EU / EEA / Switzerland

Steps

  1. Admission — Often via Studielink.
  2. Travel — ID or passport.
  3. Housing — Legal contract (housing market is tight).
  4. Municipal registration (BRP) — Within about 5 days at the Gemeente.
  5. BSN — Issued at registration; needed for bank and work.

Non-EU — entry visa / residence card

Steps

  1. Admission via Studielink.
  2. Financial guarantee — IND benchmark about €1,130.77/month (2026); many schools collect roughly a full year (~€13,569) before applying and refund after arrival—follow your institution.
  3. University submits to IND — You provide passport copy, background check, and proof as requested.
  4. MVV sticker — If required, collect at the Dutch embassy in your country.
  5. Travel & VVR — Pick up the residence card (VVR) at an IND location.
  6. BRP + BSN — Same municipal registration as EU students.

Official links

Go deeper

Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.

BSN & municipal registration (BRP)

Citizen service number (BSN)

Your BSN identifies you to municipalities, the tax office, insurers, and employers. You usually receive it when you register in the BRP at the gemeente.

BRP registration

You must report your address to the municipality; bring your lease, passport, and residence document if applicable.

DigiD

Digital login for Tax Administration, CAK, DUO, and many local services—activate it only through official channels.

Immigration (IND)

Permits & MVV

Residence permits, entry visas (MVV), extensions, and work conditions are explained on the IND website—use its appointment tools only.

Driving licences

Exchange or recognition rules depend on country of issue—check RDW.

Study & diplomas

DUO

Student finance (where available), diplomas, and DUO letters for employers or banks.

Choosing a programme

Each university of applied sciences (hogeschool) or research university sets admissions.

Self-employment & business

Many freelancers and businesses must register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and meet separate tax rules—do not assume employee-only BRP steps are enough.

Local rules

Waste collection, short-stay rules, and ID appointments differ by municipality—always check your gemeente website.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Trusted sources we used for this content

Dutch and EU sources: Eurostat, the Dutch government, the Tax Administration, IND immigration, and Study in Holland. Always confirm on the official site.