What documents do I need for a Dutch student visa?

At minimum you need a valid passport, proof of admission from a Dutch university, legalised diplomas/transcripts, proof of sufficient financial means (around €13,000 for one year), and a signed antecedents declaration. Non-EU students who need an MVV will also need passport photos, biometrics, and an MVV issue form.

Do I need to translate my documents?

Yes, if your documents are not in English, Dutch, French, or German, you will generally need certified/sworn translations. Check your university's specific requirements.

How recent must my bank statements be?

Bank statements should typically be no older than 3 months at the time of submission. They must show your name, the bank's name, and a balance equivalent to at least €13,000.

What is an antecedents declaration?

The antecedents declaration (antecedentenverklaring) is a form where you declare that you have no criminal record that would prevent you from receiving a Dutch residence permit. Your university provides this form as part of the visa application process.

Do I need a TB test for the Netherlands?

Citizens of certain countries are required to take a tuberculosis (TB) test after arriving in the Netherlands. This is not needed before departure — you take the test at the GGD within your first weeks.

What passport photos are accepted for the MVV?

Photos must meet Dutch/Schengen biometric standards: 35×45 mm, recent (within last 6 months), full-face view, neutral expression, light background, no head coverings unless for religious reasons.

Complete Document Checklist

Visa Documents Checklist for Dutch Student Visa

A general document checklist for a Dutch student visa (MVV + Student Residence Permit / VVR). Use this as a practical "prepare everything" overview.

A. Always Needed

These documents are required for every non-EU student applying for a Dutch student visa

Identity & Admission

Valid passport (copy + details page)

Proof of registration or temporary proof of registration as a student (enrolment proof)

Any official foreign documents required by your school (often: diploma/transcripts) — these may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German

Financial Proof

Your own funds (bank statement/account statement as required by your university)

Deposit to the university (some universities require you to transfer the amount to their account; they keep an account statement in their administration)

Scholarship declaration (if you have a scholarship, the IND expects a declaration showing the required details)

Antecedents Certificate / Declaration

This is part of the IND application pack; if it's missing or not properly signed, it may be required separately.

B. If You Need an MVV

If your nationality requires an MVV, you'll attend an appointment at the Dutch embassy/consulate after approval. These additional documents are needed on top of section A.

Your passport + a photocopy of the ID page (passport usually must be valid long enough and have free pages)

A completed MVV issue form (provided/required for the MVV appointment)

If applying in a country where you are not a national: your residence permit for that country + copy

New passport photos (must meet Dutch photo rules)

Biometrics (fingerprints and signature are taken at the appointment)

C. Sometimes Needed

Depending on your nationality, university, and specific situation, you may also need these

Copy of a valid residence permit from another Schengen country (if relevant to your case)

TB (tuberculosis) test requirement: if your application indicates you must take a TB test, you'll need to arrange it after arrival within the required timeframe (not always required for everyone)

Extra school-specific items such as: tuition payment proof, housing address info, additional forms, or document format requirements (universities often apply stricter formatting rules than the IND minimum)

StudyPath Tip

Your university's checklist is the final authority — always follow their specific requirements over any general guide.

Bank statements (correct wording + freshness)
Translations/legalisation
Scholarship letters
Antecedents declaration
MVV appointment documents

Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum you need a valid passport, proof of registration as a student, any official foreign documents required by your school (often diplomas/transcripts, which may need to be legalised and translated), proof of sufficient financial means meeting the IND income requirements for study, and a signed antecedents declaration. Non-EU students who need an MVV will also need passport photos, biometrics, and an MVV issue form. Your university will provide a personalised checklist.

Official foreign documents may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German. Check your university's specific requirements.

You must meet the IND income requirements for study. Common options include your own funds (bank statement as required by your university), a deposit to the university, or a scholarship declaration showing the required details.

The antecedents certificate/declaration is part of the IND application pack. If it's missing or not properly signed, it may be required separately.

If your application indicates you must take a TB test, you'll need to arrange it after arrival within the required timeframe. It is not always required for everyone.

New passport photos must meet Dutch photo rules. Biometrics (fingerprints and signature) are taken at the MVV appointment.