Residence permit applications

You need a residence permit if you want to stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days. Except if you have the nationality of 1 of these European countries or Switzerland. Apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Rule at IND

Note

On November 25, 1975, Suriname became independent. Did you lose your Dutch nationality because of this? Then you can still apply for a residence permit. This is only possible between January 1 and July 1, 2025. However, you must meet the conditions. You apply for the residence permit at the municipality of Amsterdam.

Approach

This is how you apply for a residence permit:

  • You contact the IND.
  • You supply:
    • your valid proof of identity (your travel document or other document containing your nationality)
    • if you were born abroad: a birth certificate (depending on your country of birth, the certificate must be legalized)
    • if you are married: your marriage certificate
    • if you were married: your deceased partner's divorce certificate or death certificate

The IND sometimes also asks for proof that you have a home in the Netherlands. This proof can be:

  • a lease, or
  • a property deed, or
  • A statement from the principal occupant of the property

Description

If you want to stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days, you need a residence permit. For example, if you want to work or study here. There are different types of residence permits. Check the IND website to see which permit you need .

Do you have the nationality of 1 of these European countries or Switzerland? Or will you stay in the Netherlands for less than 90 days? Then you do not need a residence permit. However, you do need a valid passport or identity card.

Most refugees from Ukraine do not need a residence permit. Read the rules for refugees from Ukraine on IND.nl.

Terms

You do not need a residence permit if you meet 1 of these conditions:

The conditions for applying for a residence permit include:

  • You have a valid passport or other travel document.
  • You honestly state whether you have ever committed a crime or offense.
  • You need a special visa. This is called a provisional residence permit (mvv). Unless you come from 1 of these countries:
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • the United States
    • South Korea
    • Monaco
    • Vatican City

Learn more

Registration with the IND for EU nationals.

Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Information on legalization of foreign documents, by country

Information on decision deadlines and objections and appeals for residence permits

Information on residence permit for Surinamese on Amsterdam.nl

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