Netherlands researcher visa

Under the Association Agreement Turkish researchers do not need a recognised sponsor and may apply themselves, although the IND advises going through a recognised sponsor because decisions are faster. They pay EUR 85 instead of EUR 254.

You need a hosting agreement with a research institution recognised by the IND, a qualification giving access to doctoral programmes, and income of at least the amount for researchers. Short-term mobility for researchers admitted in another EU state is also possible.

From 1 July to 31 December 2026 the minimum is EUR 1,635.90 a month without holiday allowance, or EUR 1,766.77 with it.

The research institution applies to the IND for the MVV and residence permit and pays the fee. You then collect the MVV at the Dutch mission responsible for your place of residence.

The IND must decide within 60 days, shorter in some situations; the period can be extended if the file is incomplete. If you are already in the Netherlands, the institution must apply within three months of your arrival. The hosting agreement or contract states the research title or aim, start and end dates, your legal relationship with the institution and terms of employment, and any planned research in other EU countries.

After a positive IND decision you book an appointment within three months at the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence to have the MVV sticker placed; the MVV is valid for 90 days. After arrival you register with the municipality (BRP) to receive a citizen service number (BSN) and collect your residence document at an IND desk.

Book the MVV appointment as the mission and the IND letter instruct; scheduling can take some time. Bring a passport valid six more months with two blank pages, a Dutch-standard photo and a copy of the IND letter with your V-number. Do not use intermediaries.

If you will live in the Netherlands for more than four months, register with the municipality in the Personal Records Database (BRP) within five days of arrival; you then receive your citizen service number (BSN), and late registration can be fined. If the IND asked for a tuberculosis test, book it with the GGD within three months of receiving the permit and bring form 7604.

You may do the research work without a work permit (TWV). If you lose your job you normally have three months to find a new employer; if you became unemployed on or after 22 May 2026 after holding the permit for at least two years, or were a victim of labour exploitation, the search period is six months. It never runs beyond the permit’s validity, and the IND can withdraw the permit if no new employer registers you in time. Short research stays of up to 180 days in another EU country need no separate permit there while the Dutch permit is valid, but the institution notifies the IND at most four weeks before; longer stays need that country’s own research permit. Mobility to Denmark and Ireland is not possible.