Visa and residence permit

Do you need a visa or residence permit for your stay in the Netherlands? What will it cost and how can you apply? Find out how and when you can request a student visa or residence permit via Leiden University.

Do I need a visa and/or residence permit?

In the table below you can find out whether you need a visa and/or residence permit for your studies at Leiden University.

*Short stay visas are only required by nationals of certain countries. Check on the immigration department website (IND) whether this applies to you. If you need a short-stay visa, you must request this yourself from your local Dutch consulate.

How do I request a visa and/or residence permit

Once you have been admitted to a full-time study programme, you can ask Leiden University to request a student visa and/or residence permit for you as follows:   

1. Read the relevant instructions carefully. These explain the required documents, financial matters and how to collect your visa or permit:
   • Degree students: visa/residence permit instructions
   • Exchange or study abroad course students: visa/residence permit instructions 
      
2. Start preparing the necessary documents and finances well in advance. 
    
3. Shortly after admission, you will receive an email instructing you to submit your visa/residence permit application via the online application system (uSis).

If you already have a Dutch residence permit, other procedures apply. See the Residence permit instructions-New Student With Current Dutch Residence Permit.

What is the deadline and how long does it take?

The deadline for submitting your visa and/or residence permit application to Leiden University is: 

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

Upon receipt, the university will check all documents are in order then forward your application to the Dutch immigration department (IND). You will then have to wait approximately 2 to 4 weeks for the IND to approve your request. 

What are the financial requirements?

When applying for a student visa/residence permit you will be asked to:

• Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for both living expenses and tuition fee for your first year of stay. The required amount is €975 (2023) per month of stay, plus your tuition fees.
• Pay the visa/residence permit application fee of €210 (2023).   

* Fees & living expenses requirements set by the Dutch immigration department (IND) and subject to annual change.

When and how can I collect my visa/residence permit?

Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions to collect your visa (if applicable) from your specified Dutch embassy/consulate. After arrival, you will receive an email inviting you to collect your residence permit from the Dutch immigration department (IND).

Note that if you requested a student residence permit only (not an entry visa) you must first attend a biometric data appointment after arrival. Your residence permit cannot be issued until you complete this step.

Where can I find information during my stay?

During your stay, you can find information for student residence permit holders on the student website. For example, regulations on work & internships, extending your stay and lost permits. Here you can also find details of the visa team's consultation hours for students.