Do You Need an MVV?
The MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is an entry visa sticker placed in your passport. Not everyone needs one.
MVV-Exempt
You do not need an MVV entry visa if you hold a passport from an exempt country (see list below) or qualify for a special exemption.
- Travel to the Netherlands without an MVV sticker
- Still need a student residence permit (VVR) for stays over 90 days
- University sponsors your residence permit application
MVV Required
You need an MVV entry visa if your nationality is not on the exempt list and you don't qualify for a special exemption.
- University applies for MVV + residence permit together via IND
- Collect MVV sticker at Dutch embassy/consulate in your country
- Start early to ensure your permit is ready in time
MVV-Exempt Nationalities
Citizens of these countries do not need an MVV entry visa to come to the Netherlands for study
MVV-Exempt ≠ Permit-Free
Being MVV-exempt means you don't need the entry visa sticker. You still need a student residence permit (VVR) if your programme lasts longer than 90 days. Your university will sponsor this application through the IND.
Special Exemptions
Even if your nationality normally requires an MVV, you may be exempt in these situations
EU/EEA family member
If you live with an EU/EEA/Swiss family member in the Netherlands, you may fall under EU-law routes and not need an MVV.
Existing Dutch residence permit
Some people don't need an MVV because they already have (or recently had) lawful residence in the Netherlands under specific conditions.
Schengen residence permit + recognised sponsor
If you hold a valid regular residence permit issued by another Schengen country (not an asylum permit), and a recognised sponsor in the Netherlands applies for you, you may be exempt.
Long-term EU resident
If you have EU long-term resident status from another EU country, you do not need an MVV (and you may also have other procedural advantages).
“Visa-Free” ≠ “Permit-Free”
This is the single most common misunderstanding among international students
Visa-free travel for short stays (tourist visits) is not the same as being able to live and study in the Netherlands.
If you will study for more than 90 days, you will typically need:
- A student residence permit, and
- Sometimes an MVV as the entry step (depending on nationality / exemptions)
How to Check Your Status
Use these official resources to confirm what applies to your nationality
Official IND guidance on when an MVV is needed and listing MVV-exempt nationalities
MVV exemptions by nationality and by situation
Still unsure?
Always follow your university's immigration instructions, because they are your recognised sponsor and will apply via the correct route (student permit only, or TEV/MVV + permit together).
Common Pitfalls
Mistakes that cost students time, money, and sometimes their place
Assuming you're MVV-exempt because you can enter Schengen as a tourist
Visa-free travel for short stays (tourist visits) is not the same as being able to live and study in the Netherlands.
Relying on an asylum-based permit from another EU state
Having a residence permit from another EU state but it is asylum-based can change MVV exemption eligibility.
Not telling your university about a special-case status
Not telling your university about an EU family member route, long-term EU resident status, etc. can cause delays.
How StudyPath Helps
If you tell StudyPath your nationality and whether you already hold any EU/Schengen residence permit, we can point you to the correct path (MVV required vs exempt) and turn it into a simple step-by-step checklist for your student visa timeline.
- Tell us your nationality and permit status
- We confirm the correct path: MVV required vs exempt
- Get a simple step-by-step checklist for your student visa timeline