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Visa Services

Netherlands Visa Guide

MVV entry visa, Schengen permits, and IND residence cards explained

Application channel

University/employer submits to IND • MVV collected at Dutch embassy/VFS

Processing time

MVV/Residence permit: 2–6 weeks • Schengen visa: 15 days

Biometrics

Fingerprints & photo at embassy/VFS and again at IND card collection

Visa fees

EUR 210 student permit | EUR 350 highly skilled migrant | EUR 80 Schengen (≈ 2,310 / 3,850 / 880 MAD)

Apply Study in the Netherlands

Overview

International students and professionals entering the Netherlands typically require an MVV (long-stay entry visa) and a residence permit issued by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Universities and employers often submit applications directly to IND, simplifying the process.

Short visits under 90 days fall under the Schengen visa regime. Longer stays for study, work, or family reunification require proof of purpose, financial means, and accommodation.

Netherlands Visa Types

Student MVV & Residence Permit

For programmes exceeding 90 days. University applies to IND; allows part-time work (16 hrs/week) with work permit.

Schengen Short-Stay Visa

Tourism, business, conferences, or short courses up to 90 days within 180 days.

Highly Skilled Migrant & Work Permits

Includes Kennismigrant, Intra-Corporate Transferee, seasonal work, start-up, and self-employed visas.

Family Reunification

For spouses, partners, and children joining legal residents who meet income and housing conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements differ per visa category but generally include purpose of stay, adequate funds, health insurance, and clean immigration history.

general

Passport valid at least 6 months beyond planned stay with two blank visa pages.
Proof of accommodation (rental contract, university housing, invitation).
Comprehensive travel or health insurance covering at least EUR 30,000.
No Schengen entry ban and no criminal record.

student

Unconditional admission letter from a recognised Dutch institution (Code of Conduct).
Proof of tuition payment or ability to pay plus living costs of EUR 14,641 per academic year (2025/26 IND requirement).
Academic transcripts and language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/NT2).
Signed study progress agreement (students must earn 50% of annual credits).

work

Employment contract meeting minimum salary thresholds (e.g., EUR 3,909/month for graduates under 30 in 2025).
Employer registered with IND as a recognised sponsor (for highly skilled migrants).
Work permit (TWV) or combined residence/work permit (GVVA) where required.

family

Sponsor with valid Dutch/EEA residence status and gross income meeting required threshold.
Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) legalised and translated.

Required Documents Checklist

Core Documents

Passport (original + copies) valid for entire stay.
Visa application form/MVV declaration signed and dated.
Two recent ICAO-compliant photos (35mm x 45mm).
Proof of paid visa/IND fees.

Financial Evidence

Bank statements (last three months) showing required balance.
Scholarship/loan letter or sponsor guarantee with proof of income.
Employment payslips (for work visas) or sponsor payslips (family applications).

Purpose-Specific

Students: Admission letter, tuition receipt, housing confirmation, insurance, previous diplomas.
Workers: Employment contract, recognised sponsor declaration, work permit (TWV/GVVA) if applicable.
Visitors: Invitation letter, travel itinerary, proof of ties to home country.
Family: Marriage/birth certificates, sponsor income statements, housing proof.

Supporting

Legalised/apostilled civil documents with sworn translations (Dutch or English).
Health insurance evidence covering the Netherlands from day one.
For minors: parental consent form and birth certificate.

Application Steps

1. Prepare documents
Compile university/employer instructions, gather financial proof, translations, and legalisations.
2. Sponsor submits to IND
University or employer files MVV/residence permit request with IND. Independent applicants file directly via IND or Dutch representation.
3. Receive IND decision
IND issues approval letter (kennisgeving) within statutory timeline. Applicant schedules appointment at Dutch embassy/VFS.
4. Provide biometrics & collect MVV
Submit passport, photos, and biometrics. MVV (entry visa) sticker is issued for travel within 90 days.
5. Travel & collect residence card
Arrive in the Netherlands, register with the municipality, and collect residence permit card at the IND desk.

Visa & Permit Fees

Fees are payable in EUR. IND fees may change annually on 1 January. Universities sometimes bundle application and immigration charges in tuition invoices.

Category	Fee (EUR)	Approx. MAD
Student residence permit	EUR 210	≈ 2,310
Orientation year permit	EUR 228	≈ 2,510
Highly skilled migrant	EUR 350	≈ 3,850
Schengen short-stay visa	EUR 80	≈ 880
MVV administrative fee (if embassy charges)	EUR 30	≈ 330

Processing Times

IND processing begins after complete application submission and payment. Peak seasons (May–September) may extend timelines.

Standard processing

IND statutory period: 60 days for MVV/residence permits; 15 days for Schengen visas.

Peak season

June–September (academic intake) and December holidays.

Submit documents early and monitor IND portal/embassy updates.

Priority options

No formal fast-track. Recognised sponsors receive prioritised processing when dossiers are complete.

Tracking & Communication

IND correspondence

Sponsors receive IND decisions via the MyIND portal or postal letter. Applicants can contact IND with V-number for updates.

Embassy/VFS tracking

Use VFS tracking ID or embassy email confirmations to monitor MVV/visa issuance.

Checklist

Keep scanned copies of all submissions and IND decision letters.
Respond to IND/embassy requests within stated deadlines (often 14 days).
Check spam filters for automated notifications from IND or VFS.

After Approval

Register with municipality

Within 5 days of arrival, register address (BRP) to obtain the citizen service number (BSN).

Collect residence permit

Attend appointment at IND desk (takes biometrics again) to receive residence card.

Arrange health insurance

Students must purchase Dutch health insurance once employed or after orientation year begins; EU students can use EHIC initially.

Open bank account

Use BSN and residence permit to open a Dutch account for tuition payments and housing deposits.

Common Issues & Solutions

Insufficient funds shown

Provide recent bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits covering the full IND amount plus tuition.

Delayed IND decision

Sponsors can contact IND after 60 days with V-number. Ensure no documents are missing; respond quickly to additional requests.

Expired MVV before travel

Request re-issuance from IND/embassy with valid reason (e.g., flight disruption). Provide updated documents if required.

Incorrect visa remarks

Verify MVV/residence card details immediately; report errors to IND/embassy for correction before travel or employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an MVV?

Most non-EU/EEA nationals require an MVV if staying longer than 90 days. Exemptions include citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA, and UK, who apply directly for residence after arrival.

Can I work on a student visa?

Yes. You may work up to 16 hours/week during term if your employer obtains a TWV (work permit) or full-time in June–August. Orientation Year permit removes hour restrictions.

How long is the Orientation Year permit?

It grants 12 months to seek employment or start a business. Apply within three years of graduation from a Dutch or top-200 global institution.

What if my visa is refused?

The decision letter explains reasons and appeal options. You can file an objection (bezwaar) within 4 weeks or reapply with stronger documents.

Can my family join me?

Family reunification requires proof of long-term residence status and income meeting IND thresholds. Students can invite dependants after obtaining a residence permit, subject to financial proof.