Residence Permits & Student Visas for the Netherlands
Frances G. • University of Richmond
Do you need a visa for the Netherlands?
Every year our team of visa specialists support each of our students studying abroad in the Netherlands to have the proper documents to enter and stay in the country. Let's get started!
Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in the Netherlands. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your requirements for legal entry and stay in the Netherlands.
If you are studying for a semester or longer, you will need a Residence Permit (VVR). You will complete the first part of your VVR application online prior to departure.
After arriving on site, you will need to finish the process of applying for your VVR with the help of our IES Abroad Amsterdam Center staff. Get an idea of what to expect by browsing the information below.
If you are a studying for a summer, you will not need a residence permit.
You do not need to obtain a MVV visa nor a residence permit for the Netherlands. You will be able to enter the country and stay legally using your EU passport.
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, you may likely need a MVV visa before entering the Netherlands. Learn more in your MyIESabroad account.
Should you need to apply for a MVV visa, we encourage you to begin this process early. If you have questions, please contact your Program Advisor.
Ruchika R. • Purdue University
Applying for a Dutch Residence Permit
A VVR residence permit is an ID the size of a credit card issued by the Dutch government. The residence permit allows you to legally stay and study in the Netherlands for the length of your study abroad program.
Once you are accepted to your semester or year-long IES Abroad program, you will find detailed instructions to apply for a Dutch Residence Permit in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the process will look like.
If you are a non-U.S. and non-EU citizen, you may likely need a MVV visa before entering the Netherlands. Learn more in your MyIESabroad account.
“IES Abroad has a fool-proof plan for everyone to get their visas to study abroad.”
Kate C. • Villanova University • Milan – Italy Today
Before you leave for the Netherlands, you will complete the first part of your residence permit application online. You will complete your application once you arrive in Amsterdam.
The residence permit process varies by program. If you attend a semester or year-long program, you will submit your residence permit letters and obtain your VVR through InProcess or VisaCare depending on your host institution.
The residence permit application is applied for at least two months before the program start and a valid passport is required to complete the application.
The residence permit fee varies depending on your program but typically ranges from €195-€272. IES Abroad will bill this fee to your account.
There is an additional €160 fee for students who choose to extend their stay for a full academic year.
Considering multiple destinations?
We've compiled visa resources for every country so you'll have everything you need to make your study abroad adventure as seamless as possible.
“..the experience is going to stick with me for life and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Rudrayani U. • DePauw University • Amsterdam – Psychology & Sciences
We’re Here for You
Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your MyIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.
Entry requirements to the Netherlands are determined by the Dutch government, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on Dutch government and consulate websites. This page was last updated October 24, 2022.
“IES Abroad has a fool-proof plan for everyone to get their visas to study abroad.”Kate C. • Villanova University • Milan – Italy Today
“..the experience is going to stick with me for life and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”Rudrayani U. • DePauw University • Amsterdam – Psychology & Sciences
