Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 5 years
Overview
- Country
- Netherlands
- Visa name
- MVV + Residence Permit (VVR) for Study
- Local name
- Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf + Verblijfsvergunning Regulier
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The Dutch student immigration pathway combines an MVV (entry visa) and residence permit applied for simultaneously through the TEV procedure. Universities act as recognized sponsors (referenten) and handle the application on behalf of students. Known for high English proficiency and many English-taught programs.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Tuition range
- $3,010 – $25,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $15,700/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
EU/EEA students pay statutory tuition of EUR 2,601/yr (2025-2026), EUR 2,694/yr (2026-2027). Non-EU/EEA students pay institutional tuition of EUR 6,000-20,000+/yr depending on program. Technical and medical programs tend to be more expensive. Government offers Holland Scholarship (EUR 5,000) for non-EU students.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 16 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
- Freelance
- Allowed
Maximum 16 hours per week during academic year. Full-time work allowed June through August only. Employer must obtain a TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) work permit. Alternatively, students can register as self-employed (ZZP/freelancer) with no hour restrictions. Internships as part of study program are exempt.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoekjaar (Orientation Year for Graduates) | Job seeker | 12 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Most programs are English-taught. Score varies by university: 6.0-6.5 typical for bachelor, 6.5-7.0 for master. TOEFL iBT 80-100 also accepted. |
| NT2 (Nederlands als Tweede Taal) | Admission | Dutch | Program II (B2) | Required for Dutch-taught programs only. NT2 Program II (B2 level) is the standard requirement. CNaVT (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) also accepted. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVV + Residence Permit Application Fee | Application | $294 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse/partner and children. Must meet income requirements for family.
- Spouse work
- Limited
- Conditions
- Spouse with dependent permit may need TWV work permit from employer, depending on specific permit type.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 5 years
- Study time counts
- 50% credit
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Via
- University (recognized sponsor)
- Processing
- 14-90 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- ind.nl
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Universities handle the TEV (combined MVV + residence permit) application as recognized sponsors. Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland do not need MVV. TB test required for nationals of certain countries. BSN (citizen service number) assigned upon registration at municipality. 30% ruling may apply to highly skilled migrants after graduation.
Also in Netherlands
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source