The Schengen Short-Stay Visa, known as a Type C visa or Schengenvisum, authorises non-EU nationals to enter and remain in the Netherlands and other Schengen states for a maximum of ninety days within any rolling 180-day period. The rules are harmonised across the Schengen area by the Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009.
The visa is used for tourism, family visits, short business trips, conferences, and medical treatment. It does not permit paid employment. Business travellers attending meetings, negotiations, or training are generally allowed, but productive work for a Dutch employer requires a work permit or residence permit.
Applicants apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their country of residence, or at a contracted external service provider. They submit biometric data, travel insurance of at least thirty thousand euros, proof of purpose, and proof of sufficient means. Nationals of visa-exempt countries may travel without a Schengen visa but remain subject to the ninety-day rule.