You can apply for your Schengen visa in Nigeria If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands for up to 90 days, whether for vacation, business, or visiting family. Note that, where you apply depends on your location within the country.
I live In Nigeria
If you reside in any of the listed states in Nigeria, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgian application center of TLScontact in Abuja.
- FCT Abuja
- Adamawa
- Katsina
- Kaduna
- Kogi
- Sokoto
- Borno
- Nasarawa
- Bauchi
- Plateau
- Gombe
- Benue
- Yobe
- Kano
- Kebbi
- Niger
- Taraba
- Zamfara
- Jigawa
Do you live in another State?
If you live in a different state within Nigeria, you can apply for a Schengen visa at the French application center of TLScontact in Lagos.
I don’t live in Nigeria
If you do not reside in Nigeria, you must apply for a visa for the Netherlands in the country where you live.
If you haven’t returned to your country of residence in the past 6 months or were unaware of the need to travel to the Netherlands when you left, you may be eligible to apply for a visa elsewhere.
Application Process
To apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa in Nigeria, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth application process:
Step 1: Determine the Visa Type
Identify the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands, which will dictate the type of visa you need. The Short-Stay Schengen Visa is suitable for tourism, business, or family visits, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
- Visit the official website of the Netherlands embassy in Nigeria or the VFS Global website.
- Fill out the online visa application form accurately. Ensure all information is complete to avoid delays or rejection.
- Print the confirmation page or the completed form for submission13.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the following essential documents:
- A valid Nigerian passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your planned return from the Schengen area.
- The printed confirmation page of your online application.
- Recent passport-size photographs that meet Schengen requirements.
- A detailed travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations.
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements) to cover your stay.
- Travel insurance covering medical expenses for the entire Schengen area during your stay.
- Additional documents relevant to your visa type (e.g., invitation letters for business or family visits, admission letters for students).
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
Book an appointment at the Netherlands Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Nigeria. This can be done online. It is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance of your intended travel date.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
The visa application fee varies based on the visa type and applicant’s age. Check current fees on the Netherlands embassy or VFS Global website. Note that this fee is generally non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
During your appointment:
- Submit your completed application form along with all required documents at the VFS Global center.
- Biometric data (fingerprints) will be collected from all applicants.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
After submission, your application will be processed by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria. Processing times can vary, so it is crucial to apply well in advance of your travel date.
Step 8: Collect Your Visa
Once approved, you will be notified about how to collect your passport with the visa. Verify all details on your visa for accuracy upon collection.
Can I work part-time while on a Netherlands Schengen visa
You cannot work part-time while on a Netherlands Schengen Visa. This visa is intended for short-term stays for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family, and does not grant the right to work in the Netherlands.
Key Points:
- Schengen Visa Limitations: The Schengen Visa allows for short-term entry into the Netherlands but does not replace the need for a work permit. It is primarily for tourism or short visits, not employment.
- Work Permit Requirement: To work legally in the Netherlands, you must obtain a proper work permit. This applies to all non-EU/EEA citizens. There are specific permits based on the duration and nature of employment.
- Student Visa Exception: If you are a student from outside the EU/EEA, you may be eligible to work part-time under a student residence permit, which is different from a Schengen Visa. In this case, you can work up to 16 hours per week or full-time during summer months, but you will need a work permit.
In summary, if you are on a Schengen Visa, you cannot engage in any form of employment in the Netherlands. For working rights, you would need to explore other visa options that specifically allow for employment.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the Netherlands straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Business Visa or a Tourist Vis, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the Netherlands. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
