Visa, residence and work permit

Before leaving to come to Holland, you should make sure you have a proper understanding of your legal situation. Depending on your nationality and the way your PhD is financed, you might need a visa, residence permit and/or work permit.

Visa & Residence Permit

Dutch Law regards PhD candidates as 'staff' rather than 'students', even if they do not receive a salary. This means that PhD candidates should not apply for a visa or residence permit for the purpose of study, but for the purpose of work.

If you need an entry visa (MVV), and your stay is due to exceed 90 days, then the University can apply for your visa using an accelerated procedure. This is usually done by the Human Resource department of your faculty or institute.

Legal requirements for international staff and PhD candidates

Work permit

PhD candidates from outside the European Union should be aware that in most cases a work permit is required. This depends on such factors as the way your PhD is financed.

The Human Resource department of your faculty or institute will be able to determine whether or not a work permit is required. If so, it is usually also the Human Resource department that will apply for the permit. The work permit is issued to the University; you cannot apply yourself.  
 
Work permit