MVV

 

 

A long stay visa (MVV) is a visa that grants the right to be in the Netherlands for more than three months.

 

If you require an MVV and wish to come to the Netherlands for a period of more than three months, then you will need to apply for an MVV with the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country of your nationality or where you reside permanently. Your sponsor can also submit an application for an MVV with the IND. In the latter case, you will need to complete an application form and send it to the IND together with the necessary attachments.

 

Not everyone requires an MVV. You do not need an MVV in the following cases:

  • If you have the nationality of one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, United Kingdom, United States of America, or South Korea.
  • If you are a citizen or a family member of a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
  • If you qualify for a facilitation visa.

 

It is sometimes possible to receive an exemption from the MVV requirement. For example, if you are seriously ill and cannot travel or if you apply for an extension of or change to your residence permit on time.

 

In unique cases, the hardship clause may be invoked. In such a case, it is advisable to get advice from the Legal Aid Office (Juridisch Loket) or a specialised lawyer before submitting such an application. If you require an MVV and your appeal is rejected  you may be subject to an entry ban.

 

Before you apply for an MVV, you must meet a number of conditions. Besides the applicable general conditions, the conditions you must meet depend on the reasons for traveling to the Netherlands: work, study, family reunion, etc.

 

The application for the issue of an MVV is assessed against the conditions that are set for the issuance of a residence permit for the Netherlands. If you do not meet these conditions, the application will be rejected.

 

The following general conditions apply in order for an MVV to be issued:

  • You have a valid passport or other official travel document.
  • You do not pose a threat to the public order or national security.
  • You or your sponsor have sufficient financial means, such as sufficient income from employment.
  • You are prepared to undergo a tuberculosis test.
  • You have medical insurance that provides coverage in the Netherlands.
  • You have passed the civic integration exam or have been exempted from it.

 

You must also meet the conditions that correspond to the reasons for traveling to the Netherlands; the conditions are available on the website of the IND and are also stated on the application form. The two links below are for the application forms for family and relatives.

 

The IND will charge fees (legal duties) for the submission of an application for an MVV. The amount of the duties depends on the purpose of your stay. Please consider that these costs will also be charged if your application is rejected.

 

In most cases, your application for an MVV will be decided upon within 90 days.

 

If you have submitted an application for an MVV as a sponsor, you must inform the IND of any significant changes in your situation (such as a change in your income or address, for example). In addition, you have the duty to retain information regarding the sponsoree for some time.

 

If you violate these obligations, you may receive a warning or even an administrative penalty (€3,000 for companies and recognised sponsors, and €1,500 for unrecognised sponsors or the foreign national).