Frequently asked questions

You are not allowed to change your main residence. The period of time that you are allowed to stay outside the Netherlands depends on your residence permit. Find out the period you may stay outside the Netherlands with your type residence permit.

A researcher that wants to apply for a residence permit highly skilled migrant, needs to have an employment contract (or appointment decision). A researcher based on the Directive (EU) 2016/801 only needs a hosting agreement.

Are you mentioned on the back of the residence card as the parent with whom the minor child is staying? Then you are a social sponsor. You can submit an application for an extension of the residence permit of your minor child. You use your own DigiD to log in.

In general, you can only upload documents that are requested on the form.

Did you already send in your online or written application and now you want to upload additional documents? You may do this as long as no decision has yet been made about your application. Upload the additional documents as follows:

• Go to Uploading documents after your application. Upload documents by using the link in that section.

You need Digid with sms code to upload. Also keep your case number handy. You can find the case number on the confirmation of receipt.

You have to send a photo card to the IND in the mail. You cannot upload the photo card because the quality of the photograph is not good enough.

Contact the IND. We can check to see whether we have received your application properly.

If the IND has not received your application, then we will deposit the money back into your bank account. Please submit a new application.

​Excess payments will be automatically deposited in your bank account. You need not take any action in this regard.

​If you want to save your application and complete it later, follow these steps:

1. In your online application find the menu button (upper left of the page)
2. Click 'Save'.

Often you will get a follow-up question depending on your browser/browser preferences.

For example, are you working with Internet Explorer? Then below on your screen you will see the text: 'Do you want to open or save the file?' If you choose 'save', Internet Explorer will normally save this file in the Downloads folder. The file is now in the Downloads folder. The saved file has the extension .tfa.

Now your online application has been temporarily saved on your own computer.

You can find the saved application using these steps:

1. Go to the website and click on the online application form you need.
2. Log in with your DigiD and sms code.
3. Click the menu button (upper left of the screen) and select 'Open'.
4. Click 'Select a file'. This opens the Explorer/Finder.
5. Go to the Downloads folder.
6. In the Downloads folder, select the .tfa file you saved before.

You can only upload PDFs with a maximum of 8 MB per file. Do not password protect PDFs for the IND. Read more about uploading documents.

Due to a technical limitation you cannot re-open a saved TFA file larger than 25 MB. You can prevent this by saving your application without uploads. Add the uploads when you re-open your saved application and are going to submit it. We are working on a solution.

Is there maintenance or a malfunction at DigiD?

DigiD is not part of the IND. Do you want to know if there is maintenance or a malfunction with DigiD? Then please check logius.nl (Dutch only).

Is there no maintenance or malfunction at DigiD but you are unable to log in with your DigiD?

This may have a number of causes:

• You are not using the correct username or password. Check that you are using the correct data. Pay attention to upper and lower case letters.
• You have not activated your DigiD. First activate your DigiD with the activation code you received by letter.
• Your DigiD is blocked. Wait until the blockage is lifted after the specified time and try again.
• Your DigiD has expired because it has not been used for three years. If so, reapply for your DigiD.

Your software on your computer or mobile device may also no longer meet DigiD's minimum security requirements. Since 13 May 2019, it is no longer possible to log in with DigiD if you are using an outdated operating system.

How can I check if my operating system and software meet the minimum requirements?

To check whether your operating system and browser meet the minimum requirements, go to the website PKIoverheid (Dutch only).

If you then see two green areas, your operating system and browser meet the minimum requirements. If this is not the case, please update your operating system and also your browser to the latest version. Use the manual or help function of your operating system and browser to perform the update.　

You can also log in with another device that does have the correct operating system and browser.

Check whether you have completed all the fields on the page. Then click 'next'.

Make sure your internet browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Chrome) is up-to-date or the 'next' button won't work. 
Update your browser and try again.

Many questions have explanations. Click on the link with the question. You will find a pop-up text with an explanation of the question.

​No, that is not allowed. In the Netherlands you are only allowed to be married to one person. That also means that only 1 spouse with his/her children is allowed to live with you in the Netherlands.

Manager: 
An employee holding a senior position, who primarily directs the management of the concern (host entity), or a department or subdivision. The manager is receiving general supervision or guidance principally from the board of directors or shareholders of the business. Or equivalent persons. The position includes:

• Directing the host entity or a department or subdivision of the host entity.
• Supervising and controlling work of the other supervisory, professional or managerial employees. 
• Having the authority to recommend hiring or dismissing personnel. And authority in other matters of personnel policy. 

Specialist: 
A person possessing specialised knowledge essential to the host entity's areas of activity, techniques or management. This knowledge is assessed on two points: 

1. The specific knowledge the host entity is looking for.   
2. Whether the employee has a high level of qualification for the type of work or activity. This includes adequate professional experience and possible membership of an accredited profession. 

Trainee: 
A person with a university degree who is transferred to a host entity for careerd development purposes or in order to obtain training in business techniques or methodes. The trainee is paid during the transfer. 

A trainee is already at least 3 months employed with the group of undertakings. There is no minimum term for apprentices. A trainee also must have a Master's degree from university. This does not apply to an apprentice. 

A group of undertakings exist of two or more companies for which is recognised that according to national law they are linked. The companies are linked in one of the following ways:

• An undertaking holds a majority of the other undertaking's subscribed capital, directly or indirectly.
• An undertaking controls a majority of the votes attached to the other undertaking's issued share capital, directly or indirectly.
• An undertaking can appoint more than half of the members of that undertaking's administrative, management or supervisory body, directly or indirectly. 
• The undertakings operate under the central supervision of the parent company.

This definition is differs from the definition of a group of undertakings in the Foreign Nationals Employment Act.

In a network organisation the local partners are only linked through a set of agreements that each division needs to uphold. The local partners all own there own company.  Neither of the parties in a cooperation possesses a majority of another partner organisation. Therefore, they are not part of a group of undertakings.

If economic activities take place at a charity  or non-profit organisation that organisation falls within the scope of the ICT Directive. All other conditions will have to be met as well. 

The EU Court considers any activity that is to offer goods or services on a market as an economic activity.

No, you cannot. When you have studied abroad, you should at least have obtained a master's degree. 

If the product or service of the start-up permit is part of the existing company's core business, there is no need to register a new company.

Yes, that's possible. A non-EU or non-EEA citizen can apply for a start-up residence permit, even if the company in question has participated in an accelerator programme in the past. But this third person must still fulfil all requirements for the start-up permit. This includes having an agreement with a trustworthy and qualified facilitator.

No, the facilitator does not have the legal position of sponsor (referent). But the facilitator does have certain obligations. These are stated in the  agreement that the facilitator and the applicant of the residence permit for start-up sign.

When you applied for a residence permit, you stated your nationality. You received your residence permit with this nationality. If you want to apply for Dutch citizenship, you must renounce your nationality. Different rules apply to a person who is stateless.

By signing a sponsorship declaration, you guarantee the costs of a foreigner's stay/residence in the Netherlands.  You also guarantee that this foreigner leaves the Netherlands on time. The sponsorship declaration tells you exactly what your obligations are.

​There is no legally set period of validity regarding the legalization of the 'Proof of Sponsorship/Accommodation'. The embassies and consulates use different periods of validity. For the latest information, contact the embassy or consulate. In the case of a possible objection, you will not need to have the form legalized again.

A permanent residence permit or long-term resident EU permit does not expire. Has your permanent residence card or long-term resident EU document expired? You are still allowed to work. However, you can apply for renewal of your residence document. 

You will be awarded a joint degree or multiple degrees when you complete the Erasmus Mundus Masters Course, or an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master. These diplomas are issued by at least 2 participating higher education schools.

You can find all current Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (Degree) programmes in the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue on the website from the European Commission. 

If you have a residence permit for another EU country, you are not automatically allowed to live and work in the Netherlands.

With a residence permit from another EU country, you can enter the Netherlands without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. Do you want to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days? Then you must apply for a Dutch residence permit and sometimes also an entry visa (mvv).

Do you also want to work in the Netherlands? Then you may need a work permit (TWV). Your employer can apply for a TWV at UWV.

No, you cannot. A Dutch residence permit allows you to enter the Netherlands. It does not give you the right to work in other countries. If you want to work in another Schengen member state, you will have to apply for a residence permit and/or a work permit in that country.  

Yes, this is possible. You can transfer the fees from your foreign bank account to the account of the IND.

With the orientation year you will have time to find a job as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands. During the orientation year you can work freely in the Netherlands. This means that your employer does not need a work permit for you. And your employer only has to pay at least the legal minimum wage (including holiday allowance). You can also use the orientation year to start your own business. 

Did you find a job as a highly skilled migrant? In that case a reduced salary criterion applies to you. This makes it easier and cheaper for an employer to hire you. You keep the reduced salary criterion, also when you change employers. Read the requirements for a residence permit for highly skilled migrant. 

You can request a payment reference from the IND. You can only do this by calling us.

No. It is not possible to pay the fees in installments. We will not process your application until you have paid the full fee.

Once you have submitted an application to the IND, you will receive a notification.  You can track your application in My IND. When the IND has processed your application, you will see the status 'Received'. 

An application submitted online is usually visible within a few minutes. Is your application not visible after a few minutes? Then do not call us immediately. After a maximum of 5 days, your application will be visible in My IND. A written application is registered in about 10 days. 

The IND does not provide information on the status of your application until a decision has been made. In most situations, a (statutory) decision period applies. The IND can make use of the entire decision period to process your application.

Follow your application in My IND.

Do you not have DigiD? And has the decision period ended? Please, call the IND.

Have you applied for asylum and are you waiting for a decision? Find out more information about the processing of asylum applications on Asylum: latest developments.

​Yes, but the new educational institution must be recognized as a sponsor. The new educational institution also has to notify the IND of your transfer. You do not need to apply for a new residence permit.

This is allowed if you and your partner meet the requirements for a residence permit for partner.

If you change your employer, both you and your employer must notify the IND according to regulations. In practice, your employer will deregister you but it is your responsibility to check the deregistration with your employer. Whether you have to apply for the new residence permit depends on the residence permit you currently hold. 

Only notify the change of employer

You or your employer only has to notify the change if you have one of the following residence permits:

• highly skilled migrants;
• European blue card;
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT Directive);
• scientific researcher (Directive 2005/71/EG); or
• researcher/research worker permit (Directive (EU) 2016/801).

You do need to keep satisfying the conditions of your residence permit.

Notify and apply for new residence permit

Do you have a single permit (GVVA) for residence and work? You or your employer have to submit a new application. In such a case the IND again asks advice of the Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency (UWV) whether you fulfil the criteria of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act. Is the advice from the UWV is positive and is your residence permit still valid for a period of 3 months or longer? You will receive only a new additional document. Is your residence permit valid for less than 3 months? You will receive a new residence permit and a new additional document.

Notify and apply for a new work permit at UWV

Do you hold a residence permit for paid employment (only residence permit)? Your new employer has to apply for a new work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV) from the Employment Insurance Agency (UWV). Have you worked for 5 years continuously? Then you are usually free to work in the Netherlands and you don't need a work permit (TWV) anymore. Always have your employer inform at UWV if a TWV is necessary.

You no longer meet the requirements of you residence permit

If you do not meet the requirement of your residence permit anymore, it will be revoked. See whether you meet the requirements of another residence permit for work and apply for that permit. 

If you wish to stay in the Netherlands after your studies, you have to apply for a new residence permit. As a graduate you can make use of the orientation year for graduates. With your permit for the orientation year you have one year to find work in the Netherlands, for example as a highly skilled migrant. 

Have you graduated? Your residence permit for study purposes will remain valid until 3 months after you deregister from your educational institution. 

You can also apply for a start-up residence permit. This gives you one year to start an innovative company.

Do you have the possibility to do scientific research? Your employer or research institute can apply for a residence permit for you as a researcher highly skilled migrant, or as a researcher under directive (EU) 2016/801.

It is not possible to bring a child who has reached the age of majority to the Netherlands. Unless there are exceptional circumstances. For more information, contact the IND.

​The purpose of the mvv is for the IND to check that you meet all the requirements before you come to the Netherlands. For this reason, the IND does not recommend  that you stay in the Netherlands during your application procedure.

You must always collect your mvv from the Dutch embassy in your country of origin or in the country of continuous residence. Will  you be coming to the Netherlands during the procedure? This is your own responsibility. 

Do you have an urgent reason to be in the Netherlands during the mvv application? Report this reason to the IND before you come to the Netherlands.

Country of continuous residence

​A country of continuous residence is not your country of origin (the country in which you or your parents were born). It is the country where you have legal stay for more than 3 months. This means you have a valid residence permit for that country. Or that you are waiting for your application for a residence permit to be approved. 

Are you staying in a country for a maximum of 90 days? For example, on a short-stay visa or during a visa-exempt period? This is not continuous residence.
 

It depends on whether you are married and which country you would be moving to.

You are married or registered partners

Moving abroad will not change anything for the application for naturalisation. This only does not apply when you move to the country of your partner's nationality. You cannot become a Dutch citizen when living in the country of which you have the nationality.

You are unmarried partners

A move abroad does have implications for the application for naturalisation. This is because as unmarried partners you must live together in the Netherlands for the entire naturalisation process.

If you have lived in another EU Member State as a Dutch national, you have made use of the EU law on the free movement of people. You may therefore be seen as a community citizen. Your partner can apply for a residence permit as a family member of an EU citizen. Read more about the requirements on Dutch nationals and EU law.

Do you need more information about your application, decision periods or letters sent by the IND? If so, we suggest you first try to find more information on our website. If you have any further questions, please call us at 0880 - 430 430 (normal charges apply, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

Have you received a letter from the person processing your application? If you have any questions, please contact them directly. For example, if you cannot provide us with the documents we have requested.

You will find the direct phone number of the employee concerned in our letter (under ‘Contactpersoon’).
 

• You no longer need a residence permit. Therefore, you no longer have to meet the requirements for a residence permit.
• You are included in the Personal Records Database (in Dutch: Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) of the Netherlands.
•  You can apply for a Dutch passport.
• You can stay abroad for a longer period.
• You are allowed to vote in all Dutch elections.
• You are an EU citizen. You are allowed to vote in European elections.
• It will be easier for you to move to another EU country.
• You will be allowed to work in all public positions. For example as a mayor, police officer, soldier or judge.

It is possible to sponsor up to 2 adults plus 1 or 2 children at a time. You do have to use a separate form 'proof of sponsorship/accommodation' for each person. You must also have a legalisation of your signature on each form. The Dutch representation abroad (embassy or consulate), or the Consular Service Organisation (CSO) determines if you can sponsor multiple persons and how many.