Long stay visa
11 Jan 2011
Depending on your nationality, you might need an entry visa for the Netherlands. For stays of longer than 90 days, this entry visa is called a provisional residence permit. The Dutch term is 'Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf', which is abbreviated as ‘MVV’.
Check our student visa wizard to find out if you need a provisional residence permit.
If you do not need a provisional residence permit but you are planning to stay for more than 90 days, most likely you will need a residence permit. A residence permit can only be applied for once you have arrived in the Netherlands.
What is an MVV?
The provisional residence permit is a sticker in your passport. This sticker will allow you to enter the Netherlands. However, the sticker does not give you the right to stay in the Netherlands. You must obtain lawful residence by applying for a residence permit on arrival.
If required, it is extremely important that you obtain this required document before travelling to the Netherlands. Starting from the date on which the IND authorized the embassy or consulate to issue the MVV to you, you have six months to go to the embassy or consulate to apply for your MVV. The embassy will be able to tell you how long it will take before you can pick up your MVV.
When you receive your MVV, it will be valid for another six months. You may travel to the Netherlands during this period of six months. Once you have entered the Netherlands your institution will apply for a residence permit.
If you have to travel abroad while you have not yet received your residence permit, your MVV allows you to travel for 90 days within the Schengen area. If you want to travel outside of the Schengen area and then re-enter one of the Schengen countries, then please make sure that your MVV is valid for a multiple entry.
Criteria for assessment
You will be granted a provisional residence permit only if your application meets certain criteria. Your application will be assessed on the basis of these criteria, using the documents provided.
You will be granted a provisional residence permit only if:
- you have a valid passport;
- you have sufficient financial means;
- you are not a danger to public order or national security in the Netherlands;
- the required fees are paid;
- you have a letter or other document from the Dutch host institution stating that you are or will be enrolled as a student, or that you are going to do an internship;
- for interns: you have a copy of the application for a work permit, if applicable;
- for Chinese students: you have a Nuffic certificate, necessary to follow study programmes which are taught in English.
Validity of MVV
Starting from the date on which the IND authorized the embassy or consulate to issue the MVV to you, you have six months to go to the embassy or consulate to pick up your MVV. When you receive your MVV, it will be valid for another six months. You may travel to the Netherlands during this period of six months.
More information
Read more information on how to apply for a provisional residence permit and what documents you need.
Please note that these procedures apply to the current situation. A new law on immigration procedures has been approved by the Dutch parliament. This law was scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2011, but due to technical problems it has been postponed. It is not yet clear what the new effective date will be.