Schengen visa application

Hoping this is the appropriate topic to put this, as this relates to a visit visa rather than actual immigration.

While I was applying for my Netherlands Business Schengen Visa, I had many questions, which could not necessarily be answered on the forum, so I'll re-tell my story here if anyone wants to use it for future reference.

Firstly, for the Netherlands, you HAVE to apply for the visa in person (the only exception is if you've held two or more business Schengen visas in the past year). Appointments in London are generally available approximately 2.5 weeks in advance and processing takes an additional 3 working days. Also, there were many days in which the embassy had holidays which made things take longer.

In terms of requirements - the documentation requirements on the website is quite complete, so I won't repeat it here.

At the London VFS, they handle several different Schengen countries' visa applications. Don't expect to necessarily be in and out within a few minutes of your appointment, even when collecting your visa - they are very busy and try and churn people out (don't get there with questions - get your facts in order beforehand).

In terms of the actual visa, I had a business letter stating that I'm need to attend meetings for three days and that I might have to return later. As I only have these as concrete dates, there were the visa validity dates I asked for, but I made huge comments both there and the place where I asked for multiple entry saying that I will need to go back for follow-ups. Several people were of the opinion that I would get only a single entry visa for the dates I asked for, but I was issued a multiple entry visa valid for three months. It's definitely doable!!

Visa application was sent to the embassy on 6 June and I received confirmation that my passport was ready for collection on 8 June at about midday.

That should cover any questions I had?