Students from outside Europe who are admitted to a Dutch university need two documents to study in the Netherlands: an entry visa called an MVV and a residence permit called a VVR. The good news is that the student does not apply for either document directly. The university applies for both as a recognised sponsor with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), so the student’s job is to give the university the right documents on time.
After admission, the university asks for a passport copy, proof of funds, and any other documents it needs, and then files the application. The permit fee is €254 for 2026. The student must show funds of €1,130.77 a month, or €13,569.24 for a year, which is the IND norm for 2026 and is reset each 1 January. Processing usually takes 60 to 90 days, so the documents should be sent as soon as the university asks for them. Once the application is approved, the student collects the MVV sticker at the Dutch embassy or consulate and travels to the Netherlands, where the residence permit card is issued.
Students may work up to 16 hours a week during term time, or full time in June, July and August, with a work permit arranged by the employer. After graduation, students may apply for an Orientation Year permit of 12 months to look for work or start a business in the Netherlands. Student housing is in short supply in most Dutch cities, so the search for a room should start as soon as admission is confirmed — the visa does not include housing. Source: Study in NL (accessed 10 November 2026).
