Student visa Netherlands: international student guide 2026

Studying in Amsterdam, Utrecht or Rotterdam means a brand new life for many international students. But before you walk into your first lecture, paperwork is waiting: a residence permit, an MVV (provisional entry permit), municipal registration, and a BSN number. It sounds like a lot, but the steps are predictable and your educational institution handles most of it for you.

This article explains which route fits your situation, what you need to do yourself, and what your institution arranges. Written for students starting at a Dutch university or hogeschool in 2026.

Who needs a student visa?

The first question: do you belong to a group that needs a residence permit? It depends on your nationality:

No visa needed: students from EU countries, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. You can come directly, register at your municipality, and receive a BSN number. Read our guide on BSN application for international students for the steps.

MVV + residence permit needed: students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. This includes students from the US, United Kingdom, China, India, Brazil, Canada and most Asian, African and Latin American countries.

Special exceptions: British citizens fall under the non-EU rules since Brexit, but transitional arrangements exist for those who were in the Netherlands before 2021. Some nationalities do not need an MVV but do need a residence permit (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA, United Kingdom).

How does the application work?

Good news: in nearly all cases your educational institution submits the visa procedure for you, not you yourself. This is called the "TEV procedure" (Toegang en Verblijf, Entry and Residence). The university or hogeschool that admitted you is recognised by the IND as a sponsor and handles the paperwork.

What you do:

1. Get admitted to the programme. Without an admission letter the procedure cannot start.

2. Provide documents to the international office. Standard requests: a certified copy of your passport, financial proof (see below), possibly a tuberculosis declaration, and a copy of your high-school diploma or bachelor's diploma.

3. Pay the fees. For 2026 the IND fees for a student visa are approximately €228 (subject to minor changes, check actual amounts on ind.nl). Some universities add a service fee on top.

4. Wait for the decision. The IND assesses within 60 to 90 days. On a positive decision you receive an MVV sticker in your passport (at the Dutch embassy in your country) and afterwards a residence card in the Netherlands.

5. Travel within three months. An MVV is valid for 90 days after issue. Travelling too late means: reapplying.

6. Collect your residence card in the Netherlands. Within two weeks of arrival you book an appointment at an IND desk. The card is provided there or sent to your address.

Which documents do you need?

The document set varies per person and situation, but the basics are always:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining validity after arrival)
• Admission letter from your educational institution
• Financial proof: demonstrable means of support during your studies
• Proof of paid tuition or an arrangement with the institution
• Tuberculosis declaration (only for specific nationalities, arranged after arrival)

Financial proof is the trickiest part for many students. For 2026 the standard is: you must demonstrate access to approximately €13,500 per year for living expenses (on top of your tuition). That can be:

• A bank account in your name with at least that balance
• A guarantor declaration from your parents with their bank statements
• A scholarship from a recognised organisation (Erasmus, Holland Scholarship, Fulbright)
• A study loan from a recognised organisation

For real costs in Amsterdam (rent, groceries, transport, life), see our article on cost of living in Amsterdam in 2026, the €13,500 IND norm is often on the low end for Amsterdam itself.

What does it cost in total?

Budget for the following items in 2026 as a non-EU student:

Item	Amount (2026)
IND fees TEV procedure	approx €228
Apostille / legalisation diploma	€20-€100 per document
Sworn translation	€40-€80 per document
Possible university service fee	€50-€200
MVV sticker at embassy	included in IND fees
Residence card	included in IND fees
Total application	€350-€700

On top of that come the regular study and living costs: tuition (€2,530 for EU/EEA, €8,000 to €20,000 for non-EU per year depending on programme), rent, insurance, food. Plan a serious starting budget. For housing costs see our guide moving to the Netherlands as an international student.

Municipal registration and BSN

Visa requirement or not, the same rule applies for everyone: as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands and stay longer than four months, you must register at the municipality where you live. In Amsterdam you do this at the Stadsloket (online appointment required).

Bring along:

• Valid passport
• Residence card (for non-EU students)
• Proof of enrolment at your programme
• Proof of your address in Amsterdam (rental contract or signed declaration from your landlord)

Right after registration you receive a BSN number. Without a BSN you cannot open a bank account, take out health insurance, or find local work. Our deeper explanation of the registration procedure is in BSN application, international student in Amsterdam.

Can you work alongside your studies?

Yes, with restrictions. International students with a student residence permit can work in the Netherlands, but:

• Maximum 16 hours per week during term-time
• No restriction in June, July and August (summer break)
• For the employer: they need a TWV permit (work permit) if you come from outside the EU. Universities and hogescholen have this permit by default for student jobs, external employers must apply for it specifically.

EU students have no work restriction and no TWV requirement, they can work directly as if they were Dutch. In practice many international students find work via Albert Heijn, hospitality venues, their own university (student assistant) or tutoring through student platforms.

How do you renew your residence permit?

A student residence permit is usually valid for the duration of your programme plus three months. If you study longer (for example a master after a bachelor) or have to extend your studies, you apply for renewal at the IND, again via your educational institution.

Important to know:

• You must demonstrate study progress, in 2026 the requirement is: at least 50% of the annual study load (30 ECTS out of 60) achieved
• Failing to meet this can lead to permit revocation, except for recognised exceptions (illness, personal circumstances)
• Renewal costs IND fees again, in 2026 approximately €228

After graduation you have the right to a search year (orientation year for highly educated graduates) of 12 months. During this year you may work without a permit restriction to find a job. Afterwards you need a work permit or highly skilled migrant permit to stay, and you must find a job with a minimum gross annual salary (in 2026 €38,961 for under 30s).

Practical tips

Three things we frequently hear from international students at Huismaatje:

1. Start early. Some universities have TEV application deadlines as early as May for the academic year that starts in September. Check the deadline at your institution as soon as your admission comes in.

2. Arrange housing in parallel. Many universities have only limited student housing for international students. Search the open market too. Our guide on renting a room in Amsterdam walks through the steps.

3. Open a Dutch bank account immediately. Without a Dutch bank account you cannot pay rent via SEPA, take out a phone subscription, or arrange health insurance. ING, ABN AMRO and bunq accept students with BSN.

Looking for a room in Amsterdam with a landlord experienced with international students? Create a Huismaatje profile and filter on landlords who specifically welcome international students.

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit the visa application myself or must the university do it?

For most nationalities: the university must submit the application because they are recognised sponsors at the IND. Self-application is theoretically possible but takes longer and costs more in fees. Always work via the international office of your institution.

What if my application is rejected?

You can object within 4 weeks of the rejection notice. The IND states the reason in writing, often it concerns insufficient financial proof or missing documents. In most cases you can submit a new application with additional evidence. Get help from the international office or a specialised lawyer if you find the rejection unjust.

Do I need health insurance before I come?

Yes, you must demonstrably be insured upon arrival. International students typically choose between a Dutch health insurance (mandatory if you work) or international student insurance (Aon, AIG, IPS). Non-working non-EU students are often best served by international insurance, that is cheaper than standard Dutch health insurance.

Can I bring my partner or family member?

Yes, with a separate "stay with partner" or "stay with parent" application (children). Conditions: demonstrable cohabitation, sufficient income to support them (in 2026 approximately €1,700 net per month for a partner, higher with children), and own health insurance. It is a separate procedure alongside your student visa, plan extra time.

What happens if I switch programmes mid-stream?

You must inform the IND. Switching to another programme at the same university usually keeps your residence permit valid. Switching to another university requires that new institution to apply for an amendment at the IND. During this transition period you can stay in the Netherlands, but the procedure can take up to 90 days.