How to obtain a Visa & Residence Permit

Whether or not you need a visa and a residence permit depends on:

  • your purpose of stay; 

  • the length of your stay; 

  • your nationality
     

If you are going to study in the Netherlands as a foreign student you may need a visa (MVV) and/or a residence permit (VVR). Student visa and residence permit requests are taken care of by the Admissions Office before students leave their home countries.

PhD
Note that students or researchers at PhD level are considered "staff", even if they do not receive a salary. Follow the procedure for PhD/Staff on the website "International Staff".
 

Who needs a visa (MVV) or residence permit (VVR)?

  • Group 1:
    No visa or residence permit required:

    The EU
    Finland    		 Iceland
    Liechtenstein    		 Norway
    Sweden    		 Switzerland
     

  • Group 2:
    Residence permit required if > 90 days:

    Australia
    Canada    		 Japan
    Monaco    		 New Zealand
    South-Korea    		 USA
    Vatican City
     

  • Group 3:
    Visa and Residence Permit required if > 90 days:

    Albania
    Andorra
    Argentina
    Bosnia
    Brazil
    Brunei
    Chili    		 Costa Rica
    Croatia
    El Salvador
    Guatemala
    Honduras
    Israel
    Macedonia,    		 Malaysia
    Mexico
    Montenegro
    Nicaragua
    Panama
    Paraguay
    San Marino    		 Serbia
    Singapore
    Uruguay
    Venezuela
      

  • Group 4:
    - Visa and Residence Permit required if > 90 days
    - Short Stay Visa if < 90 days
    All countries that do not belong to groups 1, 2 and 3. 
     

                                                                             Valid on 15 December 2010

 

Which documents and procedures apply to you: 
 
90 days or less   Group 4   Short stay permits
>90 days Group 2 Residence permit only for more than 90 days
>90 days Group 3 & 4   Visa and residence permit for more than 90 days 

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Visa / Residence permit

 
Last Modified: 19-04-2011