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.

​The V-number is your number as a foreign national (vreemdeling). You receive such a number as soon as you initiate the application for a residence permit. You'll find the number as a reference in letters from the IND and on the back of your residence document.

​The purpose of the mvv is that the IND can check whether you meet all conditions before you come to the Netherlands. Therefore, it is not desirable for you to be in the Netherlands during the procedure. The IND strongly advises against it.

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.

Are you coming to the Netherlands during the procedure? Then this is your own responsibility. You also always need to collect the mvv at the Dutch embassy in your country of origin or the country of continuous residence.

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.

You can request a payment reference from the IND. Call +31 (0)88 - 043 0430 (normal rate).

No. It is not possible to pay the fees in installments. Your application is only processed when you have paid the total fee of your application.

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 also need a work permit (TWV). A work permit must be applied for by your employer.

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

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 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. 

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.