Netherlands MVV Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: August 26, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Those planning to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days may need a regular provisional residence permit (MVV).

An MVV is an entry visa, a Type D visa sticker placed in your passport, allowing you to travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit.

 

When is an MVV needed?

You typically need an MVV if you intend to stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days and require a regular residence permit. The MVV obligation depends on your nationality; most nationalities can only receive a residence permit with an MVV. You can use this official tool to see whether your country is eligible.

You apply for the MVV and residence permit simultaneously. Usually, your sponsor in the Netherlands submits the application, but this depends on your residence permit type. If you lack a sponsor, you can apply for the MVV and residence permit yourself from abroad.

When is an MVV not needed?

You don't need an MVV if you're a citizen of:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• Vatican City
• United Kingdom
• United States
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• An EU/EEA Member State

Some nationalities may be MVV-obligated but exempt, like family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. See the list of all MVV exemptions here.

MVV visa requirements and documents

In addition to the general requirements mentioned earlier, you'll need to submit the following documents for your MVV application:

• A completed and signed MVV application form: You can find the form on the official Dutch immigration website (IND).
• Your passport: It must be valid for at least another 6 months and have 2 empty pages. You'll also need to provide a copy of your passport, including copies of all visas and stamps.
• Positive notification from the Dutch Immigration Service (IND): This indicates that your residence permit application has been approved in principle.
• 2 photos 3.5*4.5 cm: These photos must meet the Dutch requirements for passport photos (you can find the guide here).

• For students under 18 years old:

  ◦ Photocopy of the page of both parents' passports showing their personal details.

  ◦ Original of the apostille and translated birth certificate. (Translation done outside the Netherlands must be legalized by an additional apostille).

  ◦ Translated consent from both parents for traveling to the Netherlands independently.

Please note:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the documents you may need. The specific requirements can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your stay in the Netherlands.

It's always best to check the official Dutch immigration website or contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and accurate information on MVV requirements.

Other important requirements to consider include:

• Photo requirements: The Embassy reserves the right to reject photos that do not meet the requirements. Make sure your photos are compliant before submitting your application.
• Original documents and copies: You must always present the original of each document along with its copy.
• One-sided copies: All copies of documents should be presented on one-sided pages. Two-sided copies are not accepted.
• Personal presence: Every applicant, including children, must be present at the Embassy to submit the documents.
• Processing time: The MVV visa issuance procedure typically takes approximately 2 to 5 working days. It might take longer if your application file is incomplete.
• Additional documents: The Embassy may request additional documents during the processing of your application. Be prepared to provide any further information they require.

How to apply for an MVV Visa

If you don't need an MVV visa, you can apply for a Netherlands residence permit directly, either in your home country or after entering the Netherlands. If you do require one, you can follow the steps below:

Step #1 - Take the Civic Integration Exam (if applicable)

Adult applicants (18-65) usually need to pass a civic integration exam before applying for an MVV. This three-part exam tests the Dutch language and society knowledge. You take it on a computer at the Dutch embassy/consulate. The current fee is €150.

You're exempt from the exam if you're:

• A Turkish national
• Applying for specific residence permits (adoption, paid employment, au pair, exchange, study, medical treatment, or as an independent person under an international treaty)
• Have certain qualifications (university degree, civic integration certificate, Dutch language qualifications)

Step #2 - Apply for the MVV Visa

If you need an MVV, apply through the Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV):

• Apply yourself: Submit your application via the TEV at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your home country.
• Apply through a sponsor: Your sponsor in the Netherlands can apply for you via the TEV. They need to complete an application form, gather your documents, and submit the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Step #3 - Pay the MVV visa fee

Pay the required fee for your application to be processed. The fee depends on your purpose of travel. Check the current Dutch long-stay visa fees here on the official website.

Step #4 - Wait for processing

The IND typically takes about 90 days to process your application.

Step #5 - Receive the decision

• If approved: You or your sponsor will be notified. Collect your MVV sticker within three months at the Dutch embassy/consulate. You have three months to travel to the Netherlands after the sticker's start date.
• If rejected: You or your sponsor can appeal or object to the decision. If eligible for objection, you'll receive instructions with the rejection letter.

What is a sponsor?

A sponsor is a person or organization with an interest in you coming to the Netherlands. You can find a list of registered and recognised sponsors here.

• Family: A family member or partner can sponsor you for family reunification.
• Work: Your employer sponsors you for work, research, or as a highly skilled migrant.
• Study: The school you'll attend sponsors your study permit.

In some cases (study, highly skilled migrant), your sponsor must apply for the TEV (Toegang en Verblijf) on your behalf.

MVV fees

The long-stay Netherlands visa (MVV) fees vary based on your reason for staying in the Netherlands. As of 4 March 2024, the fees are:

Family reunification:

• Staying with a family member or partner (married or unmarried): €171
• Minor traveling to stay with a parent: €57

• Staying with a family member who is a long-term EU resident or a long-term EU resident in another EU member state:

  ◦ Adults: €171

  ◦ Minors: €57

• Staying with a Turkish family member under the Association Agreement EG-Turkey:

  ◦ Adults: €57 to €66

  ◦ Minors: €30 to €57

Education:

For all education levels:

• First application: €171
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Au pair/Exchange program:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Work:

Highly skilled migrant:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Employment:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Job searching after the end of studies, a promotion, or research:

• First application: €171
• Long-term EU resident: €171

As a trainee or apprentice:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Trainee or apprentice: Young Workers Exchange Program (YWEP):

• First application: €57
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Cross-border service provider:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Seasonal labor:

• First application: €171
• Long-term EU resident: €171

As a holder of a European Blue Card:

• First application: €285
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Researcher under Directive (EU) 2016/801:

• First application: €171
• Long-term EU resident: €171

Working in connection with the ICC Lebanon:

• First application: €66

Work as (non-)privileged NATO personnel/Personnel JFCHQ: Free

Other:

Self-employed:

• First application: €1348
• Change in purpose of stay (after start up): €361
• Long-term EU resident: €361

Start up:

• First application: €326
• Change in purpose of stay (from self-employed): €361

Foreign investor: €2173

Temporary humanitarian purposes: Free

Continued residence after temporary humanitarian purposes stay: €382

Medical treatment: €1033

Inability to leave the Netherlands: €326

Re-entry: €1033

Re-entry before migrating back to native country:

• Adults: €57
• Minors: €30

Long-term resident minors and their family members: €164

Applying for verification against EU community law:

• Adults: €57
• Minor: €30

Long-term resident EU:

• Adults: €57
• Minor: €30

Important:

• These fees are subject to change. Always check the official Dutch immigration website for the most up-to-date information.
• Some categories may have additional fees or exemptions depending on your specific circumstances.

Where to apply

Through a host in the Netherlands

If you have a host in the Netherlands (employer, family member, educational institution), they can usually submit the MVV and residence permit application on your behalf.

This is common for purposes like study, work, work placement, cohabiting, or family reunification. Your host will typically handle the submission to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Applying yourself at an embassy or consulate-general

For specific purposes like orientation year, highly skilled migrant, seeking employment, independent entrepreneur, or starting entrepreneur, you can apply for the MVV and residence permit directly.

If you're in the United Kingdom:

• Make an appointment at the Netherlands embassy in London to apply for the MVV.
• Note that the MVV cannot be issued on the same day; your application will be sent to the Netherlands for processing.
• Bring your passport, a completed MVV issue form, passport photographs meeting Dutch requirements, and any other documents specified by the IND.
• Apply for the MVV at least 3 months before your intended stay, ensuring your UK residence permit remains valid during processing.

Important:

• The specific application process and location may vary depending on your nationality and thepurpose of your stay. Always check the official Dutch immigration website or contact the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Processing time

The MVV processing time can vary, but it's typically ten days or so. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Important notes

Always refer to the official Dutch immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on MVV requirements and procedures.

Remember, this information is based on the provided reference content and my own research. It's crucial to double-check with official sources for the latest details, as immigration regulations can change.

Using the assistance of a consultant can accelerate the process by helping you navigate everything with ease and assisting you in overcoming any challenges that may come up.

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