Do you need a student visa or a residence permit? Find out what applies to you!
Planning to study at Inholland University of Applied Sciences? Depending on your nationality, you may need a student visa or a residence permit. The rules differ per country, so it’s important to check them early.
No need to figure it out alone. On this page, you’ll find a clear overview of the steps, documents and deadlines. We’ll help you get everything sorted, so you can focus on getting ready for your studies.
Whether you need a student visa or a residence permit for the Netherlands depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Some students can enter without restrictions, while others must apply in advance. The rules are also different for bachelor’s and exchange students. Check below to see what applies to you!
Deadline: For a September start, you need to complete your enrolment and payment before 15 June. For a February start, the deadline is 15 December.
Inholland can only submit your visa application to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) after your enrolment is complete and your tuition fee has been paid.
Applying for a student visa is a shared responsibility: we’ll guide you through it, but it’s up to you to meet all the deadlines and provide the required documents. We do not handle last-minute applications, so please make sure to start the process on time and meet the mentioned deadlines.
Applying for a student visa is a shared responsibility: we’ll guide you through it, but it’s up to you to meet all the deadlines and provide the required documents.
Every situation is different, and sometimes you’ll need extra information about your visa or residence permit. Below you’ll find helpful documents that explain what to do in special cases, such as transferring your permit to Inholland, keeping it valid, or arranging it as a student from Suriname or the UK.
If you already live in the Netherlands with a residence permit based on a different purpose of stay, you will need to change the purpose of your residence permit (VVR).
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If you have already studied in the Netherlands at another educational institution, you will need to transfer to Inholland.
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Once you have obtained your study residence permit and Inholland has officially become your referent under the Dutch Immigration Law, you will need to meet certain requirements each year to retain your residence permit.
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In order to travel to the Netherlands, an MVV visa is required. Once you have obtained this visa, it will be changed into a residence permit (VVR).
February 2026 intake/ September 2026 intake
Once your residence permit (VVR) is ready, you’ll usually collect it at an IND office or the local Expat Centre. Inholland will let you know when and where to pick it up, so you don’t need to arrange this yourself.
If you’re staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months, you must register with the municipality (BRP). This step is important because it officially records you as a resident and gives you access to services like healthcare and your BSN number. Which is also necessary if you wish to work during your stay or for example opening a Dutch Bank account. To register at your municipality, you’ll need to bring your passport and your rental contract. If applicable, please also bring your study permit or approval letter from the Dutch immigration Service with you. Make sure to book an appointment well in advance, as waiting times at the municipality can sometimes be quite long.
Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. Your EHIC is usually enough, but if not, you must take out Dutch health insurance.
After registering with the BRP, you’ll receive your BSN (citizen service number), which you need for things like banking, healthcare and work. That’s why it’s important to register quickly.