Visa information

It is important that you know and understand that Dutch regulations regarding residing in The Netherlands are very strict. In most cases, you will need a Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, or ‘MVV’ (an ‘Authorisation for Temporary Stay’) just to enter The Netherlands. If you are to remain in The Netherlands for a period longer than three months, you will need a Residence Permit.

Entry Visa / MVV 

All non-EU/EEA students entering The Netherlands will require an Entry Visa or MVV, except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.

Residence Permit/VVR

All those who enter The Netherlands with an MVV and who wish to stay for a period of longer than three months, are obliged to apply for a Verblijfsvergunning regulier, or "VVR"   (a Residence Permit). The Fontys International Office will guide and support you through the whole process and send the application to the Immigration & Naturalisation Servie on your behalf.

The Fontys University of Applied Sciences has an agreement with the Dutch Immigration & Naturalisation Service to apply for Entry Visas on behalf of students. Students may no longer apply for their own Entry Visas at local Dutch Embassies/Consulates. Fontys makes use of a new procedure of the Dutch Immigration & naturalisation Service to apply for the entry visa (MVV) and the residence permit in one procedure before you travel to the Netherlands. This procedure (only for the residence permit) is also available for nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State. The residence permit will be ready for you in the first week at Fontys.

The application process 

• You will receive a letter/e-mail of acceptance from the Fontys institute of your choice.
• You will receive a message from the Fontys International Office regarding how to submit your visa and/or residence permit application and details of which documents will be required.
• You will need to arrange payment of your tuition fees and any applicable accommodation fees and insurance fees.
• As soon as Fontys has received your payment, the Fontys International Office will submit your application to the Immigration & Naturalisation Service on your behalf.

More details about the application process can be found in the Brochure visa procedure.

Please note:  The Dutch Immigration & Naturalisation Service will provide individual advice to students from Pakistan regarding the procedure for their Entry Visas.

Dutch Immigration & Naturalisation Service (IND) 

For further information regarding the conditions that must be met and details of the documents required in order to secure a Residence Permit for your stay in The Netherlands, please refer to the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, or ‘Nuffic’ website, http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/how-to-prepare/visas-and-permits. When you have received the above-mentioned message from the Fontys International Office regarding how to submit your visa application, you will have all of the information necessary to peruse the details regarding the conditions that must be met and the documents required in order to be permitted to stay in The Netherlands, via the ‘Residence Wizard’ on the Nuffic site.