Information package
IND: Your residence permit
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, IND) has given you permission to live in the Netherlands. Because of that, you have received a residence permit. The flyer covers:
• The information on your residence permit.
• Your rights under this residence permit.
• What to do after you receive your first residence permit.
• Staying outside of the Netherlands.
• Changes in your situation.
• Your obligations.
• What to do if your permit is stolen, lost, damaged or includes errors.
The information on your residence permit
The front of your residence permit includes:
1. Name: your surname + first names
2. Sex: M or F
3. Nationality
4. Date of birth
5/7. Type of permit and remarks:
Type number (5) and right of residence (7):
• Type I: temporary regular
• Type II: permanent regular
• Type III: temporary asylum
• Type IV: permanent asylum
• Type V: long-term EU resident
• Type EU/EER
• Type Familielid (family member) EU/EER
• Type Article 50 TEU: (Permanent) Residence document
withdrawal agreement 18(1)
• Type Article 50 TEU: Frontier worker
6. Valid until: The end date of your residence permit.
From this date, the residence permit is no longer valid
The back of your residence permit includes:
8. Remarks:
• Your residence purpose, the reason you received the residence permit.
• Employment rights. The residence permit states if you are allowed to work in the Netherlands. For example, it may read ‘Arbeid niet toegestaan’ (work not permitted). You find more information when you log in to My IND (www.ind.nl/en/my-ind).
9. Date and place of issue: when and where you received the residence permit.
10. Effective date of right of residence: you have right of residence in the Netherlands starting on this date.
11. Place of birth
12. V-number: the ten digits of your V-number are at the bottom of your residence permit. The number comes after the letters VNR. Your V-number is also on letters
from the IND. You use the V-number when you contact the IND
Your rights under this residence permit
• You can live in the Netherlands as long as your residence permit is valid. You must continue to meet all conditions until your permit expires. This also applies to the (recognised) sponsor. Do you or the (recognised) sponsor no longer meet the requirements? The IND can then withdraw your residence permit.
• You identify yourself with your valid residence permit in the Netherlands.
• You may stay up to 90 out of 180 days in another Schengen country, for example on holiday. You do have to take your passport and residence permit with you. For more information on the Schengen area visit www.ind.nl/schengenarea
What to do after you receive your first residence permit
• You register with the municipality
You do this with the Personal Records Database (in Dutch: Basisregistratie Personen or BRP) of the municipality where you live if you have not done so already. When you register, the municipality will also give you a citizen service number (in Dutch: burgerservicenummer or BSN). For more information on the BSN and registration of foreign documents visit www.government.nl or call 1400.
• You have a TB examination
On the application form, did you state that you will have yourself tested for tuberculosis (TB)? If so, make an appointment at the Municipal Health Service (in Dutch: Gemeenschappelijke Gezondheidsdienst or GGD) near you. Bring appendix 7604 - TB test referral form to the appointment. Do this as soon as possible, but at least within 3 months after you have received the residence permit.
• You take out health insurance
Have you not yet taken out health insurance in the Netherlands? Do this as soon as possible. Do you have a residence permit for study, working holiday (WHS/WHP) or cultural exchange? It is enough to have foreign health insurance with coverage in the Netherlands. Unless you are going to work. In that case you must take out Dutch health insurance. For more information visit www.government.nl or call 1400.
• You must integrate in the Netherlands
For more information on civic integration visit www.inburgeren.nl/en
Staying outside of the Netherlands
Your main residence must be in the Netherlands. This means that you are staying in the Netherlands for most of the year. Are you staying outside the Netherlands for more than 6 months in a row? Or are you staying outside the Netherlands for more than 4 months in a row each year, for 3 years in a row? Then the IND can withdraw your residence permit, or not renew it. For more information about main residence in the Netherlands, visit www.ind.nl/mainresidence
Changes in your situation
Do you no longer live with your partner or spouse? Did you quit your studies? Or are you changing universities? Do you have another employer? Or have you lost your job? Has your income changed, and do you therefore not meet the income requirements anymore? These are all changes in your situation that affect your residence permit. Therefore, you have to notify the IND of these kind of changes. Go to www.ind.nl/en/report-changes-in-situation.
Your obligations
You are obliged to notify the IND of changes in your situation. Legally, this is called the obligation to provide information. Also (recognised) sponsors have a few legal obligations. A sponsor is, for example, your spouse, partner, educational institution, or employer. Do you or your sponsor not meet the legal obligations? The IND can give you an administrative fine. Go to https://ind.nl/en/obligations-foreign-national-and-sponsor-of-family-member or www.ind.nl/en/obligations-of-sponsor-and-recognised-sponsor
What to do if your permit is stolen, lost, damaged or includes errors
Has your residence permit been stolen or lost? Is the document damaged or does it contain incorrect details? Apply for a new residence permit on www.ind.nl/en. In the event of theft or loss, you must first report it to the police.
Start learning Dutch 2025
Practically everyone in the Netherlands speaks English. You will notice that the Dutch are very understanding to non-Dutch speakers and will switch to English to make things easier for you. But still, it can be helpful to learn some Dutch. Knowing the language will help you better understand Dutch culture and society.
It is also very useful to know some Dutch if you want to do an internship or find a part-time job. In some cases, it may even be a requirement. Once you start improving your Dutch language skills, you will find it easier to interact with your Dutch friends and colleagues. It also looks good on your CV, as language skills are always a plus.
Housing
Be aware that the Netherlands is dealing with a severe housing shortage. There is not enough student housing to accommodate everyone. That’s why it’s very important to arrange your housing as soon as possible. As it’s not easy at all to find a good place, this is something you should arrange before arriving in the Netherlands.
Find more information and a useful animation video about housing in the Netherlands below.
To Do after Arrival
After you have arrived in the Netherlands, settled in your new house and explored your new city a bit, there are a couple of practical actions to take.
Watch our animation videos about what to do after arrival (click on the topic):
Health insurance
The Netherlands has a very accessible healthcare system with high-quality care. Find information about healthcare services available and how to get access to them via the button below. By law, you must have healthcare insurance. The type of healthcare insurance you need depends on your personal situation. You can access healthcare services with a Dutch basic public health insurance, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and with a private healthcare insurance.
Student Life
Most of the student life in the Netherlands happens off-campus. Although the buildings of a single university might be spread throughout a city and only some higher education institutions have campuses, they do have a real student culture.
Each institution has a network of associations that bring students together for academic activities, sports and recreation. All of these associations are run by students, and some of them are internationally oriented. Two of the larger international student associations are AIESEC and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).
Many cities also have several separate student associations, not connected to any institution. And there are usually pubs, restaurants and other meeting places where many students hang out.
Getting around
You don't really need a car to get around in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a small country and public transport will take you almost anywhere you want to go. Consider buying a rail card; it really is worth the investment. The Netherlands has a dense railway network that offers frequent service and is the quickest way to travel between city centres.
For public transport travel information, including detailed travel directions, visit the 9292 door-to-door journey planner.
Watch our useful animation video about public transport.
Working while studying
If you want to work alongside your studies while staying in the Netherlands, there are some things to keep in mind. Do you need a work permit when you are self-employed? How about when you do an internship? And how many hours are you allowed to work as an international student?
In the flyer Working while studying in the Netherlands, the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment answers these questions and more.
Study in NL also has a useful animation video about working while studying.
Code of conduct
Gedragscode Hoger Onderwijs
Welcome to higher education in the Netherlands. We hope you will have a fruitful and pleasant stay in our country while achieving your educational goals.
To protect your interests as an international student in the Netherlands, the Dutch universities of applied sciences and research universities commited themselves to the Code of Conduct International Student in Higher Education. The Code of Conduct ensures that certain minimum standards are upheld for interntional students with clear and unambigious information about the education they offer, quality thereof and the value of the degree to be obtained as well as the selection, admission and guidance of international students.
An independent National Commission monitors the institutions' compliance with the Code of Conduct through research and handling complaints. Did you know that any party concerned, believing that a higher education institution has not acted in accordance with the Code of Conduct, can lodge a petition in writing with the National Commission?
Please visit our website for more information about the Code of Conduct and the National Commission, including the right to lodge a petition. Here you can also find information about our indispensable international students advisory board. Perhaps we may welcome you in the future as a member of this board!
Insurance
Make sure you are propery insured. What is your situation?
Study only
- EU Citizen? Bring a valid EHIC and optional international health insurance.
- Non-EU-citizen? Take out international health insurance.
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From the Dutch Caribbean? Check zvl.tips.
Internship
Do you receive an internship allowance that is equal to or higher than the minimum wage in the Netherland? Take out Dutch basic health insurance. Is your wage lower? Bring your EHIC and/or optional international health insurance.
Work or (part-time) job
Take out Dutch basic health insurance from the first day of work.
What if health insurance is not required?
For the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) the CAK carries out the statutory core task of the uninsured scheme.
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands, is required by law to have a health insurance. In most cases a Dutch health insurance is required, but there are exceptions. If a Dutch health insurance is not required for you, it is not possible to get one.
Please watch this video: CAK - The Uninsured for a complete explanation of what you need to know.
If you receive a warning letter from the CAK please take action immediately. You can find all relevant information via read more.
Aon Student insurance
To make sure you are fully insured when you are in the Netherlands, we highly recommend you take out the Aon Student Insurance. Whether you‘re an exchange student or a full degree student, for each activity Aon offers the right insurance advise that complies with law and regulations.
This insurance is for all international students and offers you a comprehensive package. Apart from coverage for pre-existing medical and psychological conditions the package covers repatriation, liability, accidents, baggage/ household and legal aid as well.
Note that not having an insurance can lead to high financial costs which you will have to pay for yourself.
Support
TolkApp makes your start in the Netherlands easier
With one tap you instantly translate official letters, emails and forms into your own language and get a clear summary so you know exactly what to do.
Need extra help? Book a live AI interpreter right inside the app or request a sworn human translation for diplomas and other legal documents – all on the same secure platform.
New international students typically receive around 200 official letters in their first year, so we give you free unlimited letter translations for 12 months.
Download TolkApp via the link below, create your account in seconds and study with peace of mind.
Studying in the Netherlands?
Living on your own, groceries, social events and studying. All of these involve money, budgeting and making decisions.
We at SHout! can support you regarding any financial issues or questions you run into. SHout! is available for students up to 30.
Public transport discounts, bikes, student jobs & more
Student Mobility, in collab with International Student Identity Card (ISIC), is an organization that provides international students coming to the Netherlands a soft-landing. The main focus is to create easy access to all forms of transportation.
In collaboration with many Dutch Universities, Student Mobility looks after the interests todays' students from all around the world. This is how we secure all your current and future products and services are designed to simplify your international student life.
Check out our Student Mobility Services
Public transport discounts and bikes with our Student Mobility card/app (+ ISIC Student-ID). Skip the complicated Dutch buying and operational process, profit from discounts for international students, easily connect your international bank account and never worry about uploading money to your pass again.
Find relevant student-side-jobs via our jobportal
The Netherlands is a great country, but definitely not cheap! We experienced that international students are eager to find a (side) job besides their studies but have a hard time finding employers who are willing to hire internationals. Student Mobility has a network of companies and employers who have no problem to do. Student Mobility will find the right match and introduce you to each other.
Ready to work?
Over 1000 international students have already found a (part-time) job with the help of Brave Ones. We're here to be your go-to support system while you work and study in the Netherlands.
- English-spreaking student jobs
- Flexible schedules that fit your lifestyle
- Our service is 100% free for students
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Personalized paperwork guidance after you land a job
Check the vacancies on our website and let's get you started!
Introducing your go-to platform for international students in the Netherlands
The Brave Ones Library is your one-stop platform for clear, up-to-date, and practical info, all in English.
What you’ll find:
- How to find Housing tips
- Blogs about health insurance, taxes, job paperwork, and student essentials
- Local hidden gems, travel tips, finance hacks, and more
Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay brave.
Explore it all at Brave Ones Library.
Are you looking for a room?
Hospi Housing is the biggest homestay platform in the Netherlands. We offer a social and sustainable solution to the housing shortage by connecting people from all over the world.
- Active throughout the Netherlands
- Personal contact with Hospi Housing once you are matched
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Only pay a one-time fee of €295,- if you find a room, no room = no pay
Sign up for free
Sign up and make unlimited use of the platform for free. You only pay a fee if you find a room. Fair enough, right?
100% verified hosts
Safety has our highest priority. That’s why we personally verify all our hosts and guest families. No need to worry about getting scammed here.
Collaboration with partners
Hospi Housing works together with +50 universities and municipalities in the Netherlands. This way you are optimally prepared for your arrival.
Ready for your cultural exchange journey? Join the Hospi Housing community today!
Keen to meet other students Goin' to the Netherlands?
You can find them all on the largest student platform in the Netherlands: 'Goin' - Connecting Students'. By joining Goin', you can meet peers and find others from the same nationality, interest, study & more!
Do you want access? Email the international office of your university to join now! Important: The invitation to get access to Goin' must always come via YOUR UNIVERSITY. To ensure your community remains a safe space, this is an invite-only platform!