MVV (Provisional Permit): Your Gateway Visa to the Netherlands

What is an MVV?

An MVV is a type of long-stay visa (Type D) that is placed as a sticker in your passport. It is typically valid for 90 days and allows you to enter the Netherlands for the specific purpose of collecting your actual residence permit card. It essentially grants you permission to reside in the Netherlands while your long-term residence permit application is finalised upon arrival.

The MVV is almost always applied for as part of a combined procedure known as TEV (Toegang en Verblijf - Entry and Residence), which simultaneously covers both your entry visa and your residence permit application.

Who Needs an MVV?

Generally, most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days need an MVV.

MVV Exemptions:

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the MVV requirement, even for long-term stays. These typically include:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• United States
• Vatican City

If you are from an MVV-exempt country, you can travel directly to the Netherlands and apply for your residence permit upon arrival or collect it if pre-approved. However, you still need to meet the conditions for your intended purpose of stay (e.g., highly skilled migrant, student).

The MVV Application Process (TEV Procedure)

The MVV application is closely tied to your residence permit application. The process usually follows these steps:

1. Sponsor Initiates Application: For most expats, your employer (if a recognised sponsor), educational institution, or partner in the Netherlands submits the combined MVV and residence permit application to the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND).
2. IND Assessment: The IND assesses whether you meet all the conditions for the intended residence permit (e.g., salary for highly skilled migrants, enrolment for students, sufficient funds for family reunification). This can take several weeks to a few months.
3. Positive Decision: If your application is approved, the IND will notify you and the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
4. MVV Collection Appointment: You will then need to schedule an appointment at the relevant Dutch embassy or consulate (often the one closest to where you currently live) to have the MVV sticker placed in your passport.
5. Documents for MVV Collection: Bring your valid passport and any other documents specifically requested by the embassy (e.g., a copy of your IND approval letter).
6. Collect MVV: The MVV sticker will be placed in your passport. This sticker is usually valid for 90 days, giving you time to travel to the Netherlands.

After Arriving with Your MVV

Once you enter the Netherlands with your MVV:

• Collect Residence Permit: You will need to schedule an appointment with the IND to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and collect your physical residence permit card. This card replaces the temporary MVV sticker as your proof of legal residence.
• BRP Registration: Within 5 days of your arrival (or as soon as you have a permanent address), register in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) at your local municipality. This is how you obtain your BSN.

The MVV is a crucial initial step, but it's important to complete the subsequent steps (collecting your permit and BRP registration) to fully establish your legal status in the Netherlands.