Central African RepublicNetherlands

Central African passport · policy checked 17 Jul 2026

Visa required

Apply before you travel.

90

days

on a tourist visa

90

EUR · visa fee

about $97

15-30

days

processing time

VFS

visa application centre

How Central African citizens apply for a Netherlands visa

  1. Lodge your application at a VFS Global (TLScontact in some countries) visa application centre, with the completed form and required documents. Apply here ↗

No advance visa with these documents

Netherlands admits Central African citizens without a pre-arranged visa on a valid document:

Visa-free · up to 90 days

multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visa issued by any Schengen country

multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visa (any nationality) may enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) without a separate Dutch Caribbean visa for up to 90 days.

netherlandsworldwide.nl ↗

UK visa

multiple-entry UK visa (of any nationality) may enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) without a separate Dutch visa for up to 90 days.

netherlandsworldwide.nl ↗

US Green Card / permanent resident

US residence permit (of any nationality) may enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) without a separate Dutch visa for up to 90 days.

netherlandsworldwide.nl ↗

UK ILR / settled status

UK residence permit (of any nationality) may enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) without a separate Dutch visa for up to 90 days.

netherlandsworldwide.nl ↗

Canada permanent resident

Canadian residence permit (of any nationality) may enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba) without a separate Dutch visa for up to 90 days.

netherlandsworldwide.nl ↗

Visa-free

Schengen visa (any member state)

European Blue Card issued by another EU/EEA country (held for at least 12 months) who are applying for a Blue Card in the Netherlands are exempt from the MVV requirement.

ind.nl ↗

EU / Schengen residence permit or PR

regular (non-asylum) residence permit issued by another Schengen country are exempt from the MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf / authorisation for temporary stay) requirement to enter the Netherlands for long-stay purposes, provided they have a recognised sponsor in the Netherlands and meet all other requirements.

ind.nl ↗

Check what all your documents unlock at once →

Netherlands visa cost for Central African citizens

EUR 90

Schengen short-stay visa (type C)

Lodged through VFS Global (TLScontact in some countries), whose service fee applies on top and varies by centre.

  • Schengen short-stay visa (type C)

    up to 90 days in any 180-day period

    EUR 90

  • Caribbean visa (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten)

    short stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom

    EUR 90

Netherlands visa types for Central African citizens

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)Tourist

90 daysmultiple entry15-30d processingvalid 180d

Allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to visit the Netherlands for tourism, family visits, or short business trips for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Applied for at the Dutch embassy or consulate. For nationals of countries in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806. The Netherlands does not offer a national e-visa or visa-on-arrival for short stays. Extensions cost €30. Applications must be submitted at a Dutch embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application centre.

Official page ↗
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - BusinessBusiness

90 daysmultiple entry15-30d processingvalid 180d

Allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to visit the Netherlands for business meetings, conferences, or short-term commercial activities for up to 90 days.

Same visa category as tourist (Type C Schengen visa). Purpose declared at application. Applied for at Dutch embassy or consulate. Visa-free nationals (Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806) do not need a visa for short business stays.

Official page ↗
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)Transit

single entry15-30d processing

Required for certain nationalities transiting through an international zone at a Dutch airport (e.g., Amsterdam Schiphol) without entering the Schengen area.

Fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6. Required for nationals of specific high-risk countries when transiting through Schengen international zones. Separate from the Type C short-stay visa. Applied for at the Dutch embassy or consulate.

Official page ↗
Medical Treatment Residence PermitMedical

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Residence permit for non-EU nationals who need to receive medical treatment in the Netherlands that is not available in their home country.

Fee is €1,337 for first application; €466 for extension. High fee reflects the specialised nature of this permit. Treatment must be unavailable in applicant's country of origin. Applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover treatment and living expenses. Permit tied to the duration of treatment.

Official page ↗
Family Reunification Residence Permit (Minor Child)Family

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Long-stay residence permit for non-EU minor children (under 18) to join a parent lawfully residing in the Netherlands.

Fee is €85 for children under 18. Parent sponsor must meet income requirements and have a valid residence permit. Permit valid 1 year; renewable.

Official page ↗
Family Reunification Residence Permit (Partner)Family

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Long-stay residence permit allowing the foreign partner or spouse of a Dutch or lawfully resident non-EU national to live in the Netherlands.

Fee is €254 for adults; €85 for children under 18; €44 - €85 for Turkish nationals (reduced rates under EU-Turkey Association Agreement). Sponsor must meet income requirement (generally 100% of applicable social assistance norm). Sponsor must have a valid residence permit of at least 1 year. Relationship must be genuine. Permit valid 1 year; renewable.

Official page ↗
Student Residence Permit (Secondary / Vocational Education)Student

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Long-stay residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals enrolled in secondary school (VMBO/HAVO/VWO) or vocational education (MBO) in the Netherlands.

Fee is €254. For students studying below university level. Educational institution typically applies on behalf of the student. Renewable for duration of study.

Official page ↗
Student Residence Permit (University / Higher Professional Education)Student

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Long-stay residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals enrolled in an accredited bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programme at a Dutch university or higher professional education institution.

Fee is €254 for first application and extensions. Typically applied for by the educational institution on the student's behalf. Valid for 1 year; renewable for duration of study. Institution must be IND-recognised. Work is permitted up to 16 hours/week or full-time during summer months.

Official page ↗
Essential Start-Up Personnel Residence PermitWork

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1095d

Residence permit for foreign employees whose specialised expertise is essential to an innovative, scalable start-up in the Netherlands.

Fee is €423. Pilot scheme running 1 June 2021 to 1 June 2028. The start-up must be innovative, have at most 15 employees, and may sponsor up to 5 foreign employees. The employee must be an expert in a specialised field and receive mandatory participation of at least a 1% equity stake OR shares/options worth €65,000+ (granted within 3 years). RVO provides an advisory assessment. Permit valid up to 3 years, tied to the employment contract; extendable. Distinct from the Start-Up (founder) permit. Path to permanent residence after 5 years.

Official page ↗
European Blue Card Residence PermitWork

multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 1825d

EU-level work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals with a university degree or equivalent experience, employed in a high-skilled role in the Netherlands.

Fee is €423. Requires higher education diploma (min 3 years) or 5 years professional experience at higher level. Salary thresholds (gross/month, from 1 Jan 2026): standard €5,942; recent graduates (within 3 years) €4,754. Contract minimum 6 months. Processing: 30 days for recognised sponsors, 45 days for certain existing holders, 90 days for others. Valid up to 5 years.

Official page ↗
Highly Skilled Migrant Residence Permit (Kennismigrant)Work

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1825d

Long-stay residence permit for highly skilled foreign nationals employed by an IND-recognised sponsor in the Netherlands, allowing them to live and work in the country.

Fee is €423. Permit validity matches contract duration, max 5 years. Requires employment with IND-recognised sponsor. Salary thresholds (gross/month, from 1 Jan 2026): reduced criterion €3,122; under 30 years €4,357; 30+ years €5,942. If job is lost, 3-6 months to find new employment. Path to permanent residence after 5 years.

Official page ↗
Intern or Apprentice Residence Permit (Traineeship)Work

365 daysmultiple entryup to 60d processingvalid 365d

Combined residence and work permit for non-EU nationals coming to the Netherlands for more than 90 days to complete an internship, traineeship, or apprenticeship.

Fee is €423. Issued as a Single Permit (GVVA - combined residence and work permit) for internships/traineeships exceeding 90 days. Maximum duration depends on the placement: MBO vocational internships max 6 months; university-level traineeships max 1 year; apprenticeships max 24 weeks. Canadian nationals aged 18-30 may qualify under the Young Workers Exchange Program (max 1 year). The employer usually applies on the applicant's behalf by post. IND decides within 60 days (target 7 weeks) once the application is complete.

Official page ↗
Intra-Corporate Transferee Residence PermitWork

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1095d

Residence permit for managers, specialists, or trainees being transferred from a non-EU company to a branch or subsidiary in the Netherlands.

Fee is €423. Governed by EU Directive 2014/66/EU. Transferee must have worked for the company group for at least 3 months. Valid for managers/specialists up to 3 years; trainees up to 1 year. Eligible for EU intra-corporate transferee mobility to other EU member states.

Official page ↗
Orientation Year Residence Permit (Zoekjaar - Highly Educated Migrants)Work

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

One-year residence permit for recent graduates or researchers who completed their studies/research in the Netherlands or at a top-ranked institution abroad, allowing them to seek employment or start a business.

Fee is €254 (exempt for Turkish, San Marinese, and Israeli nationals). Valid for 1 year; not extendable. Must have completed accredited bachelor's/master's/doctoral degree at Dutch institution, or Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, or master's/doctoral from top-200 ranked institution (THE, QS, Shanghai) within 3 years before application. Permits free work during validity. Not available if orientation year permit was previously held.

Official page ↗
Researcher Residence PermitWork

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1825d

Residence permit for non-EU nationals conducting scientific research in the Netherlands under a hosting agreement with a recognised research institution.

Fee is €254 (first application, change of purpose of stay, or extension) per the IND 2026 fee schedule - this is a lower fee tier than the Highly Skilled Migrant/Blue Card permits, not €423 as previously recorded. Governed by EU Directive 2016/801. Eligible for EU long-term mobility to other member states after at least 6 months in the Netherlands. Recognised research organisations must host the researcher under a formal hosting agreement.

Official page ↗
Seasonal Work Residence PermitWork

168 dayssingle entryup to 90d processingvalid 168d

Temporary work permit for non-EU nationals performing seasonal agricultural or horticultural work in the Netherlands.

Fee is €254. Maximum stay 24 weeks (168 days). Primarily for agricultural sector. Employer must apply on behalf of the worker. Worker must be paid at least minimum wage.

Official page ↗
Self-Employed Person Residence Permit (Zelfstandige)Work

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 730d

Residence permit for non-EU nationals who wish to establish and run their own business or work as a freelancer in the Netherlands.

Fee is €423. Applicant's work must be of 'essential interest to the Dutch economy,' assessed by RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) via a points system (minimum 30 points per category). No minimum investment amount for general route; Dutch-American and Dutch-Japanese trade treaties require 'substantial capital' (typically at least €4,500). Permit valid up to 2 years; renewable. Path to permanent residence after 5 years.

Official page ↗
Single Permit (GVVA - Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid)Work

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1095d

Combined residence and work permit for non-EU nationals taking up paid employment in the Netherlands that does not fall under the highly skilled migrant or Blue Card schemes.

Fee is €423. Valid up to 3 years (or 5 years if applicant has worked legally for 5 years in the Netherlands). Employer must apply on behalf of the employee. Employer must be registered in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, advertise the vacancy through UWV, and pay salary per applicable collective labour agreement. Covers various roles including spiritual counselors, artists, intra-corporate transferees, and international non-profit employees.

Official page ↗
Start-Up Founder Residence PermitWork

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Temporary residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to develop an innovative business in the Netherlands with the guidance of an approved facilitator.

Fee is €423. Valid for 1 year, not extendable. Applicant must work with an approved facilitator under a signed contract. Business must be innovative (new to the Netherlands or using new technology). After 1 year, can apply for self-employed person permit. RVO provides advisory assessment and positive assessment is required. Requires registration in Chamber of Commerce Trade Register.

Official page ↗
Au Pair Residence PermitOther

365 daysmultiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365d

Temporary residence permit for young foreign nationals to live with a Dutch host family, providing childcare and light household tasks in exchange for board and pocket money, as part of a cultural exchange.

Fee is €423 (first application and change in purpose). Host family must be approved; au pair must be aged 18-30 (some exceptions). Duration typically 1 year. Applicant must have adequate health insurance. Not a work permit; income is limited to pocket money. Cultural exchange focus. Note: fee updated from €254 to €423 as of 2026 IND fee schedule (confirmed from ind.nl/en/fees).

Official page ↗
Cultural Exchange Residence PermitOther

365 daysmultiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 365donline

Temporary residence permit for young people to experience Dutch culture and society through a programme run by a recognised exchange organisation.

Fee is €423. Applicant must be aged 18-30 (or 15-18 if the exchange programme allows) and must not have previously held a Dutch exchange permit. Only a recognised exchange organisation may apply on the applicant's behalf, and it may submit the application online (or by post using form 7503). Applicant must live with a registered host family and have adequate means and health insurance. Valid up to 1 year; IND aims to decide within about 2 weeks (legal maximum 90 days). Also covers European Solidarity Corps volunteers. Distinct from the Au Pair and Working Holiday permits.

Official page ↗
Long-Term Resident EU Status (Duurzame Verblijfsvergunning EU)Other

multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 1825d

Permanent long-term resident status within the EU for non-EU nationals who have legally resided in the Netherlands for at least 5 continuous years.

Fee is €254 for first application; €85 for 5-year renewal. Requires 5 years legal continuous residence. Provides near-equal rights to Dutch nationals and facilitates mobility to other EU member states. Renewable every 5 years for €85. Governed by EU Directive 2003/109/EC.

Official page ↗
Return Visa (Terugkeervisum)Other

90 dayssingle entryup to 14d processingvalid 90d

A national visa for non-EU nationals who hold a Dutch residence permit that has expired or is being renewed, allowing them to return to the Netherlands after travelling abroad.

Fee is €197 standard; €57 for EC-Turkey Agreement holders; free for Moluccans. Issued by the Dutch embassy or consulate abroad when a permit holder has left the Netherlands and their permit has been renewed or is pending. Allows re-entry to the Netherlands.

Official page ↗
Working Holiday Residence PermitWorking holiday

365 daysmultiple entry14-21d processingvalid 365d

Residence permit for young nationals of specific countries allowing them to live and work in the Netherlands on a temporary basis, primarily to experience Dutch culture while financing their stay through employment.

Fee is €85 (first application or change of purpose of stay) per the IND 2026 fee schedule - previously recorded as free/null, this permit is not fee-exempt. Available to nationals of: Australia (no quota), Canada (no quota), New Zealand (no quota), Japan (200/year), South Korea (200/year), Argentina (100/year), Uruguay (100/year), Hong Kong (100/year), Taiwan (100/year). Applicants must be aged 18-30. Must have return ticket or funds to purchase one, and sufficient funds for the stay. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand nationals do not need an MVV; they apply upon arrival. Quota countries must apply before quota is exhausted. Not extendable. From 1 April 2026, pre-registration is no longer required.

Official page ↗

Netherlands visa policy, fees & entry rules in full →

Netherlands visa for Central African citizens - FAQ

Do Central African citizens need a visa for Netherlands?

Yes - Central African citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Netherlands embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.

What documents do Central African citizens need for Netherlands?

A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Netherlands visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.

Check entry with visas you already hold →What “visa required” means →