How long does a Netherlands student visa take to process?

A decision on a Netherlands student visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Netherlands student visa?

The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed antecedents certificate; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements; Proof of enrolment from the recognised sponsor institution; Proof of tuition payment; Proof of financial means (approx. €1,000+/month, often paid to the university); Legalised/apostilled birth certificate where requested; Diplomas and transcripts; TB test undertaking where applicable; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Netherlands student visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Netherlands student visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Netherlands student visa — used for enrolling on a course, degree programme or exchange semester. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Netherlands consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€228

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Netherlands student visa

Your Dutch institution applies for you: recognised sponsors file the entry and residence (MVV/TEV) application with the IND, then you collect the MVV at the embassy/VFS.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed antecedents certificate
Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements
Proof of enrolment from the recognised sponsor institution
Proof of tuition payment
Proof of financial means (approx. €1,000+/month, often paid to the university)
Legalised/apostilled birth certificate where requested
Diplomas and transcripts
TB test undertaking where applicable
Proof of UK immigration status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Study residence permit / MVV (IND fee)€228
Exchange students under specific programmesFree— Some exchange and EU programme participants are exempt — confirm with the institution.
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — no MVV required.

The Netherlands charges a single IND fee covering both the entry visa (MVV) and the study residence permit; there is no separate consular visa fee and no paid fast-track. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026.

Booking an appointment

You normally do not book a visa appointment yourself — once the IND approves, the embassy or VFS invites you to collect the MVV sticker within 3 months. Biometrics may be taken at that appointment.

Practical tips

Do not apply at a consulate yourself — let the university's international office file the TEV application, it is faster and they are the recognised sponsor.

What is unusual about the Netherlands process

The IND fee is paid by or through the institution and is usually added to your tuition invoice; the MVV and residence permit are issued as one combined procedure.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – London
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Service fee applies on top of the consular fee. Business hours Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30; passport collection 16:00–17:30.
Birmingham — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Manchester — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Edinburgh — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Netherlands consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Netherlands student visa cost?: For a Netherlands student visa, the consular fee is €228. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Study residence permit / MVV (IND fee) — €228; Exchange students under specific programmes — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free. The Netherlands charges a single IND fee covering both the entry visa (MVV) and the study residence permit; there is no separate consular visa fee and no paid fast-track. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Netherlands student visa take to process?: A decision on a Netherlands student visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands student visa?: Your Dutch institution applies for you: recognised sponsors file the entry and residence (MVV/TEV) application with the IND, then you collect the MVV at the embassy/VFS. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Netherlands student visa?: The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed antecedents certificate; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements; Proof of enrolment from the recognised sponsor institution; Proof of tuition payment; Proof of financial means (approx. €1,000+/month, often paid to the university); Legalised/apostilled birth certificate where requested; Diplomas and transcripts; TB test undertaking where applicable; Proof of UK immigration status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Netherlands student visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. You normally do not book a visa appointment yourself — once the IND approves, the embassy or VFS invites you to collect the MVV sticker within 3 months. Biometrics may be taken at that appointment.
Can I apply for a Netherlands student visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇳🇱 Netherlands student visa: requirements, fee and processing time