Netherlands student visa documents

Original passport valid for the intended stay, as required of every applicant under IND's general residence-permit conditions; most Indian students renew well before the permit start date to avoid rejection.

“You have a valid passport or other travel document.”

Original birth certificate containing both parents' full names, legalised with an Apostille sticker from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) India for municipal registration (BRP) upon arrival.

“To use a document from India in the Netherlands, you must have it legalised with an apostille by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.”

Register and submit your enrolment application through Studielink, the national portal used by Dutch higher education institutions, ahead of programme deadlines (15 January for numerus fixus programmes, 1 May for most others).

“Studielink is the official registration and application portal for programmes at Dutch higher education institutions.”

Optional comparison of your Indian degree and academic transcripts against Dutch diploma levels, useful for admission and later credential recognition; processed through Nuffic's IDW digital counter.

“A credential evaluation is a comparison of a foreign diploma (credential) to a Dutch diploma.”

Valid IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or other accepted test score demonstrating English proficiency for English-taught programmes; minimum required scores vary by institution and programme.

“To study at an English-taught study programme in the Netherlands, it is essential that you speak, read and write English well.”

Documented proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses amounting to €1,130.77 per month (€13,569.24 per academic year for 2026) for HBO/WO studies, plus tuition fees.

“A person in the Netherlands finances the study and stay of the student”

Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV) sticker for entry and Verblijfsvergunning Regulier (VVR) residence permit. Submitted on student's behalf by the Dutch university via IND TEV procedure.

“Choose your country and find out how to apply for an MVV visa sticker to travel to the Netherlands.”

Signed declaration disclosing any criminal offences, required from every applicant aged 12 and over as part of the residence permit application; submitted alongside the MVV/VVR paperwork.

“Everyone over the age of 12 must completely fill in an Appendix Antecedents Certificate and enclose it with the application.”

In-person appointment at an IND desk in the Netherlands to provide a digital passport photo, signature and fingerprints for the residence document, booked only after IND sends the appointment letter.

“At the Desk or Service Point, the IND will take a digital passport photo and take your fingerprints.”

Mandatory TB screening at a Municipal Health Service (GGD) within three months of arrival for most non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens, as a condition of the residence permit.

“After you arrive in the Netherlands, you have to be tested for tuberculosis (TB).”

Valid international student health insurance policy (or Dutch basic insurance if you take a part-time job) covering the full stay; legally required for every international student in the Netherlands.

“International students who study or work in the Netherlands are legally required to have health insurance.”

In-person registration at the local municipality (gemeente), required for stays of 4 months or longer; issues the citizen service number (BSN) needed for banking, insurance, and work.

“If you are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months you will need to go to the municipality and register as a resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP)”