P.R

How do I apply for a residence permit for the Netherlands?

How you apply for your residence permit depends on several factors. 

Applying for a residence permit yourself

There are 2 scenarios when applying for a residence permit:

  • If, besides a residence permit, you also need an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV), you can apply for both at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of origin or in the country where you have been living for more than 3 months. If there is no Dutch embassy or consulate there, you can apply at the nearest one in a neighbouring country. This type of application is known as an admission and residence application (TEV).
  • If you only need a residence permit, you can apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for this permit once you have arrived in the Netherlands.

Having your sponsor in the Netherlands apply for your residence permit

In many cases you will need a sponsor in order to come to the Netherlands. This could be a recognised employer but also an educational institution or a partner you are going to live with.

Your sponsor will need to submit an admission and residence application (TEV) to the Immigration and Nationalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands.

Assessing your application

The IND will assess whether you meet all the requirements for a residence permit. The permit is valid for up to 5 years. 

If your application is rejected you can lodge an objection or an application for judicial review.

Collecting your MVV and residence permit

If you are granted a residence permit, you should make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate within 3 months to collect your MVV (if necessary).

After arriving in the Netherlands you should collect your residence permit from an IND office.

See also

  • Applying for a long-stay visa (MVV) before travelling to the NetherlandsThe Netherlands and you
  • Permanent residence in the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
  • Coming to the Netherlands to work Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
  • To live in the Netherlands with your spouse or partner Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Permanent residency

You can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay in the Netherlands. There are 2 types of permanent residency:

  • long-term residency EC, based on EU law
  • a permanent residence permit, based on Dutch national law

The IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) determines for which permit you qualify.

Why a permanent residence permit?

Once you have a permanent residence permit (EU or national) your stay in the Netherlands does no longer depend on a certain purpose of stay. A permanent residence permit can only be revoked if you leave the Netherlands permanently or if you commit a serious crime. Moreover, you are free on the labor market, which means you do not need a separate work permit to legally work in the Netherlands. You request a new card every 5 years.

Permanent residency is however not the same as Dutch citizenship. If you are a Dutch citizen, you have the right to vote and stand as candidate for Dutch parliament. After becoming a Dutch citizen, you can apply for a Dutch passport. But, in many cases you have to renounce your other nationalities. You keep your original nationality when you apply for permanent residency.

Comparison chart long-term residency EC, national permanent residence permit and Dutch citizenship

Long-term residency based on EU law

Having a residence permit as a long-term EU-resident allows you to apply more easily for a long-term residence permit in other EU countries, although the conditions for the residence permit may differ from one country to another.

In the Netherlands, the following conditions apply:

  • you have been living in the Netherlands for 5 years or more with a valid residence permit1
  • during the 5-year residency you did not stay outside the Netherlands for more than 6 consecutive months, or more than 10 months in total
  • when you apply, you have a valid residence permit for a non-temporary purpose
  • you have passed the civic integration exam
  • you have sufficient long-term income. The standard amount is reviewed twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. 

1In general, you must have had a residence permit with a non-temporary purpose throughout the 5-year period. An exchange period or orientation year for example, are temporary and do not count. However, half of your study period does count. For example, if you studied in the Netherlands for 4 years, 2 years add towards the 5-year period.

Permanent residency based on national law

If you do not (yet) meet the conditions for a long-term residence permit based on EU law, you may qualify for a national permanent residence permit.

The conditions are the following:
– you have been living in the Netherlands for 5 years or more with a valid residence permit2 
– when you apply, you have a valid residence permit with a non-temporary purpose
– you have passed the civic integration exam
– you have sufficient long-term income. The standard amount is reviewed every year on 1 January. 

2This may be a residence permit with a non-temporary or a temporary purpose of stay. All consecutive residence permits you have held count towards the total of (at least) 5 years.

Other rules apply to diplomats, consular staff or employees of an international organization (summarized as privileged). 

For more information or advice, please contact Elles Besselsen, Lotte van Diepen or Anne Wijffelman.