Residence
How-tos about residence in the Netherlands.
How to check your work permit route and apply for a GVVA in NL
The single permit (GVVA) is one work route among several, and most people who think they need one do not. Work out which route applies first, then apply: the fee is €423 and the IND decides within 90 days.
How to apply for Dutch nationality in NL
Apply for Dutch citizenship by naturalisation at your municipality: which residence term applies to you, the A2 civic integration and good conduct conditions, renouncing your nationality, and when to use the option procedure instead.
How to apply for permanent residence in NL
How to apply to the IND for a Dutch permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status after five years, and which of the two statuses fits your situation.
How to apply for the orientation year in NL
Apply for the IND orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden): a one-year permit to look for work. You must apply within 3 years of graduating, and it cannot be extended.
How to bring your partner in NL
Use the standard IND partner residence-permit route to bring a foreign partner to live with you in the Netherlands. Different rules can apply under EU law or other special situations.
How to change employer as a highly skilled migrant in NL
Change to a new recognised-sponsor employer while keeping a valid highly skilled migrant residence permit and continuing to meet the permit conditions.
How to extend your residence permit in NL
Extend a Dutch residence permit: the 3-month application window, who is allowed to submit the application, and what a residence gap costs you later. Some permits can only be extended by a recognised sponsor.
How to find a recognised sponsor in NL
Find an employer authorised by the IND to bring skilled workers to the Netherlands under the highly skilled migrant scheme.
How to get a BSN in NL
Get your Burgerservicenummer (citizen service number), the unique number you need to work, study, open a bank account and use Dutch government services.
How to get a return visa in NL
A return visa (terugkeervisum) lets you travel while the IND holds your residence document. It is not only for people awaiting a decision, and if you are visa-exempt you may not need one at all. Check before you book.
How to legalise a foreign document in NL
Legalisation, or an apostille, is what makes a document issued abroad usable by a Dutch authority. The route depends entirely on the country that issued it, and EU public documents are exempt. Check which applies before you pay.
How to keep your permit after losing your job as a kennismigrant in NL
What happens to a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) residence permit when the job ends: the sponsor's reporting duty, the 3 or 6 month search period and its 2026 change, and how to keep lawful status before it runs out.
How to register a birth in NL
A birth must be registered (geboorteaangifte) with the municipality where the child was born within 3 days. This guide covers that deadline, acknowledgement and parental authority, and what follows for a child who needs a residence permit.
How to register at the municipality in NL
Register as a resident in the BRP with the municipality where you live if you will stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months.
How to take the required TB test in NL
Most regular residence permits carry a tuberculosis test condition. Check the IND exemption list first, because a large share of applicants are exempt, and if it applies to you the GGD appointment has a three month clock on it.
How to get a student residence permit in NL
For non-EU students in Dutch higher education: check the recognised sponsor, prepare the institution's permit file, meet the funds requirement and protect your permit through study progress.
How to find a startup visa facilitator in NL
Use the live RVO list to find a facilitator for the Dutch Start-up residence permit, compare fit, prepare your first contact and check the cooperation agreement before you apply.
How to get a highly skilled migrant permit in NL
A recognised sponsor applies for your highly skilled migrant permit. Check the route, sponsor and salary first, then follow the application from documents and MVV to the IND decision and residence card.