FAQ - What to arrange when you're studying in The Netherlands

Do you need a Study Visa to study in The Netherlands?

• When you're from a EU country (or Switzerland) you won't need a study visa.
• Also when you have a residency permit to study in another EU country and are coming to The Netherlands to study for maximum 360 days, you usually won't need a study visa.
• When you're studying in The Netherlands you can also go to other EU countries for 360 days when it's part of your education.
• If you're coming from other countries you'll need a Study Visa for your time in The Netherlands

What is the role of the education institute in applying for a visa

• The University will usually apply for a residency permit for you.
• You'll need to make sure you have all the needed documents translated.

When do you need to register at the municipality?

• When you are living in The Netherlands for more than 4 months, you'll need to register at the local municipality
• When you register you'll receive a BSN number. This you'll need when you're working or doing an internship.
• You can contact the local municipality of an appointment to register.

How to apply for a Dutch bank account

• When you're staying for a couple of months or more in The Netherlands it will probably be easy to get a Dutch bank account for the time being.
• Especially as debit cards are still used mostlt throughout the country, and credit cards are still not used for daily expenses.
• Most banks will ask for a BSN number, proof of your local address (for example a rental agreement), proof of enrollment at your university and an ID (passport).
• Some will ask for a small fee per month, others are free of charge.
• You can open a bank account at any bank. The largest banks are ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank. 
• You can also open a bank account at online banks, such as Bunq and N26. This can sometimes be the easier option, as for example Bunq doesn't require a BSN number for the first 3 months.

What is a DigiD and how do you apply for it?

• A DigiD is an online system with which you can take care of your administration in The Netherlands, for example for your taxes, DUO or care allowance. 
• Your DigiD is connected with your BSN number.
• You can apply for a DigiD online. The codes will be send to your home address within a couple of days.

Read more:

• DigiD.nl/en
• ind.nl (immigration)