Biometric data appointment
Before your student residence permit can be issued, you must have your biometric data recorded.
When and how is biometric data recorded?
Students who need an entry visa
Your biometric data will generally be recorded when you collect your entry visa (MVV) at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your home country before you travel to the Netherlands.
Other students
If you don't need an entry visa but you do need a student residence permit, you must have your biometric data recorded during a biometric data appointment after arrival in the Netherlands. See below for details.
Who needs to attend a biometric data appointment in the Netherlands?
The following students need to attend a biometric data appointment:
- Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, USA, UK or Vatican City;
- Students with a valid residence permit from another Schengen country;
- Students who already have a valid Dutch residence permit but are applying for a 'change of purpose' to study at Leiden University.
How do I make a biometric data appointment?
In the second week of August 2024, you will receive an email with a link to sign up for a biometric data appointment at an IND office.
What data are recorded during the appointment?
During the biometric data appointment your fingerprints, signature and a digital photo will be recorded.
What happens after my appointment?
Your residence permit will be ready approximately two weeks after your biometric data have been recorded. Once your permit is ready, Leiden University will send you an email inviting you to collect it during one of the IND centralised collection sessions. These will take place on 24 August, 14 September and 5 October 2024 in Utrecht.