Life in the Netherlands: Study, Work and Residence Options

Moving to the Netherlands raises questions that go beyond a visa: will you find an opportunity that suits you? What budget will you need? What rights and responsibilities will come with your stay? ElWijha brings together the essential information to help you make your decision.

Requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip and its duration. Short stays are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, while respecting the length of stay stated on your visa. A visa’s validity is not the same as your permitted length of stay.

Study, work and family reunification have different residence routes. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a long-stay entry visa, in addition to a residence permit. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service assesses residence applications.

Choose your programme and institution, then check admission requirements, language requirements, fees and deadlines. Requirements vary between programmes, so confirm accepted tests and qualifications directly with the institution.

If you need a residence permit for higher education, an institution recognised as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service submits the application on your behalf. Requirements include full-time study, sufficient financial resources and satisfactory academic progress, generally earning at least 50% of the required credits each year, with acceptable reasons considered when progress is insufficient.

Fees and scholarships depend on the institution and your circumstances. Among them, the NL Scholarship provides €5,000 for the first year to certain eligible bachelor’s and master’s students from outside the European Economic Area. It does not cover the full tuition fees. Deadlines and participating institutions vary by year.

Many workers from outside the European Union need a work permit or a combined residence and work permit. Specific routes exist for highly skilled migrants, researchers and other applicants, with requirements relating to the role, employer and salary. A job offer alone does not guarantee a residence permit.

Some eligible graduates and researchers may qualify for a one-year orientation residence permit. Applications can generally be submitted within three years of completing qualifying studies or research, subject to specific conditions.

Starting a business or working as a self-employed person requires meeting the relevant business and residence conditions. Registering a company alone does not grant a right of residence.

The institution or employer determines the required language level and accepted evidence. The availability of an English-taught programme does not mean that all programmes or jobs use English.

The institution assesses your qualification for admission. Practising a regulated profession may require professional recognition from the relevant authority. An assessment of a qualification’s level is not, by itself, a licence to practise.

Requirements depend on the family relationship, the nationality of the person living in the Netherlands and their residence status. They may include evidence of the relationship and income, and a civic integration examination before travelling in certain cases.

Having a relative in the Netherlands does not automatically grant residence rights. The right to work also depends on the family residence permit issued.

The Study in NL platform estimates student expenses at around €1,000–€1,500 per month, including housing. Tuition fees and initial relocation costs are additional.

These estimates vary by city and lifestyle; they are not the financial resources required for a residence application. A worker’s or family’s budget may differ.

The Netherlands has a severe housing shortage. Start searching early and do not assume that your institution will provide a room. Check the contract, the utilities and charges included in the rent, and whether you can register your address with the municipality.

Health insurance requirements depend on your circumstances. A student coming solely to study may need coverage from their home country or suitable international student insurance. Starting work may change their obligation to take out Dutch basic health insurance. Check what is covered and which costs you must pay yourself.

If you plan to live in the Netherlands for more than four months, you must register with the municipality within five days of arrival. You will receive a citizen service number, used for government and tax matters, among other purposes. You can also apply for a digital identity to access online public services.

Keep track of your residence permit’s validity and your tax obligations, particularly in the year you arrive. Medical treatment and international protection have separate procedures assessed according to individual circumstances.

For holders of the relevant student residence permit, the employer must obtain a work permit. You must choose between working up to 16 hours per week or full-time during June, July and August. Different rules apply to self-employment and placements that form part of your studies.

It does not, by itself, grant the right to work or settle. You must meet the requirements for the appropriate permissions before starting work.

No. Permanent residence can generally be requested after five consecutive years of lawful residence, subject to additional conditions and exceptions. Citizenship has separate requirements and may involve renouncing your original nationality, with exemptions.