Obtaining a student visa for the Netherlands (2026)

How to apply for a student visa

For studies in the Netherlands lasting more than 90 days, a long-stay procedure applies, which involves:

• obtaining the MVV (entry visa)

• obtaining a residence permit

In most cases the process is started by the educational institution.

Important

• Short trips (tourism or courses of up to 90 days) are covered by a category C Schengen visa

• Citizens of Kyrgyzstan can apply for a Schengen visa 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 or school acts as your sponsor

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

4. Once it is approved, you receive the MVV

In most cases the student does not submit the documents directly — the educational institution does this for them.

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 cover:

• funds for tuition

• funds for living expenses

Where are the documents submitted?

• The main submission goes through the educational institution

• The university deals directly with the IND

• Once approved, the applicant:

  • submits their 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 when the set of documents is complete

Entry and next steps

Once you have your MVV:

• you must enter the Netherlands while the visa is still valid

• on arrival you should:

  • 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

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

• In most cases the student goes through the whole process via the university