to various charitable causes and make a positive impact.
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange by working with locals and learning about the Dutch way of life.
Temporary Stay: Ideal for travelers seeking a temporary stay in Rotterdam for volunteering purposes.

For spouses of Dutch citizens or EU residents who wish to live together in Rotterdam.

Marital Status: Applies only to legally married couples, both heterosexual and same-sex.
Residence Permit: Allows the holder to live in Rotterdam for an extended period, subject to visa conditions.
Eligibility: Applicants must prove their relationship's authenticity and financial independence.

For foreigners who are already living in Rotterdam and wish to extend their stay.

Existing Residence Permit: Requires a valid residence permit that is due for extension.
Residency Duration: Allows the holder to extend their stay in Rotterdam, subject to visa conditions.
Renewal Requirements: Includes renewing documents such as passports and proving financial independence.

Allows citizens of certain countries to enter the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa.

Participating Countries: Applies only to citizens of participating countries, such as the United States.
Duration Limitations: Allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Electronic System: Requires registration in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system prior to travel.