Most measures against the coronavirus no longer exist. There are not many consequences for your application or stay in the Netherlands. On this page you can read which special situations and relaxations still apply.
Below you can find answers to important questions about the consequences for your application or stay in the Netherlands. Those answers may change if the situation surrounding the coronavirus changes. It is possible that you receive a letter containing different information. Always follow the information that you read on this page. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Last updated: 8 April 2022
Last updated: 1 April 2022 (question removed)
Whether you can travel to the Netherlands depends on your situation. Read more about travelling to the Netherlands from abroad on the website of the Dutch government.
Last updated: 25 March 2022
You can apply for an extension of your short-stay visa if you cannot return to your country of origin. The following situation must apply to you:
Your visa has expired or expires within 1 month; and
The airline has cancelled your flight. Or you had not booked a flight yet. You cannot book a (new) flight. Or you tested positive for COVID-19; and
You still meet the conditions for a short-stay visa .
Would you like to apply for a visa extension? Please call the IND. Keep your visa number and passport to hand. In this case, applying for a visa extension is free. Do you want to extend your visa due to a different personal situation? Please read more information on the page extension Schengen visa or visa exempt period.
Is the IND going to renew your visa? Then you will not immediately have a visa sticker placed in your passport. You will receive a letter of confirmation. This visa extension is only valid within the Netherlands. You cannot travel to other Schengen countries. An application for extending your visa is free.
The total stay with a visa may never exceed 180 days. It is not possible to extend longer than 180 days. If your right of residence expires, the government expects you to try to return. Do you need help to return? Please contact your country's embassy or consulate in the Netherlands (opens in new window). Do you not return home even though there are already opportunities to do so? Then you can get an entry ban from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee when you leave. Unless you can prove that earlier departure was not possible.
Extension of your visa due to corona does not count in the calculation of the total stay. A short stay visa allows you to stay up to 90 days, within a 180-day period, in the Netherlands (or Schengen area). Do you reach these 90 days (or more) due to the extension? Then you do not have to wait 90 days outside the Netherlands (or Schengen area) before you re-enter the Netherlands with a visa.
If you now extend your short-stay visa, it is only valid in the Netherlands. However, you may travel to an airport in another Schengen country to take a flight to your country of origin. You are not allowed to stay in another Schengen country with your extended visa.
According to the permit-exempt term you may stay in the Netherlands (and the Schengen area) for 90 days in a 180-day period. You may apply for an extension of this period. This is only possible in very special and unexpected situations. For example when it is impossible for you to leave the Netherlands due to the corona virus. Please read more information on the page extension Schengen visa or visa exempt period.
When your permit-exempt ends, you have to leave the Netherlands. The Dutch government then expects you to try to return to your country of origin. Do you not return home even though there are already opportunities to do so? Then you can get an entry ban from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee when you leave. Unless you can prove that earlier departure was not possible. Do you need help to return home? Please contact your country's embassy or consulate in the Netherlands (opens in new window).
Yes, you can. Please call the IND to apply for a visa extension.
Last updated: 25 March 2022
With a valid mvv you will have access to the Netherlands, or another Schengen country. Please read the checklist on Rijksoverheid.nl before you travel to the Netherlands. Please read the 'Checklist for travel to the Netherlands' by the Dutch government. (opens in a new window).
Normally you have to travel back to collect your mvv. The IND understands that travel is not always possible due to the corona crisis. Therefore, we make an exception to this rule if you meet the following 4 conditions:
Do all 4 conditions apply to you? Then you do not have to collect the mvv. You can make an appointment by phone to visit an IND desk. During the appointment, an IND staff member will check your documents. They will also take your biometric details (photo, fingerprints and signature).
Please bring along to the appointment at the IND desk:
the letter stating that you are getting a residence permit (kennisgeving)
the original documents mentioned in this letter
your passport
documents showing that due to travel restrictions you could not return to your country of origin or continuous residence before 15 June 2020
Do you not meet the 4 conditions? Then you must collect your mvv in the country of origin or continuous residence, when this is possible again. You cannot collect your mvv in the Netherlands.
The IND is currently being flexible with the rule that you have to travel to the Netherlands with an mvv. We are doing this because of the travel restrictions. This means that in certain situations, you can apply for a residence permit without mvv in the Netherlands. Then you do not need to travel abroad to collect your mvv.
Would you like to apply for a residence permit without mvv? Then you must fulfil the following 3 conditions:
You arrived in the Netherlands before 23 January 2021;
You are in the Netherlands with a short-stay visa or in your permit-exempt term. You risk being in a situation where your extended visa or permit-exempt term has expired and you cannot leave the Netherlands due to travel restrictions. Has your visa or permit-exempt term already expired? The IND is flexible in handling these cases if this is the result of force majeure (circumstances outside your control) due to the coronavirus;
You and your sponsor meet all the conditions for the residence permit. See the conditions for your residence purpose on this website. Do the conditions say that you should you have passed the civic integration examination abroad? Then in this case, this condition does not apply.
Do you meet the 3 conditions? Including the conditions to live with your family or partner in the Nederlands? Then you can send a written application to the IND by post. Please use this form: Application for the purpose of residence of ‘family and relatives’ (foreign national) – 7525
Please note: in the application form, under the reason for exemption from the mvv requirement, tick: “Other, there are special and personal circumstances on the basis of which you cannot travel back to your country to apply for an mvv.” Attach a letter to your application form explaining why you cannot travel abroad due to the coronavirus. Are you unable to travel due to other special circumstances? Please also mention these circumstances. You do not have to make an appointment at an IND desk to submit your application. You will receive a message from the IND about the handling of your application.
Do you have a recognised sponsor for, for example, knowledge migration or study? Then your recognised sponsor will submit the application in the usual way.
Do you want to apply for a residence permit without mvv for a different purpose of residence? Please check our website to find the application form you need.
That differs per embassy. Read more about the embassy or consulate in your country or region (opens in new window).
Not all embassies are open. This depends on the local situation. Is your embassy still closed? Foreign Affairs will then only issue an mvv if you fall under an exception category of the EU entry ban (opens in new window). Or if you need an mvv with exceptional urgency. And if the local situation allows it. This differs per embassy. It is still possible that you cannot pick up an mvv yet. The IND will only consider your case urgent if you meet these three criteria:
You can prove that you can travel to the Netherlands at this time. This means that there are no physical restrictions and that the borders are open. Flights are departing from your country to the Netherlands.
Your work or research comes under the vital professions.
You need to explain why your case is urgent. And you have to prove that this urgency relates to a vital profession.
If you meet all three criteria, ask your employer to contact the IND. The IND will then determine whether the case is indeed urgent.
You normally have 3 months to collect your mvv. This has been extended to 6 months because of the corona crisis. What if it is not possible to collect your mvv within 6 months due to the coronavirus measures? The embassy or consulate will handle your case flexibly if you collect the mvv within 3 months following those 6 months. At your appointment, you must explain that you could not pick up your mvv sooner because of the corona crisis. So, you must collect the mvv within 9 months after the positive decision of the IND.
Will you be able to travel to the Netherlands soon? But is your mvv no longer valid? You can make a new appointment if the embassy or consulate is open. This appointment has to take place within 90 days after your current mvv expires. At the appointment you will have to explain that you could not travel with your mvv because of the measures. The embassy or consulate will then reissue your mvv.
Has it been more than 90 days since your mvv expired? Or were you unable to collect the mvv within 9 months? Then the embassy or consulate cannot simply reissue the mvv. You must then make a new application first. This can be done in the same way as you made the previous application. You have to pay for the new application as well. Have you received a positive decision on the new application? Then you can make an appointment to collect your new mvv from the embassy or consulate.
This is only allowed in special cases. Since it is very busy at embassies and consulates that are open again. The following situation should apply to you:
The IND must give permission to collect your mvv from another embassy. Therefore call your contact person at the IND. You can find the phone number in the letter from the IND stating that you will receive an mvv. The contact person will then check whether your case is urgent. And whether there is room at the embassy in the neighbouring country. Do you get permission? Only then you can make an appointment at the embassy to collect your mvv.
Last updated: 6 April 2022 (question removed)
The information below is divided into a general part and parts with additional information about a specific purpose of stay.
With a residence permit, you may only be abroad for a certain period of time. How long you may stay outside the Netherlands depends on which residence permit you have. Read more about this on the page Staying abroad with a residence permit. Are you unable to travel back to the Netherlands in time due to the measures against corona? If you can explain that this is not your fault, there will be no consequences for your residence permit. This also does not affect future applications. For example, if you want to apply for a permanent residence permit or naturalisation.
You can extend a residence permit at the IND from abroad. Please do this before your residence permit expires. If you submit the application after your residence permit has expired, you may then have a residence gap. What if you cannot submit certain documents (on time) because of the measures against the coronavirus? The IND will be flexible in handling such cases. Has you application for extension been granted? Then please make an appointment for collecting your residence document at an IND desk. Your document cannot be collected by someone else.
Do you want to travel to the Netherlands? And do you require a visa for this because of your nationality? You then have to apply for an entry visa to travel back to the Netherlands without a valid residence permit. You can only do this if you still have right of residence in the Netherlands. You can enter the Netherlands if you have an entry visa. Visit the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website to find out if you can apply for an entry visa in your country (opens in new window).
Request an extension of your residence document if this is possible. What if an extension is not possible? Then you have to leave the Netherlands, if possible. The Dutch government understands that it may be more difficult to return during this period. But the government does expect you to try to return when your right of residence expires. Do you not return home even though there are already opportunities to do so? Then you can get an entry ban from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee when you leave. Do you need help to return home? Please contact your country's embassy or consulate in the Netherlands (opens in new window).
The conditions for the residence permit include the condition that your income must be high enough (sufficient). And that you have been receiving the income for long enough (sustainable). As a result of the coronavirus crisis, the IND is being more flexible with the income conditions in some situations.
If you no longer meet the income requirements, you are obliged to let the IND know by letter. The address can be found on the web page about post. More information about a sponsor's legal obligations can be read on the web page 'Legal obligations private sponsor'.
Normally, you are not allowed to receive social benefits if you have a residence permit as an independent entrepreneur. However, the IND understands that the corona crisis may require temporary assistance. If you apply for financial support for self-employed professionals (Bbz) (in Dutch only), you will not lose your residence permit for this reason. This also applies to your partner or family member's residence permit if you are their sponsor. However, you must notify the IND that you are receiving support under Bbz.
When assessing the application for a residence permit as a self-employed person (following residence as a start-up), the IND usually looks at the likelihood of the start-up being successful. A statement from a reliable business mentor (facilitator) in the Netherlands is important. The coronavirus crisis makes it difficult to assess whether a start-up will be successful. Therefore, the IND will focus on progress and collaboration during the past year and the chances of success under normal circumstances. The facilitator's statement remains important in this regard. You also still have to meet the conditions that apply to residence as a self-employed person. Find out what the conditions are on the web page 'Self-employed person'.
You must meet a monthly wage criteria. This still applies. This means that you may not earn less than the required amount that applies to you. If your employer has made use of the temporary short-time working scheme (wtv), which has now been withdrawn, the IND will handle this situation flexibly. Your residence permit will not be revoked if you temporarily receive less salary for that reason. Is your salary below the required amount for another reason? Then this may have consequences for your residence permit. The IND can withdraw the residence permit. Your employer must inform the IND if you earn less than the wage criteria.
Last updated: 8 April 2022 (question removed)
Yes, under your obligation to provide information, you must report changes to the IND within 4 weeks. For example in the following situations:
Report these and other changes that are important for the right of residence in the Business Portal or use one of the notification forms on our website. And make sure that you record these situations in your administration because of your duty to keep records. You can find more information regarding your legal obligations and the notification forms on the following web pages: Legal obligations (recognised) sponsor labour-related purposes and Legal obligations recognised sponsor researcher.
Someone with a residence permit may only be abroad for a certain period of time. How long exactly depends on the residence permit. Highly skilled migrants and scientific researchers are not allowed to work outside the Netherlands for more than a total of 8 months in a 12-month period. They must also still meet the conditions for the residence permit, such as the salary criterion, when staying outside the Netherlands. Is your employee staying outside the Netherlands for longer than the maximum permitted period? In that case, the main residence may have been moved. And the permit can be revoked or not renewed. For more information, see the 'Main residence in the Netherlands' page.
Is your employee staying abroad longer than permitted? Then you must report this to the IND. Is your employee unable to travel back to the Netherlands on time due to the coronavirus? Then you must be able to prove that there are no options for your employee to travel to the Netherlands. You report this notification via the Business Portal. Or one of the notification forms on the pages Legal obligations (recognised) sponsor labour-related purposes and Legal obligations recognised sponsor researcher.
Choose the option "other changes" in the form. And state in the comments section the reason that your employee cannot come to the Netherlands. Add supporting documents to the form. The IND assesses these reports by looking at the individual situation of the employee.
Last updated: 8 april 2022 (question removed)
Yes, under your obligation to provide information, you must report changes to the IND within 4 weeks. For example in the following situations:
Report these and other changes that are important for the right of residence in DVS or use one of the notification forms on our website. And make sure that you record these situations in your administration because of your duty to keep records. You can find more information regarding your legal obligations and the notification forms on the page Legal obligations recognised sponsor study.
Will the student follow online education from abroad? Then a maximum stay of 12 months abroad is permitted up to and including 31 August 2021. What if the student has not returned to the Netherlands in time? Then you need to deregister the student with the IND.
Starting on 1 September 2021, a student can stay outside the Netherlands for a maximum of 6 months in a row. The same rule applied before the coronavirus crisis. What if the student stays abroad for longer than 6 months? Then the IND sees this as a change of main residence. You must deregister the student with the IND.
Examples:
There are two exceptions where the student may be outside the Netherlands for longer than 6 months in a row:
For more information, see the 'Main residence in the Netherlands' page.
Did the student (excluding exchange student) make too little study progress at the end of the academic year? Then the educational institution must determine whether there is a valid reason for this. This is called an excusable reason. The corona crisis can be an excusable reason for insufficient study progress. This falls under: the inability to study. Can the student follow an alternative form of education? And does the student have the opportunity to earn enough credits? Then this is not seen as an inability to study. This is also stated in the guidelines of the National Commission on the Code of Conduct (in Dutch only, opens in new window).
Does the student have an excusable reason as a result of which he makes too little study progress? Then this has no consequences for the residence permit. The student does not have to be deregistered from the IND. Reporting the reason is also not necessary. The educational institution must, however, include the reason in its administration. Want to know more about study progress and consequences for the residence permit? Please read the 'Study progress monitoring' page.