Studying in the Netherlands - Theme

Studying in the Netherlands

When you're planning to study in The Netherlands you'll probably looking for housing, getting a health insurance and want to know more about rules and regulations when working in The Netherlands. This page can be a starting point to get the information you're looking for.

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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)

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FAQ - Health Insurance when studying in The Netherlands

When do you need to apply for a basic health insurance when studying in The Netherlands?

The Dutch Health Insurance is obligatory for residents of The Netherlands. Students who are temporarily visiting are an exemption, but the moment you're working or getting paid for an internship or voluntary work this might change.
If you're an International student and you are just here to study you usually don't need a basic health insurance.
The moment you take on a (part time) job you need to get a health insurance however. You can choose any insurer.
When you're doing your internship in The Netherlands, you only need to get a health insurance when you're getting paid more than the minimum wage (so it's usually not the case).
If you're an independent worker (zzp'er/freelancer) the rules are less clear, and you'll be asked to check with the SVB to do a WLZ check to know if you are obligated to get the basic health insurance.

Can I apply for care allowance (zorgtoeslag) as an International Student?

If you are required to get the basic Dutch Health Insurance (basisverzekering) you can also apply for the care allowance.
Usually this will cover most of the costs of your monthly insurance payment.

When to apply for private health insurance for your time in The Netherlands.?

When you are here for a temporary stay and not getting paid for a part time job, there are still situations when you would like to get a insurance.
This can be the case when your own health insurer doesn't cover (enough of) the costs in The Netherlands.
You can then apply for a Student Insurance, such as the OOM Studying in The Netherlands insurance.
This insurance is not a basic health insurance, so you can't apply for the care allowance. Usually the prices of these insurances are between 20 and 30 euros a month.

Where can I find more information about this?