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Netherlands Introduces New Visa Rule: Applicants Must Submit Colour Copies

November 2, 2025 5:59 am

Netherlands Introduces New Visa Rule: Applicants Must Submit Colour Copies

Planning to apply for a Netherlands visa soon? Here’s an essential update that could affect your application. The Dutch authorities have implemented a new rule requiring all supporting documents to be submitted in color. This change aims to enhance document verification and reduce processing delays.

Netherlands Visa: Colour Copies Now Required

Effective immediately, all documents submitted with your visa application must be in color. This includes passport copies, travel bookings, insurance documents, and more. If you submit black-and-white copies, your application could face delays or rejections.

Why the Change?

This new requirement for color copies is designed to improve the accuracy of document verification. Color copies allow visa officers to easily spot tampering and verify important details like stamps, signatures, and holograms. This small adjustment can significantly speed up the processing time for visa applications.

Why Colour Copies Matter

Some embassy and visa application center websites may not directly mention this rule. However, outsourced centers like TLScontact or VFS Global may have stricter requirements. Ignoring the color copy rule could result in lost time, missed deadlines, or canceled travel plans.

Documents You Need for a Netherlands Visa

Gathering the necessary paperwork for your Dutch visa can feel daunting. Here’s a list of essential documents to prepare before your appointment:

Personal Documents

Visa Application Form: Complete, print, and sign your application; the system will provide a unique code.
Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and have two blank visa pages.
Passport Photos: Two recent color photos with a white background, sized 3.5cm x 4.5cm, with a neutral expression.
Proof of Legal Residence: This can be your residence permit, visa, or work permit, valid for at least three months beyond your travel plans.

Proving Ties and Finances

Proof of Employment or Study: Provide a letter from your employer or school, payslips, or student ID. If self-employed, include business registration and recent tax documents.
Bank Statements: Recent three months’ statements in color. Include a sponsor’s paperwork if someone else is funding your trip.
Proof You’ll Return: Property documents, family papers, or anything showing strong ties to your home country.

Travel Details

Flight Bookings: Itinerary showing entry and exit from the Netherlands (don’t buy real tickets until you have your visa).
Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, or an invitation letter from a host.
Travel Insurance: Policy covering €30,000 for emergencies in the Schengen zone, with a color copy attached.

For Families with Kids

Birth Certificate: For minors, include a recent birth certificate.
Parental Consent: If one or both parents are not traveling, provide a signed consent form.
Parents’ Documents: Color copies of parents’ passports and any custody paperwork, if required.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for a trip to the Netherlands should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. By following these updated requirements, you can focus on enjoying the beautiful canals and tulips, rather than worrying about paperwork. With careful planning and timely preparation, you’ll be cycling through Amsterdam in no time!