Apply to study in The Netherlands as an international student, extend your study permit and find out about working while You study or after you graduate.
To visit The Netherlands, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
The visa application form can be filled out online, but the submission of documents is done in person at the visa application center or Dutch embassy/consulate in India.
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a The Netherlands visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
On a student visa, you can stay longer than 90 Days (depending on your study program).
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Visa |
EUR |
Schengen visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
Schengen visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
Schengen visa normal fee |
90,00 |
Schengen visa, low fee** |
35,00 |
Airport transit visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
Airport transit visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
Airport transit visa |
90,00 |
Caribbean visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
Caribbean visa child (6 - 11) |
40,00 |
Caribbean visa |
80,00 |
MVV (Authorisation for temporary stay), different fees, depending on purpose of stay |
-- |
Entry visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
Entry visa child (6-11) |
45,00 |
Entry visa |
90,00 |
To obtain more information, click here
Let us walk you through the process
Get started with your visa application
To start the visa application process, the first step is to complete the online application form, which should be printed and signed. In the application form, you should also provide your full name, as well as the surnames of your father and spouse (if applicable).
It is important to ensure that all required documents are provided as per the checklist. Failure to provide all necessary documents may result in a delay or rejection of your visa application. To ensure that you have all required documents, download the relevant checklist for your visa category and review the "documents required" tab.
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
To apply for a visa to the Netherlands, you need to schedule an appointment with the VFS Visa Application Centre. It's important to note that all applicants, including babies and children, need to submit their application in person, unless there are exceptions, which can be confirmed by contacting the Visa Application Centre.
Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a confirmation letter. If you are applying as a group or a family, please let them know, but keep in mind that each member of the group needs to book an individual appointment.
Attend your scheduled appointment
During your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed application form along with all the required documents as per the checklist. You will also need to pay the VFS service fee and the visa fee (if applicable) at this time.
It is important to note that all applicants must appear in person for their appointment, including babies and children. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, so it is best to contact the Visa Application Centre for more information.
During the appointment, your biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and a digital photograph, will be collected. This information will be used for identity verification and to create your visa.
Stay informed about the progress of your application
Once you have submitted your visa application and provided all the required documents and biometrics, you will receive an email notification when a decision has been made on your application. If you prefer, you can also opt for SMS updates for an additional fee if you do not have easy or regular access to email.
Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online using the reference number on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name. This service allows you to see the progress of your application and estimate when a decision will be made.
Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Once your visa application is processed, you can either collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you for an extra fee.
When collecting it yourself, bring a valid ID and the receipt from the Centre. If someone else is collecting it, they will need a letter of authorization from you, a copy of your ID, their own valid ID, and the Centre's receipt.
If your visa is approved, you can travel to the Netherlands, but you must meet certain requirements. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the decision.
If you disagree with the decision, you can object in writing within four weeks, and if successful, you can apply for a "visa after appeal."
When applying for a study visa in the Netherlands from India, you will typically need the following documents and forms:
1. Passport: Your original passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the duration of your intended stay in the Netherlands. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
2. MVV Application Form: The MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) application form is required for long-term stays in the Netherlands. This form is used to apply for an entry visa and residence permit for study purposes.
3. National Visa Application Form: The National Visa application form is specific to the Netherlands and is used to apply for a study visa.
4. Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specifications provided by the Netherlands embassy or consulate.
5. Acceptance Letter: Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in the Netherlands confirming your enrollment in a study program.
6. Proof of Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters.
7. Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. This should meet the requirements set by the Dutch government.
8. Proof of Accommodation: Documentation of your accommodation arrangements in the Netherlands, such as a rental agreement, student housing confirmation, or a letter from your educational institution.
9. Academic Documents: Educational certificates, transcripts, and any other relevant academic documents to support your application.
10. Language Proficiency: Proof of your proficiency in the language of instruction, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.
11. Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate as proof of your identity and age.
12. Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight reservations or itinerary.
13. Consent Form for Minors: If you are a minor (under 18 years old) and travelling to the Netherlands for study purposes without your parents or legal guardians, you may need a consent form signed by your parents or guardians.
14. Authorization Form: Some educational institutions may require you to complete an authorization form, allowing them to act as your sponsor and apply for your study visa on your behalf.
15. Financial Declaration Form: Some visa applications may require you to submit a financial declaration form to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the Netherlands.
16. Health Insurance Declaration Form: You may need to complete a health insurance declaration form to provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and forms may vary based on the educational institution you are applying to and the Dutch embassy or consulate in India. It is recommended to visit the official websites of the educational institution and the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required documents and forms for a study visa application
You may need a residence permit if you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days. You will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before travelling to the Netherlands. This visa is also called an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV).
You can apply for this visa in India at the Netherlands embassy in New Delhi or the consulates-general in Bangalore or Mumbai.
You will generally need to complete the following forms:
MVV Application Form (Visa Application Form)-
You can apply for a residence permit and an MVV in 2 ways:
This form is used to apply for a Dutch visa, including study visas. It collects your personal information, educational details, intended study program, and other relevant information.
Residence Permit Application Form:
Once you arrive in the Netherlands with your MVV visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The specific form for the residence permit application will be provided by the educational institution where you have been accepted.
It’s important to note that the visa application process for studying in the Netherlands may differ depending on the specific educational institution, the study program, and other factors. The forms and requirements may also change over time. Therefore, it is crucial to visit the official website of the Dutch immigration authorities or contact the international office of your chosen educational institution for the most up-to-date and accurate application forms and instructions.
Here is a step-by-step guide in bullets for applying for a study visa (residence permit) to the Netherlands from India:
1. Acceptance from a Dutch Educational Institution:
2. Research Visa Requirements:
3. Gather Required Documents:
4. Pay the Application Fee:
5. Schedule an Appointment:
6. Attend the Appointment:
7. Submit the Application and Biometrics:
8. Track Your Application:
9. Wait for Processing:
10. Collect Your Visa:
11. Arrange Travel and Accommodation:
12. Register with the Local Authorities:
Please note that the above steps are a general guide, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the educational institution and individual circumstances. It is crucial to visit the official websites of the Dutch immigration authorities and the chosen educational institution for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding the study visa application process.