One of the first things most of us want after settling in is to have parents or family come and visit. From India, that means a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa, for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How it works
- Your family applies through the Netherlands' visa partner (VFS Global) in India, for the Schengen visa.
- As the person here, you typically provide a sponsor/invitation letter and often a proof of sponsorship & private accommodation form (you can be their guarantor).
- They'll need travel insurance covering the Schengen area, proof of ties to India (to show they'll return), and evidence of funds for the trip.
What actually helps approval
A clear, complete file wins: a strong invitation letter, your residence proof and income, confirmed return flights, comprehensive travel insurance, and evidence of your family's ties back home (property, employment, pension). Apply well ahead, appointment slots and processing can take weeks, especially in peak season.
Rules and required forms change, always follow the current checklist on the official Netherlands visa and IND pages, and the VFS Global site for India, before applying.
Official sources
Questions & answers
- How early should my parents apply, and how long can they stay?
- Apply about 4 to 6 weeks ahead, VFS appointment slots in India fill up fast, especially over summer. The Schengen short-stay visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A strong invitation letter, your proof of income and residence, confirmed return flights and travel insurance all smooth approval. First-timers sometimes get a shorter validity, so don't book non-refundable long trips until the visa is actually granted.