Kingdom of the Netherlands · study

Dutch Student residence permit

By Sam Parks · Last reviewed: 1 June 2026

Study residence for international students enrolled at Dutch higher-education institutions.

Requires employer sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residencyProgramme length.

Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Government fees: Around €220.
Typical duration: Programme length.
Sponsorship required: Yes
Leads to permanent residency: No

Reviewed 1 June 2026Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) ↗

Overview

Non-EEA students studying at accredited Dutch institutions apply for a student residence permit, which doubles as MVV for many nationalities. The institution acts as recognised sponsor. Students can work part-time and transition to the Orientation Year after graduation.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

✓Offer from recognised Dutch institution.
✓Sufficient funds.
✓Health insurance.

Common blockers

!Unrecognised institution.

Typical evidence

·Acceptance letter.
·Funds evidence.

Application pathway

Enrol
Accept offer at recognised institution.
Institution files residence application
As recognised sponsor.
Travel and register
Collect MVV; register BRP.
Transition to Orientation Year
Apply for Zoekjaar within 3 years of graduation.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

Official guidanceSchool
School submits study permit ↗
Recognised educational institutions use this IND page to prepare and submit the student residence application.
Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · verified 24 May 2026

Fees and processing time

Indicative government fees: Around €220.. A decision then typically takes 2 weeks – 2 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.

Processing time detail
Current decision windows from the issuing authority.

Matches these professions

Student

Also explored by

Indian Filipino Nigerian

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Related routes

Orientation year (Zoekjaar)
Free 1-year permit to live and work in the Netherlands while you look for a job — open to recent graduates of Dutch universities or top-ranked global universities. No job offer needed to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students work in the Netherlands?+

Yes — up to 16 hours per week during term or full-time during summer, with a work permit typically arranged by the employer.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

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