An MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is an entry visa — a sticker placed in your passport at a Dutch embassy or consulate. It allows you to travel to the Netherlands and stay for more than 90 days. Once you arrive, you exchange it for a residence permit.

How long does MVV processing take?

The IND aims to decide within 60 days after receiving a complete application from your university. In practice, straightforward cases are often decided within 2–4 weeks.

How much money do I need for a Dutch student visa?

For 2026, you need to prove €1,130.77 per month — that's €13,569.24 for 12 months. You can show this through bank statements, a scholarship award letter, or a notarised sponsor declaration.

Can I work on a Dutch student visa?

Yes, but with restrictions. You can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time during the summer months (June, July, August). Your employer needs a TWV (work permit) for you.

What happens if I don't meet the 50% ECTS requirement?

Your university is legally required to report it to the IND. The IND may revoke your residence permit, giving you 28 days to leave the Netherlands or find another legal basis to stay.

Do I need an MVV if I'm from the US/UK/Canada?

No. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are MVV-exempt. You still need a residence permit for stays longer than 90 days, but skip the MVV entry visa step.

Visa & Immigration Guide

MVV Visa: Complete Guide for International Students

Everything you need to know about the Dutch MVV entry visa — who needs one, how your university applies, costs, timelines, and what to do after you arrive.

Step 1

Do You Need an MVV?

Whether you need an MVV depends mainly on your nationality. Some students do not need an MVV (they can enter without the long-stay sticker), but they still need a residence permit for studying.

StudyPath tip: don't guess

Your university's immigration office will confirm your route, and the IND explains when an MVV is needed.

Step 2

Your University Applies for You

You do not apply for the MVV yourself. Dutch universities are recognised sponsors (erkend referent) with the IND, which means they submit the application on your behalf. This is called the TEV procedure — a combined application for the MVV entry visa and residence permit.

Recognised Sponsor

Your university is registered with the IND as a trusted sponsor. They handle the paperwork and communicate directly with immigration.

TEV Procedure

The TEV (Toelating en Verblijf) combines the MVV entry visa and residence permit into a single application. One process, one fee.

Conditional Admission

You can receive a conditional admission letter while your final grades are pending. The university can start the visa process based on this.

Start Early

Contact your university's international office as soon as you receive your admission. The earlier they submit the TEV application, the more buffer you have before your programme starts.

Step 3

Requirements

Your university will tell you exactly what documents to provide, but here's what the IND requires for a student visa:

Valid passport

Enrolment proof (or temporary proof)

Programme must be accredited

Institution is an IND recognised sponsor

Full-time study

Sufficient financial means (study norm)

Sufficient study progress during your studies

Financial Requirement 2026

Per Month (2026)

€1,130.77

IND Application Fee

€254

This is a key point for student visa refusals: the IND amount is about living costs, and universities may ask you to show it as a 12-month total via bank statements or other accepted proof methods.

Costs

For a student residence permit (all education levels), the IND fee is €254 (first application / change of purpose / extension). In practice, your university often collects this from you and pays the IND.

Step 4

IND Decision Timeline

For the HBO/WO student permit, the IND decision period is within 60 days (can be extended if the application is incomplete).

IND Decision Period

Within 60 days

Step 5

MVV Appointment & Biometrics

Once the IND approves your application, you'll need to visit the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country to collect your MVV sticker.

What to Bring

Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 more months when the MVV sticker is placed)
New passport photo
Biometrics (fingerprints, signature)

Key Timelines

3 months to collect MVV after IND approval
MVV sticker is valid for 90 days — you must travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit within those 90 days
You can transit through the Schengen Area, but the key rule is: collect your permit in NL within 90 days

Step 6

Arrive & Collect Your Residence Permit

When your residence permit card is ready, you will need to make an appointment to collect it at an IND desk.

TB Test (If Required)

Students from certain countries must take a TB test after arrival. If it applies to you, you generally must do it within 3 months after receiving the residence permit (your university/IND instructions will tell you).

After You Arrive: What You Need to Know

Study Progress

You must earn at least 50% of the ECTS credits for your programme each academic year.

Falling below this threshold means your university must report it to the IND. Your permit may be revoked.

Permit Validity

Your residence permit is valid for the duration of your study programme + 3 months, up to a maximum of 5 years.

For a 3-year bachelor's, you'd get a permit for approximately 3 years and 3 months.

Work Rights

You can work 16 hours/week during term, or full-time in summer (June–August).

Your employer must apply for a TWV (work permit) for you. Internships that are part of the programme may be possible under specific conditions.

Common Mistakes That Delay Approvals

Avoid these pitfalls — each one can add weeks or months to your timeline

Bank statements that don't meet requirements

Uploading bank statements that don't meet the university's format or show the wrong amount (study norm).

Wrong embassy/consulate location

Choosing the wrong embassy/consulate location (especially if you live in a third country).

Booking flights too early

Booking flights before you can realistically get the MVV appointment and sticker (remember the 90-day MVV window starts from issue date).

Failing to meet study progress requirement

Failing to meet the 50% ECTS study-progress requirement after you start the study.

How StudyPath Helps with Your Visa

The MVV process is handled by your university — but getting there requires the right preparation. We make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

A personalised MVV checklist based on your nationality and programme route
Document review (finances, translations/legalisation where needed)
Timeline planning around IND decision periods and embassy appointments
After-arrival checklist: collecting the permit, TB test (if applicable), study progress rules

Official Resources

Bookmark these — you'll need them

IND.nl

Official IND student visa info

Nuffic

Credential evaluation & education info

Study in NL

Official guide for international students

MVV Exempt Countries

Check if you need an MVV

Frequently Asked Questions

An MVV (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) is a long-stay entry visa sticker (Type D) placed in your passport so you can travel to the Netherlands and pick up your residence permit. It is not the residence permit itself.

The IND decision period is within 60 days. This can be extended if the application is incomplete. After approval, you must collect the MVV sticker at the Dutch embassy/consulate within 3 months of the IND decision.

For 2026, the IND study amount is €1,130.77 per month. Universities may ask you to show it as a 12-month total via bank statements or other accepted proof methods. The amount is updated annually by the Dutch government.

Yes, but with restrictions. Paid work as an employee is allowed if your employer applies for a work permit (TWV) for you. You must choose either up to 16 hours/week, or full-time between June and August. Internships that are part of the programme may be possible under specific conditions.

You must usually obtain at least 50% of the required ECTS credits each academic year. If your progress is insufficient and there is no accepted reason, your institution must report this to the IND, and the IND may reassess your permit.

Whether you need an MVV depends mainly on your nationality. Some students do not need an MVV (they can enter without the long-stay sticker), but they still need a residence permit for studying. Your university's immigration office will confirm your route, and the IND explains when an MVV is needed.