An Indian Student planning to Study in Netherlands require a Visa to enter and stay there for the purpose. Depending on the kind of course the student is planning to undertake, he/she can apply for the relevant student visa – Schengen Visa (for courses less than 3 months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit for bachelors/ masters from Netherlands. This guide details the latter, its fee and the application process in detail.

Entry Visas and Residence Permit

A student planning to take up a course which is over 90 days in duration would need a Residence Permit to stay in Netherlands for the purpose of completing their education. As per the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), for students planning to stay in Netherlands for a period of more than 90 days, the university/ institute is their ‘Recognized Sponsor’. Under the TEV (Entry and Residence Permit) Procedure, the visa for the student would be applied by the recognized sponsor. It is important for the student to understand that while the process is essentially the same, it might vary from University to University and he/she is to follow the guidelines as shared by the University.

What is the Visa Process for Student Visas for Netherlands?

The visa process for Netherlands’ is a two-step process which requires

• The MVV or an Entry Visa to enter Netherlands
• The VRV – or the Residence Permit – granted to students within a month of their reaching the country

Under the TEV Procedure, the University would request you to provide the necessary documents and submit the form on your behalf to the IND in Netherlands. Once the IND approves your application, it would grant you an MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) which would be valid for 3 months. The student can collect the MVV from the Dutch Embassy/ Consulate and then fly to Netherlands.

On arriving in Netherlands, Students would then be required by their respective Universities to appear for and apply for a Residence Permit (VRV) within a stipulated time. Again, it may vary from university to university but is usually stipulated between 3 to 5 days. The application is then forwarded by the University for a Permanent Residence Permit which is issued within the following two weeks. 

Important to Note:

To continue staying in Netherlands, a students would have to get their Residence Permits extended, which is only possible if they complete at least 50 percent of the required credits of that year. For instance, your course mandates 40 credits to be completed to pass your first year of studies. In order to continue staying in Netherlands, you need to complete at least 20 credits. Universities can, however, waive this condition off is they find that there was a reason that did not let you complete the mandated 50 percent.

How much time does a Student Visa for Netherlands take?

Ideally the MVV or the ‘Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj’ (Dutch for Provisional Residence Permit) is processed in about 30 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start as soon as possible. Time advised is about 3 months before the intended start of the course.

The VRV is processed quicker and takes about 2 weeks. Students would have to be present in Netherlands to be granted this visa.

What is the Student Visa Fee for Netherlands?

As per the IND, the TEV Procedure cost at €311 for an Entry and Residence Permit and another €156 for extension. However, since the universities would be applying on your behalf, the exact fee might vary in terms of service charges, handling charges, etc. It is always advisable to check the university for the same.

Also, most of the universities would add the Visa Application Fee in the ‘Fee Schedule’, which you would have to pay in order to confirm your enrolment with the university. 

What Documents are required for Netherlands Student Visa?

1. A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months at the time of application

2. Confirmation of Admission from a Dutch University.

3. The IND stipulates the minimum fund requirement for stay at €862, 50 per month for students enrolled in Universities. It is important to note that this is the cost of living as stipulated and is revised twice a year (on January 1 and July 1).

4. Health insurance for the first three months of your stay in Netherlands. Also, you might be requested for a Tuberculosis test before you travel to Netherlands.

How to Apply for Netherlands Student Visa (MVV & VRV)?

STEP 1: Confirm Your Admission to a Dutch University and prepare the documents as per the checklist provided by the university

STEP 2: Confirm if you need health insurance and apply for one

STEP 3: Follow the instructions provided by the university and complete the forms as provided by the university along with necessary documents

STEP 4: Pay the visa fee of €311 or as mandated by the university

STEP 5: Receive confirmation from the consulate/ embassy and make an appointment

STEP 6: Attend the visa interview and submit your passport

Once you reach the venue, you would be asked for a small interview. It is a generic interview wherein the Interviewer would ask you about the University you have applied to and your interests pertaining to study in Netherlands. After that, you would be asked to submit your passport on which you MVV would be attached.

Remember, the MVV is valid only for a period of three months. Also, you would have to report to the University office within the stipulated time in order to apply for and receive your Residence Permit, without which you cannot stay in Netherlands. Default in the same could lead to revoking of your stay permissions and immediate deportation. Hence, always follow the guidelines as shared by the University.

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