Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Embassy of the Netherlands is at 38 Hyde Park Gate, London, SW7 5DP
- Consular phone line is +44 (0)20 7590 3200
- Schengen short stay and MVV long stay visas for work, study, family and highly skilled migrants are processed
- Visa appointments are routed through netherlandsandyou.nl and partner VFS centres
- British citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short visits to the Netherlands
Address and Contact Details
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in London is at 38 Hyde Park Gate, London, SW7 5DP. The consular section covers Dutch citizens in the United Kingdom and processes selected visa categories for third country nationals.
The main switchboard number is +44 (0)20 7590 3200. The official website is netherlandsandyou.nl, where the embassy publishes visa information, opening hours and appointment links. Some submission steps are handled by the Dutch visa service partner rather than at the embassy itself.
Public hours are limited to weekdays and split into morning and afternoon windows for different services. The embassy closes on UK bank holidays and Dutch national days including King's Day on 27 April, so check the site before any visit.
Visa Services Available
The Netherlands operates a two-tier visa system: short stay Schengen visas for visits up to 90 days, and the MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) authorisation for long stays of more than 90 days. The embassy processes or facilitates the following categories:
- Schengen Visa (Short Stay): for tourism, business meetings, family visits and short events up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- MVV Long Stay - Work: linked to a work permit and employer sponsorship under the Aliens Employment Act.
- MVV Long Stay - Study: linked to enrolment at a recognised Dutch university or higher education institution.
- MVV Long Stay - Family: for spouses, registered partners and dependent children of Dutch residents.
- Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant): for foreign professionals employed by an IND-recognised sponsor at a qualifying salary level.
- Self Employed and Start-up Visas: for entrepreneurs and innovative founders meeting Dutch points-based criteria.
British citizens travelling for short visits use Schengen rules without a visa. EU and other visa-exempt nationals follow similar rules. Most MVV cases are referred through the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
How to Book an Appointment
Visa appointments are coordinated through netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/united-kingdom/visas-and-travel and the Dutch government's visa partner network, including VFS Global at several UK centres. The exact route depends on the applicant's UK address and the visa category.
Demand peaks in late summer for students and around the Highly Skilled Migrant intake windows of large Dutch employers. Slot availability is published several weeks ahead and can move quickly during peak periods.
Applicants should bring the appointment confirmation, photo identification and any IND reference numbers issued by the sponsor or recognised sponsor in the Netherlands.
Documents and Requirements
Document checklists differ by category but commonly include:
- A passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area, with two blank pages.
- The completed visa application form, signed and dated.
- Two recent passport-style photographs to Schengen standards.
- Travel insurance for short stay visas with at least 30,000 euros of medical cover valid across the Schengen Area.
- Flight bookings and accommodation evidence for short stay applications.
- For business visits, an invitation letter from the Dutch host on company letterhead.
- For MVV applications, the IND reference number and any documents issued by the Dutch sponsor.
- For students, the letter of admission from the Dutch institution and proof of tuition payment.
- For Highly Skilled Migrants, the recognised sponsor's employment contract and salary evidence meeting the relevant threshold.
- For family applications, marriage, partnership and birth certificates legalised or apostilled.
Documents not in Dutch, English, French or German should be translated by a sworn translator. Originals and photocopies are usually required.
Processing Times and Fees
Schengen visas at the London embassy or partner centres are typically processed within 15 calendar days, extended to 30 or 45 days for cases needing additional checks. MVV long stay applications are decided by the IND in the Netherlands and usually take up to 90 days, though many qualifying highly skilled migrant cases are resolved within two to four weeks.
Visa fees are set by the European Commission for Schengen short stay visas and by the Dutch government for MVV categories. Fees are payable in pounds sterling at the visa centre or embassy. Children, certain students and some other categories qualify for reduced or waived fees under Schengen rules.
Confirm the current fee at the time of booking, as Schengen fees are reviewed periodically by the European Commission.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a Schengen visa for the Netherlands?
British citizens can visit the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business meetings or family visits without a visa. Longer stays and any work, study or residence still need the appropriate Dutch national authorisation.
What is the MVV and when do I need it?
The MVV is a provisional residence authorisation issued by the Netherlands for stays longer than 90 days. Most non-EU nationals need an MVV before travelling to take up a Dutch residence permit. The Dutch sponsor often files the application with the IND on the applicant's behalf.
How is the Highly Skilled Migrant route different from a regular work visa?
The Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) route is for foreign professionals employed by an IND-recognised sponsor at a qualifying salary level. It uses a faster procedure and lighter labour market test than the general work permit route under the Aliens Employment Act.
Are visa applications submitted at the embassy or at VFS?
Depending on category and applicant address, applications are submitted at the embassy or at the Dutch government's visa partner centre. The booking page on netherlandsandyou.nl confirms which channel applies to each case.
Can I apply for a Caribbean Netherlands visa here?
Visas for travel to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom such as Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba follow a separate visa regime. Information on these visas is also handled by Dutch missions, but the application route and fee tariff differ from the Schengen system.
How We Verified This
Details in this article were cross-checked against the Netherlands embassy site, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), GOV.UK travel advice for the Netherlands, and the European Commission's Schengen visa policy pages. MVV and Highly Skilled Migrant details reflect publicly available IND guidance.
Sources
- Netherlands embassy London: netherlandsandyou.nl/united-kingdom
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND): ind.nl/en
- GOV.UK Netherlands travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands
