Netherlands researcher residence permit

Paid researchers, unpaid researchers with a grant, and doctoral candidates conducting research at a recognised Dutch research institute.

• Eligible research position

  You will work as a paid researcher, an unpaid researcher with a grant, or a doctoral candidate.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Recognised research institute

  You plan to conduct research at a research institute in the Netherlands that is a recognised sponsor.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Degree or appropriate level

  You have a higher education degree that gives access to a doctoral programme, and your employer considers it suitable. If you do not have a suitable degree, your employer must declare that you have the appropriate level.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Approved research project

  Your employer has approved the research aim, its duration and the amount of money needed to conduct it.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Contract or hosting agreement

  You have an employment contract or hosting agreement with your employer. A hosting agreement states the research title or aim, both parties’ commitments to carrying out and hosting the research, its dates or estimated duration, any known research in other EU countries, the legal relationship and the terms and conditions of employment.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Sufficient money

  You must have sufficient income. The published amount for a researcher from 1 July to 31 December 2026 is gross SV salary of €1,635.90 per month without holiday allowance or €1,766.77 with holiday allowance. If your Dutch employer does not pay a salary, the IND says you must have other income, such as a grant, stipend or sponsor funding, or sufficient money in your bank account for your stay.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Valid travel document

  You must have a valid passport or other travel document.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Public order and security

  You must not pose a danger to public order or national security. Everyone over 12 must complete an Antecedents Certificate for the application.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Live in the Netherlands

  The application form requires confirmation that you have, or will establish, your principal residence in the Netherlands.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Entry permit if required

  Whether you need a provisional residence permit (MVV) depends on your nationality and any applicable exemption. Where required, your employer applies for the MVV and residence permit together.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Healthcare registration if applicable

  If you will practise an individual healthcare profession listed under Articles 3 or 36a of the BIG Act, you must be registered in the BIG register. The route page also describes conditional registration where applicable.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Conditions for long-term EU mobility

  If applying through long-term mobility, you will conduct research in the Netherlands for more than 180 days; your Directive (EU) 2016/801 researcher permit from another EU country remains valid throughout your stay; and your research programme states that you will conduct research in one or more other EU countries.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• TB test unless exempt

  After arrival, you must take a tuberculosis test unless an IND-listed exemption applies. If your employer indicated that you would take the test, the route page says to arrange it within 3 months after receiving your residence permit.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• First researcher permit applicationResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€254 per person
• First application under the EC–Turkey Association Agreement, where applicableResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€85 per person
• Decision timeThe legal decision period is 60 days from receipt of the application. For a complete application submitted by a recognised sponsor, the IND’s target is 2 weeks (14 calendar days), not a guaranteed minimum or maximum. The decision period can be extended.About 2 months

1. Get ready

   • Secure an eligible research position

     Arrange a paid research position, an unpaid research position with a grant, or a doctoral position at a recognised Dutch research institute.

   • Agree your project and terms

     Have the institute approve the research aim, duration and funding needed, and arrange an employment contract or hosting agreement.

     You’ll need: Employment contract or hosting agreement

   • Check your qualifications and money

     Ask your employer to assess your degree or declare your appropriate level, and establish how you will meet the income requirement.

     You’ll need: Higher education degree, if suitable

   • Collect the application documents

     Follow the application form’s document list and have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

     You’ll need: Copy of passport identity details and stamped pages, Antecedents Certificate where required, Copy of the other EU country’s valid researcher permit if applying through long-term mobility

2. Apply

   • Have your employer apply

     Your recognised-sponsor employer submits the application online or by post and, if an MVV is required, applies for it and the residence permit together.

     You’ll need: Researcher application form if applying by post

   • Pay the application fee

     Your employer pays the application cost by direct debit.

     You’ll need: Direct debit collection appendix if applying with the paper form

   • Wait for the IND’s decision

     The IND sends a decision on the application; its legal decision period for research applications is 60 days.

3. Visa

   • Arrange your MVV sticker if required

     After a positive decision, make an appointment at the Dutch representation named in the application within 3 months; your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity left when the sticker is placed.

     You’ll need: Passport

4. Travel

   • Travel to the Netherlands

     When you arrive

     If you needed an MVV, travel with it while it is valid; the IND says the MVV is valid for 90 days.

     You’ll need: Passport, MVV if required

5. Settle in

   • Collect your residence permit

     When the IND tells you the document is ready, make an appointment to collect it at an IND desk.

   • Arrange a TB test if required

     If your employer indicated that you would take a TB test, make an appointment with the public health service within 3 months after receiving your residence permit and bring the referral form.

     You’ll need: TB test referral form

After holding a residence permit for 5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

• Residence permit researcher (Directive (EU) 2016/801) | INDind.nlOfficial
• Required amounts income requirements | INDind.nlOfficial
• Fees: costs of an application | INDind.nlOfficial
• Decision periods | INDind.nlOfficial
• ind.nl/en/forms/7512.pdfOfficial
• Provisional residence permit (MVV) | INDind.nlOfficial
• Requirements that apply to everyone | INDind.nlOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.