D

01 / VISA

Schengen Business Visa — Application Checklist (Step-by-Step)

Use this as the live working checklist. Tick items off as they're completed.

Phase 1 — Pre-Application

  • Confirm trip dates with Droplet (start + end)
  • Confirm with Droplet what they're sponsoring (flights, hotel, visa fees, daily allowance)
  • Ask Droplet if they're registered under Orange Carpet Facility Program
  • Get business invitation letter from Droplet (template in company-documents.md)
  • Get Droplet's KvK extract (Chamber of Commerce registration)
  • Decide application location: VFS Makati or VFS Cebu

Phase 2 — Document Gathering (Personal)

  • Passport check — valid > 3 months past visa expiry, < 10 years old, 2+ blank pages
  • Old passports collected
  • 2 Schengen-spec passport photos (35×45mm, white background)
  • Bank statements — last 3 months (original + copies)
  • Payslips — last 3 months
  • Latest ITR
  • Certificate of Employment (if employed) OR business registration (if self-employed)
  • Property/family documents (proof of return)
  • Travel medical insurance — minimum €30K coverage, full Schengen area
  • Refundable flight booking (round-trip Manila ↔ Amsterdam)
  • Hotel reservation OR Droplet's accommodation confirmation

Phase 3 — Online Application

  • Fill out Schengen Visa Application Form online via Netherlands Worldwide / VFS
  • Print 2 copies (must include unique code)
  • Sign both copies
  • Write cover letter

Phase 4 — Appointment Booking

  • Book VFS appointment online — visa.vfsglobal.com
  • Pay VFS service fee
  • Print appointment confirmation

Phase 5 — Submission Day

  • All documents organized in folder (use the order above)
  • Bring originals + photocopies of everything
  • Bring fee payment (cash or card depending on VFS rules)
  • Biometrics will be taken at the appointment (fingerprints + photo)
  • Get the receipt + tracking number

Phase 6 — Post-Submission

  • Track application via VFS portal (use tracking number)
  • Wait for SMS/email when ready for pickup
  • Pick up passport at VFS (or have it couriered)
  • Verify visa stamp details (dates, entries, validity)

Phase 7 — Pre-Departure

  • Pay flight in full (now that visa is approved)
  • Confirm hotel
  • Notify bank of international travel (avoid card blocks)
  • Photocopy passport + visa, store separately from original
  • Pack per 02-flight-travel/packing-checklist.md