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Scientific researcher

You wish to work in the Netherlands as a scientific researcher under Directive 2005/71/EC. You need a residence permit for this. What are the conditions for this residence permit? And how does the application procedure work?

​Other conditions apply to persons with the nationality of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and their family members.

Under the directive for scientific research 2005/71/EC, you can work as:

  • Paid scientific researcher.
  • PhD student.
  • Unpaid scientific researcher with a grant.

Conditions

There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. In addition, you and your employer have to meet the following conditions:

  • You will be conducting research at a research institution in the Netherlands. This research institution is a recognised sponsor by the IND. Recognised employers are listed in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors.
  • You have an appropriate higher education degree. The degree gives you access to the doctorate programme. The research institution determines if the degree is appropriate. The degree must have been certified by a notary or municipality (in the Netherlands or abroad). If you do not have an appropriate higher education degree, the research institution must declare that is demonstrated that you have the correct level.
  • The research project has been approved by the institution. The institution has assessed the purpose, duration of the research and the funds required for conducting this research.

  • You have an employment contract or hosting agreement with a research institution.

  • You are going to earn sufficient income. This income is independent and long-term. Do you not get paid by the research institute? Then you receive income from another source, for example a grant or sponsor payments. Or you have enough money on your bank account for the whole duration of your stay in the Netherlands.

Other conditions may apply for Turkish nationals and their family members.

Online application

Your employer can also submit this application online. He can do this in the Business Portal.

Online application

Costs

This application costs € 321.

Checklist documents

Your research institution has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

 

Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

To travel to the Netherlands, you need a provisional residence permit (mvv). The mvv is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. In some cases, you do not need an mvv.

Your recognised research institution applies for the mvv and the residence permit for you at the same time. Your recognised research institution will find the forms at the bottom of this page. The recognised research institution sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. After the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

2. Receipt and check application

After your application has been received, the IND sends a confirmation letter to your sponsor in the Netherlands. The confirmation letter states the date the IND has received the application. It also states the period within which the IND makes a decision.

The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and that the fees have been paid. Are documents missing, or are documents not correct? In that case, the IND will send a letter: a request to rectify the omission. This letter lists the documents that still needs to be sent. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND.

3. Decision

​The IND checks if you and your research institution meet all the conditions. The IND has to make a decision within a period of 60 days.

  • Negative decision

    If you or your research institution do not meet the conditions, you will not get an mvv and a residence permit. This decision is given in the formal decision. The IND will send the decision by post. You can apply for a review of this decision.

  • Positive decision

    If you and your research institution meet all the conditions, you will get an mvv and a residence permit. The IND will inform your research institution about this decision. The IND also informs the Dutch representation.

4. Collect mvv

​You collect the mvv from the Dutch representation that your research institution filled in on the application form.

You have 3 months to collect the mvv. Please make an appointment for this with the representation. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day you get the mvv.

You have to give your biometric information upon collecting the mvv.

5. Travel to the Netherlands

​Once you have collected your mvv, you can travel to the Netherlands. The mvv is valid for 90 days. The validity is shown on the mvv sticker. The mvv sticker shows 2 dates:

  • Effective date: as of this date the mvv is valid.
  • End date: as of this date the mvv is no longer valid.
The mvv allows you to travel within the Schengen Area.

Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

You do not have an mvv-required nationality. You are travelling to the Netherlands in your permit-exempt term. This means that you do not need a visa to travel to the Netherlands. You then have 3 months to apply for the residence permit in the Netherlands.

Your recognised research institution applies to the IND. The forms are at the bottom of this page for your recognised research institution. Your recognised research institution sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. After the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

2. Receipt and check application

After your application has been received, the IND sends a confirmation letter. The confirmation letter states the date the IND has received the application. It also states the period within which the IND makes a decision.

The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and that the fees have been paid. Are documents missing, or are documents not correct? In that case, the IND will send a letter: a request to rectify the omission. This letter lists the documents that still needs to be sent. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND.

3. Decision

​The IND checks whether you and your research institution meet all the conditions required for the residence permit. The IND has to make a decision within a period of 60 days.

  • Negative decision
    If you or your research institution do not meet the conditions, you will not get a residence permit. This decision is given in the form of a letter: the formal decision. The IND sends the decision by post. You or your research institution can register an objection against this decision.

  • Positive decision
    If you and your research institution meet all the conditions, you will get a residence permit.
Are you still abroad? Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you have to go to an IND desk to provide the biometric information.

Application forms and costs

Application for the purpose of residence of 'scientific researcher'7512

Your recognised research institution uses this form to start your application. Your research institution can also start the application online.

Checklist documents

Your research institution has a list of documents that you need.

You must have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible (clear enough to be read).
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 321.

  • Are you from San Marino or Israel? Based on the Benelux Treaty you do not pay for the application.
  • Do you have the Turkish nationality? Your application costs € 65.​​​​​​

Apply online  Download  

Application forms and costs

Application for the purpose of residence of 'scientific researcher'7512

Your recognised research institution uses this form to start your application. Your research institution can also start the application online.

Checklist documents

Your research institution has a list of documents that you need.

You must have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible (clear enough to be read).
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 321.

  • Do you have the Turkish nationality? Your application costs € 51.​​​​​​​

Apply online  Download  

Application for family members of your employee via recognised sponsor7514

Your recognised employer uses this form to apply for the residence permit of your family members. Your employer can also start the application online.

Checklist documents

Your employer has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 240.

  • Children under 18 pay € 51.
  • Are you from San Marino or Israel? Based on the Benelux Treaty you do not pay for the application.
  • Are you a family member of NATO personnel or personnel of TRON? You do not pay for the application.
  • Do you have the Turkish nationality? Or is your partner a Turkish national and does your partner have the right to work in the Netherlands? Your application costs € 51. 

Apply online  Download  

After the application

Collect your residence permit

The IND aims to have your residence permit ready within 2 weeks following your arrival in the Netherlands. The IND will send you a letter indicating when you can collect the residence permit.
Make an online appointment to collect your residence permit. You do not necessarily need an appointment to do this. However, keep in mind that there might be a considerable waiting time if you do not have an appointment.

Check to see if the information on the residence permit is correct while you are still at the IND desk. If something is incorrect, please inform the IND staff member at once.

Registration with the municipality

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BPR)  in the municipality you are going to live.

To register with the municipality you need a legalised and translated  birth certificate. Take this therefore with you when you travel to the Netherlands.

TB test

You have indicated your intent to undergo a tuberculosis test (TB test) when you applied. You have to make an appointment for this with the Area Health Authority (GGD). You do this within 3 months after having received your residence permit. Please take the 'TB test referral form' with you to the appointment.

In some cases you are exempt from taking a TB test.

Take out health insurance

Anyone living in the Netherlands must take out health insurance. You do this within 4 months following your arrival in the Netherlands.

Validity residence permit

​The period of validity of your residence permit is the same as the length of your employment contract or assignment. With a maximum of 5 years.

Right to work

The back of your residence permit shows if you are allowed to work. Your residence permit states 'Arbeid vrij toegestaan'. Having this residence permit means that you are allowed to work freely in the Netherlands. Your employer does not have to have a TWV for you.

Labour market notification 'work freely permitted'

Have you worked in the Netherlands for 5 years? Than you are free to work in the Netherlands. You do not need an TWV anymore.

Is your residence permit still valid for a least 4 months? You can replace your residencer permit for a document with the labour market notification 'arbeid vrij toegestaan' (work freely permitted).

Does your permit expire within 3 months? Apply for extension. Write on the form that you wish to have the labour market notification 'arbeid vrij toegestaan' on your new residence permit.

Legal obligations

There are a number of legal obligations that apply to you and your research institution.

The IND monitors your compliance with these legal obligations. Failure to meet these legal obligations may have consequences.

Further applications (extend or change) / return visa

​Replace residence permit

Is your residence permit damaged, lost or stolen? In that case, have the residence permit replaced.

Extend residence permit

Is your residence permit due to expire soon? Apply for an extension.

Change residence permit

Has something changed in your situation that influences your residence permit? Please report this immediately to the IND. It may mean that the residence permit has to be changed.

Have you finished your research? You can change your residence permit to a residence permit to look for work in the Netherlands or to work as a highly skilled migrant.

Permanent stay

Having had a residence permit for a period of 5 years, you may apply for a permanent residence permit.

Becoming a Dutch citizen

Having had a residence permit for a period of 5 years, you may apply for Dutch citizenship.

Return visa

If you are awaiting a procedure, you do not have a valid residence document at present and you wish to travel outside the Netherlands, you may need a return visa to re-enter the Netherlands. This could be the case if your current residence permit is no longer valid or your current residence permit will expire during your stay outside of the Netherlands. To apply for a return visa you must meet certain conditions. 

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Recognised sponsor

A sponsor is a person, employer or organisation that has an interest in the arrival of the foreign national in the Netherlands. An organisation is obliged to get recognition as a sponsor if they wish to apply for a residence permit for au pair, exchange, study, highly skilled migrant and scientific researcher (Directive 2005/71/EG).

Provisional residence permit (mvv)

​The provisional residence permit (mvv) is a visa you need if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.

Dutch representation

​This is the Dutch embassy or consulate.

Formal decision

​A formal letter with the decision on your application.

TWV

​A TWV is a work permit. The employer applies for a TWV with UWV (Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency). UWV examines among other things if there is no employee with the Dutch, EU/EEA or Swiss nationality that is qualified for the job. For more information about the TWV, check the website of UWV (only in Dutch).