From admission to residence card, and from diploma to your first Dutch job: we guide international students and their families through every step.
Your institution files the application – but most of the preparation is yours.
Two permits, one route: study first, then use the orientation year to find work.
| Student residence permit | Orientation year (zoekjaar) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Studying at a recognised institution | Looking for work or starting a business |
| Duration | Length of your programme | 1 year, not renewable |
| Work | Max. 16 hours a week, or full-time in June–August, with a work permit (TWV) from your employer | Free – no work permit needed |
| Money | €1,130.77 per month (HBO/university, 2026) | No income requirement |
| IND fee 2026 | €254 | €254 |
| Next step | Orientation year or a work permit | Highly skilled migrant at the reduced salary of €3,122 |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We help you choose a programme and check whether the institution is a recognised sponsor.
We plan your proof of funds, tuition payment and documents with you.
Your university files the combined MVV and residence application with the IND.
Registration, residence card, insurance – and a plan for your orientation year and first job.
The complete route in seven steps.
Pick a programme taught at a Dutch university, university of applied sciences (HBO) or school. Check that the institution is listed in the IND public register of recognised sponsors – otherwise it cannot apply for your permit.
Apply to the programme and meet the academic and language requirements, such as IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes. Admission can take several months – start early.
Prepare proof of €1,130.77 per month for living costs (HBO/university, 2026) plus your tuition fee. Most institutions ask you to pay the first year of tuition and living costs to them in advance.
Valid passport, completed forms from your institution and a declaration about your criminal record. Some documents may need legalisation and translation.
Your university files the combined application for the MVV entry visa and the residence permit. The IND has up to 90 days to decide, but recognised sponsors usually get faster decisions.
If your nationality needs an MVV, collect it at the Dutch embassy and travel to the Netherlands within its validity.
Register at the municipality, collect your residence card, take the TB test if required, arrange health insurance and open a bank account.
What you need to show – and what you should plan for.
€1,130.77 per month for HBO or university in 2026 – about €13,570 for twelve months. For MBO or secondary education: €928.58 per month.
Set by your institution. Non-EU students pay the institutional rate, which is usually much higher than the statutory fee.
€254 in 2026, often collected by your institution together with the other costs.
Health insurance, housing deposit, legalisation and translation of documents, and travel. Housing in Dutch student cities is scarce – plan early.
Your diploma opens new routes in the Netherlands.
One year to look for work or start a business, with free access to the labour market. Apply once, within three years after graduating – in the Netherlands or at a top-200 university abroad.
orientation-year.nl →Graduates can be hired as highly skilled migrants at a reduced salary requirement of €3,122 gross per month in 2026.
hsmvisa.nl →Have a business idea? The start-up visa or the self-employed route may be your next step.
startup-visa.nl →Study years can count partly towards EU long-term residence, and later towards Dutch citizenship.
eu-permanent.nl →We see these problems every year – most are easy to prevent.
No. Your Dutch university or school is the sponsor and files the application with the IND for you. You provide the documents and pay the fees to the institution.
For HBO or university in 2026: €1,130.77 per month for living costs – about €13,570 for a full year – plus your tuition fee. Many institutions ask you to transfer the first year in advance.
Yes, but limited: up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you. Internships that are part of your study follow separate rules.
Often yes, but you must show additional income for them. We calculate the amount for your situation.
A one-year permit after graduation to look for work or start a business. You can apply once, within three years after graduating in the Netherlands or at a top-200 university abroad. During that year you may work freely.
Your institution must report insufficient progress to the IND, which can withdraw your permit. Contact us early if you face personal circumstances such as illness.
Yes. Many graduates switch to the highly skilled migrant permit, at a reduced salary requirement of €3,122 gross per month in 2026.
The first 30 minutes are free.
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