2. Validity residence permit

2.1 Length of validity

The residence permit for study is usually granted for the nominal duration of your study program, plus 3 additional months.

Example:

If your Bachelor’s program runs from 1 September 20255 to 31 August 2028, your residence permit will normally be valid until 30 November 2028.

If your pre-Master’s runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026 and the Master’s program runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2028, your residence permit normally be valid until 30 November 2028.

If your pre-Master’s runs from 1 February 2026 to 31 August 2026 and the Master’s program runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2028, your residence permit normally be valid until 30 November 2028.

If your Master’s program runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027, your permit will normally be valid until 30 November 2027.

If your Master’s program runs from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2028, your permit will normally be valid until 30 April 2028.

The maximum initial validity cannot exceed 5 years (even for longer programs, extensions may be necessary).

2.2 Conditions to maintain validity

1. • You must remain enrolled at WUR (recognized educational institution) your “sponsor”.
   • You must achieve sufficient study progress: at least 50% of the required ECTS per academic year, unless valid personal/medical circumstances are accepted.
   • You must continue to meet the financial requirements set by the IND (proof of sufficient funds for tuition + living expenses each year).
   • You must maintain a valid registration at the municipality (BRP) and have legal housing in the Netherlands.

2.3 Expiry date residence permit

You are in the possession of a residence permit for study purpose which is valid until the end of your program + 3 months.

Make sure you check the expiry date on your card as well as your personal details!

2. • If your program finishes earlier (e.g., early graduation), the permit may be shortened.
   • If you deregister from your studies, WUR must notify the IND, and your permit will be revoked even if the printed expiry date is later.
   • If you are following an exchange program the WUR applies for full months.

2.4 Extension of validity

If your studies take longer, you must apply for an extension at least 3 months before expiry.

Extensions require updated proof of financial means, enrolment, tuition fee payment, and continued housing/municipality registration.

The application is submitted by the WUR (as your recognized sponsor). (See point 3)

2.5 After expiry

Once your residence permit expires, you are no longer legally allowed to stay in the Netherlands unless you have applied for a new permit.

After graduation, you may be eligible for an Orientation Year (zoekjaar) permit to seek work for up to 1 year.

If you do not extend or switch your residence status, you must leave the Netherlands within a month of the permit’s expiry or withdrawal date.

2.6 Special situations

Internships, exchange, or mobility periods abroad: your Dutch permit remains valid, but you must remain enrolled at WUR and registered at the BRP.

Loss or theft of residence card: validity of your residence status continues, but you must apply for a replacement card.

👉 In short:
Your student residence permit is valid for the length of your study program + 3 months, but it only remains legally valid if you keep meeting IND requirements (enrolment, study progress, finances, registration).

3. Extension residence permit study

Applications for extension must be submitted at least 3 months before the expiry date. If you fail to extend in time, your legal stay may lapse and you may be required to leave the country.

You have a valid study residence permit that you want to extend. The extension process will be executed by the WUR.

The WUR cannot extend the residence permit if:

• • You do not have an active registration at the municipality
  • You are not in the Netherlands
  • You do not have a study residence permit or police report in case of lost/theft
  • You do not have a valid passport

3.1 Biometrics in NL after extension

You must provide biometric data every time the WUR applies for a new residence permit card so it can be printed.

You need to make an appointment at the nearest IND office or follow the steps that are provided by the WUR.

4. Change of purposes

You currently hold a valid residence permit for a purpose other than study (e.g. search year, work, au-pair, family) and either:

• you want to change it to study, or
• your current permit is nearly expired.

4.1 Applying for a new residence permit

• You must submit a new residence permit application for study via WUR.
• In most cases, no MVV (entry-visa) is required, since you already live in the Netherlands with a valid permit.
• The application is submitted via your WUR (recognized sponsor).
• More information: IND – Change residence purpose

⚠️ Important: Wageningen University & Research cannot resolve the residence gap between the expiry date of your current residence permit and the official start of the academic year. This is because there is no active enrolment before, for example, 1 September 2025.

If your current residence permit is valid beyond 1 September 2025, the WUR will discuss with you from which date you would like the WUR to take over sponsorship of your stay.

• If your current permit remains valid for more than one year, WUR does not need to monitor your study progress during that period, since the WUR is not acting as your recognized sponsor at that time.
• Once the WUR becomes your sponsor, study progress monitoring and other legal obligations (e.g. reporting to IND) will apply again.

4.2 After approval – Biometrics & residence card

Once the IND approves your application:

• • Notification will be send to by the WUR after they receive it from the IND.

1. • Biometrics appointment in the Netherlands: You must provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) at an IND desk. WUR will give instructions to book your appointment.
   • Production of residence card : The IND will use your biometrics to produce your new residence card. Processing time: usuele 2–4 weeks.
   • Collecting your card; once the card is ready, you will receive a message with instructions to collect it at the IND desk.

4.3 Practical notes & documents

• Book early: Appointment slots at the IND (especially in summer before the academic year starts) can fill up quickly.
• Bring the following to your biometrics appointment:
  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Your (old/expiring) residence card
  • Appointment confirmation (email/code)

4.4 Summary – Step-by-Step

1. Submit new residence permit application (purpose: study)
2. Wait for IND approval email
3. Book biometrics appointment at IND desk
4. Provide fingerprints, photo, signature
5. Wait for residence card production (~2–4 weeks)
6. Collect your new residence permit card
7. Register/confirm registration with the municipality if needed

5. Mobility Incoming

If you hold a residence permit for study purposes from another EU/Schengen country and fall under the Intra-EU Mobility law, it is important to be aware of the applicable rules and regulations. To make this easier, we have gathered all the necessary information on the following websites: Residence permit current students and IND website.

The WUR will always check whether the Mobility law applies to your situation. If it does, WUR will inform the IND on your behalf. The IND will then issue an approval letter. This letter must be presented together with your valid residence permit from the EU/Schengen country. Your residence permit should be valid for at least the same period (or preferably longer).

In most cases, WUR applies for incoming Intra-EU Mobility on behalf of students who are participating in an exchange program for courses.

6. Collection residence permit

When your student residence permit is ready at the IND desk, the WUR will receive a letter (Pick-up letter). You must make an appointment to collect it. Make an appointment to collect your residence document or follow the instruction send by the WUR.

7. Municipality

The first registration at the municipality with the instruction given by the WUR must be, always, in person. Especially when this is your first registration or you have been de-registered from the municipality/BRP before and, you do not have an active registration.

After receiving your BSN from the municipality you can apply for your DigiD, and after activating you DigiD you can activate MyIND.

If you are going to sublet or your rent has been terminated your room, you can go to the municipality to change your registration to a mailing address/ postal address.

7.1 How to apply for a postal address at the municipality of Wageningen

Fill in the pdf from, make an appointment at the municipality and take the mentioned documents with you that are mentioned on the form.

⚠️ Important: At point 7 in the form you may enter the following address, only if your postal address is also in Wageningen;

Stadhuis, Markt 22
Postbus1, 6700AA

BUT, If the address is in another city the address of the municipality would be the one that postal address belongs to.

7.2 Can you temporarily not have an address?

Registering at an address but not living there (yet); in that case, you temporarily have no residential address. The solution is to register on a postal address. This may be an address of friends or family. They must give written permission for this.

At that address you will receive your mail. The registration does not affect any benefits, council tax, rent or care allowance. The resident is not responsible for any debts you may have.

7.3 What are the conditions for a postal address?

Only if you do not have a residential address, or if you are staying in an institution, you can be registered by your municipality with a letter address (postal address). This is an address where the government can reach someone without a residential address. You cannot use a PO Box as a letter address.

7.4 Validity

A postal address is valid for max 6 months. It is only an administrative address; you do not live here. Someone registered at a letter address does not count as a resident at that address.

7.5 What is the difference between residential address and postal address?

A residential address is the address where you live. A letter or postal address is the address of another person or a foundation (the so-called postal address provider). With the address of the letter address provider, you can still be reached by the government without a residential address.

7.6 Does postal address affect benefits?

A registered postal address is an address listed in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP). You can use this address to get health insurance. The postal address can be the home address of family, a friend or an acquaintance. Benefits and allowances remain the same for the resident who gives you the letter address.

You are required to have adequate health insurance for their stay. If you start working alongside your studies, you are obliged to take out Dutch public health insurance within 4 months. Without this, fines may apply.

 

If the above mentioned option is not an option in your case, you may contact ssc@wur.nl to ask if it is an option for the WUR’s address. The WUR will assess if you are admissible to make use of it and, will inform you as such and, the municipality if applicable.

7.7 Rules postal address

The WUR’s address may NOT be used as your regular postal address, for example: advertisements, magazines, other …ext. All other post will be returned to sender.

Official Post, addressed to you, from public authorities, for example: IND, tax office, fines, municipal mail, ...ext. The WUR will inform you by email so you or a friend can pick it up at the student desk in the Forum building.

Your friend may pick you post up only if your friend can show an email with your permission. This because of the privacy law.

Also, making use of the WUR’s address automatically gives the Student Service Centre the right to:

- open your mail to determine for whom it is

- after opening the mail and, the Student Service Centre cannot determine for whom it is, that they may send it return to sender

- to hand your post over to your friend after that the friend has shown a mail with your approval

-To throw away the advertisements, magazines and, other not important post.

When you change address and/or housing location of which you may use the address details, you need to inform the municipality about your new address.

After the mentioned period of registration on WUR address you will need a new address this to remain your residence permit valid.

8. MyIND

After receiving your BSN from the municipality and, after applying for your DigiD, you have activated MyIND or not yet.

Not yet!? We advise you to do so.

This for the future application like extension of your study and residence permit or applying for an orientation year (also known as: seeking job year or search year)

 MyIND is an online service from the IND where you can see your personal details and the status of your application. Follow the application in My IND.

9. Lost or theft of a valid residence permit

Your valid residence permit has been lost or stolen. Find out how you can apply for a new residence permit. Also more on IND, Residence permit lost or stolen.

9.1 Requirements

• Report the theft or loss to the police. You will receive a certified copy of your statement from the police. This copy has a date, signature and stamp from the authority (certified copy of the original). By issuing a certified copy, the authority declares that the contents of the copy are identical to the original.
• Enclose a copy of the police report with the application.

⚠️ Important: this process is done by the student and cannot be done by the Wageningen University & Research.

9.2 Validity of residence permit less than 6 months

Is your lost or stolen residence permit valid for less than 6 months? Then you can already ask the WUR to submit an application for an extension or you may apply for a change of your residence permit (VVR). You will then no longer need to apply for a replacement for this period. When you pick up your new residence document, you must show the (copy) of the police report.

9.3 Theft or loss of residence permit abroad

Report the theft or loss of your residence permit to the police in the foreign country. You need the police report to apply for a replacement. The report must be written in Dutch, English, French or German. If this is not the case, the police report has to be translated by a translator sworn in at a court.

It is not always possible to travel back to the Netherlands without a residence permit. Please contact the Dutch representative, such as an embassy, in the country where you are staying.

Check if you need a visa for your return trip to the Netherlands.

9.4 Finding residence permit again afterwords

The residence permit is no longer valid after you make a statement to the police. So you always have to apply for a replacement. Have you found the residence permit again after you made a police statement? You must then hand in the residence permit you found again to the IND.

You can do this at an IND desk, or you can send it to:

IND Bureau documents
P.O. Box 49
9560 AA Ter Apel

9.5 Costs

The costs of the IND application have to be paid by the student during the process.

You may contact your insurance company for claims payments, like AON and, ask for the requirements regarding this subject.

Claim form AON

10. Traveling abroad

During your program there will be many traveling opportunities to broaden your horizon, meet new cultures and friends, but above all it is an amazing experience.

We want you to enjoy your trip. Also we want to give you some tips and, guidelines concerning your residence permit while travelling as part of your study: Preparation for travel abroad

When traveling make sure your residence permit is valid for the whole period of your stay abroad and that you are in the possession of valid housing and, in possession of an active registration at the municipality.

Also good to know, when traveling or relocation in another country then the Netherlands, your residence permit for study cannot be extended by the WUR nor it can be sent to the IND. It will only be extended by the WUR unless you are back in the Netherlands.

10.1 Internship

10.1.1 In the Netherlands

Make sure your residence permit for study is valid during your internship.

Also, you have a valid registration at the municipality in Wageningen or the city where you are living.

As you are doing an internship in context of your course, you do not need a work permit in order to complete an internship. The company or the organization where you are completing your internship must draw up a internship contract with you and the educational institution.

⚠️ Important: You are not obliged to take out Dutch public health care insurance if your internship allowance is less than the Dutch minimum wage. Your health care insurance (AON) will be sufficient in those cases.

More on the website of Study in NL

10.1.2 Outside the Netherlands

It is also possible to do an internship abroad. Therefore you need to make sure you Dutch residence permit for study is valid during your internship.

Also, you have a valid registration at the municipality in Wageningen or the city where you are living.

If you will sublet your room/housing or have canceled your rent make sure your register at the municipality with a postal address. (see point 7)

Unfortunately the WUR has not the expertise for legal residence application other than the Netherlands.

We advise you to visit the website of the Embassy or the country you are going to, the company or contact person of the internship in that country and, ask other students to share their expertise/experiences.

Furthermore we advise you visit the website of our Government Netherlands Worldwide. For more information.

10.2 Exchange

You are a student of WUR and, you want to go on an Exchange?

Then one of the conditions is that you have legal residence for the Netherlands for study purposes, applied for by WUR, valid for the period of the Exchange (Intra-EU mobility). (See point 5)

WUR can apply for the additional letter from the IND for Intra-EU mobility at least 4 weeks before departure for a maximum of 360 days.

⚠️ Important: NOT applicable for an Internship.

11. Intra-EU Mobility

The Intra-EU Mobility for the purpose of studies is a directive (EU) 2016/801 that enables students from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to study in several EU countries. This is called Intra-EU Mobility.

Students choose the EU country where they are going to study. Afterwards the student can follow part of the studies in one or more other EU countries. The student uses the study residence permit from the first country for this.

Mobility of students within the European Union is only possible with a residence permit for study, in your case, from the Netherlands applied by WUR.

It is then possible to undergo part of the study program at a higher education institution in one or more other Member States of the European Union. So not for an Internship.

If you want to make use of this possibility with a residence permit for study, your program must be a Union or multilateral program comprising mobility measures or an agreement between your higher education institution and the higher education institution in the other Member State on the basis of which you can pursue part of the study program at the other higher education institution. For instance an Exchange program.

You may stay a maximum of 360 days per Member State in one or more other Member States within the framework of Intra-EU Mobility.

If so, the IND must be notified that you will be pursuing part of the study program in a different Member State. Your Dutch residence permit will then remain valid in principle and, only a letter will be added to the legal documentation by the IND.

Denmark and Ireland have not bound themselves by the European Directive with regard to Intra-EU Mobility. Consequently, the foregoing does not apply to these countries.

How do you inform the IND and/or get the additional letter that allows you to use the directive (EU) 2016/801 Intra-EU Mobility?

Contact the Student Immigration Office and they will apply for it and, provide you with the letter after the approval of the IND.

12. Study Progress

If you fail to achieve 50% of the required study credits (ECTS) in an academic year, and there is no valid reason such as illness or personal circumstances, the University will ask the IND to revoke your residence permit. You may appeal within 6 weeks. During appeal, your residence status may be provisionally maintained until a decision is made.

12.1 Requirements for Maintaining Your Residence Permit

To maintain your valid residence permit in the Netherlands, you must demonstrate adequate academic progress during your studies. Specifically, as a student, you are required to obtain a minimum of half of the required credits for an academic year, which is typically 30 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System credits).

12.2 Study Progress Pre-Check

If you fail to achieve 50% of the required study credits (ECTS) in an academic year, and there is no valid reason such as illness or personal circumstances, the WUR will ask the IND to revoke your residence permit. You may appeal within 6 weeks. During appeal, your residence status may be provisionally maintained until a decision is made.

In May of each academic year, WUR will conduct a Study Progress Pre-Check to assess your academic progress up to that point. This early evaluation is crucial because it allows WUR and the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to determine whether you are on track to meet the requirements for maintaining your residence permit.

12.2.1 Importance of the Pre-Check

The results of the pre-check will give you a clear indication of whether your academic progress is adequate at that stage. If your progress is found to be insufficient, and there are no significant improvements made by the end of the academic year, there is a risk that your progress will remain inadequate. This could lead to the revocation of your residence permit after the final assessment.

12.2.2 What to Do if Your Progress is Inadequate

If your academic progress is deemed insufficient during the Study Progress Pre-Check, it is important to take immediate and proactive steps to improve your performance. The following actions can help you get back on track:

• Take Immediate Corrective Actions: You will be advised to take necessary steps to address the issues affecting your academic performance. This may include adjusting your study routine, seeking additional resources, or reevaluating your approach to assignments and exams.
• Seek Support and Guidance: It is crucial to be proactive in seeking help if needed. WUR offers various resources and support services to help students who are struggling academically. This can include extra tutoring, study groups, or workshops to enhance your study skills.
• Contact Your Study Advisor: Your study advisor is a key resource for personalized advice on how to improve your academic progress. They can provide guidance on how to catch up, prioritize your workload, and make the most out of available academic support tools. They can also help you set achievable goals for the remainder of the year.
• Reach Out to the Dean for Health-Related Concerns: If health-related issues (physical or mental) are affecting your academic progress, it's important to contact the dean or your academic office. They can provide advice, facilitate any necessary accommodations, and connect you with support services such as counseling or medical assistance. Protecting your health is crucial, and there may be options to adjust your study plan accordingly.

By taking these steps, you can improve your academic performance and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements to maintain your residence permit.

You can regularly check your progress through the Study Progress Monitor, which is available on the official WUR website. This tool allows you to track your credits and ensures that you stay on top of your academic goals.

12.3 Study Progress Check

If you fail to achieve 50% of the required study credits (ECTS) in an academic year, and there is no valid reason such as illness or personal circumstances, the WUR will ask the IND to revoke your residence permit. You may appeal within 6 weeks. During appeal, your residence status may be provisionally maintained until a decision is made.

At the end of each academic year, WUR will assess your academic progress. This assessment is essential, as the IND uses it to determine whether you are meeting the criteria to keep your residence permit. If your academic progress is found to be inadequate, the IND will revoke your residence permit.

You can find more detailed information and track your progress using the Study Progress Monitor available on WUR’s official website.

12.3.1 Consequences of Insufficient Progress

If you fail to meet the required study progress and do not have an excusable reason for this, the following consequences may occur:

• Your residence permit will be revoked: After WUR informs the IND, the IND will withdraw your permit.
• You must apply for a different residence permit or leave the Netherlands. If you are unable to secure another valid residence status, you may have to depart the country.
• Advised not to re-enroll without an excusable reason: It is important to carefully consider your situation before re-enrolling for the next academic year if you have not met the study progress requirements. Without valid reasons, re-enrolling could result in further complications with your residence status.

12.3.2 Actions Following a Residence Permit Revocation

If your academic progress is ultimately deemed insufficient and WUR reports this to the Immigration and the IND, it may result in the revocation of your residence permit. In such cases, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Grounds for Appeal: You may submit an appeal if you believe the decision was made in error or if there were valid, mitigating circumstances that were not fully considered—such as serious health issues, personal crises, or other exceptional situations.

How to File an Appeal

• Contact the following e-mail address: legalprotection.students@wur.nl , as soon as possible and/or within six weeks front the date of the email that you receive from the WUR around the end of October after the assessment.
• Submit a formal written objection (bezwaarschrift) within six weeks’ timeframe specified in the decision le-mail.
• Include all relevant supporting documentation, such as medical certificates, psychological evaluations, or other evidence explaining your insufficient academic progress.
• Consider seeking guidance from legal support services or the student legal aid office for assistance throughout the appeal process.

During the Appeal Process
You may be permitted to stay in the Netherlands temporarily while your appeal is under review. However, this depends on your individual circumstances and whether you meet the requirements for lawful residence during the objection procedure.

12.3.3 If the Residence Permit Is Revoked

When your residence permit is ultimately withdrawn due to insufficient academic progress, you are legally required to leave the Netherlands within 28 days of receiving the notification from the IND—unless you qualify for a different legal basis to remain. This may include:

• Securing employment in the Netherlands after graduation.
• Applying for and obtaining another type of residence permit, such as a highly skilled migrant visa or an entrepreneurship permit.

⚠️ Important: If there are valid reasons for not meeting academic progress requirements—such as health problems, family emergencies, or other serious circumstances—it is crucial to communicate these to both the WUR and the IND, supported by appropriate documentation. Doing so may help prevent the revocation of your residence permit.

13. Extension of your study and residence permit

If you need an extension of your residence permit, please contact us at least 3 months before the expiry date stated on your residence permit card.

13.1 Condition for extension

WUR can only process an extension when:

• the tuition fee payment and financial documents cover a period beyond the expiry date of your current residence permit,
• you are physically present in the Netherlands,
• you have valid housing, and
• you are actively registered with the municipality (BRP)

If you cannot complete your studies within the set timeframe, you will need to extend your study period and, if necessary, also renew your residence permit.

13.2 Procedure

1. contact the Financial Department of the SSC.
2. you will receive a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) form by email.
   • Your study advisor must complete this form, indicating how many additional months you require to complete your studies and graduate.
3. once the completed form has been returned, the Financial Department will send you an invoice for the tuition fees and request a statement of income.
   • In section 1.5 (Address in the Netherlands) of the statement of income, please provide the Dutch address under which you are officially registered with the municipality (BRP).
4. after your payment and statement of income have been received, the WUR will begin your residence permit extension procedure.

⚠️ Important: Your residence permit can only be extended if the tuition fee payment and financial documents cover a period beyond the expiry date of your current residence permit.

13.3 Costs

The IND charges a fee of €254 for the extension of a student residence permit.

⚠️ Disclaimer: the IND fees are subject to change once or twice per year, and the exact amount is determined solely by the IND.

13.4 Travel during application

If you plan to travel while your extension application is still pending, you must arrange a return visa (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf or MVV) with the IND yourself. This visa allows you to re-enter the Netherlands legally while your application is being processed. Without a valid return visa or residence permit, you may be denied entry at the border.

⚠️ Important:

• the return visa can only be applied for at an IND desk in the Netherlands, and you must make an appointment in advance.
• the IND will issue the visa only if your extension application is still under review and you continue to meet the conditions for legal residence.
• the return visa is usually valid for 90 days.

For the most up-to-date requirements, fees, and application procedure, please visit the official IND website

13.5 Summary of key conditions

• your current residence permit is valid until 30 November.
• the University will apply for the extension in September or February.
• you must be in person in the Netherlands.
• you must maintain valid registration with the municipality during the entire period.

14. Revoking or Cancelling Residence Permit

The WUR is required to inform the IND if there is a reason to revoke or cancel your residence permit.

This includes the following situations:

• graduation
• insufficient academic progress without a valid excuse

inadequate financial means/living allowance

• de-registration from the University and no longer being enrolled
• committing a criminal offense
• relocating outside the Netherlands for more than 6 months, if the move is unrelated to your studies or University program
• relocating outside the Netherlands without returning

After graduation, you may use the remaining time on your residence permit for up to three months—only if your permit is still valid.

We strongly advise applying for a new residence permit as soon as possible, or ensuring you leave the Netherlands before the end of this grace period.

For all other reasons listed above, you are required to leave the Netherlands—preferably immediately and within  one month.

15. Graduation, Sponsor Obligations, and Post-Study Opportunities under IND and WHW

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) stipulates that once a student has successfully completed all compulsory components of the chosen study program, graduation may not be postponed. Following completion, the sponsor (educational institution) is required to deregister the student with the IND within one month, citing the reason: “study successfully completed.” The student is expected to request the diploma from the relevant educational institution (the sponsor).

After graduation, students may apply for an orientation year (“zoekjaar”) residence permit. This permit is valid for 12 months and allows graduates to follow additional courses, internships, participate in student council activities, or pursue other enriching educational opportunities. The orientation year also provides full access to the Dutch labour market without restrictions.

Legal References:

• WHW, Article 7.24 — Governs the awarding of diplomas upon completion of all program requirements.
• IND Sponsor Obligations — Recognised sponsors must report changes, including completion of studies, within one month. (IND – Study residence permit obligations)
• Vreemdelingenwet 2000 (Aliens Act), Article 14 — Legal basis for granting temporary residence permits.
• Vreemdelingenbesluit 2000, Article 3.42a — Regulates the orientation year (“zoekjaar”) permit.

 

16. Residence permit after graduation

We have informed the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) that you have completed your study program? Below you can find information about how long your residence permit for study purposes remains valid after graduation.

When you graduate, your enrolment at your educational institution officially ends. The remaining validity of your residence permit depends on your individual situation.

16.1 Your residence permit expires more than 3 months after your enrolment ends

If your residence permit is valid for more than 3 months after your enrolment ends, the IND may revoke your permit 3 months after the end of your enrolment if you do not submit a new application within this period.

Within these 3 months, you must apply for:

• An orientation year (zoekjaar), or
• A residence permit for another purpose of stay.

If you do not apply within this 3-month period, your residence permit may be withdrawn.

16.2 You stop your studies without graduating

If you end your study program without graduating, your residence permit for study purposes may be revoked immediately.

17. Residence endorsement sticker (Verblijfsaantekening)

17.1 What is it?

A residence endorsement sticker is a sticker the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) places in your passport to show that you are lawfully allowed to stay in the Netherlands while your residence permit application is being processed. This sticker may be needed if you apply for a new residence permit (for example, an orientation year/zoekjaar) before your current document or permit expires.

17.2 What does it show?

• It is not a visa and not your residence permit itself.
• It is evidence that you are temporarily allowed to stay in the Netherlands while the IND processes your application.
• For some applications (e.g., zoekjaar), it can also say you are allowed to work during the application process.

17.3 When can you get it?

You can apply for a residence endorsement sticker if:

• Your current residence document has expired or will expire soon (e.g., within 2–4 weeks).
• You have submitted an application for a new residence permit (e.g., for an orientation year or other purpose) and are waiting for the IND decision.
• You have received a confirmation letter from the IND stating that your application has been received.

17.4 How to apply

1. Make an appointment with the IND to have the sticker placed in your passport.
2. Bring your passport and other documents required by the IND.
3. The appointment is free of charge.
4. Appointments are available at IND desks in several cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Den Haag, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Zwolle) and sometimes at regional locations. https://ind.nl/en/appointment-for-residence-endorsement-sticker

18. Staying in the Netherlands after my study permit expires (EES/90-Day Rule)

You have graduated and your residence permit for study purposes is no longer valid. You would like to stay in the Netherlands (or travel within the Schengen area) a bit longer.

Can you use the Entry/Exit System (EES) to remain for up to 90 days?

18.1 What you need to know

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital registration system used at the external borders of the Schengen area. It automatically registers the entry and exit of non-EU/EEA nationals who stay in the Schengen area for short stays (maximum 90 days within a 180-day period).

However:

• The EES does not give me the right to extend your residence permit.
• The EES is not a residence status.
• It only registers short stays under Schengen rules.

18.2 Can you automatically stay 90 more days after my study permit ends?

No, not automatically.

If your previously held a Dutch residence permit for study, you cannot simply remain in the Netherlands for 90 extra days after your permit expires.

In most cases, you must:

• Leave the Schengen area first, and
• Re-enter as a short-stay visitor (if you are visa-exempt).

Only after exiting and re-entering you can make use of the 90 days within 180 days short-stay rule, provided you meet the conditions for visa-free travel.

18.3 Important conditions

You may only use the 90-day short stay rule if:

• You are from a visa-exempt country, and
• You have not already used up my 90 days within the previous 180 days, and
• You leave the Schengen area before re-entering as a short-stay visitor.

Border authorities will register my entry in the EES when I re-enter the Schengen area.

18.4 Important warning

If you remain in the Netherlands after your residence permit expires without leaving the Schengen area, this may be considered illegal stay (overstay). This can lead to:

• A fine
• An entry ban
• Problems with future visa or residence permit applications

19. Orientation Year (Search/Job-Seeking Year)

If you have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the Netherlands, or graduated from a recognized Dutch educational institution such as WUR, you may be eligible for a job-seeking year (also known as the “orientation year”).

This allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year to search for employment as a highly skilled migrant. You may also qualify if you completed your degree within the past three years at a university ranked in the top 200 of at least two internationally recognized university rankings, including:

• Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• QS World University Rankings
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking)

Also, you must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself. See the current financial requirements in the ‘Table of norms’ on www.ind.nl.

More information about the orientation year can be found in the publication ‘Coming to work in the Netherlands’ on www.ind.nl, where you can also access the application form.

If you no longer meet the conditions to reside in the Netherlands as a student, you must leave the country unless you qualify to stay on other legal grounds.

19.1 Required Documents

One of the required documents for your application is a digital copy of your degree certificate or a completed appendix titled "Statement on Completion of Study". This form is available within the online application.

You may send the statement to the Graduation Office at WUR to ssc@wur.nl .

They will complete and sign the appropriate section and return it to you via email.

⚠️ Important: The first page of the appendix must be completed by you (the student). The second page will then be completed by the Graduation Office.

20. Traveling

20.1 Traveling abroad

During your studies, there will be many traveling opportunities to travel abroad – whether to explore new cultures, build international friendships, or gain unique experiences. We encourage you to make the most of these moments and want to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

For guidance related to your residence permit while traveling as part of your study, please refer to the WUR guide: Preparation for travel abroad - WUR.

20.2 When Traveling for Your Internship

Before going abroad for an internship, ensure that:

• your Dutch residence permit is valid for the entire duration of your stay abroad
• you maintain valid housing in the Netherlands
• you remain registered with your local Dutch municipality (BRP)
• you remain enrolled at the WUR

20.3 Outgoing Intra-EU Mobility

As part of Dutch immigration law, students can make use of Intra-EU mobility, which allows you to temporarily reside in another participating EU country for study purposes without having to apply for a new residence permit there.

20.3.1 Conditions for Intra-EU Mobility

To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:

• you hold legal residence in the Netherlands for study purposes
• your permit was applied for by WUR
• your residence permit is valid for the full duration of your planned mobility
• you are going to a recognized partner institution in a participating country (see link provided in the full guide)

20.3.2 Application for Mobility

WUR can apply for your Intra-EU mobility stay on your behalf. The application must be submitted to the IND at least 4 weeks before your planned departure.

⚠️ Important

• the additional mobility period may cover a maximum duration of 360 days per country.
• your Dutch residence permit for study must remain valid for the entire duration of your mobility.
• you must be enrolled at WUR and remain registered with a Dutch municipality during the period abroad.
• the host institution abroad must be a recognized partner or be included in an EU mobility program agreement.
• WUR will submit the mobility application to the IND, and upon approval you will receive an official IND letter confirming your right to temporarily reside in the host EU country for study purposes. Keep this letter with you when traveling, as it may be requested by border or immigration authorities abroad.

20.4 Deregistration during the academic year

If you decide to terminate your enrolment during the academic year because you wish to stop your studies temporarily or permanently, please consider the consequences carefully.

⚠️ Important:

• Residence permit: If you deregister, WUR is legally obliged to report this to the IND. This will lead to the revocation of your residence permit, unless you are able to switch to another valid residence purpose (e.g., work, orientation year, or another study program).
• Financial implications: We advise you to deregister before the first day of a month. This way, you may receive restitution of tuition fees for the entire following month. If you deregister mid-month, you will not receive restitution for that current month.
• Study progress: A temporary break in your studies may affect your future residence permit applications, as the IND requires continuous enrolment and sufficient progress.
• Re-enrolment: If you plan to resume your studies later, you must reapply for enrolment and a new residence permit before returning to the Netherlands.

For more details about the deregistration process and its consequences, please consult the official WUR website: Deregistration – Wageningen University & Research

20.5 Re-enrolment at Wageningen University & Research

You can arrange your re-enrolment in Studielink between May 1 and August 31 for the upcoming academic year. Re-enrolment is required before the start of each new academic year to ensure that you may continue your studies, participate in courses, and make use of WUR facilities.

Or contact the Student service Center ssc@wur.nl 3months before you start.

Always make sure that your e-mail address in Studielink is up to date. All official correspondence regarding your enrolment will be sent to the e-mail address you provided there.

⚠️ Important: Re-enrolment in both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes is also possible on the following dates during the academic year: November 1, January 1, February 1, March 1, May 1, and July 1. For details on how to arrange this, see the WUR webpage: Registration and deregistration during the academic year.

20.5.1 Additional Consequences for Non-EU Students

If you are a non-EU/EEA student, temporary deregistration has serious consequences for your legal residence. Therefore, it is essential to contact the Student Service Centre (SSC) before you deregister. Depending on your personal situation and your plans for returning, SSC can advise you about the consequences and possible alternatives.

Residence permit

As soon as you deregister from WUR, WUR is legally obliged to inform the IND.

This means your residence permit for study in the Netherlands becomes invalid from the date your enrolment ends, regardless of the expiry date on your residence permit card.

You are then required to leave the Netherlands within 1 month of your deregistration.

Re-enrolment after deregistration

If you wish to re-enrol after deregistration, WUR will need to apply for a new entry visa and/or residence permit on your behalf.

This procedure takes at least 60 days and requires full advance payment of the following:

• • Tuition fee
  • Living allowance for 12 months
  • IND dues

Only once payment has been received in full can WUR begin the application with the IND.

Exceptional Situations

In very exceptional cases, and only with the explicit approval of both the Student Dean, it may be possible to re-enrol in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at a different moment. You must first schedule an appointment with the Student Dean to discuss your individual situation and obtain approval before leaving the Netherlands.

However, if you wish to re-enrol on one of the standard re-enrolment dates listed below, no special permission is required. Please note that you must still meet the deadlines for submitting the required documents and payment to WUR in order to arrange your legal residence for the necessary period of stay in the Netherlands.

Standard re-enrolment dates:

• 1 September
• 1 November
• 1 January
• 1 February
• 1 March
• 1 May
• 1 July

 

If your stay in the Netherlands will be shorter than 90 days, you will need to contact the Dutch Embassy in your home country to apply for a short-stay visa (visa type C). The embassy will require supporting documents as proof of the purpose of your stay. In most cases, the Study Advisor or Programme Director can provide a statement/letter to support your application.

For more information, please visit the website: Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands. Choose your country. | NetherlandsWorldwide

21. Health insurance

Non-EU students are obliged to buy an international student insurance before arrival.

21.1 Key Legal Principles

• Mandatory health insurance: Under Dutch law, everyone living in the Netherlands is required to have adequate health insurance.
• Basisverzekering (“basic health insurance”): This is the public statutory health insurance that covers essential medical care: GP visits, hospitalization, maternity care, medicines, etc. The government regulates what the basic package must include.

21.2 When International Students Must Take Out Dutch Basic Health Insurance

International students must take out Dutch basic health insurance if certain conditions apply. Broadly speaking, if you are working or doing a paid internship in the Netherlands (even part-time, zero-hour contracts count), you must have Dutch basic health insurance.

 

Key cases:

Situation	Required to have Dutch basic insurance?
Student only (no job, no paid internship/paid work)	Generally no, if coming for study only, in many cases you can use home country insurance or an international student policy.
Non-EU students, study only	Need some insurance (international student insurance or equivalent) if home-insurance does not sufficiently cover Netherlands. Basic insurance required if working.
Paid internship or part-time job (even minimal hours)		Yes: must take out Dutch basic health insurance.

 

21.3 Exemptions & Alternatives

Students coming only to study (no paid work) may be exempt from taking out Dutch basic insurance if they have valid insurance from home or an international student insurance that covers necessary health care in NL.

21.4 Administrative Processes & Fines

• Wlz assessment via SVB: To check whether you are required to take out Dutch basic health insurance, one can request an assessment from the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) under the Long-term Care Act (Wlz). This helps confirm whether you are obligated or exempt.
• CAK: Sometimes students receive a letter from the CAK (the Dutch body that monitors health insurance obligations) stating they are uninsured and could be fined if they don’t take out insurance. You must respond within a set period (often 3 months) even if you believe you are exempt.
• Fine/penalty: If required and you don’t arrange Dutch basic insurance when you should, you may face administrative penalties.

21.5 Costs, Financial Support & What’s Covered

• Costs: Basic insurance premiums are significant (on the order of ~€1,500/year, depending on insurer) plus a deductible (“eigen risico”) each year.
• Coverage: Basic insurance covers essential medical care: GP, hospital, meds, emergency. Some things are not covered or only covered to a limited extent (e.g., dental care for adults, physiotherapy, paramedical services) unless you take an additional private/supplementary insurance.
• Healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag): If you have Dutch basic health insurance and your income is below a threshold, you may be eligible for a government subsidy (zorgtoeslag) to help pay for insurance.

21.6 Do You Need Dutch Basic Health Insurance?

• No, not if you are only studying.
  International students who come solely for study are generally not required to take out Dutch basisverzekering (basic health insurance).
• Yes, if you start working or take a paid internship.
  Even a small part-time job or a paid internship means you become insured under Dutch social security law and must take Dutch basic health insurance.

21.7 What Insurance Do You Need Then?

• Even though you don’t have to buy Dutch basic health insurance, you must still be covered for health costs during your stay. Options depend on where you’re from:
• Non-EU students:
  • Your home insurance may not cover you abroad, or not sufficiently.
  • Most students purchase an international student insurance package (e.g., AON Student Insurance, Allianz Care).
  • These are designed for students and cover medical care, emergencies, liability, and sometimes dental/mental health.

✅ In short:
As a full-time student in the Netherlands (without paid work), you don’t need Dutch basic health insurance — but you do need another form of valid coverage (international student insurance if non-EU).

21.8 Upon Arrival in the Netherlands

• Register at the municipality (GBA/BRP)
  • Within 5 days of moving into your Dutch address, register at the town hall.
  • You’ll receive your BSN (Burger Service Nummer), which is used for all official matters.
• Open a Dutch bank account (optional but useful)
  • Not required for insurance, but useful for everyday expenses.
• Respond to any CAK letters
  • If you receive a letter claiming you must get Dutch basic insurance, reply immediately with proof that you’re a student (and not working). Otherwise, you may face fines.

21.9 While Studying

• Don’t take paid work unless you’re ready for insurance changes
  • If you accept a paid job or internship, you must switch to Dutch basic health insurance immediately.
  • This means arranging a new policy, paying ~€120/month, and possibly applying for zorgtoeslag (a government subsidy to help with the cost).
• Keep insurance documents accessible
  • Always carry your insurance card or proof of coverage.
  • In emergencies, hospitals and doctors may ask for it.
• Update coverage if needed
  • If you extend your stay, renew your international policy before it expires.

21.10 At the End of Your Studies

Cancel your insurance properly

10. • Contact your international insurer to end coverage when you return home.
    • If you accidentally took Dutch basic insurance, cancel it as soon as you deregister from the municipality.

22. Work

Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time in June, July, and August. A work permit (TWV) is required, which must be applied for by the employer. Self-employment is permitted, provided you register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and meet tax obligations.

Alongside your course you may work as an independent entrepreneur. You may also work in paid employment, but no more than 16 hours per week.

Another option is to work full time (in paid employment) through June, July and August only. For paid employment your employer must apply for a work permit. See www.werk.nl.

You do not need a work permit in order to complete an internship in the Netherlands in the context of your course. The company or the organization where you are completing your internship must draw up a internship contract with you and the educational institution. If you complete your internship or work in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch public health care insurance.

⚠️ Important: You are not obliged to take out Dutch public health care insurance if you have not found a job yet, or if your internship allowance is less than the Dutch minimum wage. Your foreign health care insurance (AON) will be sufficient in those cases.

23. Family members or relatives

If family members join you, you remain financially responsible for them. They must also comply with IND conditions, including maintaining health insurance and valid registration at the municipality.

If you study in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit for your family- members or relatives. If they travel to the Netherlands at the same time, it is handy if you apply for the entry-visa and/or residence permits at the same time too. Or for visit when you are living in the Netherlands. You are responsible for the legal residence of your family members or relatives.

For more information, see the publication ‘Bringing a family-member or relative to the Netherlands’ on www.ind.nl.

24. Thinking About Dutch Citizenship After Your Studies or a Search Year permit?

Many international students wonder whether they can become Dutch citizens after studying in the Netherlands. Here’s a simple overview of how it works and what to expect.

24.1 Can time spent on a Study or Search Year Permit count?

Yes — it can count toward the required 5 years, but only if you later hold a non-temporary residence permit.

Your time in the Netherlands on:

• Study Permit (student visa)
• Search/Orientation Year Permit (zoekjaar)

is considered “temporary”.

This means it counts only if you continue living in the Netherlands with a non-temporary residence permit afterwards — for example:

• Work permit (e.g., Highly Skilled Migrant)
• Family reunification permit
• Permanent residency

Important: You cannot apply for Dutch citizenship while still on a study or search year permit.

24.2 Basic Requirements for Dutch Citizenship (Naturalisation)

To apply for Dutch citizenship, you must generally:

• Have 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay in the Netherlands
• Hold a non-temporary residence permit at the time of application
• Be integrated (usually by passing the Dutch integration exam)
• Have no serious criminal record
• Be willing to give up your current nationality
  (Some nationalities are exempt from this.)

24.3 Your Path to Dutch Citizenship — Typical Example

Year	Permit Type	Counts Toward 5 Years?
Year 1–3	Study permit	✅ Yes
Year 4	Search year (zoekjaar)	✅ Yes
Year 5	Work/residence permit (non-temporary)	✅ Yes
End of Year 5	Eligible to apply	🎉 Yes!

 

24.4 How to Apply (Once You Qualify)

1. Check your eligibility
   Make sure you meet the 5-year rule and have a non-temporary permit.
2. Gather required documents
   e.g., passport, birth certificate, residence permit, integration certificate.
3. Apply at your local municipality (gemeente)
   → You pay a fee and submit your application.
4. The IND reviews your request
   Processing time can take up to 12 months.
5. Naturalisation Ceremony
   If approved, you attend a ceremony and officially become Dutch.

24.5 Helpful Government Resources

• IND – Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalisation
  https://ind.nl
• Netherlands Worldwide – Info for internationals
  https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl

24.6 Final Tip

Staying in the Netherlands after graduation on a work permit is the most common route to citizenship for former students. Planning ahead helps!

25. Government benefits

Applying for benefits in the Netherlands—such as housing benefit, healthcare allowance, childcare benefit, or supplementary child benefit—may jeopardize your right of residence and could ultimately lead to its withdrawal.

26. Changes

The WUR must notify the IND of any changes that could impact upon the residence permit.

A change does not immediately have to lead to the residence permit being withdrawn. It is also possible that you may need another type of residence permit.

Please always notify the WUR; ssc@wur.nl

27. Another study or another educational institution within the Netherlands

In principle, your residence permit remains valid if you take another course at the educational institution and have made sufficient study progress. (see point 12)

The educational institution, can report the new study to the IND.

The educational institution must be informed, however, within 4 weeks. The educational institution will pass on the notification to the IND.

The educational institution must be recognized as a sponsor by the IND.

You must also promptly inform your old educational institution of the transfer. The former educational institution will inform the IND that they are no longer your sponsor.

28. More important information to know about the IND

Do you have further questions? Then please contact your us. We are your first point of contact. If you have specific questions about your stay in the Netherlands other than study, then please contact the IND directly. There are a range of options for contacting the IND.

28.1 Internet IND

On www.ind.nl you will find more information about the procedure and conditions for residence permits, visas and how you can become a Dutch citizen. You can also make an appointment online for your visit to an IND desk.

28.2 Telephone

The IND is available from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 on 088 043 04 30.

Standard rates apply for this information number.

From abroad, call +31 88 043 04 30. Have the v-number ready (if known).

⚠️ Important: If the decision period for your application has not yet expired, your application is still pending. We cannot give you any information about the status of your application.

28.3 Social media

The IND is on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. If you have a general question, you can ask the IND's webcare team.

They will answer your questions on working days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Social media channels are public.

Therefore, they are not suited to the exchange of personal information. So do not provide any personal or financial details in your messages, such as your personal data or case number.

For more information, visit www.ind.nl/socialmedia.

28.4 Letter or e-mail

Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst

Postbus 17

9560 AA Ter Apel

E-mail: please use the e-mail form on www.ind.nl.

28.5 Visit

In the Netherlands, you can also go to an IND desk. Find your nearest branch on www.ind.nl. Please keep in mind that you need to make an appointment first.

28.6 Complaints

If you want to make a complaint about the way the IND treated you, you can use the complaint form on www.ind.nl.

For complaints you can also call +31 88 043 04 70.

28.7 Handy to check

Information package on studying in the Netherlands for internation students made by NUFFIC for you.

IND: Coming to study in the Netherlands

Nuffic: Study in NL