Application
Dutch residence permits are issued by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). You cannot apply to the IND for an entry visa/residence permit for study yourself. Only the Dutch educational institution where you will study can do this for you. The Visa Office at Utrecht University will apply on your behalf. This means we will always be your only point of contact during the application procedure. The IND will never contact you directly.
What is my nationality?
Check the information below to see if you require an entry visa and/or residence permit to study in the Netherlands.
| I'm from an EU/EEA country (or Switzerland) | Not needed |
|---|---|
| I'm from one of these countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New-Zealand, South Korea, U.K., U.S.A. | You need a residence permit |
| I'm not from the countries mentioned above | You need an entry visa and residence permit |
Do you need an entry visa and/or a residence permit? Please watch our introduction video below, to learn what your application procedure will look like.
For more details about the separate steps of the application procedure, please read the applicable information below.
Three steps of the residence permit application
Step 1: Upload your documents and pay your fees before the 15 November deadline
- Complete your application in OSIRIS. We can start your residence permit application if you have been unconditionally admitted, or if the only condition you haven’t yet met is graduation from your current studies.
- Pay the tuition fee invoice. You will receive this invoice by e-mail. You can find more information about payment here.
- Pay the visa/residence permit application fee. You can complete this payment online in the OSIRIS portal. You can find more information about payment here.
- Upload a copy of your passport in OSIRIS. More information about passports.
- Upload proof of financial means in OSIRIS. More information about financial means.
- Fill in antecedents certificate and upload to Osiris. More information about the antecedents certificate.
- Upload proof of health insurance in OSIRIS. More information about health insurance.
Deadline: the steps above must be completed before 15 November 2022. This means your documents must be uploaded, they must be complete and meet all the requirements and we must receive your payment before this date. We therefore strongly suggest that you submit your application in OSIRIS as soon as possible and well in advance of the deadline. This means you will still have time to arrange new documents if necessary. Keep in mind that all documentation used for residence permit applications must conform to strict IND requirements to be accepted.
You submit your application to us. Please note that we will not forward it to the IND until we have approved your documents.
Please note that in most cases, digital versions of your documents will suffice. However, if we have any doubts about the authenticity of a document, we may ask you to send the original hard copy.
Step 2. Processing of the application by the IND.
We will send your file to the IND once it is complete. You will be notified when this happens. The next time you hear from us will be when we have received an official letter from the IND indicating that they have approved your application.
The IND usually processes applications within two to five weeks. Once your application has been approved, the IND will send us an official letter of approval by post. Unfortunately we cannot give an indication of how long it will take for the letter to arrive at our office.
You will be notified by e-mail as soon as we have received the approval letter. We will send you a digital copy of your IND approval letter with the e-mail.
Please note that you need to have your approval letter with you when travelling to the Netherlands, as border security may ask for it.
Step 3. Appointments after arrival
We will e-mail you after you have arrived in the Netherlands about the following required appointments:
- Submitting your biometric data: the IND needs to register your fingerprints, photo and signature for your residence permit card. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
- Registering with the municipality: this is required for your residence permit. You will receive more information about making an appointment with the municipality around 1 February.
- Collecting your residence permit card: you will need to collect your residence permit from the IND once it is ready. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
The four steps of the visa/residence permit application
Step 1: Upload documents and pay your fees before the 15 November deadline.
- Complete your visa application in OSIRIS. We can start your visa application if you have been unconditionally admitted, or if the only condition you haven’t yet met is graduation from your current studies
- Pay the tuition fee invoice. You will receive this invoice by e-mail.
- Pay the visa/residence permit appication fee. You can complete this payment online in OSIRIS.
- Upload a copy of your passport in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of financial means in OSIRIS.
- Select the Dutch embassy/consulate where you wish to collect your MVV visa in OSIRIS. Please note that you must collect your visa in your home country. Keep in mind that it is not possible to switch to another embassy/consulate once your application has been submitted to the IND. For the latest information about collecting an MVV visa in your country, please see this website.
- Fill in the antecedents certificate and upload it in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of health insurance in Osiris.
- If applicable: fill in the TB declaration
- and upload it in OSIRIS. Please note that you only need to complete this form if your nationality is NOT on the exemption list.
- Chinese (PRC) students only: obtain a Nuffic Certificate. More information can be found on the Nuffic website.
Deadline: the steps above must be completed before 15 November 2022. This means your documents must be uploaded, they must be complete and meet all the requirements and we must receive your payment before this date. We therefore strongly suggest that you submit your application in OSIRIS as soon as possible and well in advance of the deadline. This means you will still have time to arrange new documents if necessary. Keep in mind that all documentation used for residence permit applications must conform to strict IND requirements to be accepted.
You submit your application to us. Please note that we will not forward it to the IND until we have approved your documents.
Please note that in most cases, digital versions of your documents will suffice. However, if we have any doubts about the authenticity of a document, we may ask you to send the original hard copy.
Step 2. Processing of the application by the IND
We will send your file to the IND once it is complete. You will be notified when this happens. The next time you hear from us will be when we have received an official letter from the IND indicating that they have approved your application.
The IND usually processes applications within two to five weeks. Once your application has been approved, the IND will send us an official letter of approval by post. Unfortunately we cannot give an indication of how long it will take for the letter to arrive at our office.
You will be notified by e-mail as soon as we have received the approval letter. We will send you a digital copy of your IND approval letter with the e-mail.
Step 3. Visit the Dutch embassy for your entry visa
Once you have received your approval letter, you can make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. During this appointment, you will hand in your passport and submit your biometric data: a facial photograph, your signature and fingerprints. It usually takes about five working days after your first visit before your passport with your entry visa (‘MVV’ in Dutch) is ready for collection. However, the waiting time may be longer or shorter, depending on the embassy or consulate.
After receiving your MVV, you can make your travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT book your flight to the Netherlands before you have received your entry visa!
Step 4. Appointments after arrival
We will e-mail you after you have arrived in the Netherlands about the following required appointments:
- Registering with the municipality: this is required for your residence permit. You will receive more information about making an appointment with the municipality around 1 February.
- TB test: if you filled out the TB form during your application, you will need to take a tuberculosis test within three months of arriving in the Netherlands. You will have to visit the municipal health service (GGD in Dutch) for this test. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
- Collecting your residence permit card: you will need to collect your residence permit from the IND once it is ready. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
The three steps of the residence permit application
Step 1: Upload documents and pay your fees before the 15 November deadline.
- Complete your application in OSIRIS. We can start your residence permit application if you have been unconditionally admitted, or if the only condition you haven’t yet met is graduation from your current studies.
- Pay the visa/residence permid application fee. You can complete this payment online in the OSIRIS portal.
- Upload a copy of your passport in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of financial means in OSIRIS.
- Fill in the antecedents certificate and upload in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of health insurance to OSIRIS.
Deadline: the steps above must be completed before 15 November 2022.
This means your documents must be uploaded, they must be complete and meet all the requirements and we must receive your payment before this date. We therefore strongly suggest that you submit your application in OSIRIS as soon as possible and well in advance of the deadline. This means you will still have time to arrange new documents if necessary. Keep in mind that all documentation used for residence permit applications must conform to strict IND requirements to be accepted.
You submit your application to us. Please note that we will not forward it to the IND until we have approved your documents.
Please note that in most cases, digital versions of your documents will suffice. However, if we have any doubts about the authenticity of a document, we may ask you to send the original hard copy.
Step 2. Processing of the application by the IND.
We will send your file to the IND once it is complete. You will be notified when this happens. The next time you hear from us will be when we have received an official letter from the IND indicating that they have approved your application.
The IND usually processes applications within two to five weeks. Once your application has been approved, the IND will send us an official letter of approval by post. Unfortunately we cannot give an indication of how long it will take for the letter to arrive at our office.
You will be notified by e-mail as soon as we have received the approval letter. We will send you a digital copy of your IND approval letter with the e-mail.
Please note that you need to have your approval letter with you when travelling to the Netherlands, as border security may ask for it.
Step 3. Appointments after arrival
We will e-mail you after you have arrived in the Netherlands about the following required appointments:
- Submitting your biometric data: the IND needs to register your fingerprints, photo and signature for your residence permit card. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
- Registering with the municipality: this is required for your residence permit. You will receive more information about making an appointment with the municipality around 1 February.
- Collecting your residence permit card: you will need to collect your residence permit from the IND once it is ready. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
The four steps of the visa/residence permit application
Step 1: Upload documents and pay your fees before the 15 November deadline.
- Complete your application in OSIRIS. We can start your residence permit application if you have been unconditionally admitted, or if the only condition you haven’t yet met is graduation from your current studies.
- Pay the visa/residence permid application fee. You can complete this payment online in the OSIRIS portal.
- Upload a copy of your passport in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of financial means in OSIRIS.
- Select the Dutch embassy/consulate where you wish to collect your MVV visa in OSIRIS. Please note that you must collect your visa in your home country. Keep in mind that it is not possible to switch to another embassy/consulate once your application has been submitted to the IND. For the latest information about collecting an MVV visa in your country, please see this website.
- Fill in the antecedents certificate and upload in OSIRIS.
- Upload proof of health insurance to OSIRIS.
- If applicable: fill in the TB declaration and upload it in OSIRIS. Please note that you only need to complete this form if your nationality is NOT on the exemption list.
- Chinese (PRC) students only: obtain Nuffic Certificate. More information can be found on the Nuffic website.
Deadline: the steps above must be completed before 15 November 2022.
This means your documents must be uploaded, they must be complete and meet all the requirements and we must receive your payment before this date. We therefore strongly suggest that you submit your application in OSIRIS as soon as possible and well in advance of the deadline. This means you will still have time to arrange new documents if necessary. Keep in mind that all documentation used for residence permit applications must conform to strict IND requirements to be accepted.
You submit your application to us. Please note that we will not forward it to the IND until we have approved your documents.
Please note that in most cases, digital versions of your documents will suffice. However, if we have any doubts about the authenticity of a document, we may ask you to send the original hard copy.
Step 2. Processing of the application by the IND
We will send your file to the IND once it is complete. You will be notified when this happens. The next time you hear from us will be when we have received an official letter from the IND indicating that they have approved your application.
The IND usually processes applications within two to five weeks. Once your application has been approved, the IND will send us an official letter of approval by post. Unfortunately we cannot give an indication of how long it will take for the letter to arrive at our office.
You will be notified by e-mail as soon as we have received the approval letter. We will send you a digital copy of your IND approval letter with the e-mail.
Step 3. Visit the Dutch embassy for your entry visa
Once you have received your approval letter, you can make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. During this appointment, you will hand in your passport and submit your biometric data: a facial photograph, your signature and fingerprints. It usually takes about five working days after your first visit before your passport with your entry visa (‘MVV’ in Dutch) is ready for collection. However, the waiting time may be longer or shorter, depending on the embassy or consulate.
After receiving your MVV, you can make your travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT book your flight to the Netherlands before you have received your entry visa!
Step 4. Appointments after arrival
We will e-mail you after you have arrived in the Netherlands about the following required appointments:
- Registering with the municipality: this is required for your residence permit. You will receive more information about making an appointment with the municipality around 1 February.
- TB test: if you filled out the TB form during your application, you will need to take a tuberculosis test within three months of arriving in the Netherlands. You will have to visit the municipal health service (GGD in Dutch) for this test. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.
- Collecting your residence permit card: you will need to collect your residence permit from the IND once it is ready. You will receive more information by e-mail around 1 February.