Business activities
- Meetings and negotiations
- Trade fairs and conferences
- Training at a group company
- Visits to clients and suppliers
Business visit
What is allowed on a business visa?
Paid work
- Paid work for a Dutch employer
- Productive work at a client site
- Longer projects – a work permit is needed
- Self-employed work in the Netherlands
Invitation
The invitation letter from the Dutch company
An original, signed letter on company letterhead – the most important document of a business visa.
1
Purpose
What the visit is for – the meeting, fair or training programme.
2
Dates
The exact dates of the stay in the Netherlands.
3
Costs
Who pays the flight, hotel, local transport and medical insurance.
4
Stay
Where the visitor will stay during the visit.
5
Sponsor
A statement that the company acts as sponsor for the visitor.
Forms
Which forms apply?
Large companies
An invitation letter on letterhead, signed by an authorised person.
Small companies
Form 1310 – proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation.
Self-employed visitor
Form 7612 – a declaration on the income of a self-employed person.
Employer at home
A letter from the visitor’s employer confirming the trip and return.
Frequent travel
Travelling often? Ask for multiple entry
More trips, one visa
- A visa valid for 1 to 5 years
- Never longer than your passport
- 90 days in any 180 always applies
- A good travel history helps
For companies
- Invitation letters that meet the rules
- Advice on business visa or work permit
- Fast handling for urgent trips
- Objection if a visa is refused
FAQ
Questions about business visits
Can I attend a trade fair on a business visa?
Yes. Trade fairs, conferences and meetings are classic business visits.
Can I install machines at a client?
Usually not on a business visa. Productive work often needs a work permit – we check your situation.
Who signs the invitation letter?
An authorised person at the Dutch company, on official letterhead, with original signature.
How fast can a business visa be issued?
Usually within 15 days after the appointment. Apply early – appointments can be scarce.
Other routes
Staying longer than 90 days?
Family
Family reunification
Bring your children and family members to the Netherlands.
family-visa.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
A residence permit for your spouse or long-term partner.
partner-visa.nl Open website StudyStudent visa
Study at a Dutch university or college.
study-visa.nl Open website WorkHighly Skilled Migrant
The fastest work route, for professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor.
hsmvisa.nl Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl and the EU Visa Code. Fees and rules can change – always check the latest information with us or on ind.nl.