Why was your visa refused?
The refusal form shows the grounds. Each ground needs its own evidence.
| Refusal ground | What it means | Evidence that helps |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose not justified | The embassy is not convinced about the reason for your trip | Invitation letter, programme, bookings |
| Insufficient means | Your money for the stay or return is not proven | Bank statements, sponsor form 1310 |
| Doubt about return | The embassy fears you will not leave in time | Employer letter, property, family ties, travel history |
| Insurance | Missing or insufficient medical travel insurance | A policy of at least €30,000 for all Schengen states |
| Documents | Doubts about authenticity or reliability | Originals, legalisation, consistent information |
| 90/180 rule | Too many days already used in the Schengen area | Travel history and a recalculation |
| Alert or risk | An alert in the Schengen Information System or a risk | Legal analysis – always seek advice |
Objection or new application?
| Objection | New application | |
|---|---|---|
| When | The refusal was wrong or poorly reasoned | A document was missing or your situation changed |
| Deadline | Within 4 weeks after the decision | Any time |
| Who decides | The IND | The embassy again |
| Time | The IND has 12 weeks – often longer | Usually 15 days after the appointment |
| Cost | No new visa fee | New visa fee and visa centre charges |
How an objection works
Read the decision
We check the grounds, the date and the deadline on the refusal form.
Collect evidence
Each ground gets its own evidence – translated where needed.
Object in time
To the IND within 4 weeks, with reasons and evidence – by you or your host.
IND decision
The IND decides within 12 weeks. Success: you have 6 months to travel.
Court
Objection rejected? You can ask the court for judicial review.
Mistakes after a refusal
Missing the deadline
Four weeks pass quickly – late objections are not considered.
Same file again
A new application without new evidence is often refused again.
Ignoring the grounds
An objection that does not answer each ground has little chance.
Inconsistent stories
New statements must match the original application.
Questions about refusals
Who can submit the objection?
You, your legal representative, a lawyer or an authorised person – such as your host in the Netherlands, with written permission.
Another Schengen country refused my visa. Can I object in the Netherlands?
No. You object in the country that made the decision.
Do I get my visa fee back?
No. The visa fee and visa centre charges are not refunded after a refusal.
What happens if the objection succeeds?
You receive a letter and have 6 months to travel. You visit the application location again to have the visa issued.
Staying longer than 90 days?
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.