Netherlands

Study, Work, Live in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular destination in Europe for tourists, international students, and skilled professionals. Known for its world-class universities, strong economy, and high standard of living, the Netherlands offers structured visa pathways depending on your purpose of stay.

Visit canals, museums, and tulip fields
Study in top English-taught programs
Centrally located for European travel
Progressive, safe, and student-friendly environment
Work part-time during your studies
High quality of life experience

Netherlands Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C)

The Netherlands Tourist Visa, officially a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), allows non-EU nationals to visit the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

Process

Begin by confirming whether your nationality requires a Schengen visa for short-term travel to the Netherlands.
Complete the visa application form online through the official Netherlands visa portal or the VFS Global website.
Gather your required documents, including a valid passport with at least two blank pages and three months' validity beyond your return date, recent passport-size photographs, confirmed round-trip travel reservations, hotel bookings, a travel itinerary, and travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses valid across the Schengen area.
You must also provide proof of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements, sponsorship letters, or income verification.
Schedule an appointment at the Dutch embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country, submit the documents, and pay the visa fee of €80.
Attend the visa interview and provide biometric data.
Visa processing typically takes 15 calendar days, after which you will receive your passport with the visa sticker affixed.

Netherlands Student Visa (Provisional Residence Permit – MVV + Residence Permit)

International students from non-EU/EEA countries who intend to study in the Netherlands for more than 90 days must apply for a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) along with a residence permit. This long-term student visa allows enrollment at a Dutch higher education institution.

Process

Start by applying to and securing admission from a Dutch university or institution of higher education.
Once accepted, the institution acts as your sponsor and applies for your combined MVV and residence permit through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
You must prepare your documents including a valid passport, acceptance letter from the university, proof of sufficient financial means (about €1,000 per month), health insurance coverage, academic transcripts, and, if required, English language test results.
After IND approval, you’ll receive an MVV (entry visa) sticker in your passport from the Dutch embassy or consulate, allowing you to enter the Netherlands.
Upon arrival, your residence permit card can be collected at the IND office, and you must register your local address at the municipality (Gemeente).
The student residence permit is usually issued for the full duration of the academic program and allows limited part-time work under Dutch law.