How to Apply for a Netherlands Student Visa (MVV (Entry Visa) & VVR (Residence Permit))

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. University Acceptance: You must be accepted into a full-time, accredited daytime program at a recognized Dutch educational institution.
2. University Initiates Application: In the Netherlands, you cannot apply for a student visa yourself. Your university acts as your recognized sponsor and submits the MVV and VVR application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) on your behalf.
3. Pay Fees and Transfer Funds: Pay your tuition fees and transfer the required living expense funds (if the university uses the deposit method) directly to the university's account before their deadline.
4. IND Decision: The IND processes the application (typically within 4-8 weeks) and notifies the university.
5. Collect MVV: Once approved, you have 3 months to make an appointment at the Dutch embassy in your home country to collect your MVV (provisional residence permit sticker) in your passport.
6. Travel and Collect VVR: Travel to the Netherlands using your MVV. Once there, you will be notified to collect your physical Residence Permit (VVR) card from an IND desk.
7. Register at Municipality: Register your Dutch address at the local municipality (Gemeente) to receive your BSN (Citizen Service Number).

Required Documents Checklist

(Your university will tell you exactly how to provide these)

• Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Proof of Admission from the recognized sponsor (university).
• Proof of Sufficient Funds for living expenses and tuition.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Form (depending on your nationality, you must undergo a TB test within 3 months of arriving in the Netherlands).
• Completed Antecedents Certificate (declaring you have no criminal record).
• Health Insurance (must be obtained upon arrival).

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses. This is heavily regulated by the IND's "Study Norm."

• Required Amount: For 2024/2026, the required amount is €1,130.77 per month (excluding tuition fees).
• Total Base Requirement: For a 12-month period, you must show approximately €13,569.24.
• Methods of Proof (Determined by your University):
  • Deposit Method (Most Common): You transfer the full €13,569 directly to the university’s bank account. They hold it in escrow to satisfy the IND and refund it to your Dutch bank account after you arrive and open one.
  • Bank Statement Method: An official statement from your personal bank account showing the full liquid amount.
  • Scholarship: An official scholarship letter covering the required amount.

Sponsorship Guidelines

• While the university is your "immigration sponsor", parents or third parties can be your "financial sponsor".
• If providing bank statements instead of the deposit method, a financial sponsor must provide a notarized letter of guarantee, proof of their identity, and substantial evidence of stable income demonstrating they can afford the €1,130.77/month on top of their own expenses.

Accompanying Family Members

• Not Processed by University: Universities typically act as a sponsor only for the student. They will not process visa applications for your dependents.
• Personal Application: You must apply for your dependents' residence permits separately through the IND.
• Requirements: You act as their sponsor. You must prove you have additional independent, sustainable income to cover the living costs of your partner or children, which is difficult for international students relying on savings or standard scholarships.

Working While Studying

• Work Permit Required: Non-EU/EEA students need a work permit (TWV) to work, which the employer must apply for.
• Work Limits: You can choose between working a maximum of 16 hours a week throughout the year OR working full-time only during the summer months (June, July, August). You cannot do both.
• Self-Employment: You are allowed to work as a freelancer/self-employed person (ZZP) for unlimited hours alongside your studies without a work permit, provided you are registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and continue to meet study progress requirements.