Netherlands Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going abroad? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving abroad.

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  Visa requirements

  Do you need a visa? And how do you apply for it?

  Not everyone needs a visa for their stay in the Netherlands. Read the following section to find out which rules you must follow.

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  Residency

  How to get a residency permit

  Every foreigner arriving in the Netherlands – with exception of EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals – is required to report to the Foreign Police (Vreemdelnigenpolitie) within three days of arrival. This should be done in the municipality where you will be residing. To apply for a Dutch residency permit you will need to meet certain requirements.

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  Citizenship

  How to become a Dutch National

  Foreigners legally resident in the Netherlands for a certain period of time can file an application to become a Dutch citizen, if they have sufficient command of the Dutch language and a valid birth certificate.

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  The Immigration and Naturalisation Service

  Contact details

  Anything regarding immigration and residing in the Netherlands, whether it’s for studies, work or retirement, must go through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Residents who want to obtain Dutch nationality must also go through this office. You can find their contact details below.

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