Passport Atlas

Entering Netherlands

Netherlands playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#113

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

105

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Country profile

Capital

Amsterdam

Population

18.1 million

Area

41,526 km²

Currency

Euro EUR

Languages

Dutch

Time zone

UTC+01:00

Foreign-born

3 million · 2024

Migrant share

16.2%

Ethnic groups · 2021

Dutch75.4%
other9.3%
EU6.4%
Turkish2.4%
Moroccan2.4%
Surinamese2.1%
Other2%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type C / Type F

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 112 · Ambulance 112

Dialing code

+31

Airports

AMS · EIN · RTM · MST

Highlights

Anne Frank House
Keukenhof
Grachtengordel
Kinderdijk

Netherlands Passport Guides · Netherlands Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Schengen short-stay (type C)
Visit / tourism · 90 days in any 180-day period
- Apply at a Schengen consulate or visa centre in your country of residence, with biometrics, for the main destination.
- Visa-exempt passports use the EES entry/exit system. ETIAS will apply on the EU timetable — confirm whether your passport is in scope before travel.
Highly skilled migrant
Work · Matches the contract, up to 5 years
- An IND recognised sponsor, at the age-based salary threshold.
Orientation year
Study · 1 year after graduation
- Graduates of Dutch or selected foreign universities may take a one-year job-seeker residence.

Immigration routes

Permanent residence
Skilled work
Five years’ continuous lawful stay and civic integration.
Leads to PR：PR at five years, or EU long-term resident status.