Residence permit (IND)

The IND processes the application for a residence permit. A residence permit allows a foreign citizen to reside in the Netherlands for a fixed or indefinite period of time. There are different types of residence permits in the Netherlands, they are based on the reason of stay (verblijfsdoel). Examples or reasons for stay include:

-       Joining a spouse/partner when they go to work in the Netherlands;

-       Studying at an educational institution in the Netherlands;

-       Starting a business in the Netherlands;

Not all foreign citizens require a residence permit to reside in the Netherlands.

European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) citizens have the right to free movement within the EU, so may come to live and work in the Netherlands. Non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to live and work in the Netherlands require a residence permit. The IND determines who may be granted a residence permit.

The IND website (www.ind.nl) provides information about the various residence permits available, and the forms needed to apply.

At the Lifeport Welcome Center the IND provides the following services:

-       Get a residence endorsement sticker

-       Get a return visa.

-       Have biometrics taken

-       Collect a residence document

This is only possible by appointment. As an expat you can make an appointment by filling in the contact form or call +31 622 56 78 48 during opening hours (Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00).

As a non-expat you can book an IND appointment through Afspraak maken met de IND | IND.