Apply for a residence permit

You will need a residence permit if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days. This does not apply if you are a national of one of the following European countries, or Switzerland. Apply for a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Rule at IND

Approach

How to apply for a residence permit:

  • You contact the IND.
  • You deliver to:
    • your valid proof of identity (your travel document or other document stating your nationality)
    • if you were born abroad: a birth certificate (depending on your country of birth, the certificate may need to be legalized)
    • if you are married: your marriage certificate
    • if you have been married: the divorce certificate or death certificate of your deceased partner

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

  • a lease agreement, or
  • proof of ownership, or
  • a statement from the main occupant of the property

Description

If you wish to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, you will 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 one of these European countries or Switzerland? Or are you staying in the Netherlands for less than 90 days? Then you do not need a residence permit. 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 onIND.nl.

Requirements

You do not need a residence permit if you Requirements one of these Requirements :

The Requirements applying for a residence permit include:

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

More information

Registration with the IND for EU nationals

Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND)

Information on the legalization of foreign documents, by country

Information about decision deadlines and objections and appeals for residence permits

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