Unlocking the Gateway: Navigating the Netherlands Visa Process from Bangladesh

Embarking on a journey to the Netherlands from Bangladesh is a thrilling prospect, offering a gateway to explore the rich cultural tapestry and scenic landscapes. However, before you can immerse yourself in the tulip fields and historic canals, it's crucial to navigate the intricacies of obtaining a Netherlands visa from Bangladesh seamlessly.

Understanding the Netherland Visa Process

Application Process

Embarking on the visa journey starts with a meticulous application process. From filling out forms to document submission, we break down the steps, ensuring a smooth application experience.

Types of Visas

Before delving into the application process, it's essential to identify the types of visas available. The Netherlands offers various visas, each catering to specific purposes, such as tourism, business, or study. Understanding the purpose of your visit will guide you in selecting the appropriate visa category. 

Note: Obokash Travel and Tours provides consultancy support for Tourist & Business visas.

Necessary Documentation

A successful visa application hinges on the accuracy and completeness of your documentation. Ensure you have the following documents ready:

Valid Passport: Your passport should have a validity that extends beyond your intended stay in the Netherlands.

Visa Application Form: Complete the application form with precise and truthful information.

Passport-sized Photographs: Submit recent, passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified guidelines.

Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate your financial capability to cover expenses during your stay.

Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary of your planned stay in the Netherlands.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Research and Planning

Researching Visa Types

Begin by meticulously researching the various visa types offered by the Netherlands. Understand the specific requirements for each category to streamline the application process.

Planning Your Itinerary

Craft a detailed itinerary of your stay, outlining your accommodation arrangements, planned activities, and any business meetings or academic pursuits. A well-organized itinerary enhances the credibility of your application.

• Air Ticket Booking copy: Copy of the roundtrip airline reservation with Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number)
• Hotel Booking copy: Hotel confirmation or hotel voucher for the whole duration of the stay, or other documents proving accommodation.
• Travel itinerary
• Travel Health Insurance coverage minimum 30,000 Euros (Original & Photocopy).

 

Step 2: Completing the Application Form

Navigate to the official website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in Bangladesh to access the visa application form. Fill in the form accurately, ensuring all details match the information in your supporting documents.

 

Step 3: Gathering Supporting Documents

Thoroughly review the checklist of required documents for your chosen visa category. Collect all necessary documents, double-checking their accuracy and completeness.

 

Step 4: Visa Fee Payment

Pay the applicable visa fee through the designated payment channels. Retain the payment receipt, as you may need to present it during the application process.

• VFS fee: - Tk. 1750 (cash)
• Visa fees (For Adult) – Tk. 7500
• Visa fees (Between 6-12 years old) – Tk. 3750
• Children between 0-6 years (until the age of 6 years minus one day) - No fee
• Obokash Travel and Tours service charge TK. 3,000 (Notary and translation charges are additional- if needed). 

 

Step 5: Scheduling an Appointment

There is The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. But all the C category short-term visa applications of the Netherlands are processed by the Sweden Embassy. The Embassy of Sweden of Bangladesh has appointed VFS Global as an outsourced partner to facilitate visa applications. Applications are required to be submitted on a walk-in basis and applicants must attend in person during visa application submission.

The Royal Netherlands Embassy:
Road 90, House 49, Gulshan 2, Dhaka - 1212
Phone: +880 22 22 262 717
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
E-mail: dha@minbuza.nl
Opening hours: Sunday until Thursday: 8.00 - 16.00 hours.
Website: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/bangladesh

Embassy of Sweden:
Bay’s Edgewater, 6th Floor, Plot No.12, North Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Fax: +8802222299032
Website: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/bangladesh-dhaka

Switchboard
Sunday – Thursday, 08.00 – 16.00
Phone: 880 255 668 500

Consular section
Visiting hours: Sunday to Thursday 09.00 - 16.00 after the pre-booked appointment. 
Office/telephone hours for inquiries are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11.00-12.00.
Phone: +880 255 668 500
E-mail: ambassaden.dhaka@gov.se 

Visa section
Phone: Sunday and Thursday, 15.00 – 16.00
Phone:+880 255 668 525
E-mail: ambassaden.dhaka-visum@gov.se

Sweden Visa Application Center:
Delta Life Tower, Plot 37, Road 90, Gulshan North, Gulshan-2, Dhaka
Helpline No: (+88) 09606 777333, +88) 09666911382 (Sunday to Thursday 09:00 to 17:00)
Email: info.swedenbd@vfshelpline.com
Web: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/swe
 
Working hours: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 to 17:00
File Submit: Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 to 14:00
Passport and Document Collection: Sunday to Thursday: 15:00 to 16:00                                               

 

Step 6: Attending the Visa Interview

Arrive at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date for your visa interview. Dress appropriately and bring all required documents. The interview aims to assess the authenticity of your application.

 

Step 7: Visa Processing Time

After the interview, patiently await the visa decision. Once approved, you're ready to embark on your journey to the Netherlands.

• Tourist visa: 15-45 calendar days
• Business visa: 15-45 calendar days
• Obokash Travel and Tours  file processing time: 3-4 working days.

 

Documents Checklist (Tourist & Business visa):
 

Personal Documents:

• Duly filled Application form and signed by the applicant (if the applicant is a minor, the form must be signed by both parents or its legal guardian)
• Current Passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen territory with all old passports & color photocopy of Bio-page of current passport and all Schengen visas.
• Two recent color photographs (size 3.5 X 4.5 cm) with a white background but no cap and no sunglasses. Please note: the photo should not more than 06 months old and should not be used in any of the previous visas. The applicant’s ear must be visible in his/her photo. 
• Birth certificate / National ID card
• Marriage certificate or divorce certificate copy (as per religion). A death certificate copy requires for widows.
• Cover letter: Cover letter from the applicant explaining in detail the purpose of the visit, addressed to the Embassy of Sweden.
• If minor:
  - Consent of parents or custodian if both parents are not traveling together.
  - Photocopy of passport of parents or legal guardian
  - Proof of economic means of parents or legal guardian
  - Original birth certificate of the minor issued by the responsible authority.
• For Non-Bangladeshi applicants who have valid residence status in Bangladesh: (i) Bangladeshi Residence Permit valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen territory of the member states. (ii)Proof of the intention of carrying out the onward journey: copy of continuation ticket or reservation. (iii) Documentation about activity upon return in Bangladesh e.g. work contract or proof of enrollment in a university or school.
• For Family members of an EU/EEA citizen: (i) There is an EU citizen from whom the visa applicant can derive any rights. (ii)The visa applicant is a Family member (e.g.: a marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of dependency, the durability of partnership) and his identity (passport). (iii)The visa applicant accompanies or joins an EU citizen (e.g: a proof that the EU citizen already resides in the host Member State)

 
Professional Documents:

• For Business Person: Trade license (renewal), VAT, IRC, LC copy and Membership certificate (If any), 2 pcs business card.
  - Additional documents for partnership: business agreement/deed copy
  - Additional documents for the limited company: memorandum of the article, certificate of incorporation, and form 12
• Company cover letter (if business visits): Letters of the company introducing the businessperson, purpose and duration of the visit(s), a financial cover of the visit, short company profile, etc.
• For Employee: Original no objection certificate (NOC) mentioned: (i) Address, telephone and fax number of the company (ii) Name and position of the countersigning officer in the company (iii) Name and position of applicants, number of years of service, pay slip / original salary statement/government order (GO) & original note verbal (for official passport holders), 02 pc visiting card
• For Retired person: Retirement documents
• For Student: 
  - Proof of enrolment in an educational establishment in Bangladesh
  - Certificate of leave of absence if traveling during the school year. The Certificate should mention the full address, telephone number, and permission of absence, name, and function of the person granting permission.
  - If school trips, letter of the school mentioning the purpose, the duration, and the destination. 

 

Financial Documents:

• Bank solvency & statement (both company & personal) of last 06 months.
• Other financial documents such as FDR, credit card statements, saving certificates, share statements, etc. (if available)
• Income Tax Certificate (For last 3 years) / TIN certificate
• Valuation of other assets (if any)
   

Overseas Documents:

• For Tourist/ Visiting Family or Friends Purpose: Personal Invitation letter & evidence of your inviter’s passport and status in Netherlands (If available). In case of sponsorship - proof of sponsorship including proof of family/ties with a sponsor.
• For Business Visit:
  - Invitation from the visited company: The letter should incorporate relevant personal data of the invited, length of the invitation, reason, and activity to develop in the Member State during the visit.
  - Proof of recent business contacts: Evidence of former and current transactions in Bangladesh and/or abroad (e.g. bill of lading, receipts, contracts, correspondence).
• If commercial fairs or congress:
  - Proof of attendance through either letter of invitation from the organizer of the event, or payments of the registration fee.
  - Programme of the event.
   

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Early Preparation

Initiate the visa application process well in advance of your intended travel dates. Early preparation allows for any unforeseen delays or additional document requirements.

Accuracy is Key

Ensure that all information provided in the application form and supporting documents is accurate and matches your travel plans. Discrepancies may lead to delays or visa denials.

Professional Guidance

Professional guidance from our expert visa consultants who can provide insights into the intricacies of the application process and empowers you to navigate potential hurdles, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Remarks:

• Obokash Travel and Tours  only provides consultancy service, doesn’t provide any guarantee for the visa.
• File processing for the visa will start only after receiving all necessary documents.
• Processing time, requirements, and fees are subject to change by the Embassy without any prior notice.
• The embassy reserves all the rights to ask for any additional document other than the above-mentioned checklist.
• All Bangla documents must be translated into English and notarized.
• The finger must be free of “MEHEDI or any other color” when facing biometrics at the embassy / Application center.
• Applicants have to bring all original documents at the time of interview to the embassy / Application center.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Is the Visa Fee Refundable?
Ans : Discover whether the visa fee is refundable and under what circumstances, ensuring you're aware of the financial aspects of the application process.

Q: How Long Does the Process Take?
Ans :Timing is crucial. Uncover the average processing time for a Netherland visa from Bangladesh, allowing you to plan your journey effectively.

Q: Can I Apply for Multiple Entry?
Ans :Explore the possibility of securing a multiple-entry visa and the conditions associated with it, offering flexibility for future travel plans.

Q: What Happens in Case of Rejection?
Ans : Prepare for the unexpected by understanding the reasons for visa rejection and the subsequent steps you can take to rectify the situation.

Q: Are Biometric Data Required?
Ans :Delve into the biometric requirements, ensuring you're well-prepared for this integral part of the visa application process.

Q: Can I Expedite the Process?
Ans : In a hurry? Learn about expedited processing options and the circumstances under which you can fast-track your Netherland visa from Bangladesh.

Securing a Netherlands visa from Bangladesh is a meticulous process that demands attention to detail and careful planning. By understanding the visa types, diligently preparing your documentation, and following the step-by-step guide, you enhance your chances of a successful application. Embark on your Dutch adventure with confidence, knowing that you've navigated the visa process with precision.

Contact:

Call    : +88 01996-319999, +88  01945-111444, +880-9696-311444 

Email : visa@obokash.com, obokash.net@gmail.com