Netherlands visa routes

Student residence · Study

Recognised sponsor institution

Good for higher education; the institution usually sponsors.

Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months

• Acceptance into a full-time programme at an educational institution recognised by the IND as a sponsor.
• Proof of sufficient living funds for 12 months; for higher education the 2026 study norm is €1,130.77 per month, excluding tuition.
• Valid passport, required insurance, and the general residence conditions including public-order and TB rules where applicable.
• The recognised educational institution applies for the residence permit and MVV where required.

Official source: Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) / Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) · last reviewed 2026-06

Highly skilled migrant · Work / skilled

Recognised employer sponsorship

For high-salary skilled roles with a recognised sponsor employer; salary thresholds and income tables are updated periodically.

Typical timeline / duration: 2-5 months

• An employment contract with a Dutch employer or research institution recognised by the IND as a sponsor.
• Salary must meet the current highly skilled migrant income requirement and be in line with the market rate.
• Valid passport, general residence requirements, and legalised/translated foreign documents where requested.
• The recognised employer applies for the MVV and residence permit together where required.

Official source: Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service · last reviewed 2026-08-03

Economically inactive long-term EU resident route only; not a general third-country retirement visa · Other long-stay

A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.

Typical timeline / duration: Depends on IND residence permit type.

• IND has a residence permit for economically inactive long-term EU residents, meaning it is for people who already have EU long-term resident status in another EU country.
• General Dutch residence requires a specific purpose of stay.
• Must have independent, sustainable and sufficient income where income rules apply; no general passive-income visa amount identified.

Official source: Netherlands official source · last reviewed 2026-06

Netherlands Startup Residence Permit · Investment

Residence permit for startup founders

A temporary residence route for founders building an innovative business with an approved facilitator in the Netherlands.

Typical timeline / duration: Up to 1 year

• Develop an innovative product or service and work with a facilitator approved under the Dutch startup scheme.
• Submit a step-by-step plan, evidence of the facilitator relationship, and proof of sufficient means of support.
• Show that the applicant will actively work on the startup and meet the IND and Netherlands Enterprise Agency requirements.

Official source: Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service · last reviewed 2026-08-08

Netherlands Self-employed Residence Permit · Investment

Residence permit for self-employed persons

A residence route for self-employed applicants whose business activity provides an essential economic contribution in the Netherlands.

Typical timeline / duration: Temporary residence

• Operate a genuine self-employed business or profession and provide a detailed business plan.
• Meet the points-based assessment for personal experience, business plan, and added value to the Dutch economy, unless a treaty exemption applies.
• Provide proof of funds, identity, background, and any professional or sector-specific permissions.

Official source: Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service · last reviewed 2026-08-08