A Netherlands visa extension for Indians is rare. You can only get one under exceptional circumstances, such as a medical emergency, force majeure, or humanitarian cause.
To get your Netherlands visa extended, you need to contact the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Here’s everything you know about the Netherlands visa extension for Indian tourists.
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Types of Netherlands Visa Extension
The Netherlands issues the following types of short-stay tourist visas to Indian nationals:
- Short-Stay Schengen Visa: This is the standard tourist visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Extensions are possible only in exceptional cases.
- Multiple-Entry Visas: Under the new EU-India visa rules, Indians can be granted multiple-entry visas. Extensions are subject to the same strict criteria.
Netherlands Visa Extension Fees
The Netherlands visa extension fees for Indian travelers:
| Visa Type | Age | Extension Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa | Adult | €30 |
You can check the Netherlands visa extension costs for Indians here.
Suggested Read: How to Book Netherlands Visa Appointment
Are You Eligible for a Netherlands Visa Extension?
To qualify for a Netherlands visa extension for Indian tourists, you must meet the following criteria:
- Validity: Your current Schengen visa must still be valid. You cannot apply for an extension if your visa has expired.
- Motive/Purpose: You must provide a valid reason for the extension, such as illness, force majeure, humanitarian grounds, or other significant personal reasons. Supporting documents are required.
- Compliance with Visa Conditions: You must not have stayed in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in the last 180 days. There must be no indications of reasons for extension other than what you have stated.
- Health Conditions: If extending due to medical reasons, you must prove that your health insurance will cover the treatment costs or that you can pay for it.
- Sufficient Funds & Travel Insurance: You must have at least €55 per day for the extended stay or have a guarantor in the Netherlands. You also need valid travel/health insurance covering the entire Schengen Area for an extended period.
- No Previous Visa Issues: There should be no history of visa cancellations or refusals that would make you ineligible for an extension.
- Location: You must apply for the extension in the Netherlands, specifically with the IND.
Documents Required for Netherlands Visa Extensions
Here’s a list of commonly required Netherlands visa extension documents for Indians:
- Visa extension application form, correctly filled and signed
- Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the extended stay
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa specifications
- Copy of your original Netherlands tourist visa
- Supporting letters and documents explaining the reason for extension (e.g., medical certificates, employer letters, proof of force majeure events)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (€55 per day) for the extended stay
- Valid travel/health insurance covering the Schengen Area for an extended period
- Proof of accommodation for the extended stay
- Proof of visa extension fee payment, if applicable
- Any other supporting documents relevant to your reasons for seeking an extension
Suggested Read: How to Check Netherlands Visa Status for Indians
How to Apply for a Netherlands Visa Extension
To apply for a Netherlands visa extension, you need to schedule an appointment with the IND well before your current visa expires.
Online Application
There is no online application process for extending a Netherlands tourist visa.
Offline Application
Step 1: Visit the official IND website for information on Netherlands visa extension requirements for Indians.
Step 2: Gather the required documents for your appointment.
Step 3: Contact the IND to schedule an appointment at your nearest IND desk. If you are in the Netherlands, you may be able to do this via phone.
Step 4: Attend the scheduled appointment in person with all the supporting documents.
Here’s where you need to go to submit your application:
- IND Desk Amsterdam: Pieter Calandlaan 1, 1065 KH Amsterdam
- IND Desk Rotterdam: Westblaak 150, 3012 KM Rotterdam
- IND Desk Utrecht: Burgemeester Verderlaan 7, 3454 PE Utrecht
- IND Desk Zwolle: Zuiderzeelaan 43-51, 8017 JV Zwolle
- IND Desk Den Bosch: Magistratenlaan 156, 5223 MB ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Step 5: At your appointment, you will submit your extension application, supporting documents, and biometric data and pay the fees. You may also need to attend an interview to explain your reasons for seeking an extension.
Step 6: Wait for the IND to process your application and provide a decision. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
Netherlands Visa Extension Processing Time & Next Steps
The processing time for a Netherlands tourist visa extension for Indians can vary. Typically, you can expect a decision within a few days to weeks after submitting your complete application.
While your extension application is being processed, you can stay in the Netherlands until a decision is made. However, you cannot travel to other Schengen countries during this time.
FAQs
1. Can I extend a Netherlands tourist visa as an Indian citizen?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for a Netherlands visa extension under certain exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, force majeure events, or other significant personal reasons.
2. What are the reasons for granting a Netherlands visa extension to Indians?
Some of the key grounds for granting a Netherlands tourist visa extension for Indians are:
- Medical emergencies or health conditions
- Force majeure events like natural disasters or flight cancellations
- Significant personal reasons, such as a family emergency
- Issues with your travel documents
3. How long before expiration should Indians apply for a Netherlands visa extension?
You must apply for your Netherlands visa extension at least two weeks before your Schengen visa expires.
4. Can an Indian extend a Netherlands visa beyond its standard validity?
No, Indian tourists cannot extend their Netherlands visa beyond the standard validity of 90 days within a 180-day period.
The extension is only to grant you enough time to address the exceptional circumstances that prevent you from leaving the Netherlands as originally planned.
5. How much does it cost for an Indian to extend a Netherlands tourist visa?
The fees for extending a Netherlands tourist visa are not explicitly specified. The exact fee will be determined by IND during your extension application.
6. Can I travel to other Schengen countries while my Netherlands visa extension is being processed?
No, you cannot travel to other Schengen countries while your Netherlands visa extension application for Indians is being processed. You are only allowed to stay in the Netherlands until a decision is made on your extension request.
7. What happens if my Netherlands visa extension is rejected?
If your Netherlands tourist visa extension application is rejected, you must leave the Netherlands immediately.
8. What documents are needed for a Netherlands visa extension for Indians?
Here are the documents for the Netherlands visa extension for Indians:
- A completed and signed visa extension application form
- A valid passport and the original Netherlands tourist visa
- Supporting documents explaining the reason for the extension
- Proof of sufficient financial means and travel/health insurance
- Passport-sized photographs and proof of accommodation
- Visa extension fee payment receipt, if applicable
