Student visa and study in Amsterdam — for international students
Jan 13, 2026Oost · Experience date Apr 13, 2026
Studying in Amsterdam: University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) are the two major universities, both with large English-language programmes. Non-EU students: need a student visa or MVP (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) before arrival, arranged through the university. Tuition: EU students €2,314/year (statutory rate), non-EU students €8,000–20,000/year depending on programme. Part-time work: student visa holders can work 16 hours/week during term or full-time during July/August. Student healthcare: must have Dutch zorgverzekering. Amsterdam student accommodation: extremely limited — apply through the university immediately upon acceptance, not after. Private market for students: very expensive (€700–1,000/month for a room).
Contributor: Tom Fletcher IND — the Dutch immigration authority
Jan 4, 2026Oud-Zuid · Experience date Dec 25, 2025
IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) processes all Dutch residency and work permit applications. Online: ind.nl (also in English). Applications: submit online via My IND portal or via your employer's legal team for Kennismigrant permits. IND processing times: Kennismigrant permits 2–6 weeks, EU Long-Term Resident permits 3 months, naturalisation 6–24 months. Contact: IND information line 088-042 4242 (English available). Important: do not overstay your visa while your residence permit application is pending — IND issues a bridging document (acknowledgement of receipt) that covers your legal right to stay during processing. Ensure your employer applies well before your current visa/stay expires.
Contributor: Carlos Rivera Redundancy in the Netherlands — what expats should know
Jan 2, 2026Oost · Experience date Nov 24, 2025
If made redundant in the Netherlands (collectief ontslag or individual ontslag): your employer needs approval from UWV or a court ruling. Transition payment (transitievergoeding): mandatory on dismissal after 2+ years employment — 1/3 month salary per year worked. LIFO principle: layoffs generally follow last-in-first-out for expats on fixed-term contracts (unless overridden by individual circumstances). Non-compete after redundancy: check contract — usually becomes unenforceable if employer terminates. For Kennismigrant permit holders: permit is employer-tied. On redundancy: you have a 3-month search period to find a new employer before permit lapses. Immediately register with UWV and start new employer applications — the 3-month window is real.
Contributor: Sophie Martin Dutch notary (notaris) — when you need one
Dec 3, 2025Oost · Experience date Dec 22, 2025
Dutch notaries (notarissen) are required for: property purchase, company BV formation, complex contracts, wills, and some marriage agreements. The Netherlands has a civil law system where notaries play a central legal authentication role. Finding a notaris: koninklijkenotariaatbe.nl directory. Costs: BV formation €500–1,000 (notary fees), property purchase €800–1,500. For freelancers and small business: eenmanszaak (sole trader) does not require a notary — only a KVK registration. When buying Amsterdam property: the notary manages the entire legal transfer process — your estate agent will recommend one. Both buyer and seller use the same notary for property transactions in the Netherlands (unlike the adversarial system in some countries).