The Official Place to Find Dutch Embassies
The Dutch government's official portal for consular services is NetherlandsWorldwide. Select your country or region to see the current contact details and office information for the nearest embassy or consulate-general.
If you're not sure where to start, NetherlandsWorldwide also has a general consular contact hub including a contact form and WhatsApp information.
What You Can Do via an Embassy or Consulate
Embassies and consulates handle a broad range of consular services. For students, the most relevant ones are:
MVV Visa Sticker Collection
If your nationality requires an MVV and the IND decision says you can collect one, you'll pick it up at the embassy or consulate.
MVV long-stay visa infoMVV + Residence Permit Applications
Submitting MVV and residence permit applications from abroad in scenarios where the application route requires you to apply at the embassy/consulate.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and signature as part of immigration procedures. Required when collecting an MVV or applying for a residence permit.
Other Consular Services
Passports, legalisation, certificates, and consular assistance and advice.
Consular services overviewWhat's available can vary by country, so always check the exact services listed for your location on NetherlandsWorldwide.
Student Visa Reality Check
Who actually submits your application?
For most degree students, your university is your sponsor and submits the admission-and-residence procedure (TEV) with the IND. After approval, you may need to:
- Make an appointment to collect your MVV within 3 months (if applicable)
- Collect your residence permit after arrival in the Netherlands
MVV & Embassy Appointments
If your IND decision says you can collect an MVV sticker, NetherlandsWorldwide provides country-specific instructions for where to go and how to book.
Combined application
You generally apply for an MVV and residence permit at the same time. Book an appointment at a Dutch embassy/consulate in your country of nationality or long-term residence.
Find the right location
If there is no Dutch embassy/consulate in your country, book with the nearest Dutch location that handles the service.
Prepare your documents
Typical documents include your valid passport, passport photo, and completed forms. The embassy registers your application and takes biometrics.
Processing time
The MVV visa sticker has an average processing time of 10 working days. NetherlandsWorldwide publishes indicative processing times for your country.
VFS Global & Application Centres
In many countries, Schengen visa logistics and appointment scheduling are handled via VFS Global.
If your submission was done through VFS, you can track your application online using your reference number. Follow the official flow provided for your country.
Need Help Fast?
The Dutch government's consular information service (NetherlandsWorldwide) is reachable 24/7 by phone:
+31 247 247 247WhatsApp and contact form options are also available. Calling from outside the Netherlands may automatically connect you to the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre.
StudyPath Tip
Embassy steps are often time-sensitive — appointments fill up, documents must match exact formats, and some steps depend on the IND decision timeline. StudyPath can point you to the correct official embassy/consulate page for your country and help you prepare your document set so you arrive at the appointment with everything ready: no surprises!