Obtaining a student visa for the Netherlands (2026)

How to apply for a student visa?

For studying in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, a long-stay procedure is used, which includes:

• obtaining the MVV (entry visa)

• obtaining a residence permit

In most cases the process is initiated through the educational institution

Important

• Short trips (tourism, courses of up to 90 days) are arranged under a category C Schengen visa

• For citizens of Kyrgyzstan, a Schengen visa application can be submitted through the visa centres and Dutch consulates accredited for the region

• For studies longer than 90 days, the MVV procedure is required

How the MVV is processed

1. You are admitted to an educational institution in the Netherlands

2. The university/school acts as your sponsor

3. The educational institution files the application with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Netherlands

4. Once approved, you receive the MVV

In most cases the student does not submit the documents directly — this is done by the educational institution

Main requirements

To obtain a student visa you need:

• confirmation of admission to an educational institution

• proof of financial means

• valid health insurance

• no threat to public safety

• compliance with IND requirements

The financial requirements usually include:

• funds for tuition

• funds for living expenses

Where are the documents submitted?

• The main submission goes through the educational institution

• The university interacts directly with the IND

• Once approved, the applicant:

  • submits the passport and documents to a visa centre or consulate

  • receives the MVV visa for entry

Processing times

According to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Netherlands:

• the standard processing time is up to 90 days

• in practice it is often shorter with a complete set of documents

Entry and next steps

After receiving the MVV:

• you must enter the Netherlands within the validity period of the visa

• on arrival:

  • register with the municipality (gemeente)

  • collect your residence permit card

You may also need:

• a medical examination (for example, a tuberculosis test — depending on your country of origin)

Key points

• The MVV visa is usually issued for up to 90 days for entry

• The main status is arranged once you are in the Netherlands

• In most cases the student deals with the system through the university