Visa and residence permit

International students are subject to the Dutch immigration procedures. These procedures can vary depending on your nationality.

Non-EU citizens
Generally speaking, most non-EU citizens will have to obtain a visa in their home country before they can travel to the Netherlands. If you are from the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Vatican City and Monaco, you do not need a visa. However, you will need a residence permit if you are going to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months. Please check the information document (pdf) and the application form (pdf) to apply for a residence permit. Please send the signed forms by express and registered mail to the address mentioned in the form (e.g. by DHL).

Chinese students
If you have the Chinese nationality, you will need to obtain a so-called Nuffic certificate before we can start your short visa procedure. For more information about this Nuffic certificate please visit the Nuffic webpages. This does not apply to students from Hongkong.

Use the residence wizard
Please consult the Residence Wizard to check whether you need a visa and/or residence permit in the Netherlands. If you do need a visa, you can download this information document (pdf) and use this application form (pdf). In both cases please send in the enclosures required in the procedure as well as the signed photo card form (sign the box with a black pen). The V-number does not have to be filled in. Please take into account the specific passport photo requirements.

Photo card form
Please take into account the passport photo requirements. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is very strict about this, because the photo you send in will be used for your residence permit card. Please check the passport photograph requirements (pdf). Make sure you put your signature in the box on the left side at the bottom of the page with a black pen (the use of Japanese/Chinese characters is allowed). You do not have to fill in the V-number that is mentioned in the form.

Study Progress Report 
As of 1 June 2013 all higher education institutions and universities are obliged to send an annual report to the Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) regarding the study progress of the student. Students must obtain at least 50% of the total number of ECTS credits each academic year in order to be able to continue their study. If this requirement is not met, IND has the right to cancel the student’s residence permit.

Tuberculosis test
For a number of nationalities it is obliged to undergo a tuberculosis test and - if necessary - treatment - in order to obtain a residence permit. Read more...

Health care insurance
Please take into account that Health Care Insurance is obligatory. For more information, please check this information sheet (pdf).  

Contact
If you have any questions on visa or residence permit procedures, please contact Nicole Lardenoije-Lemmens at the Zuyd International Office.