Netherlands

Information for all students

Students should ensure that their passports are signed and stamped when entering and exiting Border Control. These stamps will prove the duration of your visit and, more importantly, prove to the visa official that you have not overstayed your 90-day visit.

It is important to understand the Schengen 90/180 rule. You are allocated 90 visa-free days to use within the Schengen Zone, however you must remember these are rolling days and are added onto a cumulative total of days in the Schengen region. Leaving and entering does not reset your calculator – only leaving for a period of 90 days in a non-Schengen country will reset your visa-free 90-day allowance.

Read more about the Schengen rules

Studying for less than 3 months

UK national/EEA national students are not required to obtain a visa or permit. However, you must make sure that you adhere to passport and other travel requirements.

The same applies to students of the following nationalities:

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Other EU member state

For all other non-EU students, the immigration requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay. Refer to the table below for further details of visa and Resident Permit requirements.

Nationalities	Procedure
European Union / European Economic Area or Switzerland	No immigration procedure (but please submit emergency contact info)
Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, UK, USA, Vatican City, or a valid Schengen residence permit	Residence permit (VVR)
Other nationalities	Residence permit and entry visa (MVV)

British national students are exempt from needing a Visa to enter the Netherlands and can stay for a duration of 90 days within 180 days. The following activities are permitted under a 90-day allowance:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings, cultural or sports events
• Short-term studies or training

Non-UK/EU students not exempt from a visa waiver in the Schengen region are required to apply for a Schengen short stay visa.

If you are unsure, you can use a visa advisor to help you determine whether you need a visa and, if so, what type. You can also visit here for more guidance on whether you need a visa to study in the Netherlands. 

Gather your documents

In order to apply for your visa, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Valid UK Residence Permit or other form of Identity Card 
• Completed application form
• 1 passport-format photo
• Biometric fingerprint data and a digital photograph
• A cover letter that explains the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands
• Proof of travel arrangements
• Travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands (evidence of a hotel booking, rental agreement or invitation from your Dutch host, with a copy of their passport and proof of sponsorship)
• Accommodation proof issued by the town hall in your host’s residence
• Proof of financial subsistence (a recent UK bank account statement for the last three months showing funds of at least £30 per person, per day spent in the Netherlands)
• Proof of enrolment (no-objection certificate from school or university)

Please note that cash, cheques and credit cards are not considered proof of financial subsistence.

Discover the full list of documents.

How to apply

Students should apply for a visa by booking an appointment via email with the Dutch Embassy in London.

Please note that some applicants cannot apply directly at the Embassy.

Studying for up to 6 months

Students intending to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days to study may need a long-stay visa and/or a Residence Permit.

Students of the following nationalities; Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marin, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States or Vatican City, do not require an MVV Visa Sticker to enter the Netherlands, but you will need a Residence Permit.

Gather your documents

If you wish to apply for a Residence Permit, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Copy of valid passport (valid for a minimum of 6 monthd after start date of study programme)
• Completed Antecedents form
• Proof of financial means for duration of study (for a 1 semester exchange a minimum of €5,500 needed, for a full year exchange a minimum of €11,000 is required i.e., the number of months studying x €1,100).

Students are allowed to use a mix of proof of funds to reach the mandated amount.

Discover the full list of required documents here.

How to apply

You will need to gather and submit your documents to your Host University. Your Host University will then apply for your Residence Permit.

Working for less than 3 months

EU/EEA and Swiss students do not need a work permit to work in the Netherlands. However, you must adhere to passport and other travel requirements.

UK Students and non-EU students will need either a work permit (TWV) or a combined residence and work permit (GVVA).

The following activities can be conducted under a permit:

• Transferring to a Dutch branch of a UK-based company
• Working for a Dutch company on a Dutch employment contract
• Providing services to a client in the Netherlands
• Carrying out self-employed work
• Carrying out work as a start-up entrepreneur
• Conducting scientific research

If you are going to be working for less than 90 days, your employer will apply for a TWV permit, you cannot apply for this yourself. 

In addition to the TWV, you must have (or  receive) a residence permit or visa which gives permission to live in the Netherlands for up to 90 days. At the time of application, the employee does not need to have the residence permit or visa yet. 

Overview of Residence Permit application 

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND)
2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticket and submit biometric information once your application has been approved
3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living
4. You collect your residence permit 
5. You get the required health insurance

Gather your documents

In order to apply for your Residence Permit, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Completed permit application form
• Passports for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months
• Degree or qualification certificate
• Your CV
• Employment contract with your UK employer
• Assignment letters
• Antecedents’ certificate (declaration of no criminal record)
• Proof that your professional qualifications are recognised (if you work in a regulated profession)
• Copy of training agreement (for trainees only)
• Legalised birth certificates for you and any dependants (if applying with family)
• Legalised marriage certificate (if married)
• Legalised certificate of non-impediment (for non-married partners, if applying with family)
• Legalised evidence of the termination of any previous marriages (if applicable)

Official documents from abroad must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

Working for more than 3 months

If you intend to complete paid work in the Netherlands, you must apply to the IND for a Single Permit (GVVA – gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid or GVVA). This permit allows you to live and work in the Netherlands.

The Single Permit combines the Residence Permit and the Work Permit. Students will need to meet several specific requirements.

If they are sponsoring your for a Single Permit, employers must apply on your behalf. Your employer must submit the application in writing, by post. You may also apply to the IND yourself.

Find out more about Single Permits.

Gather your documents

If you're applying for a single permit, you may need the following documents: 

the employer’s testimonial, employment contract, the appointment decision, engagement letter or the hosting agreement;  

• The work permit or an application for this 
• A copy of your passport 
• In the case of work experience: a work placement or work experience agreement
• In the event of mandatory civic integration abroad: evidence that the civic integration exam has been passed
• Antecedents certificate: this indicates whether or not you have been committed of a criminal offence
• In the event of an orientation year for highly educated persons: a copy of your qualification. 

However these documents may vary for each individual, read more on this here.

 

How to apply

Students who want to apply for a Single Permit, should present their visa application, along with the documentation listed within the application form.

Please note that some documents will need to be translated, legalised and apostilled.

Upon arrival

When the Single Permit is ready at an IND desk, you will receive a letter. You must make an appointment to collect it.

The Single Permit consists of a residence document and an additional document. Your employer will receive a copy of the additional document.