What Is the Student Residence Permit?
Understanding the VVR — your legal right to live and study in the Netherlands
Temporary Regular
Type I permit — "verblijfsvergunning regulier bepaalde tijd" for study purposes
Duration
Valid for the duration of your study programme + 3 months, up to a maximum of 5 years
Who Needs It
Non-EU/EEA nationals studying in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days
TEV = MVV + VVR Combined
Most students apply via the TEV procedure, which combines the entry visa (MVV) and the residence permit (VVR) into one application. Your university submits this on your behalf as your recognised sponsor.
Application Process Step-by-Step
From admission to collecting your permit card — here's every step
Get Admitted & Start University Portal
Apply to a Dutch university and receive your admission letter. Your university (as IND-recognised sponsor) will invite you to their immigration portal to upload documents and start the residence permit process.
University Submits TEV Application (MVV + VVR)
Your university submits the combined TEV application to the IND on your behalf. The TEV combines the entry visa (MVV) and the residence permit (VVR) into a single procedure — you don't need to apply separately.
IND Decision (60 Days)
For study applications, the legal decision period is 60 days. If a recognised sponsor submits a complete application, the IND states the target decision period can be 2 weeks.
MVV Appointment & Travel to the Netherlands
After approval, you must book an appointment at the Dutch embassy/consulate you selected within 3 months of the IND decision to place the MVV sticker and provide biometrics.
Collect Your Residence Permit Card
Once the permit card is ready, you make an appointment to collect it at an IND desk.
Core Requirements
You must meet all of these to qualify for a student residence permit
Your programme is accredited
Your institution (school) is an IND recognised sponsor
You are enrolled in a full-time study programme
You meet the income requirements (study norm)
You make enough study progress each year
Legalisation & Translation
Official foreign documents may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.
Financial Requirement (2026)
You must prove you can support yourself financially during your studies
Required monthly amount (2026)
€1,130.77
per month — set annually by the Dutch government
Bank Account
Show your own bank account has 12 months × the study norm available and withdrawable (documents usually must be no older than 3 months).
Deposit to University
Some universities allow you to deposit the required amount into their account. The university then confirms your financial means to the IND.
Scholarship Declaration
A scholarship declaration that meets IND requirements.
Work Rights on a Student Permit
You can work while studying — but there are rules
Part-Time During Term
Maximum 16 hours per week during term time. Your employer must obtain a TWV (work permit) from UWV before you can start working.
Full-Time in Summer
You can work full-time during June, July, and August. Your employer still needs a TWV, but the hours restriction is lifted for the summer months.
Self-Employment
The IND notes you may work as self-employed (as long as you still meet student-permit conditions).
Internships
Internships that are part of your programme may be allowed under specific conditions.
Study Progress & Reporting
Your residence permit depends on making adequate study progress
The 50% ECTS Rule
You must earn at least 50% of the credits (ECTS) for each study year. Your institution monitors this and may have to report insufficient progress to the IND if there is no accepted reason.
- Your institution monitors study progress
- Insufficient progress may be reported to the IND if there is no accepted reason
Take This Seriously
Failing the 50% rule can lead to your institution reporting insufficient progress to the IND, which may reassess your permit.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Only if required based on your application
GGD TB Screening
If your application indicates you must take a tuberculosis test, you must arrange it with the GGD within 3 months after receiving your permit.
Renewal & Extension
How to extend your residence permit when it's about to expire
How Renewal Works
Don't Let It Lapse
If your permit expires before you apply for renewal, you may face complications. Set a reminder 3–4 months before expiry and contact your university's international office to start the process.
Changing Schools & Studying Abroad
What happens to your permit when you switch universities or study in another EU country
Changing Universities
Your residence permit is linked to your recognised sponsor (university). To switch:
- Your current university ends its sponsorship
- New university submits a new/modified permit application
- Ensure no gap in enrolment to protect your permit
Intra-EU Mobility
Temporary study abroad may be possible, including intra-EU mobility under Directive (EU) 2016/801 (your institution needs to handle notifications).
After Graduation
Your options for staying in the Netherlands after completing your studies
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)
After graduating from a Dutch university, you can apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar). This gives you one year to find a job or start a business in the Netherlands.
The IND explicitly lists the orientation year as a common follow-up route after finishing your studies.
How StudyPath Helps with Your Residence Permit
The residence permit process involves multiple parties, strict deadlines, and a lot of paperwork. We make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
- Building a clear timeline (admission → TEV/MVV → arrival → permit pickup)
- Checking your funds evidence against IND expectations
- Reviewing documents for translation / legalisation risks
- Planning for renewal and study-progress compliance
- Tell us your nationality, school, and start date — StudyPath can turn this into a comprehensive checklist with "what to prepare" and "when to submit" for your exact case