Immigration

The Immigration Service Desk (ISD) of the University of Groningen (UG) applies for the mvv (long-term multiple entry visa) and/or residence permit with Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) on your behalf. You cannot do this application yourself. The UG is appointed by Dutch law to handle visa applications on behalf of their students and is the legal guarantor/sponsor in relation to the student and the IND.

The ISD will inform students with a non-EU/EEA nationality about the immigration procedure. The Application Guide that you will receive via email contains important information about the application, which documents to submit, the payment procedure and useful tips. If you have any questions, please feel free to fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Do I need an mvv (visa) and/or residence permit?

European Union (EU)/ European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationalities

You do not need an mvv or residence permit. You can enter and reside in the Netherlands freely. If you stay longer than 4 months, you need to register at the municipality.

American, Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealander, Japanese, South Korean, Monégasque or Vatican nationality

You do not need an mvv (long-term multiple entry visa), but you do need a residence permit. If you are in the possession of a passport of one of the above countries, you can enter and reside in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days. If you wish to reside longer than 90 days in the Netherlands, you need a residence permit. The ISD will apply at the IND for a residence permit on your behalf.

None of the above nationalities

You need an mvv (long-term multiple entry visa) and a residence permit if you wish to enter and reside in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. The ISD will apply at the IND for an mvv and residence permit on your behalf.

You have a valid residence permit of a Schengen country

If you have a non-EU/EEA nationality and you are in the possession of a valid residence permit of a Schengen country, you do not need an mvv (long-term multiple entry visa). You can enter the Netherlands with a valid residence permit of a Schengen country, but you do need a Dutch residence permit. The ISD will apply to the IND for a residence permit on your behalf.

You will stay 90 days or less in the Netherlands

If you want to visit the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days you may need a short-stay Schengen visa. This depends on your nationality. The visa allows you to travel freely within the Netherlands and other Schengen countries within a 180-day period. You can apply for the short-stay Schengen visa yourself at the Dutch representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country. Please check the visa advisor whether you need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.

Animation of the immigration procedure

Are there still uncertainties after reading the above information? Check whether your question and answer can be found on our FAQ Immigration page. Otherwise, fill in the contact form and we will be happy to help you.

Ben je een Nederlandse studiekiezer? Ga dan naar onze pagina's voor Nederlandse studenten.

Last modified:

31 March 2023 08.42 a.m.