If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days and you are not a national of an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, you will need a residence permit. Often, you will also need an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) to enter the Netherlands.
Residence permit not required
You do not need a residence permit if you are a national of:
- a European Union (EU) country
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Iceland
- Switzerland.
You must have a valid passport or travel document, however. Certain other conditions also apply. You can find these on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Residence permit required
If you are not a national of one of the countries mentioned above you will need a residence permit.
You need a reason to apply for a residence permit. This is called your purpose of stay. Some examples are:
- You have an employer in the Netherlands and are coming to the Netherlands to work
- You are coming to the Netherlands to study
- You are coming to the Netherlands to take part in an exchange programme (this could be a working holiday or to work as an au pair)
- You are a graduate, post-doc or researcher and are looking for a job in the Netherlands or wish to start your own business
- You are a self-employed person and wish to be self-employed in the Netherlands
- You are a highly skilled migrant
- You are coming to the Netherlands to join your partner.
You can find out information about these and other scenarios on the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Residence permit requirements
To obtain a residence permit you need to meet certain requirements. These requirements vary, depending on your purpose of stay. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) determines whether you meet the conditions or not. If you do, you will receive a residence permit.
If you do not meet the requirements, the IND can reject your application. You can object to the IND’s decision.
Authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) required
You may need an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) in addition to a residence permit. An MVV is a special visa that gives you entry to the Netherlands. You always apply for the MVV at the same time as you apply for your residence permit.
MVV not always required
Not everyone who needs a residence permit also needs an MVV. If you are a national of one of the following countries, you do not need to apply for an MVV:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Vatican City
- United States
- South Korea.
There are also other situations where you do not need to apply for an MVV. For more information about when you do not need an MVV, go to the IND website.
