Netherlands

All Students

Students should make sure their passports are signed and stamped when entering and exiting Border Controls. These stamps will prove the duration of your visit and more importantly prove to the Visa official that you have not overstayed your 90-day visit.

It is important to understand the Schengen 90/180 rule. You are allocated 90 visa-free days to use within the Schengen Zone, however, you must remember these are rolling days and are added onto a cumulative total of days in the Schengen region. Leaving and entering does not reset your calculator – only leaving for a period of 90 days in a non-Schengen country will reset your Visa-free 90-day allowance.

Study (less than 6 months)

UK national/EEA national Students are not required to obtain a visa/permit but must make sure they adhere to passport and other travel requirements.

Students of the following nationalities:

An EU (European Union) member state
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway

Switzerland

For all other non-EU Students, the immigration requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay. Refer to the table below for further details of Visa/Resident Permit requirements.

British national Students are exempt from needing a Visa to enter the Netherlands (Schengen Region) and can stay for a duration of 90 days within 180 days. The following activities arepermitted under a 90-day allowance:

Tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

Non-UK/EU Students not exempt from a Visa waiver in the Schengen region are required to apply for a Schengen Short Stay Visa.

If you are not sure you can use the Visa Advisor to help you determine whether you need a visa, and if so what type, to travel to or via the Netherlands.

If your nationality is not Visa exempt you will need to apply for a Short–Stay Schengen Visa.

Gather Your Documents

A valid passport or Travel document.
A valid UK residence permit or another form of Identity Card.
One application form 
One passport-format photo 
Biometric fingerprint data and a digital photograph (from 2 November 2015)

A cover letter that explains the purpose of the visit to the Netherlands
Proof of travel arrangements: 
Travel Insurance .
Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands:
Evidence of a hotel booking or rental agreement, or

Invitation from your Dutch host (family member, friend) with a copy of their passport (Proof of sponsorship),
Accommodation proof issued by the town hall in your host’s residence
Proof of financial subsistence:
A recent statement of the UK bank account for the last three months shows funds of at least 30 £ per person per day spent in the Netherlands. Cash, cheques, or credit cards are not considered proof of financial subsistence.
For the Dutch Caribbean (in US Dollars) the amount required as proof of financial subsistence is:

Between 150$ and 200$ per day for a business or tourism visa
100$ per day for a family visit

Study-specific documentation:

proof of enrolment - No-objection certificate from school or university

A full list of documentation can be found here.

How to Apply

Students should apply bybooking an appointment via email with Dutch Embassy in London. Some applicants cannot apply directly at the embassy – please click here for further information.

Study (more than 6 months)

Students intending to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days to study may need a long-stay visa and/or a residence permit. Students of the following nationalities Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marin, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States or Vatican City do not require an MVV to enter the Netherlands, but you will need a Residence Permit.

Gather Your Documents

If you wish to apply for a Residence Permit, you will need to gather the following documents:

Application for the purpose of residence 'study' (recognised sponsor) Higher education 7504 (PDF, 570.98 KB)
Appendix TB test referral form 7604 (PDF, 200.05 KB)– If applicable
A copy of your passport
Proof of finances - Exchange students are required to show proof of sufficient living expenses for the duration of their programme. This amount is equal to €935 x the number of months you will be studying.
For a Full year exchange, a minimum of €9,350 (ea... 10 months x €935) is required. *Students are allowed to use a mix of Proof of Funds to reach the mandated amount.

Source: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/practical-information/visas-and-permits/required-documents---bank-statement-scholarship-criteria.html

How to Apply

You will need to gather and submit your documents to your Host University and your Host university will apply for your Residence Permit.

Work (less than 3 months)

EU/EEA and Swiss students do not need a work permit to work in the Netherlands butmust make sure you adhere to passport and other travel requirements.

UK Students and non-EU students will need either a work permit (TWV) ora combined residence and work permit (GVVA).

The following activities can be conducted under a permit:

• transferring to a Dutch branch of a UK-based company

• working for a Dutch company on a Dutch employment contract

• providing services to a client in the Netherlands

• carrying out self-employed work

• a start-up entrepreneur

• conducting scientific research

Overview of Residence Permit Application

Text Box

Applications Documents:

completed permit application form
passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months

degree or qualification certificate
CV
employment contract with your UK employer
an assignment letters
antecedents’ certificate (declaration of no criminal record)

proof that your professional qualifications are recognised if you work in a regulated profession
copy of training agreement for trainees
legalised birth certificates for you and any dependants, if applying with family
legalised marriage certificate, if married, or legalised certificate of non-impediment for non-married partners, if applying with family
legalised evidence of the termination of any previous marriages

*The application form lists which documents you need. Collect all documents before you apply.

Have official documents from abroad legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

Work (more than 3 months)

Single Work Permit (for paid employment)

You apply to the IND for a single permit (GVVA- gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid or GVVA). This permit allows you to live and work in the Netherlands.

The Single Permit combines the Residence Permit and the Work Permit. Students will need to meet several requirements. Click here for more information.

Employers must apply on your behalf if they are sponsoring you for a single permit. Your employer must submit the application in writing by post. You may also apply to the IND yourself.

Further information about Single Permits can be found here.

How to Apply

Students who want to apply for a Single Permit, should gather the following documents:

Visa Application – (documents are listed within the Application form)
Please note some documents will need to be translated, legalized and apostilled

Upon Arrival

When the Single Permit is ready at an IND desk, you will receive a letter. You must make an appointment to collect it. Make an appointment to collect your residence document.

The Single Permit consists of a residence document and an additional document. Your employer will receive a copy of the additional document.