Visa & residence permit
Planning your move to the Netherlands?
This quick guide explains visas (MVV) and residence permits (VVR) in simple steps, so you can get ready for Fontys.
Start early
Fontys University of Applied Sciences works with the Dutch Immigration & Naturalisation Service (IND). We apply for your Entry Visa (MVV) and Residence Permit (VVR) on your behalf.
The IND usually processes an application in 2–3 weeks, but you should start about 3 months before you plan to travel to the Netherlands. Gathering documents can take time.
More background information is available in the IND brochure Coming to study in the Netherlands.
Do I need a visa or residence permit?
This depends on:
- Your nationality (as shown in your passport)
- How long you will stay (less or more than three months)
- Your purpose (studying at Fontys or a preparatory year)
If you will stay longer than 3 months, you will need a Residence Permit (VVR). Most non-EU/EEA students also need an Entry Visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands.
Entry Visa / Authorisation for Temporary Stay (MVV)
All non-EU/EEA students entering the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa (‘MVV’), except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, the USA and Vatican City State.
This Entry Visa is a sticker in your passport, issued by the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of origin. Go to Netherlandsandyou.nl to read more about Dutch Embassies abroad.
Residence permit (VVR)
If you come to the Netherlands (with or without an MVV) for more than 3 months, you must apply for a VVR (residence permit).
- Fontys Team International Students sends your application to the IND for you.
- Your residence permit will be ready soon after you arrive in the Netherlands.
- The IND grants a permit that is valid until three months after the expected end date of your study programme.
- Those extra 3 months only count after you graduate. They start on your graduation date (Bachelor/Master) or on the final date of your Exchange. The date printed on the card shows this validity.
Important: extra financial condition for some nationalities
If you are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cameroon, or Nigeria, you must transfer the full (refundable) living-expenses amount of €13,140 for the first year to Fontys’ bank account.
Financial documents showing access to this amount are not accepted; the transfer is required.
Disclaimer
Fontys University of Applied Sciences may refuse to apply for a student visa/residence permit if we have serious concerns about your intended purpose of stay in the Netherlands.
Fontys may ask for an extra motivation letter, a questionnaire, and/or an (online) interview.
What to do next
- Apply and get (conditional) admission to your Fontys programme.
- Prepare your documents early (passport, proof of funds where needed, and other required items).
- Fontys submits your IND application before you travel.
- If you need an MVV, you will receive instructions from the Dutch embassy/consulate to place the sticker in your passport.
- Travel to the Netherlands and pick up your VVR soon after arrival.
If you have questions about your situation during the application process, contact us. We’re here to help.
Quick answers
Maybe. It depends on your nationality, how long you stay, and your purpose (studying or a preparatory year).
All non-EU/EEA students need an MVV except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, the USA and Vatican City State.
An MVV is an Entry Visa: a sticker in your passport issued by the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
A VVR is a Residence Permit. If you come to the Netherlands (with or without an MVV) for more than 3 months, you must have a VVR.
Fontys Team International Students sends your IND (Dutch Immigration & Naturalisation Service) application on your behalf.
Usually 2–3 weeks. Still, start about 3 months before you plan to travel, as collecting documents can take time.
Soon after your arrival in the Netherlands.
The IND grants a permit until three months after the expected end date of your study programme.