Object decision on Schengen or transit visa

Last update: 31 October 2023

You disagree with the decision on your application for a short-stay or transit visa. Find out how you can object.

Object in the right country

You can only object to the IND if the Netherlands has decided on your application. Did another country take the decision? Then you must object in that country.

Object in the right country

You can only object to the IND if the Netherlands has decided on your application. Did another country take the decision? Then you must object in that country.

When to object

You applied to a Dutch representation (embassy or consulate) for a Schengen visa for a short stay in the Netherlands, for example for business, a holiday, or a family visit. Or you applied there for a transit visa for a transit in the Netherlands. Your visa application has been rejected. Do you disagree with the decision? Then you can object.

You must object within 4 weeks.

At the moment, an appeal can take longer than 12 months to process. Is this too long for your situation? You can also apply for a new visa. Please note that you will then have to pay a visa fee again. Before your application, read the letter (decision) about the rejection carefully. It explains why you did not receive a visa. For example, because you could not show the correct documents. Then make sure that you do have the correct documents with the new application.

For more information about a new visa application, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands.

Who can object

You can object yourself, or someone else can object for you. These people can object for you.

Your legal representative. This is a parent, guardian, or someone else who manages your affairs.
A lawyer.
A specially authorised person. This is someone who you give permission to object on your behalf. You must give this person written permission (authorisation). Use this form:

Authorisation Objection Visa Decision 4534 (PDF, 113.98 KB)

Assistance when objecting

You can ask someone who provides legal or other assistance to help you object. Find out more about legal or other assistance providers from the Juridisch Loket (legal aid and advice centre).

Process and costs

These are the steps in the objection process:

Show details Hide details

1. Check objection period open minus

Check the date before which you must object. You have 4 weeks’ time to object. The 4-week period starts 1 day after the decision has been announced.
2. Collect documents open minus

Perhaps your Schengen visa application was incomplete. Please collect the missing documents. You will find a checklist of the documents required for your travel purpose on the VFS Global website. Is someone else objecting on your behalf? Then use the following authorisation:

Authorisation Objection Visa Decision 4534 (PDF, 113.98 KB)

And a copy of your passport.

Have official documents from abroad legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
3. Objecting open minus
You can object in writing or online.

Objecting online

Use the online objection form (in Dutch).

Written objection

Please send a written objection to the IND. You must do this in a letter.

Content of written objection

Your written objection must at least contain this information:
- your name, date of birth and address.
- the date.
- why you think the decision is incorrect.
- your signature.
- a copy of the decision.
Send supporting documents.

Postal address and fax

Send your written objection to:

IND Visadienst
Postbus 2
9560 AA Ter Apel

Or by fax: 088-04 32853

Uploading additional digital documents

Do you wish to send additional document to the IND? And is your objection still in progress with the IND? If you have a DigiD account, uploading documents is quick and easy.
4. Costs of objection open minus

Objecting is free of charge.
5. Wait for decision on objection open minus

The IND must take a decision within a 6-week decision period. We can extend this by another 6 weeks.

Did the IND receive your objection on time? Then the decision period starts on the first day after the final date on which you could submit your objection. Sending your objection earlier does not change that.

What if the IND decides late?

Has the decision period expired and you still do not have a decision on your objection? Find out what you can do if the IND is late with its decision.
6. Decision on objection open minus
You will receive the decision in a letter. The decision can be positive or negative.
- Founded objection. The decision is positive.
- Unfounded objection. The decision is negative. You can appeal against this decision to court.
7. Collect visa open minus

You must collect your visa at the Dutch representation (embassy or consulate) where you submitted your visa application.

You must enter the Netherlands within 6 months after you have received the decision on objection. Would you like to travel later? Then you must submit a new visa application.

Object decision on Schengen or transit visa

Object in the right country

Object in the right country

When to object

Who can object

Assistance when objecting

Process and costs

These are the steps in the objection process:

Objecting online

Written objection

Content of written objection

Postal address and fax

Uploading additional digital documents

What if the IND decides late?

See also

Rules and regulations