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Quick Guide to Study Visas in Netherlands

21st July 2017 Posted by: Cristina Radulescu

THE Netherlands has become an increasingly popular student destination over the past few years. With its universities and colleges providing a high-quality education at a comparatively reasonable price, both undergraduate and postgraduate international students are flocking to cities like Utrecht, Amsterdam or Maastricht to pursue their academic dreams.

If you think that your ambitions will lead you to the Netherlands, as is with every foreign destination, the red tape is important. The bureaucracy surrounding moving to a new country in order to study can be a tedious and unattractive task, but do not put it off until the last moment!

Below is a list of answers to some of the most common Visa-related questions students have before moving to the Netherlands:

Do I need a Visa to study in the Netherlands?

EU and EEA students do not need a Visa or residence permit in order to live and/or study in the Netherlands.

If in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, students from non-EU/EEA countries and Switzerland will require a provisional residence permit (MVV – Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) in order to travel to the Netherlands and an additional residence permit (VVR) in order to live in the country.

What’s the application procedure for residence permits?

Fortunately for students, the Dutch residence permit procedure is streamlined so as to alleviate any stress in handling the bureaucracy of a country you may not be accustomed to.

Firstly, both the MVV and the VVR are obtained through a combined action called the Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV).

Secondly, the university or college you have been accepted to will apply on your behalf, which means that you must have been offered and accepted a place at the institution before the procedure can begin. Additionally, the university or college must be a recognised sponsor in order to commence this application. Here is the approved list of all the institutions that have been approved by the Dutch Government for this purpose.

Exceptionally, the only time when a prospective student may apply for the MVV and VVR independently is when they spend one year in the Netherlands in order to learn Dutch, so as to be accepted on a Dutch-speaking course. Naturally, supporting evidence for this must be provided to the authorities.

What obligations do I have as a student residence permit holder?

After obtaining all the necessary residence documents, since you are here as a student, you are obliged to obtain a certain amount of credits every academic year. The number of credits correspond with the type of degree you are pursuing. Your university conducts regular checks to ensure that you are on track to or have obtained the necessary credits. A word of caution; if you fail to do so, you risk losing your residency permit.

Are there any additional permits I need during my stay in the Netherlands?

All foreign students living in the Netherlands (this includes EU and EEA nationals) must register with their municipality as soon as they arrive in the country. All who register with their local authorities receive a BSN Number which is necessary for maintaining accurate university records and obtaining part-time or full-time employment while there.

Some universities complete the procedure on their student’s behalf, while in other cases you need to go with your passport/ID and MVV and VVR (if you are an international student) to your local registration office and fill in the necessary paperwork.

Can I remain in the Netherlands after graduating?

Both the MVV and the VVR are only valid while you are engaged in study. However, non-EU/EEA students who wish to find a job in the Netherlands after graduating can apply for an orientation year permit. This allows you to  in the Netherlands while looking for full-time employment. While on your Zoekjaar Permit you are allowed to undertake part-time jobs and internships as well.

If you are undecided on this front, not to worry, as all international students are eligible to apply for a Zoekjaar Permit up to three years after graduating, which gives you sufficient time to make up your mind.

Good Luck!


 


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