Dutch residence permit holders: steps to take

Source: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/visa-and-residence-permit/dutch-residence-permit-holders-steps-to-take Parent: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/studying-at-leiden-university/career/career-service

Have you checked theresidence permit requirements for your situation? And do you need to update or extend your Dutch residence permit before joining Leiden University? Follow the steps below to submit your application.

Deadline

The deadline for submitting your visa/residence permit application and paying the required fee is:

• 1 June: programmes starting in September
• 1 December: programmes starting in February

Applying for a visa/residence permit for accompanying family members? Contact Leiden University before 15 April (Sept start) or 15 Sept (Feb start) for info on additional requirements. Then apply by the earlier deadline of 1 May (Sept start) or 1 Oct (Feb start).

1. Meet your admission conditions

We can only apply for your new or updated residence permit once you have met your admission conditions for a full-time* study programme, if applicable.

* part-time study is not permitted for student residence permit holders.

Where to find your conditions

• Exchange students: check in your online application (uSis) if any conditions apply.
• Degree students: check your decision statement.

How and when to meet your conditions

On the Meet your admission conditions page you can find out how and when to meet your conditions, and what to do if you cannot meet your conditions before the residence permit deadline.

Not yet admitted?

Check the admission and application procedures.

1. Await your residence permit invitation email

This will invite you to start your residence permit application in the uSis visa portal.

• Joining us in September: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted, but not earlier than 1 April. \

• Joining us in February: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted.

• Upload the required documents

You will be asked to upload the following documents in the uSis visa portal.

• Copy of your valid passport:
• Include all pages with personal information, visas and entry/exit stamps.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the start date of your study programme. If it will expire earlier, you must arrange a new one before applying for your residence permit.\
• Completed and signed Antecedents Certificate:
• Signature must be hand-written (not digital) and match your passport signature.

• If you must answer yes to any of the questions, consult Leiden University before proceeding.

• Upload proof of funds

Carefully read the information for new incoming degree students on the Proof of funds page, then upload the required items in the uSis visa portal.

Check criteria carefully!\ Make sure your proof of funds documents meet allthe stipulated criteria! Missing or incorrect documents will significantly slow down the processing of your residence permit application.

1. Upload other documents: including your Dutch residence permit

Upload the following documents:

• Copy of both sides of your Dutch residence permit
• A copy of your valid health insurance policy. For more information on insurance coverage, see the Health and liability insurance page.

• If applicable: documents required for your family residence permit application. Contact Leiden University for instructions

• Pay the fee (if applicable)

Fee amount

• Student residence permit fee: €254*

*valid as of 2026 and subject to annual change

How to pay?

In the uSis visa portal you will see instructions on how to pay. This can be either by way of online payment or bank transfer. See bank transfer information.

Exception

Do you have a valid student residence permit obtained via another Dutch educational institution and are requesting a transfer of place of study? You do not have to pay the residence permit fee.

1. Read the obligations for residence permit holders

Before submitting your application, read the obligations for student residence permit holders. Be aware that if you fail to meet these obligations, Leiden University is required to inform the Dutch immigration department (IND), which may result in the revocation of your permit.

1. Review by Leiden University

After you submit your application, Leiden University will check all information and documents are in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, you will be notified via uSis. Check your emails and uSis notifications frequently and take action immediately if needed.

Priority for students requiring entry visas

In the period June to August, Leiden University receives a large number of visa/residence permit applications. As a result, we must prioritise applications from students who need a visa to enter the country. This means it may take us 8 to 10 weeks to process applications from students who need a residence permit update or extension only. Thank you for your understanding.

1. Await the decision of the immigration department

Once your application has been checked by Leiden University, we will forward it to the Dutch immigration department (IND). If your documentation is found to be in order, the IND will make a decision on your application within 2 to 4 weeks.

1. Schedule a biometric data appointment (if applicable)

Why must I attend a Biometric data appointment?

Before the IND can issue your student residence permit, you must have your biometric data recorded. This will take place at an IND office in the Netherlands.

What data are recorded?

During the biometric data appointment your fingerprints, signature and a digital photo will be recorded.

How to make an appointment

You can schedule an apointment via the IND Make an appointment page.

Exception

If you have requested a transfer of place of study, you do not need to attend a biometric data appoinment.

1. Collect your residence permit (if applicable)

Once your new residence permit is ready, Leiden University will send you an email with instructions and a link to schedule a residence permit collection appointment.

Exception

If you have requested a transfer of place of study, you will not receive an updated residence permit card.