Netherlands Schengen Visa
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to the Netherlands as a Nigerian citizen? This Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states for up to 90 days. With a 54% approval rate for Nigerian applicants, thorough preparation is critical. The €90 visa fee applies, and processing typically takes 15 working days. Applications are submitted through TLScontact centers in Lagos or Abuja.
Netherlands Schengen Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
The official Schengen visa application form, completed online and printed
Original passport meeting Schengen requirements plus a copy of the data page
Two recent biometric passport photos meeting Schengen requirements
Certified copy of birth certificate or sworn affidavit of age
Medical travel insurance valid throughout the Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Schengen area
Evidence of where you will stay in the Netherlands
Day-by-day plan of your activities in the Netherlands and any other Schengen countries
Personal letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Netherlands
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Nigeria
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Nigeria
Recommended (Optional)
Documentation for business owners and self-employed applicants
Invitation from your host in the Netherlands
About the Netherlands Schengen Visa
This Schengen visa, applied through the Netherlands, grants access to all 29 Schengen member states.2 This includes popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries. You can travel freely between these countries during your 90-day stay.
Apply for a Netherlands Schengen visa if the Netherlands is your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.1
Application Process
Nigerian citizens cannot apply directly at a Netherlands embassy in Nigeria. Instead, applications are processed through partner countries via TLScontact centers.1
1. Determine Your Application Location
Your application location depends on your state of residence:1
-
TLScontact Abuja (via Belgium): For residents of Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, FCT Abuja, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
-
TLScontact Lagos (via France): For residents of all other Nigerian states, including Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and others.
2. Book Your Appointment
Schedule an appointment through the relevant TLScontact portal:56
- Abuja: visas-be.tlscontact.com
- Lagos: visas-fr.tlscontact.com
Book well in advance as appointment slots fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Complete Your Application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form online.2 Print all pages and sign by hand. Gather all required documents according to the official checklist.
4. Attend Your Appointment
Bring all original documents plus copies. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be captured at the TLScontact center. Pay the visa fee and service charges.
5. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 working days.2 You can track your application status online. Your passport will be returned to you once a decision is made.
Fees
| Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | €90 | Plus TLScontact service charge |
| Children (6-11 years) | €45 | Reduced fee |
| Children (under 6) | Free | No visa fee charged |
All visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.3 TLScontact service charges apply on top of the visa fee and vary by service type selected.
What You Need to Prove
Consular officers assessing your application must be satisfied that you:4
- Have genuine tourism intent: Your purpose of visit is legitimate and you plan to leave before the visa expires
- Can financially support yourself: You have sufficient funds for accommodation, travel, and daily expenses without working
- Will return to Nigeria: You have compelling ties to your home country that ensure your return
- Have valid travel documents: Your passport and insurance meet all Schengen requirements
Nigerian applicants face particular scrutiny on ties to home country given the 45.9% rejection rate in 2024.4 Comprehensive documentation is essential.
Processing Times
Current processing time is 15 working days from application submission.2
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional document verification is required
- Your application is submitted during peak season (summer months, December holidays)
- Complex circumstances require further review
- Consultation with Netherlands authorities is needed
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for potential delays. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before travel, and no later than 15 days before departure.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Before traveling, verify:
- Visa validity dates match your travel plans
- Number of entries permitted (single, double, or multiple)
- Duration of stay granted (up to 90 days)
At the Netherlands border or first Schengen entry point, you may be asked to show:
- Return flight booking
- Hotel reservations or host invitation
- Proof of funds (bank statement, cash, or cards)
- Travel insurance certificate
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the specific grounds for rejection.2 Common next steps:
- Review the refusal reasons carefully: Understand exactly why your application was denied
- Address the issues: Gather additional or improved documentation specifically addressing the concerns raised
- Reapply: Submit a new application with strengthened evidence. There is no mandatory waiting period
- File an objection: You may object in writing within 4 weeks of the decision
The visa fee is non-refundable. Be prepared to pay again when reapplying.
Schengen Member States
With your Netherlands Schengen visa, you can visit all 29 Schengen countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Remember that your total stay across all Schengen countries cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds, contain unexplained large deposits, or lack regular income credits. You must prove you can support yourself without working in the Schengen area.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of statements with consistent balance and regular income. Minimum €100 per day of stay recommended. Avoid large unexplained deposits. If sponsored, include sponsor's financials and commitment letter.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Nigeria. Consular officers must be convinced you will leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of ties: employment letter with tenure, property documents, business registration, marriage certificate, children's birth certificates. Multiple forms of evidence work best.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing required documents, expired certificates, or information that does not match across different documents. Any discrepancy raises concerns.
How to avoid: Use the official checklist and verify all documents are current. Ensure all dates, names, and figures match across documents. Provide explanations for any gaps or inconsistencies.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The reason for visiting the Netherlands is not clearly justified or the travel plans seem implausible given your circumstances.
How to avoid: Provide detailed itinerary, confirmed accommodation, and clear explanation of your visit purpose. If visiting family, include invitation letters and proof of relationship.
Previous Visa Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the Schengen area or other countries raises serious concerns about immigration compliance.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Provide explanation of changed circumstances and why your current application should be viewed differently. Never hide previous refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the Netherlands on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, not just the Netherlands. You cannot extend this visa to stay longer for tourism purposes.
Can I visit other European countries with a Netherlands Schengen visa?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued for the Netherlands allows you to travel freely within all 29 Schengen member states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and others. However, the Netherlands should be your main destination or first point of entry.
What is the Netherlands Schengen visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults. Children aged 6-11 pay €45, and children under 6 are exempt from fees. Additional service charges from TLScontact apply.
How long does Netherlands visa processing take from Nigeria?
Standard processing takes 15 working days from your application submission. During peak seasons or for complex cases, processing may extend to 30-45 days. Apply well in advance of your travel dates.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands visa in Nigeria?
Applications are submitted through TLScontact centers. If you live in northern Nigerian states (including FCT Abuja, Kano, Kaduna), apply at TLScontact Abuja representing Belgium. If you live in southern states, apply at TLScontact Lagos representing France.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
You need a flight reservation showing entry and exit from the Schengen area, but a confirmed ticket is not required. Use refundable bookings until your visa is approved to avoid losing money if rejected.
What is the approval rate for Netherlands visas from Nigeria?
Nigerian applicants face a challenging approval rate of approximately 54% for Schengen visas. The 45.9% rejection rate in 2024 was the third highest globally. Strong documentation and proof of ties to Nigeria are essential.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can either reapply with improved documentation addressing the specific issues, or file a written objection within 4 weeks. There is no waiting period to reapply.
Do I need a sponsor in the Netherlands?
A sponsor is not mandatory if you can prove sufficient personal funds. However, having a host in the Netherlands who provides an invitation letter can strengthen your application, especially if your finances are limited.
Which states in Nigeria apply through Abuja vs Lagos?
Apply through TLScontact Abuja if you live in: Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, FCT Abuja, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, or Zamfara. All other states apply through TLScontact Lagos.