🇳🇱 How to Invite Your Family to the Netherlands (Tourist Visa Guide)

Ankit Tomar,

Bringing your loved ones to visit you in the Netherlands is a beautiful experience—whether it’s your parents, siblings, or extended family. But the visa process can feel overwhelming, especially the first time.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to invite your family on a short-term (tourist) visa—based on my own experience—so you can focus on the joy of reunion instead of the stress of paperwork.

⚠️ Disclaimer

I am not an immigration consultant or legal advisor. This content is based on personal experience and research. Visa rules may change, so please always check the official IND or VFS Global websites and consult an expert if needed.

✈️ Who Can You Invite?

You can invite:

  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • In-laws
  • Friends (with some additional documentation)

For this blog, I’m focusing on inviting close family members (parents or in-laws) on a Schengen tourist visa (Type C visa, valid for up to 90 days).

📄 Documents Required (From You – The Host in NL)

  1. Invitation Letter
    • A personal letter stating the relationship, reason for visit, duration of stay, and your willingness to accommodate them.
    • Include your contact details and passport/residence info.
  2. Copy of Passport and Residence Permit
    • Scan your passport and valid Dutch residence card.
  3. Proof of Employment
    • Recent employment contract or statement from your employer.
    • Payslips of the last 3 months.
  4. BSN Registration (GBA extract)
    • You can request this from your Gemeente (City Hall). This proves your residential address.
  5. Proof of Accommodation
    • Rental contract or recent utility bill (in your name) showing your address.
  6. Bank Statement (Optional but recommended)
    • Last 3 months to show you can financially support their stay (if needed).

💡 Tip: If you’re sponsoring the trip, you must also fill out and legalize a “sponsorship form (proof of guarantor)” at your municipality. This costs about €10.

📄 Documents From the Family Member (Visa Applicant)

  1. Passport (valid at least 3 months beyond return date)
  2. Passport Photos (as per Schengen standards)
  3. Visa Application Form (downloadable from VFS/Embassy website)
  4. Travel Insurance (covering minimum €30,000, valid in Schengen area)
  5. Flight Reservation (do not book real tickets before approval)
  6. Travel Itinerary (rough plan for days/destinations)
  7. Proof of Ties to India (employment letter, bank statements, property documents if possible)

💡 If they are retired, include a pension statement or FD proof.

🛂 Where to Apply?

Your family must apply at the VFS Global center in India, based on their jurisdiction (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.).
Book an appointment on the VFS site: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/nld/

📅 Timeline

  • Preparation of documents: 1–2 weeks
  • VFS Appointment Wait: 1–2 weeks (may vary)
  • Visa processing time: 2–3 weeks after submission

⏳ So plan at least 4–6 weeks in advance of your family’s intended travel dates.

💶 Visa Fees

  • Visa fee: approx. €80 (in INR, depending on exchange rate)
  • VFS service charges apply extra
  • If sponsorship is legalized, ~€10 cost at the Gemeente

✅ Pro Tips

  • Write a simple, warm invitation letter. No need for legal jargon.
  • Use Cover Letter Template & Sample Docs from Indian Embassy Netherlands website.
  • Add extra documents like birth certificate, Aadhaar if needed to strengthen the relationship proof.
  • If you face rejections, reapply with better financial/intent clarity.

🧳 After Visa Approval

  • Book actual flights and travel insurance
  • Make sure your family carries a folder with copies of all documents
  • Keep your phone reachable during their immigration check at Schiphol (sometimes the officer may call you)

🎉 Final Thoughts

Inviting your family to the Netherlands is special, and although paperwork takes effort, the joy of seeing them land at Schiphol is unmatched.
If you follow the process with care, the approval rate is generally very high.

If you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section or subscribe to my blog at ankittomar.com for regular updates on immigration, expat life, and travel.

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