NetherlandsStudy and training

Netherlands student visa (university / HBO)

Residence permit for study at university or higher professional education

In short

Students admitted to a Dutch university or university of applied sciences do not apply themselves: the institution, a recognised sponsor, applies to the IND for the MVV and residence permit. In 2026 you must have EUR 1,130.77 a month, the fee is EUR 254 and you may work 16 hours a week or full-time in summer with a work permit.

Apply on IND – residence permits checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Up to five years, for the length of the programme plus three months.
Fee
€254IND fee for study, paid through the institution.
Funds required
€1,130.77 per monthOwn funds required for university or HBO students in 2026 (EUR 928.58 for MBO).
Processing time
The IND must decide within 60 days.
Work
Up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August, with a work permit (TWV) obtained by the employer.
Family
The institution can apply for family members; they may not work and do not need the civic integration exam.
Path to permanent residence
Graduates can switch to the orientation year to look for work.
Where to apply
Through the Dutch institution (IND), then MVV collection at the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.

Funds for 2026

From 1 January to 31 December 2026 the IND requires EUR 1,130.77 a month for university or HBO students and EUR 928.58 for secondary vocational (MBO) students.

The institution applies

Only the educational institution, which must be recognised by the IND as a sponsor, can apply for your residence permit. It also pays the fee and confirms your funds. After a positive decision you collect the MVV at the Dutch mission responsible for your place of residence.

  1. Agree with the university in the Netherlands; it must be an IND-recognised sponsor where required.
  2. The sponsor applies to the IND for the MVV and residence permit together (TEV procedure) and pays the fee.
  3. After a positive decision, book an appointment within three months at the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence to collect the MVV.
  4. Travel within the MVV's 90-day validity, register with the municipality and collect the residence document from the IND.
  5. Take the tuberculosis test within three months if it applies to you.

MVV collection and arrival

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.

Extending and reporting

An extension can be requested once the permit expires within three months; apply before expiry or at the latest within four weeks after it to avoid a gap in lawful residence. More than two years after expiry only a new application, possibly with an MVV, is possible. The IND decides within 90 days, and foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German. For students in higher education only the recognised institution can file the extension, through the IND Business Portal; the fee is EUR 254.

Work and study progress

You may work as an employee up to 16 hours a week or full-time in June, July and August, provided the employer has a work permit (TWV); self-employment and internships that are part of the programme need no TWV. You must obtain at least 50 % of the credits each year; otherwise the institution reports it to the IND.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport (at least six months valid when the MVV is issued)
  • Passport photo and antecedents certificate (form 7601, for applicants over 12)

Money

  • Proof of EUR 1,130.77 a month (often paid into the institution's account)

Study

  • Admission to an accredited programme at an IND-recognised institution

Other

  • Legalised civil documents translated into Dutch, English, French or German where needed

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Insurance

  • Health insurance as required by the institution or Dutch law

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to study in the Netherlands in 2026?

EUR 1,130.77 a month for university or HBO studies.

Can I apply for the student permit myself?

No, only the institution can apply.

How many hours can I work?

16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August, with a TWV.

How long does the IND take?

It must decide within 60 days.

How do I book the MVV appointment?

As stated in the IND letter, with the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, within three months of the positive decision.

Who extends my student permit?

Your recognised institution applies through the IND Business Portal; you cannot file the extension yourself.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the Netherlands

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

Study and training

Work

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Ends with the sponsor's permit; five years if the sponsor is Dutch or holds permanent residence.

Residence

Protection

Netherlands visa guide