The Netherlands is a civil law country. The domain of Dutch law is commonly divided in the following areas:
1) Administrative law is the area of law that regulates the operation of the various levels of government and the way persons and legal entities can appeal decisions of the government. The basics of Dutch administrative law were overhauled completely in 1994 with the advent of the new Basic Administrative Law.
2) Civil law (including family law, inheritance law, contract law and commercial law).
3) Criminal law deals with the prosecution and punishment of criminal offenses.
4) Constitutional law which is laws on the structure of the state.
5) European law deals with the influence of laws and regulations of the European Union in the laws of the Netherlands.
6) International law involves the application of international laws (mostly laid down in treaties) in the Netherlands. The Dutch constitution contains a clause that allows the direct application of most international laws in Dutch courts. The laws that regulate jurisdiction and applicable law in cases with an international aspect (e.g. because parties come from different countries) are not part of international law but form a specific branch of civil law.
Visiting the Netherlands
Visas for the Netherlands (Schengen Visas)
If you are planning a short visit to the Netherlands and you do not have Dutch nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. The Netherlands is one of the 26 European countries forming the Schengen Area which have no border controls between them. These countries also issue a common visa, the Schengen visa.
To obtain visa for the Schengen-States, the following standard documents are required:
A) For applicants going for business:
1) One visa application form completed and signed by the applicant.
2) One recent passport size photograph on a white background.
3) Passport valid for three months after the expiry date of the requested visa.
4) A print-out of the flight booking and if visa applicant is approved, the original confirmed return ticket and a copy of the ticket.
5) Invitation letter from a Dutch company send by mail or faxed directly to the Embassy and a copy with application.
6) Job certificate legalized by the Chamber of Commerce, mentioning monthly salary, length of contract, job title, and information whether the company will be responsible for expenses and accommodation of traveler during his stay in the Netherlands.
7) Bank statements (in English) for the last three months, mentioning the receipt of the monthly salary.
8) Comprehensive health/travel insurance with a minimum coverage of € 30.000,- per persons per year .
And if applicable:
9) Exit re-entry visa valid for minimum two months.
10) Copy of iqama which must be valid for minimum three months after the expiry date of the requested visa.
B) For applicants going for tourism the same mentioned documents are required with the following modification:
- Instead of an invitation letter from a Dutch company a Hotel voucher is required and proof of payment or credit card guaranteed reservation.
C) For applicant going for a visit to family or friends the same documents, mentioned in paragraph A), are required with the following modifications:
- Instead of an invitation letter from a Dutch company an original form is required legalized by the municipality of the host residence.
11) A copy of the host Dutch passport or residence Permit.
12) A copy of the host job contract.
13) A copy of the host's bank-account or salary statements for the last 3 months.
D) For applicant applying for an airport transit visa the following documents are required:
1) One visa application form completed and signed by the applicant.
2) One recent passport size photograph on a white background.
3) Passport valid for three months after the expiry of the requested visa.
4) The original confirmed return ticket and a copy.
5) A valid visa for the main destination in the applicant's passport.
6) Job certificate legalized by the Chamber of Commerce mentioning monthly salary, length of contract and job title.
And if applicable:
7) Exit re-entry visa valid for minimum two months.
8) Copy of iqama which must be valid for minimum three months after the expiry date of the requested visa.
Important notes:
1) According to the judgement of the consular officer additional documents might be required.
2) The visa applicant has to present him/herself at the Embassy.
3) Passports submitted for visa purposes must bear the signature of the holder.
4) Passports submitted for visa purpose will be returned the following working day. Some nationalities, however, require more time to process their applications. The applicants are thus advised to submit their applicants in advance.
