Residence Permit, Application
What is it?
You need a residence permit if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months. For example, you may want to live with your family in the Netherlands, or you may want to work or study there. You can apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service ( , IND).
Residents of EU/EEA countries and Swiss nationals who are currently residing in the Netherlands or wish to do so do not need a residence permit.
How does it work?
- Are you planning to visit the Netherlands for less than 3 months? If so, you will need a valid travel document (such as a passport) and, in many cases, a visa. You can apply for a visa at the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country where you live. Residents of EU and EEA countries, as well as Swiss nationals, only need their passport or ID card.
- If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months and do not fall into any of the categories listed above, you will always need a residence permit. In addition, in most cases you will need a special visa to enter the Netherlands. This visa is called an Authorization for Provisional Stay ( , or MVV).
- Are you a national of an EU member state, an EEA member state, or Switzerland? If so, you can apply for a“certificate of lawful residence ” instead of a residence permit.
In all cases, you must meet various requirements. For long-term stays, you must also be able to present certain documents. The Dutch government will verify whether you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents.
What should I do?
You can apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service ( , IND).
You will need the following items, among others:
- A valid form of identification: this is often your passport or another document that states your nationality.
- If you were born abroad: a birth certificate. Depending on your country of birth, the certificate may need to be legalized.
- If applicable: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a document proving that the marriage has been dissolved due to death.
The IND may also ask for proof that you have a place to live in the Netherlands. This proof can include: a lease agreement, proof of ownership, or a statement from the primary occupant of the property.