In short: To study in Netherlands as an international student you apply for: Residence permit for study at university or higher professional education (MVV + VVR). The educational institution files the application with the IND; the student collects the MVV (if needed) at a Dutch embassy or consulate. EUR 254 for a first application for study; fees change every 1 January. The IND must decide within 60 days. Every line on this page was read on an official page, which is linked beside it; the facts were last checked on 6 October 2026.
| Visa or permit | Residence permit for study at university or higher professional education (MVV + VVR) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | EUR 254 (ind.nl) |
| Money to show | EUR 1,130.77 per month (enough for 12 months), 2026 study norm (ind.nl) |
| Processing time | The IND must decide within 60 days. (ind.nl) |
| Where you apply | The educational institution files the application with the IND; the student collects the MVV (if needed) at a Dutch embassy or consulate. (ind.nl) |
| Last checked |
Authority: Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Official portal: IND - Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
Proof of registration as a student at a university or university of applied sciences (hbo) that is an IND-recognised sponsor.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Source: ind.nl · checked on
The income amount does not include tuition fees; tuition proof is handled by the institution.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Study norm for hbo/university is EUR 1,130.77 per month in 2026, needed for 12 months, excluding tuition.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
EUR 254 for a first application for study; fees change every 1 January.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
| Charge | Amount | What the official page says | Source, checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (government) | EUR 254 | EUR 254 for a first application for study; fees change every 1 January. | ind.nl, 15 September 2026 |
The educational institution files the application with the IND; the student collects the MVV (if needed) at a Dutch embassy or consulate.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
You cannot apply yourself; the recognised educational institution applies to the IND for your residence permit and, if needed, the MVV in one go.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
The student pays the IND fees to the educational institution, which pays them to the IND; fees are not refunded if the application is refused.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
The institution follows the application with the IND and notifies you when the MVV has been granted.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
The legal decision period for study is 60 days, but for a complete application filed by a recognised sponsor the IND's target is 2 weeks.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
After a positive decision you collect the MVV visa at the Dutch embassy or consulate named by your sponsor on the application form, then travel to the Netherlands.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
If the IND needs more information it sends a letter listing the documents and the deadline; send them in time or the application is rejected.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Steps as read on the official pages; checked on 15 September 2026.
Residence permit is collected at an IND desk by appointment.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Dutch healthcare insurance mentioned only for students also working.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
If a TB test applies to you, book it with the public health service (GGD) within 3 months of receiving the permit.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
No separate IND language level; the institution checks admission requirements.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Official foreign documents must be translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Employment up to 16 hours per week, or full-time in June, July and August; employer needs a work permit (TWV). Orientation year permit exists after study.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
A partner can get a residence permit to stay with a student (fee EUR 254) but is not allowed to work.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
Collect the residence permit at the IND by appointment and do the TB test within 3 months if required.
Source: ind.nl · checked on
We did not find these on the official pages we read for Netherlands: a police certificate. That means "not stated on the pages we read", not "not required": ask the authority above, or check the official portal, before you apply.
The official pages say more for applicants in: Pakistan.
Which office handles applications from some other countries, as the official pages state:
ForiForeign prepares your student visa application with you and guides you through each step: the documents, the forms and the order to do them in. You file the application yourself with the authority named above, and that authority decides. ForiForeign is not a visa office or an agent of Netherlands, and no one can promise a visa. Rules, fees and dates change: confirm each one on the official page linked beside it before you pay or travel.
The same facts for software and AI assistants: /facts/visa/nl.json.
ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.
About · Contact · Privacy · Terms · Cookies · For consultancies · For universities · For employers · Policy updates