Visas, residence permits and work permits
Jul 06, 2011
To enter the Netherlands for study purposes, nationals from most countries need a visa. Once in the Netherlands, a residence permit is often required. In some cases a work permit is also required. Here you can find out which requirements apply to you and how you go about arranging things.
An entry visa is a sticker placed in your passport at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Vietnam (or the country in which you legally reside), but it must be applied for well in advance.
For a stay of up to three months, you might need a ‘short stay visa’ (Visum Kort Verblijf). If you will be staying for longer than three months, you might need a ‘provisional residence permit’ (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, or MVV). The regular application procedure for an MVV may take three to six months, sometimes even longer. The Dutch host institution can apply for an MVV on your behalf using a fast-track procedure. But to do this, the institution must give the authorities a guarantee, which they sign. Institutions will not always agree to do this. But it is worth asking the institution about the fast-track procedure, because it will save both time and trouble.
Residence permit
Within three days after arriving in Holland, all foreign nationals must register with the local authorities. Those intending to stay for longer than three months also need to obtain a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning). You may need this even if you did not require a visa to enter the country. The administration fee is rather high and currently stands at € 600 (as of 1 July 2011).
Work permit
In order to follow an internship or work placement in Holland, students from outside the EU/EEA need a work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) in addition to their entry visa. Your employer must apply for this permit for you. You also need a work permit if you want to take paid work alongside your studies. There are two options if you want to work while you study: either less than ten hours a week year-round, or full-time during the months of June, July and August only. If you have successfully completed your programme of higher education, you may apply for a residence permit valid for five years. To do this, you must have a contract of employment.
For more information about all of these procedures, see www.nuffic.nl/immigration.