Visa and Residence Permit
If you’re from a non-EU/EEA country, you’ll need to complete an immigration procedure before starting your studies at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. There are two possible procedures:
- A residence permit (VVR), which allows you to study in the Netherlands
- An entry visa (MVV) combined with a residence permit (VVR), which allows you to enter the Netherlands and stay to study
The procedure you need to follow depends on your nationality:
| Nationality | Which visa or permit applies? |
|---|---|
| All EU/EAA countries(opens in new tab), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland | No entry visa (MVV) or residence permit (VVR) required |
| Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States and Vatican City State | Residence permit (VVR) |
| All other non-EU countries | Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) |
| All other non-EU countries but in possession of valid residence permit of another Schengen country | Residence permit (VVR) |
Chinese nationals (including those who are currently living outside China, but excluding ROC nationals), also need to apply for a Nuffic certificate.
Helpful links:
How to start your visa procedure
Exchange students
- Start your application in our Mobility Online portal.
- You’ll be asked to upload your visa documents.
Bachelor's students
- Apply through Studielink(opens in new tab).
- Follow the instructions in the application email that you'll receive from our Student Administration.
- Send the required admission documents to the Student Administration(opens in new tab).
- Start preparing your visa documents and submit the Visa service application form to the International Office(opens in new tab).
What will happen next?
- Windesheim will submit your visa application to the Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) as soon as your enrolment and visa application are complete. You are not able to apply in person to the IND for an entry visa and or residence permit.
- Once we receive the visa approval from the IND, you will be notified by our International Office. You will then be able to continue the entry visa (MVV) procedure with the specified Dutch Embassy or Consulate.
If you do not need an MVV, you can continue the VVR procedure provided by our International Office.
Practical information
Fees
- First application or change of purpose of stay: €254
- Extension: €254
For other possible costs, see: Proof of funds
Deadlines
- 1 June for programmes starting in September
- 1 November for programmes starting in February
Contact
The rules on visas and permits are complex. Feel free to contact the International Office for support.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I prove I have sufficient funds to study and live in the Netherlands?
You need to prove that you have sufficient money to live and study in the Netherlands. You can show this by paying the study norm into the bank account of Windesheim before 1 July. You need to have sufficient money for 12 months (€1130,77 x 12 months = €13.569,24). The study norm(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab) equals the amount Dutch students receive in study benefit when they are living in a student room.
How does it work?
- You will receive an invoice for the payment of both the study norm and the visa application fee after you have handed in the required visa application documents to the Windesheim International Office.
- Windesheim will authorize the Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) to withdraw the visa application fee from their bank account.
- The study norm money will be returned to you by Windesheim.
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How long does approval take?
Windesheim may take up to one month to collect your documents and submit them to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). The IND can take up to two months to make a final decision.
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Keeping your residence permit: study progress explained
At the end of each academic year, Windesheim checks your study progress.
- To keep your residence permit
You need to earn at least 50% of your required credits each year - If your study progress is insufficient
We will discuss the situation with you and a study advisor- Possible consequences: If you are not studying enough or cannot keep up with the programme, we must inform the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). This may affect your residence permit.
- In case of valid personal circumstances: We will make clear agreements to support you. The IND will not be notified.
Important: the IND will be informed if you end your enrolment at Windesheim
Working while studying
Are you from the EU/EEA or Switzerland?
You are free to work without restrictions. You do not need a work permit and there are no restrictions regarding working hours, other than the restrictions and rules stipulated by Dutch law in the Working Hours Act (ATW).
Are you not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland?
Your employer must arrange a personal work permit for you. You can only work if you have this permit: either up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time in June, July and August