An Indian Student planning to Study in the Netherlands requires a Visa to enter and stay there for the purpose. Depending on the kind, of course, the student is planning to undertake, he/she can apply for the relevant student visa – Schengen Visa (for courses less than 3 months) and Entry Visa - MVV and the VVR or the Residence Permit for bachelor/ masters from the Netherlands. This guide details the latter, its fee, and the application process in detail.
Entry Visas and Residence Permit
A student planning to take up a course that is over 90 days in duration would need a Residence Permit to stay in the Netherlands to complete their education. As per the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service), for students planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, the university/ institute is their ‘Recognized Sponsor’. Under the TEV (Entry and Residence Permit) Procedure, the visa for the student would be applied for by the recognized sponsor. The student needs to understand that while the process is essentially the same, it might vary from University to University and he/she is to follow the guidelines as shared by the University.
What is the Visa Process for Student Visas in the Netherlands?
The visa process for the Netherlands’ is a two-step process that requires
- The MVV or an Entry Visa to enter the Netherlands
- The VRV – or the Residence Permit
How much time does a Student Visa for the Netherlands take?
Ideally, the MVV or the ‘Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblifj’ (Dutch for Provisional Residence Permit) is processed in about 30 days. However, it might take longer and you are advised to start as soon as possible. The time advised is about 3 months before the intended start of the course.
The VRV is processed quicker and takes about 2 weeks. Students would have to be present in the Netherlands to be granted this visa.
What is the Student Visa Fee for the Netherlands?
Around €171 is charged to international students applying for a visa in the Netherlands. However, since the universities would be applying on your behalf, the exact fee might vary in terms of service charges, handling charges, etc. It is always advisable to check the university for the same. Also, most of the universities would add the Visa Application Fee in the ‘Fee Schedule’, which you would have to pay to confirm your enrolment with the university.
What Documents are required for Netherlands Student Visa?
- A student must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 12 months at the time of application
- Confirmation of Admission from a Dutch University.
- The IND stipulates the minimum fund requirement for stay at €900 per month for students enrolled in Universities. It is important to note that this is the cost of living as stipulated and is revised twice a year (on January 1 and July 1).
- Health insurance for the first three months of your stay in the Netherlands. Also, you might be requested for a Tuberculosis test before you travel to the Netherlands.
How to Apply for Netherlands Student Visa (MVV & VRV)?
- Confirm Your Admission to a Dutch University and prepare the documents as per the checklist provided by the university
- Confirm if you need health insurance and apply for one
- Follow the instructions provided by the university and complete the forms provided by the university along with the necessary documents
- Pay the visa fee of €353 or as mandated by the university
- Receive confirmation from the consulate/ embassy and make an appointment
- Attend the visa interview and submit your passport
Once you reach the venue, you would be asked to appear for a small interview. It is a generic interview wherein the Interviewer would ask you about the University you have applied to and your interest about study in the Netherlands. After that, you would be asked to submit your passport to which your MVV would be attached.
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