Your First Dutch Residence Permit Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the TEV Procedure (Entry and Residence)

For most non-EU/EEA citizens (with some exemptions like those from the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand), the first residence permit application is combined with an application for a long-stay entry visa (MVV - Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf). This is known as the TEV procedure (Toegang en Verblijf - Entry and Residence).

The TEV procedure generally means:

1. You apply for both the MVV and the residence permit from your country of origin.
2. If approved, you receive an MVV sticker in your passport, allowing you to enter the Netherlands.
3. Once in the Netherlands, you collect your residence permit card from the IND.

Step 1: Determine Your Purpose of Stay and Choose the Right Permit

The type of residence permit you apply for depends entirely on your reason for coming to the Netherlands. Common categories for expats include:

• Highly Skilled Migrant: For those coming to work for a recognised sponsor.
• Student: For those enrolled in a Dutch educational institution.
• Family Reunification: To join a partner or family member already residing in NL.
• Orientation Year: For recent graduates of Dutch universities or highly educated individuals.
• Self-Employed: For those starting a business.

Each permit type has specific criteria regarding income, qualifications, and required documents. Thoroughly research the requirements for your specific situation on the IND website.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

This is often the most time-consuming part. Documents vary by permit type but typically include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Birth Certificate: An original, legalised/apostilled birth certificate. It may need to be translated by a sworn translator.
• Proof of Purpose:
  • For work: Employment contract from a recognised sponsor, salary specifications.
  • For study: Acceptance letter from a university, proof of sufficient funds.
  • For family: Marriage certificate/proof of partnership, sponsor's income proof.
• MVV Application Form: If required, filled out correctly.
• Other Certificates: Marriage certificate, divorce decree (if applicable), children's birth certificates (if applying as a family). These also require legalisation/apostille and translation.

Step 3: Submit the Application

How you submit your application depends on your permit type and whether you need an MVV:

• Sponsor-initiated (e.g., Highly Skilled Migrant, Student): Your employer or educational institution (your recognised sponsor) usually submits the application directly to the IND in the Netherlands on your behalf.
• Self-initiated (e.g., family reunification): You or your partner in the Netherlands may submit the application to the IND. If an MVV is required, the IND will then notify the Dutch embassy in your country to issue it upon approval.
• Directly at Embassy/Consulate: In some cases, you might apply directly at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence for the MVV and residence permit.

Ensure you pay the application fees during this step.

Step 4: IND Decision and MVV Sticker (if applicable)

The IND will process your application. Processing times can vary from a few weeks to several months.

• If Approved (MVV required): You will be notified, and you must visit the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country to collect the MVV sticker, which is placed in your passport. This sticker allows you to enter the Netherlands.
• If Approved (MVV exempt): You can travel to the Netherlands without the MVV and proceed to collect your permit card.
• If Rejected: You will receive a letter detailing the reasons. You usually have the right to object (bezwaar) or appeal this decision.

Step 5: Travel, Collect Permit, and BRP Registration

1. Travel to NL: Enter the Netherlands using your MVV (if applicable) and passport.
2. Collect Residence Permit Card: Schedule an appointment with the IND (or follow instructions in your approval letter) to provide your biometrics (fingerprints, photo) and collect your physical residence permit card.
3. BRP Registration: Within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands (or as soon as possible after receiving your permit), register in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) at your local municipality. This is where you will receive your BSN.

Successfully completing these steps marks your official start as an expat in the Netherlands!