Overview
People often say 'student visa,' but the practical Dutch route is usually a study residence permit. For most non-EU students, the process involves a Dutch study residence permit; depending on nationality and length of stay, an MVV (provisional residence permit) may also apply.
This route is for non-EU / non-EEA students admitted to qualifying Dutch education. The educational institution usually submits the application. Students need to plan both immigration paperwork and practical arrival setup. It is different from work routes like Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card and from entrepreneur routes like DAFT. After graduation, some students later look at the Orientation Year route.
Who the student route is for
- International students admitted to qualifying Dutch universities or HBO institutions
- Students in secondary or vocational education where the route applies
- Students planning to move alone, as a couple, or with family context to manage separately
- Students who need a legal residence route tied to study rather than work
When this route is relevant
This route is usually relevant when your main purpose in the Netherlands is education, not full-time employment or entrepreneurship.
When another visa may fit better
If you have a job offer, are joining family, or are self-employed, another route may fit better. Compare requirements and eligibility.
| Route | Best for | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant | Employees with a job offer from a recognised sponsor | Employment-first; employer submits application. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly qualified non-EU workers with a qualifying job | Employment-first; EU-wide scheme. |
| Partner / family visa | Partners or family members of Dutch or EU residents | Relationship-based residence, not study. |
| DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) | US citizens who are self-employed or entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur route; no study required. |
Official fee and study amounts
These are official planning figures and can change. Institutions may ask students to prove sufficient means for study and stay. Your total relocation budget is usually much higher once housing, travel, deposits, insurance, and setup costs are included.
| Category | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €254 | IND application fee for study residence permit (current figure). Fees and study amounts can change annually; check IND for latest values. |
| Study amount 2026 (HBO / university) | €1,130.77 | per month |
| Study amount 2026 (secondary / MBO) | €928.58 | per month |
Figures can change
Fees and study amounts are maintained in a central data file and can change annually. Always check the IND fees and required-amounts pages for current values.
Estimate your relocation cost
Use the Relocation Cost Estimator to plan first-year costs for a student move.
Role of the educational institution
For standard student routes, the educational institution usually submits the application. The institution is central to the process. Admission often comes before immigration filing. Students should coordinate deadlines, finances, and arrival timing with the institution. This route is different from employer-sponsored work visas.
- For standard student routes, the educational institution usually submits the application
- The institution is central to the process
- Admission often comes before immigration filing
- Students should coordinate deadlines, finances, and arrival timing with the institution
- This route is different from employer-sponsored work visas
Important
Your school or educational institution is often the party that submits the application.
Documents usually needed
Depending on country of origin, apostilles, legalization, or translations may be needed for some civil documents. The IND and your institution can confirm what applies to you.
- Passport
- Admission / enrolment documentation
- Proof of sufficient financial means where required
- Civil status documents if relevant
- Birth certificate where relevant to municipal / personal administration
- Housing / arrival planning documents
- Insurance-related information where applicable
Check your document readiness
Use the Document Readiness Checker to see which documents often apply to your profile.
Application process and typical timeline
The IND study page notes a 60-day decision period for the student residence permit. Students should not leave housing, banking, and first-week admin to the last minute. Arrival planning often overlaps with school start deadlines.
- 1. Receive admission from a qualifying institution
- 2. Prepare required financial and identity documents
- 3. Educational institution submits the application
- 4. Pay application fee
- 5. Wait for IND decision (e.g. 60 days for the route shown)
- 6. Plan travel and temporary housing
- 7. Register with municipality and complete arrival admin
After approval: first practical steps
After a positive decision: municipality registration, BSN, housing, bank account, health insurance (depending on situation), mobile plan, and first 30–90 day planning. Use the tools below to build a practical plan.
Working while studying and after graduation
Students often want to understand what work options exist during study and after graduation. Work rights during study are limited and depend on your permit and nationality. After graduation, the Orientation Year (search year) permit can allow you to stay and look for work in the Netherlands. Do not overstate work rights; confirm with the IND and your institution.
Recommended services for student movers
Services often used in this step
Wise
International transfers for tuition and moving money before and after arrival.
Variable fee by route
Tuition and international transfers
bunq
Dutch banking after arrival; popular with internationals and students.
Tiered monthly plans
Expat-friendly, fast setup
HousingAnywhere
Temporary and student-friendly accommodation search.
City-dependent
Student housing, temporary rentals
Simyo
Simple Dutch SIM-only mobile plans for early connectivity.
Low-cost monthly plans
Mobile, no-contract options
Independer
Compare Dutch health and other insurance options.
Comparison free; premiums vary
Insurance comparison
Study in Holland (Nuffic)
Official information on studying in the Netherlands for international students.
Free information
Study guidance, institution-related planning
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