Unfortunately, Netherlands visa rejection for Indian citizens is common, leaving many disappointed and confused. Here, we will walk you through the most common Netherlands visa rejection reasons, how to check your application status, and what steps to take if your visa is denied.
- 12 Reasons for Visa Rejection
- How To Check Your Netherlands Visa Application Status?
- Netherlands Visa Rejection Refund
- What Should You Do After Netherlands Visa Rejection?
- Guide to Netherlands Visa Appeal Process
- Guide to Filing a New Application After Netherlands Visa Rejection
- Why Choose OneVasco?
- FAQs
12 Reasons for Visa Rejection
Here are 12 significant reasons behind the Netherlands’ visa rejection for Indians:
1. Application Timings
Standard visa processing typically takes about 15 calendar days, but this can stretch to 45 days during busy periods or if additional verification is needed. VFS Global centers, which handle Netherlands visa applications in India, allow Indians to apply 6 months before the date of departure.
| Visa Type | Schengen Visa for the Netherlands |
| Processing Time | Typically, around 15 days |
| Process | 1. Fill out an online Schengen visa application form through the portal
2. Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global center in India (available in 12 cities) 3. Attend your appointment to submit all required documents, provide biometrics, and pay fees 4. Track your application online using the reference number provided 5. Once processed, collect your passport with the visa or arrange for delivery |
| Visa Fees |
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2. Incomplete Application Form
A hastily completed application form is often the first stumbling block for many Indian applicants. Every field is important if you want your visa to be approved.
Netherlands Schengen Visa Application Form:
| Field | Details |
| Form Length | Moderate (4 pages) |
| Form Name | Schengen Visa Application Form |
| Application Mode | Both online and offline options are available |
| Language | English or Dutch |
Here are five common mistakes that lead to rejection:
- Leaving mandatory fields blank (even a single empty field can trigger rejection)
- Providing inconsistent information (dates that don’t match supporting documents)
- Mistakes in travel dates (confusing arrival and departure dates)
- Incorrect personal details (name spellings that don’t match your passport)
- Missing signature (an incomplete signature or forgetting to sign altogether)
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide to Netherlands Visa for Indians
3. Visa Interview Gone Wrong
For many Indians, the visa interview can be the most nerve-wracking part of the application process. This face-to-face interaction with embassy officials holds significant weight in the decision-making process.
Be prepared to answer these common questions confidently:
- What is the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands? (Be specific about your itinerary)
- How will you finance your trip? (Explain your funding sources clearly)
- What ties do you have to India that guarantee your return? (Talk about job, property, family)
- What is your detailed itinerary in the Netherlands? (Know your day-by-day plans)
- Do you have friends or family in the Netherlands or other Schengen countries? (Be honest)
While preparing for the interview, please remember that consistency is key. Your answers should match perfectly with the information you have provided in your visa application documents.
Suggested Read: Netherlands Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
4. Lack of Ties with Home Country
This is perhaps one of the trickiest aspects for Indian applicants. Dutch immigration officials need reassurance that you’ll return to India after your trip and not attempt to overstay or immigrate illegally.
Here’s how you can effectively demonstrate strong ties with your country:
- If you have a job, get a detailed letter from your employer stating your position, salary, duration of employment, approved leave period, and expected return date
- Include registered documents showing you have assets in India
- Mention your family and dependents who rely on you back home
- Students should include proof of enrollment for upcoming semesters and fee receipts
- Business owners should provide registration documents, tax filings, and employee records
5. Insufficient Funds
Nothing raises red flags faster than questionable financial documents. Visa officers need to ensure you won’t become a financial burden during your stay.
- Daily requirement: €55 (₹4,950) per day of your planned stay in the Netherlands
- Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing consistent funds (not just last-minute deposits)
- Additional evidence: Income tax returns, salary slips, or sponsorship letters if someone else is covering your expenses
Suggested Read: Netherlands Visa Extension for Indians
6. Insufficient Travel Insurance
A lot of travelers undermine the importance of proper travel insurance, viewing it as just another expense. In reality, insufficient insurance coverage is a common reason for Netherlands visa rejection for Indian applicants.
Your travel insurance must meet specific requirements:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Validity throughout all Schengen countries you plan to visit
7. Overstaying a Previous Visa
Having a history of overstaying any previous visa, whether in the Netherlands or any other Schengen country, can seriously damage your chances of approval.
The consequences of overstaying include:
- Deportation: For serious violations with potential escort to the airport
- Entry bans:
- Overstays up to 90 days: Possible 1-year ban on entering any Schengen country
- More severe cases: 2 years or more from the entire Schengen area
- Legal consequences: In extreme cases, detention and legal proceedings
Even a single day of overstay can result in a two-year visa sanction for all Schengen countries, so always respect your visa’s validity period and departure dates.
8. Unfavorable Home Country Conditions
Sometimes, factors entirely beyond your control can influence your visa outcome. Political instability, economic downturns, or high migration trends from your region can lead to increased scrutiny of applications.
The statistics reveal that Indian travelers face one of the highest rejection rates globally for Schengen visas. In 2022 alone, Indians faced a steep 18% rejection rate, despite filing over 600,000 applications.
9. False Information on Visa Applications
Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to visa applications. Providing false information or submitting fake documents is not just a guarantee of rejection – it’s a serious offense with long-term consequences.
The Netherlands Embassy takes document fraud very seriously and will report the use of false and counterfeit documents to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Even small misrepresentations can have major consequences. Once flagged for document fraud, you may face difficulties obtaining visas not just for the Netherlands, but for other countries as well.
Suggested Read: Schengen Visa Rejection for Indians: Top 10 Causes
10. Records in the Destination
Your previous travel history to the Netherlands or other Schengen countries plays a significant role in your visa application assessment. Dutch immigration authorities maintain detailed records of all visitors, including:
- Your exact entry and exit dates from previous visits
- Any visa extensions or status changes during past stays
- Any interactions with local authorities or police
- Activities that required special permits (like attending specific events)
These records are entered in the Schengen Information System (SIS), a database used by all Schengen countries to share information on foreign visitors. Even minor issues in your travel history could impact your current application, so it’s crucial to maintain a clean record during all your international travels.
11. Health Issues
While the Netherlands doesn’t impose specific health requirements for tourist visas, being free from conditions that could pose a public health risk is essential for approval.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition that requires ongoing treatment, make sure your travel insurance covers it adequately, and consider including a doctor’s certificate stating you’re fit to travel.
12. Incomplete Documentation
Documentation errors remain one of the most common yet easily avoidable reasons for Netherlands visa rejection. Your application package should be meticulously organized into Mandatory Documents and Supporting Documents.
Mandatory Documents:
- Cover Letter (a well-crafted letter explaining your purpose of visit, detailed itinerary, and intent to return)
- Passport (with a minimum 3 months validity beyond your return date and at least two blank pages)
- Photo (35mm x 45mm, white background, recent, meeting all specifications)
- Round Trip Air Ticket reservation (not a paid ticket)
- Hotel Accommodation confirmation for your entire stay
- Financial Proof (bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing minimum required balance)
- Occupation Proof (employment letter, business registration, or student ID)
- Insurance (meeting all Schengen requirements mentioned earlier)
Supporting Documents:
- Birth Certificate (if applicable, especially for minors)
- Address Proof (utility bills or government IDs showing your current address)
- Visa application fee receipts
A report from VFS Global revealed that approximately 35% of rejected visa applications were due to paperwork errors or missing documents. If you don’t want to become a part of this, then check this link.
How To Check Your Netherlands Visa Application Status?
Waiting for your visa decision can be nerve-wracking, but you can easily track your application status by following these steps:
- Visit the official VFS Global Netherlands website
- Go to the “Track Your Application” section
- Enter your unique application reference number and date of birth
- Click “Submit” to view your current status
If you prefer speaking to someone directly, you can contact the VFS Global call center at +91 022-67866073 for updates on your application.
Applications via the Dutch Embassy or Consulate-General
If you applied through the Dutch embassy or consulate, follow these steps instead:
- Visit the Netherlands’ track & trace website
- Pick your country and language
- Find the tracking number on your application receipt card (it starts with 3 letters)
- Type this number into the website
- You’ll see your application status right away
Suggested Read: How To Check Netherlands Visa Status for Indians
Netherlands Visa Rejection Refund
The visa application fee for Netherlands Schengen visas is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. This is because the fee covers the processing of your application, not the visa itself.
What Should You Do After Netherlands Visa Rejection?
If your Netherlands visa application was rejected, don’t be disappointed, because it’s not the end of the road. There are two paths forward:
If you disagree with the decision, you can either:
- File a formal objection with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
- Submit an entirely new application
For Schengen Visa Rejection: Most travelers find that filing a new application is the faster option, especially if you need to travel soon. The appeal process can take several weeks, potentially disrupting your travel schedule.
For MVV (Authorization for Temporary Stay) Rejection: Appeals are more common for these long-stay visa rejections, particularly if you believe the rejection was based on a misunderstanding or error in assessing your situation.
Suggested Read: How to Book a Visa Appointment for the Netherlands
Guide to Netherlands Visa Appeal Process
If filing an objection seems like the right path for you, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
- Carefully examine your rejection letter to understand the specific grounds for refusal
- Prepare a detailed written objection addressing each point mentioned in the rejection letter
- Submit your appeal to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) within 4 weeks of receiving the rejection notice – this deadline is strict!
- Include any additional supporting documentation that strengthens your case or addresses the concerns raised
- Be prepared to wait from 6 to 12 weeks for the IND to make a decision on your objection
During the IND review process, which typically takes a few days to several weeks, you may be able to wait for the decision in the Netherlands if circumstances permit. In such cases, authorities might grant a provisional ruling, which includes a residence endorsement sticker in your passport.
Guide to Filing a New Application After Netherlands Visa Rejection
For many travelers, submitting a fresh application is the most practical solution after a rejection. Here’s how to improve your chances the second time around:
- Wait at least 1-2 weeks before reapplying (while there’s no mandatory waiting period, immediate reapplication without addressing the issues will likely result in another rejection)
- Carefully address all the specific reasons mentioned in your rejection letter
- Strengthen your application with more comprehensive documentation
- Update time-sensitive documents like bank statements, travel insurance, and flight reservations
- Include a well-crafted cover letter acknowledging the previous rejection and clearly explaining how you’ve addressed each concern
Suggested Read: Nightlife in Netherlands: Best Clubs, Bars & Beach Parties
Why Choose OneVasco?
OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey.
Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.
- Expert and Personalized Support
- Efficient and Hassle-Free Process
- Real-Time Tracking and Updates
- Transparent Communication
- Trusted by Millions
FAQs
What are common reasons for Netherlands visa rejection for Indian citizens?
The most frequent rejection reasons are insufficient financial means, incomplete documentation, inadequate travel insurance, weak ties to India, providing false information, and previous visa violations. VFS Global reports that approximately 35% of rejected applications stem from documentation errors.
Does a previous Netherlands visa rejection affect future applications for Indians?
Yes, previous rejections can definitely impact your future applications. However, if you properly address the reasons for your initial rejection and provide stronger documentation, you can significantly improve your approval chances.
Can I reapply after a Netherlands visa rejection?
Absolutely! You can reapply after a Netherlands visa rejection without any mandatory waiting period. However, it’s crucial to address all issues mentioned in your rejection letter before submitting a new application.
Is there a Netherlands visa appeal process?
Yes, you can appeal a Netherlands visa rejection by submitting a formal objection to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) within 4 weeks of receiving your rejection letter.
How much bank balance is required for a Netherlands visa?
For a Netherlands Schengen visa, you should have approximately €55 (₹4,950) per day of your stay. For a typical 7-day trip, this means showing at least €385 (₹34,650) in your account. Your bank statements should reflect a stable balance over at least 3-6 months.
How long should I wait to reapply after my Netherlands visa rejection?
While there’s no official waiting requirement, a 1 to 2-week gap is generally recommended before reapplying. This gives you sufficient time to address the issues that led to your rejection. Before reapplying, thoroughly review your rejection letter, as it contains valuable information about what went wrong.
