20162017
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
Immigration Booklet
For NON-EU Students
v
www.tilburguniversity.edu/immigration
1
CONTENTS
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.
THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE ......................................................................................................... 5
1.1
Introduction of Immigration Officers ...................................................................................... 5
1.2
Contact details......................................................................................................................... 5
2.
IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................... 6
2.1
Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service ....................................................................... 6
2.2
Countries ................................................................................................................................. 7
2.3
TEV-application process .......................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1
TEV-application process step by step .............................................................................. 9
2.3.2
Immigration fee ............................................................................................................. 10
2.3.3
Documents required...................................................................................................... 10
2.3.4
Approval of your TEV-application.................................................................................. 13
2.3.5
How long will the process take? ................................................................................... 13
2.4
Entry visa (MVV) .................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.1
Validity of your entry visa.............................................................................................. 14
2.4.2
Travel arrangements ..................................................................................................... 14
2.4.3
Exemption from the obligation to apply for an entry visa ............................................ 15
2.5
Residence permit................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.1
Validity of your residence permit .................................................................................. 17
2.5.2
Requirements to finalize your TEV-application after arrival ......................................... 17
3.
ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS........................................................................... 18
3.1
Registration at Municipality .................................................................................................. 18
3.1.1
Documents required for registration ............................................................................ 19
3.1.2
Deregistration at Municipality....................................................................................... 19
4.
ADDITIONAL ISSUES ON STUDYING AT TILBURG UNIVERSITY................................................... 20
4.1
Arrival in Tilburg .................................................................................................................... 20
4.2
Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 20
4.2.1
Health insurance............................................................................................................ 20
4.2.2
Personal liability insurance............................................................................................ 20
4.2.3
Other insurance ............................................................................................................. 21
4.3
Travelling after arrival in the Netherlands ............................................................................ 21
4.4
Working and studying in the Netherlands ............................................................................ 21
4.5
Immigration process for family members ............................................................................. 21
4.5.1
Fees................................................................................................................................ 21
4.5.2
Required documents ..................................................................................................... 22
4.6
Study progress ....................................................................................................................... 23
4.6.1
Nominal duration of study ............................................................................................ 23
4.6.2
ECTS credits requirement for Pre-Master programs ..................................................... 23
4.6.3
Study Progress Monitoring - ECTS credits requirements .............................................. 23
5.
ADDITIONAL USEFUL STUDY IN HOLLAND INFORMATION ....................................................... 25
6.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .............................................................................................. 26
7.
SHORT SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 31
8.
SCHEMATIC REPRODUCTION OF TEV-APPLICATION PROCESS .................................................. 32
9.
APPENDIX 1 ............................................................................................................................... 33
FOREWORD
Congratulations on making Tilburg University your choice for further education, either as a non-degree
seeking student on one of our many exchange programs with our partner universities worldwide or as
a degree-seeking student! Tilburg University provides high quality education and research, and is
recognized as one of Europe’s best universities. In addition, we welcome more than 750 international
students from more than 60 countries each year, which gives our campus and our programs a very
diverse flavor.
Over recent years, the Dutch government has encouraged the growth of international students
through both its education and immigration policies. Although the Netherlands has the reputation for
having complicated immigration procedures for international students, this is not the case and the
government continues to make immigration procedures simpler, putting the administrative load on
the university rather than our students. This means that it is now easier than ever for international
students to choose to study at Tilburg University.
We, at the central International Office have created this booklet to explain the procedures in general
terms and as they apply to international students coming to study at Tilburg University specifically.
More information will be given to you personally at each stage of the process by our Immigration
Officers at the central International Office.
The central International Office includes amongst its staff a number of non-Dutch employees who have
had to go through the procedures detailed in this booklet. This combined with the wide experience we
have built up in assisting our international students, gives us both an understanding and experience of
both sides of the processes. We have dedicated employees who will help you through every step of
the process, dealing with your application on an individual basis, taking into account your personal
circumstances. We are committed to making the immigration processes simpler for you and enabling
your applications to be dealt with quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, successfully.
Students, who have been through the process, agree that we are successful in what we do. Once every
two years, our international students take part in a questionnaire, giving their views on all aspects of
student life at Tilburg University. Our students consistently rate our Immigration Office as one of the
top 1 in the Netherlands and, according to the results of our own questionnaire in August 2013, more
than 85% of students are either satisfactory or highly satisfactory with our service. However, we are
constantly looking for ways to improve the service we offer and will contact you at various stages in
the process to ask for your feedback.
Please read this booklet carefully to see what requirements apply to you and do not hesitate to contact
one of our Immigration Officers with any queries you may have as soon as you receive an email from
them.
We look forward to contacting you all over the coming months and welcoming you to Tilburg University.
Roos Hogenkamp
Director International Office
Of Tilburg University
1.
THE IMMIGRATION OFFICE
1.1
Introduction of Immigration Officers
Daphne Galekop
for different languages and cultures. After having studied in the Netherlands I returned
to Belgium where I worked for an international law firm specialized in corporate
immigration. At the end of 2013, I moved “back” to the Netherlands, becoming an
expat in my own country of nationality.
I started working for Tilburg University’s Central International Office in April 2014.
Seen both my personal and professional experience I am looking forward to assisting
you in obtaining the necessary paperwork in order to study in the Netherlands and
making your stay here as pleasant as possible.
My working days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Coordinator Immigration Office
Hülya Koçak
I have been working as an Immigration Officer at the central International Office since
January 2009. Originally, from Turkey I have spent the majority of my life in the
Netherlands, benefiting from the best that both cultures have to offer! I really enjoy
my work here at the Immigration Office. The best part of my job is the contact I have
with all the different nationalities we welcome to the University each semester. It is
also satisfying when we receive feedback from students, confirming how easy the visa
and residence permit applications have been for them and thanking us for our help and
support. I am very much looking forward to contacting you over the coming months
and ensuring that your applications are dealt with quickly and efficiently. My working
days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday morning.
Marja Bluekens
I have always been fascinated by other cultures and foreign languages. This is one of
the reasons that I decided to study in Belgium. And I really had a great time there! After
that, I started working at the International Office of Tilburg University. Looking for a
new challenge, I began working as Immigration Officer in January 2012. What I like
most about my work is the contact with international students. I’m always happy to
answer your questions or help you out in case you have a problem. I look forward to
welcoming you and I hope you will have the time of your life here!
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
1.2
Contact details
Telephone
E-mail
Website
Walk-in hours
Location
International Office
:
:
:
:
:
+ 31 (0)13 466 4166
immigration@tilburguniversity.edu
www.tilburguniversity.edu/immigration
Every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 pm & Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm
Academia building, Student Desk, 3rd floor
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2.
IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES
As an international student coming from one of the countries listed below, you are required to apply
for a Dutch entry visa in order to enter the Netherlands. Since your stay will exceed the time limit of
90 days, you must also have a residence permit which will be proof of your legal stay during your period
of study at our university.
The entry visa and residence permit are applied for simultaneously.
2.1
Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (known as the IND) has an important government
task. The IND is responsible for implementing immigration and naturalisation policies in the
Netherlands. The IND issues decisions on applications for residency and naturalisation in accordance
with Dutch law. In order to do so, the IND has to clearly set out the rules that apply to foreign nationals
in the Netherlands. The IND applies those rules as objectively and consistently as possible.
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2.2
Countries
If you are a passport holder from one of the countries listed below, you must have an entry visa in
order to enter the Netherlands and a residence permit which proves your legal residency during your
studies at Tilburg University. Students who are in the possession of double passport need to contact
the Immigration Office to check whether nationality they have to use for their visa application process.
A
B
C
D
E
F
Afghanistan
Bahamas
Albania
Bahrain
Cambodia
Djibouti
Ecuador
Fiji
Cameroon
Dominica
Egypt
Algeria
Andorra
Bangladesh
Barbados
Angola
Antigua &
Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Belarus
Cape Verde
Central African
Republic
Dominican
Republic
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Belize
Chad
Benin
Bhutan
Chile
China
Azerbaijan
Bolivia
Colombia
Bosnia &
Herzegovina
Comoros
Congo DR
Botswana
Brazil
Congo Brazzaville
Costa Rica
Brunei
Burkina Faso
Cote d’Ívoire
Cuba
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Burundi
G
H
I
J
K
L
Gabon
Haiti
India
Jamaica
Kazakhstan
Laos
Gambia
Honduras
Indonesia
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Georgia
Iran
Ghana
Iraq
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Grenada
Israel
Kyrgyzstan
Lesotho
Liberia
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
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M
N
Macedonia
Namibia
Madagascar
Malaysia
Nauru
Nepal
Malawi
Nicaragua
Maldives
Mali
Marshal Islands
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Northern
Mariana
Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
O
P
Oman
Pakistan
Q
Qatar
Palau
Panama
Papua New
Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
R
Russian
Federation
Rwanda
S
T
U
V
Y
Z
Samoa
San Marino
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Sao Tome and
Tanzania
Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
St Kitts & Nevis
St Lucia
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad &
Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkish Cyprus
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab
Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
St Vincent &
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Syria
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2.3
TEV-application process
Tilburg University has an agreement with the IND to apply for both your special entry visa and your
residence permit on your behalf. You can no apply for these at your local Dutch Embassy or Consulate
yourself. Below you will find the application process step by step for both the entry visa and the
residence permit through the combined TEV- procedure.
2.3.1 TEV-application process step by step
1.
You will receive a letter/email of acceptance from your School of Tilburg University.
2.
The School will send your dossier to the Immigration Officer of central
International Office through an online system, called Mysas.
3.
After the Immigration Officer has received your dossier, you will receive an email
invite by the Immigration Office to pay the immigration fee of 311 Euros (see
paragraph 2.3.2) through an online payment system.
4.
Only after you paid the immigration fee, you will receive an email from the
Immigration Office to start up your TEV-application procedure.
5.
In this email you will be asked for certain required documents (see paragraph 2.3.3)
Next to these documents you will also need to complete some documents, which
will be attached to the email.
6.
Once you have arranged all the required documents, you must upload all of them
in the system and click on ‘submit’. The Immigration Officer will then receive an
automatic email and will check your documents.
7.
When your documents have been approved by the Immigration Officer, she will
inform you via email.
8.
You must send all the original documents to the Immigration Officer by courier.
9.
The Immigration Officer will submit your TEV-application to the IND on your behalf.
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2.3.2 Immigration fee
Tilburg University does not charge students for the assistance you receive from our Immigration
Officers at the central International Office. However, the IND does charge for the processing of
applications. Students should therefore pay as follows:
Dutch entry visa and residence permit
€ 311 *
* Please note for nationals from Israel and San Marino the immigration fee is 0 Euro due to a special
agreement between the governments.
1. After the Immigration Office has received your dossier from the school you will receive an
email invite by the Immigration Office to pay the immigration fee of 311 Euros (*plus
transaction fee of approximately 9 Euros) through a digital system.
2. Students can pay with Credit Card only! You can also use your family’s or friend’s Credit Card.
You are requested to transfer the money within one week after the invitation. Please note that
the Immigration Office does not start up your TEV-application before you have paid the fee. If
you transfer the money later than requested the Immigration Office cannot guarantee that
your entry visa will be ready in time.
* Please note if you are holding a Dutch bank account and you will pay with your Dutch bank card, you
will not be charged a transaction fee.
NOTE: If you will be charged additional administration charges by the Dutch Embassy or Consulate
when you collect your Schengen visa, you will have to pay these in addition to the fees mentioned
above.
2.3.3 Documents required
Passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your program* (until at least 30 September 2017 or
28 February 2017, if you come for one-semester exchange program).
If you start your studies in the second semester of the academic year, it must be valid until at least 30
September 2017 or 28 February 2018).
We will need to include copies of the pages with your personal details and signature and those with
any stickers or stamps on them. Copies of blank pages with nothing on them do not have to be included
in the TEV-application.
*Should your passport be valid shorter than we advise you, please take into account that it must be
valid for at least six months after you have obtained your entry visa from the Dutch diplomatic post.
NOTE: If you have already had a Dutch visa or residence permits application refused for any reason, it
will also be helpful to send us copies of any letters you have received at that time, indicating the reason
for refusal.
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Financial Proof
The IND requires proof that you are able to support yourself financially in the Netherlands during your
period of study. You are required to have access to a monthly amount of 875 Euros for living expenses.
Listed below you can see what amounts you need to prove when studying at Tilburg University for
only one semester or for a full academic year.
Semester
Period
Total needed amount for living
expenses
€ 4,375
For a stay of autumn semester
1 September until 31 January
For a stay of spring semester
1 February until 31 August
€ 6,125
For a stay of full academic year
1 September until 31 August OR
1 February until 31 January
€ 10,500
These living expenses are considered enough to pay for your rent, food, insurance and other general
expenses during your period of study.
Proof of financial support can be provided in different ways, according to how you will be supported
financially during your period of study in the Netherlands.
How to provide financial proof:
ALL STUDENTS
EXCEPT THOSE FROM CHINA, TAIWAN AND ALL CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES:
OPTION 1
You will transfer the required amount of living expenses to Tilburg University’s bank
account. This money will then be transferred back to you (minus any transaction fees)
after you have arrived at Tilburg University and opened a Dutch bank account through the
International Office. Please note that it can take some time to transfer the money back to
you. Assistance on how to open a bank account will be given at the appropriate time by
the International Office.
OPTION 2
You will support yourself completely.
OPTION 3
You will be supported by someone else, such as a parent or a company.
OPTION 4
You will receive a student grant.
NOTE: It is also possible to use a combination of these four options!
Should you be admitted after the deadlines of the Immigration Office, we will require you
to choose option 1 in order to travel to the Netherlands in time to begin your studies.
STUDENTS FROM CHINA, TAIWAN AND ALL CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRIES:
OPTION 1 You will transfer the required amount of living expenses to Tilburg University’s bank
account. This money will then be transferred back to you (minus any transaction fees)
after you have arrived at Tilburg University and opened a Dutch bank account through the
International Office. Please note that it can take some time to transfer the money back to
you. Assistance on how to open a bank account will be given at the appropriate time by
the International Office.
OPTION 2
You will receive a student grant.
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NOTE: It is also possible to use a combination of these two options! For instance, if the amount of the
grant you will receive is less than the total required amount of living expenses, you must transfer the
outstanding amount
Why can’t Chinese, Taiwanese and Central/South American students provide documents to show
their financial support, in the same way as students from other countries?
The IND has very specific requirements regarding the format of the documents to be provided. In our
experience, banks in the above-mentioned countries cannot meet these requirements. In the past, this
has caused delays to visa applications and additional expense to students. In order to avoid delays and
reduce costs for you, we ask for the living expenses to be transferred.
ALTERNATIVE OPTION
It is also possible to be supported by a sponsor living in the Netherlands. However, the documents
required are greater both in number and complexity. The balance on a Dutch sponsor’s bank account
must also be higher than the above amounts. If you are thinking of being supported in this way, please
contact the Immigration Officer for individual advice.
The Immigration Officer will email you personally regarding the above options and the documentation
required ensuring that the documents you supply meet the requirements of the IND.
Please do NOT send any documents to the Immigration Officer regarding finances until you have been
asked to do so.
Nuffic Certificate
All students with Chinese nationality applying for admission to Dutch higher education institutions
(both as degree and non-degree seeking student) are required to have a Nuffic Certificate (previously
known as NESO certificate) BEFORE their TEV-application is sent to the IND. This Certificate is a
document which provides an assessment of English language proficiency and of the validity of diplomas
and degrees obtained by Chinese students. Students must request for the certificate themselves, but
the certificate will be sent directly to Tilburg University. The process can take up to two months or
more, particularly during the summer, and we would therefore advise Chinese students to apply for
this certificate as soon as possible. To apply for this certificate please contact the Nuffic, located in The
Hague in the Netherlands. Documents must be submitted online through their application database.
Before you can submit your documents you need to make an account via the link https://ncas.nuffic.nl/.
If you have any questions about your Nuffic Certificate, please contact the Nuffic:
Telephone: +31 (0) 70 4260 260 (please remember the time difference; China is six hours ahead of the Netherlands)
Email:
certificate@epnuffic.nl
Website:
www.nuffic.nl/nuffic-certificate
IMPORTANT NOTE: please note that this Nuffic Certificate is required for all students with Chinese
nationality, irrespective of where they live. However, students with a Hong Kong/SAR passport are
exempt from this requirement. If in doubt as to whether you are required to apply for a Nuffic
Certificate, please contact your Tilburg University School.
Additional Documents
After your TEV-application has been submitted to the IND, the Immigration Officer will be contacted
directly by the IND if any additional documentation is required to support the application. If necessary,
the Immigration Officer will then email you requesting more documentation.
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2.3.4 Approval of your TEV-application
1.
The Immigration Officer will receive approval of your TEV-application from the IND.
2.
You will receive an email from the Immigration Officer informing you of the
approval of your entry visa, explaining what to do next.
3.
You must make an appointment to go to the Dutch diplomatic post in your country
of residency to collect your visa.
4.
You must complete an application form MVV (= Authorization of Provisional Stay)
and for the use of biometric data you have to get fingerprints taken at the
diplomatic post and you have to provide them recent pictures of yourself.
5.
The IND will receive your picture, signature and fingerprints digitally from the
diplomatic post in order to apply for your Dutch residence permit card.
6.
The IND will send a letter to the Immigration Officer confirming that the residence
permit card can be collected.
7.
After arriving at Tilburg University, you will have to collect the residence permit
card on campus or IND office in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. You will receive more detailed
information about this procedure after arrival.
2.3.5 How long will the process take?
It will take approximately three weeks for your application to be processed by the IND. The
Immigration Officer will then be notified of the approval by mail and will inform you (within 48 hours)
that your entry visa has been approved. You should then contact the Dutch diplomatic post to make
an appointment.
The diplomatic post should have already received notification of the approval of your entry visa from
IND. However, sometimes the notification is not received. If the diplomatic post is not aware of the
approval of your visa when you contact them, please inform your Immigration Officer immediately.
The IND may have to re-send the approval to the diplomatic post.
Please take into account that there will be a processing time at the diplomatic post, which can vary
from a few days to a few weeks.
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2.4
Entry visa (MVV)
Once the IND has approved your application you will need to apply for your MVV (i.e. entry visa for
long stay purposes, Schengen visa type D) at the Dutch diplomatic post in your country of legal
residence. You will not have to provide additional documentation for this visa except for a completed
MVV application form and hand in passport photos. Chinese nationals need also to demonstrate their
original ‘Hukou’. For more details students need to contact the Dutch diplomatic post.
Please also check with the Dutch diplomatic post how long your application for an MVV will take.
The MVV is a sticker that is attached to your passport.
Example of an MVV
2.4.1 Validity of your entry visa
Your entry visa will be valid for three months from the date of intended travel and cannot be extended.
Since the application for a residence permit is sent at the same time as the application for the entry
visa, you will be in the possession of the residence permit before your entry visa expires.
2.4.2 Travel arrangements
We would strongly recommend that you do not book your travel to the Netherlands until you have
received your entry visa. Tilburg University cannot guarantee the processing time of your application
at the IND or the Dutch diplomatic post and therefore cannot guarantee the date by which your entry
visa will be issued and you will be able to travel.
Tilburg University cannot be held responsible if you book your travel and have to change your tickets
because your entry visa is not available.
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2.4.3 Exemption from the obligation to apply for an entry visa
Since 1 October 2015, people with a residence permit issued by one of the Schengen countries1, MAY
be exempted from the MVV requirement. This will need to be verified on a case by case basis and for
verification we require a copy of the residence permit concerned.
You will in principle not need an entry visa (MVV) in case:


You currently have a permanent residence permit as a 'long-term resident-EC CE' issued by
another EU member state; or
You have a valid residence permit issued by another Schengen member.
1
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland
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2.5
Residence permit
Your residence permit allows you to live legally in the Netherlands. It also acts as a travel document,
allowing you to travel to other Schengen area and to return to the Netherlands after your travels. This
document replaces your entry visa sticker in your passport. This permit is entitled as a residence permit
type 1, regular limited period.
Example of a Dutch residence permit
Front of Dutch residence permit
Purpose of stay (study) will be mentioned here
Back of Dutch residence permit
During August and January intake, the IND will come to the campus of Tilburg University to hand out the
residence permit cards.
You might have to go to the IND office in ‘s Hertogenbosch yourself to pick up your residence permit
card:



if you cannot attend the hand-out session on campus
if your card is not ready for collection
if you have not taken your photo and fingerprints at the Dutch embassy
When you collect your card, it is important that you check if the information on the card is correct.
Please note that you will only receive the card on showing your original passport and entry visa sticker.
Again we strongly advise you to make a photo or a scan of front and back of your residence permit
card and send it to your personal email address, so you can have access to it whenever you might lose
it.
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2.5.1 Validity of your residence permit
Your residence permit will be valid from the date you will be enrolled as a Tilburg University student.
Exchange students
For a stay of autumn semester
Validation of residence permit card
1 September until 31 January
(5 months plus three extra month the IND grants
you )
1 February until 31 August
(7 months plus three extra month the IND grants
you)
For a stay of spring semester
Degree-seeking students
For a stay as a degree-seeking student
Validation of residence permit card
For the nominal study duration plus three
extra months the IND grants you
Degree-seeking students who will not finish their studies within the period of validity of their residence
permit must extend their residence permit. The application to extend your residence permit will be
dealt with by the Immigration Officers, who will give you more information at the appropriate time.
2.5.2 Requirements to finalize your TEV-application after arrival
After arrival in Tilburg, still a few last things need to be done in order to finalize your TEV-application.
2.5.2.1 Screening on TBC
One of the final requirements of the TEV-application procedure is a tuberculosis screening. The
screening is done through a chest x-ray carried out by the Dutch Public Health Service (known as the
GGD) who will be on campus. The costs are 45 Euros (2016 amount) which students are required to
pay directly to the GGD staff. The Immigration Officers will inform students on the date and location
of the screening upon arrival.
The Dutch Public Health Service (GGD) will
come to campus during the TOP-Week to
carry out chest x-rays.
2.5.2.2 Exemption from the obligation to undergo a TB test
Several nationalities have been exempted from the TB screening requirement as per 1 January 2015. Kindly
check the list whether or not you are required to undergo the TB screening by clicking here.
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3.
ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
3.1
Registration at Municipality
Different countries have different ways of recording their population, e.g. some countries choose to
carry out a census every 10 years. However, the Netherlands has a system whereby a live database
(BRP = Basis Registratie Personen) is maintained, recording the most important information about the
population. Dutch law therefore requires all those living in the Netherlands (both Dutch nationals and
non-Dutch nationals) to register at the municipality in the area in which they live in order to keep this
database up-to-date. Registration is free of charge.
If you will be living in Tilburg and you are a full year student, the Immigration Office will block
appointments with the Municipality for all Non-EU students in September (first semester) and in
February (second semester). More information will be given to you after your arrival at Tilburg
University.
Registration at the local Municipality is mandatory for:
 Degree-seeking students.
 Exchange students who will be enrolled for more than one semester at Tilburg University.
 Students who will be studying at Tilburg University for only one semester, but who wish to
work during their time here.
 Students who are going to be accompanied by their spouse irrespective of their length of study
at Tilburg University. *
* Please note that if your spouse will be accompanying you to the Netherlands for your period of study,
you must bring an original marriage certificate with you. This must be in English, Dutch, French or
German (or is official translated into one of those languages) and must have the correct legalisation
stamps on both the marriage certificate and the translation. Please arrange this via your local Dutch
Embassy or Consulate BEFORE your arrival in the Netherlands. For details of your local Dutch Embassy
or Consulate, please see the following website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Between four and six weeks after your registration at Municipality, you will receive confirmation of
your registration trough a letter which will be sent to your Dutch home address. You must check that
the information is correct and keep the document safe. The document also has your social security
number (in Dutch it is called: burgerservicenummer (BSN)) on it. This is a unique identifier and must
be used:
 if you have a part-time job, you must give it to your employer who will use it to ensure that
you are employed legally in the Netherlands.
 you must also use this whenever you have any dealings with e.g. banks, insurance companies,
police etc. based in the Netherlands.
 to open a Dutch bank account, if you do not choose to do it through Tilburg University.
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3.1.1 Documents required for registration
Generally, the following documents are required for registration with your municipality of residence:




Passport and a copy thereof;
Signed rental agreement, confirming your address in the Netherlands and a copy thereof;
Proof of legal residence (can be obtained from the Immigration Office in case required);
Translated (into Dutch, English, French or German in case not issued in one of these
languages) and legalized ‘long form’ (i.e. mentioning the names of the parents) birth
certificate not older than 6 months. *
* In case you will be living in the municipality of Tilburg AND you register with town hall during the
time slots reserved by Tilburg University’s Immigration Office, you are in principle NOT required to
submit a birth certificate. Special arrangements between the municipality and the Immigration Office
have been made in this respect. Should you register with town hall outside the reserved time slots
then you may be required to submit your legalized and translated birth certificate. The municipality
will then inform you accordingly.
If you will be living somewhere other than Tilburg, you must contact your local municipality yourself
to arrange for your registration. Please keep in mind that those other municipality may require also
an original certified birth certificate for your registration
After registration, degree-seeking student also have to add their Dutch address details to
Studielink. This is highly important for administrative purposes at Tilburg University.
3.1.2 Deregistration at Municipality
If you registered as a resident at the local Municipality upon your arrival in Tilburg, you must deregister
before you leave the Netherlands. If you live in Tilburg, you can download the form ‘Notification of
move abroad’ on the website of Tilburg Municipality. At the appropriate time the Immigration Officer
will inform you.
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4.
ADDITIONAL ISSUES ON STUDYING AT TILBURG UNIVERSITY
4.1
Arrival in Tilburg
We would strongly recommend that all students arrive at Tilburg University on the Arrival Days and
attend the full Tilburg Orientation Program (TOP). Your School will inform you on the exact dates.
Tilburg Orientation Program is the introduction week for all Tilburg students: Dutch and foreign. In
addition to providing useful sessions introducing you to Tilburg University, Tilburg and the Netherlands,
the Immigration Officers will give a presentation about the immigration processes for students who
have just arrived in the Netherlands.
For more information about the Arrival Days and the Tilburg Orientation Program, please look at the
following link: http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/mastersprogrammes/practicalissues/afterarrival/arrivaldays/
4.2
Insurance
It is extremely important to have the correct insurance for your period of study in the Netherlands.
Below are the most important types of insurance. These types of insurance can be bought either in
one package, or in separate parts, taking into account your individual circumstances and any existing
insurance cover you may already have. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate
insurance cover for every day of your stay in the Netherlands. For further information, please click
here.
4.2.1 Health insurance
Your policy must cover you for the following:
 repatriation on medical grounds
 urgent medical care
 emergency hospital treatment (including admission and treatment costs for a period of stay in
a sanatorium or psychiatric institution)
If you have private health insurance in your own country, please check with your insurance company
before your arrival in the Netherlands to check whether or not the coverage of your insurance meets
these requirements.
4.2.2 Personal liability insurance
We also strongly recommend you to take out personal liability insurance for the duration of your
studies in the Netherlands. Personal liability insurance covers costs if you should accidentally injure
another person or accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.
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4.2.3 Other insurance
Tilburg University advises you to take out insurance to cover loss or damage to your possessions during
your period of study (household content insurance) and travel insurance to cover your belongings and
medical care when you are travelling. However, some of this insurance cover may be included in your
current insurance package, particularly packages offered to international students. Please therefore
check with your insurance company to confirm details of the cover offered.
4.3
Travelling after arrival in the Netherlands
With a Schengen visa or your Dutch residence permit, you will be able to travel to the Schengen
countries2. Tilburg University’s Immigration Officers are not able to keep updated with the travel
requirements for other countries in Europe. Therefore, we would strongly recommend that you check
requirements with the embassy of the country to which you wish to travel, either in your own country
before you come to the Netherlands or with the appropriate embassy in the Netherlands after your
arrival to make sure that your travel plans will not be disrupted.
4.4
Working and studying in the Netherlands
Although it is easy to survive in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch, it is difficult to get a job here,
even part-time, without some knowledge of the Dutch language. The Immigration Office has created
a fact sheet, giving you more information about the requirements you will have to fulfill and who to
contact for more information about finding a part-time job. This can be found in APPENDIX 1.
4.5
Immigration process for family members
Should you wish to bring your direct family member(s) (i.e. only spouse and/or children) to the
Netherlands, Tilburg University is able to assist. The process for your family member(s) is quite similar
to your own immigration process.
4.5.1 Fees
Please note that Tilburg University charges a service fee for the assistance with applications for family
members.
Students should therefore pay the following fees for the application(s) for their family member(s):
Description
Immigration fee IND
Service fee Tilburg University
Total fee to be paid
Fee for spouse / registered partner
€ 233*
€ 100
€ 333
Fee for minor children
€ 50*
€ 100
€ 150
* Israeli nationals and nationals from San Marino are exempt from paying the application fee
You can transfer the required amount to Tilburg University’s bank account.
It is required that your and your family’s applications are submitted to the IND simultaneously. In case,
for any reason, this is not possible you will need to take care of your family’s applications yourself.
2
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia,
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland
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4.5.2 Required documents
Passport
The same conditions apply as for your own passport.
Financial Proof
The IND requires proof that you are able to support yourself and your family member(s) financially
during your period of study. You are required to have access to a monthly amount of 1650 Euros (2016
amount) for living expenses.
Semester
Period
Total needed amount for living
expenses
For a stay of full academic year
1 September until 31 August OR
1 February until 31 January
€ 19.800
These living expenses are considered enough to pay for your and your family’s rent, food, insurance
and other general expenses during your period of study.
Proof of financial support can be provided in different ways, according to how you will be supported
financially during your period of study in the Netherlands. See section 2.3.3 under ‘financial proof’ for
more details.
Additional documents
When bringing a direct family member to the Netherlands you need to prove your relationship with
that person (e.g. marriage, registered partnership, child, etc.). These documents are required for both
the initial application as well as registration with your municipality of residence in the Netherlands.
You and your family will be required to submit legalized/apostilled
(https://www.government.nl/topics/legalising-documents/question-and-answer/how-can-i-have-aforeign-document-legalised-for-use-in-the-netherlands) and translated (into Dutch, English, French
or German in case the document is not issued in one of these languages) certificates (e.g. birth
certificate, marriage certificate, etc.). Please note that these certificates cannot be older than 6
months.
Once it is known which family member(s) will be accompanying you, the Immigration Office of
Tilburg University will be able to inform you what exact documents will be required in your particular
situation.
Please note that it can be quite time consuming to obtain these documents. It is therefore important
that you inform the Immigration Office of Tilburg University as soon as possible when planning to
take your family member(s) with you.
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4.6
Study progress
These requirements apply only for degree- seeking students, NOT for exchange students.
4.6.1 Nominal duration of study
Every program of study at all Dutch institutions has a nominal duration (or length of study). This is
based on the fact that a student should be able to achieve 60 credits in one academic year.
The nominal duration of each study at Tilburg University is calculated as follows:
Total ECTS
ECTS each year
Nominal duration
Bachelor
180
Master
60
Research Master
120
60
60
60
3 years
1 year
2 years
4.6.2 ECTS credits requirement for Pre-Master programs
In case you have been accepted for a Pre-Master program, you need to complete the Pre-Master
program within one academic year. This means you need to obtain all ECTS allocated to your PreMaster program.
In case you do not complete your Pre-Master program within the aforementioned timeframe, we are
in principle required to deregister you with the IND. In this event, the Immigration Office will inform
you accordingly.
4.6.3 Study Progress Monitoring - ECTS credits requirements
In order to continue your studies in the Netherlands, the IND requires you to obtain a
minimum of 50% of the nominal number of ECTS per academic year or a part of it if you started your
studies later than 1 September.
For example:
Bachelor
Master
Research Master
Total ECTS
180
60
120
Total ECTS 1st year
60
60
60
Minimum ECTS required
by IND to continue
studies at your current
institution
30
30
30
If you do not obtain these ECTS, you will be deregistered with the IND. Therefore, you will no longer
be able to continue your studies at Tilburg University.
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IMPORTANT
However, Tilburg University may have different ECTS requirements of its students in order for them to
continue to the next year of the program of study (e.g. Binding Study Advice, BSA). If this is the case,
students’ continuation will be based on the highest requirements, either those of Tilburg University or
the IND. Please check with your Tilburg University School to confirm the requirements for your
program of study.
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5.
ADDITIONAL USEFUL STUDY IN HOLLAND INFORMATION
Nuffic
Nuffic is an independent, non-profit organization based in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its aim is to
support internationalization in higher education, research and professional education in the
Netherlands and abroad, and to help improve access to higher education worldwide. Nuffic’s most
important partners within the Netherlands are the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science,
the Ministry of Security and Justice.
In order to support Nuffic in its tasks, overseas offices called Netherlands Education Support Offices
(NESO) have been set up. Their main tasks are the promotion of Dutch higher education outside the
Netherlands and the enhancement of cooperation between higher education institutions in the
Netherlands and institutions in their own particular region.
The NESO offices also serve as a channel for information and provide support and liaison for the
academic communities of the Netherlands and the country in which they are situated. They provide
information and guidance regarding the choice of an international course or program of education or
training. NESO also run special events for those coming to the Netherlands to study, such as predeparture meetings where students can find out more about the experience of studying in the
Netherlands from the point of view of their own culture. Some of the staff at the NESO offices have
either studied in the Netherlands or lived here and so are able to give you a very personal impression
of what it is like to live and study here. Please do not hesitate to contact your local NESO office for
more information.
NESO offices are located in the following countries:
NESO Brazil
website: http://www.nesobrazil.org/
NESO China
website: http://www.nesochina.org/
NESO India
website: http://www.nesoindia.org/
NESO Indonesia
website: http://www.nesoindonesia.or.id/
NESO Korea
website: http://www.nesokorea.org/
NESO Mexico
website: http://www.nesomexico.org/
NESO Russia
website: http://www.nesorussia.org/
NESO Desk Taipei
website: https://www.nesotaipei.org/
NESO Thailand
website: http://www.nesothailand.org/
NESO Vietnam
website: http://www.nesovietnam.org/
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6.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
I have more than one nationality. Do I have to apply for a visa and residence permit?
It depends on which nationalities you hold and what the requirements are for those nationalities.
Please contact the Immigration Officer for advice at immigration@tilburguniversity.edu. If you are
an exchange student, you must also check with your home institution whether they have specific
requirements regarding the nationality under which you are registered at Tilburg University.
2.
I have the Turkish nationality and I have a green or special passport, which allows me to travel
to the Netherlands without a visa. Why do I have to apply for a Dutch entry visa if I go to the
Netherlands to study?
The special passport issued by the Turkish government allows you to travel to the Netherlands
without a visa only as a tourist. As you will be living and studying in the Netherlands for more than
three months, you are required to apply for a visa and a residence permit before you travel. You
cannot travel to the Netherlands with your special passport and apply for your residence permit
after your arrival at Tilburg University.
3.
Do I have to apply for an entry visa and residence permit by a certain date?
You will have to pay the immigration fee within one week after you have received the email
invitation. Furthermore, in the first email you receive from the Immigration Officer, there will be
a deadline by which you should send any required documents for approval.
This deadline is given:
 to ensure that you have time to arrange the documents which meet the requirements of
the IND
 to courier the original documents to Tilburg University
 to allow the Immigration Office to process and submit your application to the IND
 to allow the IND to process your application before the official Arrival Day of Tilburg
University (processing time for collection at the local Dutch embassy/consulate is also
taken into account)
It is therefore important that you meet this deadline. But, the sooner you send the documents via
email to the Immigration Officer, the better. But not before you have been contacted by the
Immigration Office about what documents are required!
4.
How does the IND decide how much money I have to have?
The IND calculates the average cost per month for an international student to live in the
Netherlands, based on expenses such as insurance, accommodation and food. This monthly
amount is increased each year in line with inflation.
For 2016-2017, the rate for all incoming students has been set as follows:
Semester
Period
Total needed amount for living
expenses
€ 4,375
For a stay of autumn semester
1 September until 31 January
For a stay of spring semester
1 February until 31 August
€ 6,125
For a stay of full academic year
1 September until 31 August OR
1 February until 31 January
€ 10,500
These living expenses are considered enough to pay for your rent, food, insurance and other
general expenses during your period of study. For your application for a Dutch entry visa, you
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need to demonstrate that you have the whole amount available on your account (or that of your
parent or your sponsor, if they are supporting you), minus any grant you receive.
5.
Why can’t Chinese, Taiwanese and Central/South American students provide documents to
show their financial support, in the same way as students from other countries?
The IND has very specific requirements regarding the format of the documents to be provided. In
our experience, banks in the above-mentioned countries cannot meet these requirements. In the
past, this has caused delays to visa applications and additional expense to students. In order to
avoid delays and reduce costs for you, we ask for the living expenses to be transferred.
6.
How do I know that this transfer of my living expenses will be safe?
Tilburg University has been dealing with the transfer of living expenses for a number of years. We
know how important it is to deal with this properly, as it is a lot of money. If you have to transfer
your living expenses, you will receive a Transfer Request Form from the Immigration Office,
indicating the amount of money you must transfer and giving the bank details you will need to
make this transfer. In this document, Tilburg University confirms how the money will be used and
when it will be transferred back to you.
We must wait until we receive written confirmation from our bank that the money has been
received. This can take couples of days, depending on the country from where the transfer is
made. However, as soon as we receive confirmation from our bank, we will send you an email.
Example of a Transfer Request Form
Delays to us receiving money can be caused by:
 Transfers being made in a currency other than Euros
 The transfer being made to a different account
 The reference number not being given with the transfer
 The transfer being made in the name of someone else (e.g. a parent); if this happens,
please inform the Immigration Officer immediately.
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7.
I want to transfer my living expenses to Tilburg University for my visa and residence permit
application. When will I receive the money back?
When your visa application has been approved, you will receive an email from the Immigration
Officer. As soon as you arrived at Tilburg University and informed the Immigration Officer about
your Dutch bank account number and your Dutch address details, your living expenses will be
transferred into your Dutch bank account. However, please note that it can take up to several
weeks until you have access to the money. More information will be given to you after arrival.
However, we cannot start the process of repayment until you are actually at Tilburg University
and therefore we would strongly advise you to bring some cash with you to spend during the first
two weeks in the Netherlands.
8.
Can I start to prepare the documents now for my TEV-application?
No! The IND requires that documents are less than three months old when your visa application
is submitted. Preparing documents too far in advance may mean that you have to request new
documents later in the year, which could cost you more money. After you have paid the
immigration fee you receive the first email from the Immigration Officer, you will be given internet
links which will provide you with all the information you need and examples of the documents
required. The process is therefore as simple as we can make it. We would therefore ask you to
wait until you receive that email.
9.
The documents provided by my bank are not exactly the same as the example documents you
provided. Is that important?
Yes, it is important. The example documents we provide contain all the information to ensure that
your TEV-application will be approved without any delays and without the need for additional
documents to support your application. They have been created as a result of both the
requirements of the IND and our experience in applying for visas. Any differences between the
example documents and the documents provided by your bank could mean that we will not be
able to approve those documents and you will need to provide other documents.
10. How long will my application take after is has been sent to the IND?
This is very difficult to answer. As a guideline, the IND will process all TEV-applications within a
period of approximately three weeks. However, this cannot be guaranteed, particularly during
busy months as June, July, August, November, December and January and if, for example, you
have applied previously for a Dutch entry visa (whether or not you have used the visa).
11. Have you heard anything about the progress of my application?
The Immigration Officer will be informed by the IND directly if there is a problem with your
application or if it has been approved. If there is a problem with your application and we need
more information from you, we will contact you within 24 hours of receiving a letter from the IND.
As soon as approval has been received by the Immigration Officer, we will email you to confirm
approval. We expect to do that on the same day that we receive approval. The most important
thing to remember is that we will contact you within 24 hours if we hear anything about your
application. As soon as we know something, you will!
12. Can I book my travel to the Netherlands before I have my visa?
We would strongly recommend that you do NOT make any travel arrangements before you have
received your entry visa. Although the IND gives three weeks as a guideline for processing an
application, there can be delays. The processing time at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate can also
vary. Tilburg University cannot therefore be held responsible if you buy a flight ticket before you
receive your visa and have to cancel and re-book your ticket because of delays at either the IND
or the Embassy/Consulate, causing additional expenses for you.
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13. If I email/telephone you every day asking about the status of my application, will this speed
up my application?
The simple answer is ‘No’. The IND receives thousands of applications each year. Behind every
application is a story the same as yours and every application is therefore as important as the next.
We cannot ask for your application to be processed more quickly than that of any other student.
However, the Immigration Office does have a procedure for following up applications with the
IND. This means that we pro-actively contact the IND if we think that an application is taking too
long. In this way, we keep track of the progress of applications. During spring and summer, the
Immigration Officers at Tilburg University will be very busy processing applications. Whilst it is
important that you contact us if you have any specific questions about your application (such as
documentation required), delays would be caused to all applications if all our applicants
telephoned or emailed us daily about the status of their applications. We would therefore ask you
to be patient and trust that we will contact you immediately if there is either a problem with your
application or we receive approval.
14. Which Embassy or Consulate should I go to when my TEV-application has been approved?
You must collect your entry visa from the Dutch Embassy or Consulate. It must have the authority
to issue either passports or Dutch identity cards.
If you are not sure where to go, please go to http://www.minbuza.nl/en, where you can find the
Embassy/Consulate closest to you. You must then inform the Immigration Officer to which
Embassy or Consulate you wish to go.
The Embassy/Consulate you must go to will be stated in the email you receive from the
Immigration Officer confirming approval of your TEV-application. This may be different from the
one you requested. If so, this is because the requested Embassy/Consulate does not have the
authority to issue the visa and the IND has instructed the Immigration Officer to ask you to go
there. So please make sure that you contact the Embassy/Consulate named in the email you
receive.
15. Why does the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in my country send my visa application to another
embassy?
Some Dutch Embassies or Consulates have front office tasks. They sent your approved visa
application to the nearest Dutch embassy in the area. The back office of that embassy will then
deal with your visa application. For this process, you will have to leave your passport for the visa
sticker. A consequence of this process is that the waiting period will slightly increase.
16. What do I do if I lose my passport with my entry visa?
Firstly, we would strongly advise you to photocopy the important pages of your passport (personal
details, issue and expiry date, passport number, and any visas, including your Dutch visa) AND
scan it and email it to yourself so that you have access to it anywhere in the world.
If you lose your passport or it is stolen, you should do as follows:
1) If you are outside the Netherlands when your passport is lost/stolen:
 report the loss/theft to the local police and keep a copy of the report
 contact the local Dutch diplomatic post and ask them for advice
 contact the local Embassy/Consulate of your own country regarding the loss/theft of
your passport
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2) If you are in the Netherlands when your passport is lost/stolen:
 report the loss/theft to the police and keep a copy of the report
 a new visa will not be issued, since you will already have applied for a residence permit. If
you need to travel abroad before you have your residence permit, please visit the
Immigration Officers during the walk-in visiting hours for advice.
17. Do I have to have any medical/physical checks before I come to the Netherlands?
No! The IND requires no medical/physical checks or certificates before you enter the Netherlands.
However, you must have a chest x-ray taken by the Dutch Public Health Service (known as the
GGD). This is to check for the presence of tuberculosis. However, you cannot have this done in
your own country. It must be done after your arrival in the Netherlands.
18. Why do I need a new passport photo for my visa (MVV) application?
Due to advances in biometric technology, Dutch requirements for photos used on all identification
documents have become much more rigorous. In order to make identification of people possible
from their photo, certain measurements need to be taken from the photograph and therefore
certain parts of the face need to be clearly seen, such as the ears and the eyebrows. The
background color of the photo is also important. It reduces the risk of delay to your visa
application at the embassy if you have your photo taken according to the biometric standard
explained on the information sheet, which will be attached to the first email you will receive from
the Immigration Officer.
19. What happens to me if I do not apply for my residence permit?
If you do not fill out the residence permit application form and return it to the Immigration Officer,
your TEV-application will not be complete and therefore not be submitted to the IND. An entry
visa will not be issued.
20. What do I do if I lose my residence permit card?
Firstly, we would strongly advise you to make a photo both the back and front of your residence
permit with your Smartphone AND email it to yourself so that you have access to it anywhere in
the world.
If you lose your residence permit card or it is stolen, you should contact the Immigration Office.
You may also check the website of the Immigration Office, which is:
https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/immigration/noneu/currentstudent/#residence_p
ermit_card_lost_or_stolen
.
Please be informed that IND charges 259 Euros for a new residence permit card, which you must
pay yourself.
21. What do I do if I change my address in the Netherlands?
If you move accommodation during your period of study in the Netherlands, you must always
inform:
 Tilburg University.
This can be done on line via the University’s website.
Go to http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/ and click on ‘Change of address’.
 The Municipality where you are registered.
This should be done as soon as possible after you have moved.
For those who will be living in Tilburg, can use the form ‘Notification Change of Address’
which can be collected from the Immigration Office.
The Municipality of Tilburg details can be found via http://www.tilburg.nl/contact/
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7.
SHORT SUMMARY
The process of applying for both your entry visa and your residence permit is a joint effort between
you and the Immigration Officers. We need your help and cooperation to ensure your application is
dealt with quickly, efficiently and successfully.
We would therefore ask you to do the following:
1. Check your email regularly.
The Immigration Officers will contact you directly via email about your application. In order to
avoid delay, we need you to respond quickly if we have any additional requests from the IND.
Please check also your spam folder!
When you change your email address during the process, please inform the Immigration Office
and your school.
2. Follow the instructions given to you by the Immigration Officers.
Our expertise will ensure that, if you follow the instructions given, there should be no problems
with your application.
3. Contact the Immigration Officer if you do not understand the instructions given to you.
We are more than happy to explain what is required because it is important that you
understand what the requirements are.
4. Attend the immigration session during TOP-week about additional immigration information.
5. Have your chest X-ray taken on campus during TOP-week (if required)
Since this is part of the TEV-application.
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8.
SCHEMATIC REPRODUCTION OF TEV-APPLICATION PROCESS
TEV- application for Dutch entry visa and residence permit
You will receive a letter/email of acceptance from your Tilburg University School.
After the Immigration Office has received your dossier from the school, you will
receive an email invite by the Immigration Office to pay the immigration fee of 311
Euros (plus transfer costs) through an online system. The Immigration Office will
only start up the procedure after you have paid the fee.
After these you will receive an email from the Immigration Officer asking to
After you paid the immigration fee you will receive an e-mail from the Immigration
complete
some documents. Also any additional documents required to support
Officer asking to complete the Residence Permit application form, the passport photo
your TEV-application will be asked for.
form and to upload a passport photo to a digital control system which indicates whether
the photo meets the biometric requirements set by the Dutch government. Also any
additional documents required to support your TEV- application will be asked for.
You must upload the required immigration documents in the online system for
approval and click on ‘submit’.
When your documents have been approved by the Immigration Officer, you must
send the original documents to the Immigration Officer by courier.
The Immigration Officer will submit your TEV-application to the IND on your behalf.
The Immigration Officer will receive approval of your application from the IND.
You will receive an email from the Immigration Officer informing you of the
approval of your application, explaining that you must make an appointment with
the Dutch diplomatic post to arrange your visa.
You travel to the Netherlands.
You attend the immigration session during TOP-week
You have your chest x-ray taken on campus during TOP-week if required.
You collect your residence permit card from IND staff on campus or from the IND
office in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
You must register at Municipality if you will be enrolled at Tilburg University for
longer than 4 months (one semester Exchange students are exempted). If you will
be living in Tilburg during your period of study, you will be informed on arrival
about how to make an appointment; if you will be living outside Tilburg, you must
contact the local Municipality yourself.
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9.
APPENDIX 1
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
AND PART-TIME JOBS
Can I work during my studies in the Netherlands?
All students studying in the Netherlands are allowed to work in their spare time. However, what
documents are required and how many hours you are allowed to work differ according to the
nationality you have. Detailed below are the requirements and what you are entitled to do, depending
on the nationality you have.
Nationality
Documents Required
Working Hours
EU/EEA + Switzerland +
Japan
(except Croatians)*
No Work Permit required
Unlimited
Non-EU/EEA
(with a Dutch residence
permit for study purposes)
Work Permit required
maximum of 10 hours per week
OR full time in June, July and
August
Croatians
(with Verification against
EU Community Law)
Work Permit required
Possibility of working for more
than 10 hours a week, but this
will be decided on an individual
basis
What do I have to do before I can start to look for a job?
Non-EU/EEA nationalities:
You must have applied for a residence permit and have a letter from the Immigration Service
confirming that your application has been received
PLUS
All nationalities:
You must have a social security/citizenship number, also called ‘Burger Service Nummer’ or BSN. This
is given to you when you register at Municipality. It will take a number of weeks after your appointment
to register at Municipality before you receive this number, so if you are only staying in the Netherlands
for one semester or if you want to work immediately, you must make your own appointment at
Municipality. If you live in Tilburg, please ring 14 013 to make an appointment to register. You will
then be informed about the documents you must take with you to your appointment.
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How do I apply for a Work Permit?
You cannot apply for a Work Permit (in Dutch is called TWV) yourself. Your employer must do that for
you at UWV (information is only in Dutch available;
http://www.uwv.nl/werkgevers/formulieren/werkvergunning-buitenlandse-werknemer.aspx)
You will need a Work Permit for each job that you have, so when you change jobs, your new employer
will have to apply for a new Work Permit. You must first, therefore have a job!
How do I find a part-time job?
One of Tilburg University’s student organizations, I*ESN, assists international students in looking for
part-time jobs. Please go to http://www.iesntilburg.nl/. This will give you information about the rules,
regulations and suggestions as to how to look for a part-time job.
You can also try to find a job through an employment agency (‘uitzendbureau’ in Dutch). For details of
the employment agencies in Tilburg, go to www.yellowpages.nl and search for ‘employment agency’.
Some agencies specialize in jobs for students.
You can also look on the internet. Some examples of useful websites aimed specifically at non-Dutch
applicants include: www.undutchables.nl and www.dutchisnotrequired.nl
You can also use the Student Desk at Tilburg University. Located on the third floor of the Academia
building. The Student Desk has an extensive selection of useful information, including vacancy lists and
professional journals.
Please also take into account that international students who do not speak Dutch will have more
difficulty in finding a job than those who speak at least a small amount of Dutch.
What are the requirements for medical insurance when I am working?
All those working in the Netherlands, either part-time or full time, must have a basic level of medical
insurance. This is not the same as the student medical insurance policy which you already have.
Students working at Tilburg University can take advantage of the University’s discount medical
insurance policy with CZ (a Dutch medical insurance company). Please see the following website for
more information: http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/studentlife/insurance/ and contact Mr
Frank Regouin (013 466 3392) if you have any questions regarding this.
Please remember that, in addition to medical insurance, you must also have liability insurance. You
can find information about this on the same website.
Do I have to pay tax?
You will be required to pay tax on your earnings, if you earn above a certain limit each calendar year.
This will be deducted by your employer from your pay before you receive it. Your employer also has
to make social security contributions to the Dutch government to support the payment of disability
pay and unemployment benefits. These are deducted from your pay before you receive it and will be
detailed on your pay slip. For a detailed explanation of these deductions, please ask your employer
for an explanation of your pay slip.
Do I have to stick to the rules?
We would obviously strongly recommend that you stick to the rules described above. However, some
students work in cafes or restaurants where they are paid without having deductions made for either
tax or social security contributions. This is illegal in the Netherlands and could have a negative effect
on your right to stay in the Netherlands. Another disadvantage is that you will not be insured if you
are working illegally, and if there is an accident at work, you will not be covered by your insurance
policy. This could have serious financial implications for you.
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The Office of Work Inspections has stated that a priority for 2011 was checking whether international
students work more than the hours allowed by law. Since then there is also increased cooperation
between the Immigration Service and the Office of Work Inspections students who are working illegally.
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the above?
Subject
Residence permit
Verification against EU Community Law
Registration at the Immigration Service
Part-time jobs
Work Permit application
Burgerservicenummer (BSN)
Medical insurance
(for students working at Tilburg University only)
Medical insurance
(for students who are not working)
International Office
Contact Person
Immigration Office (immigration@tilburguniversity.edu )
Immigration Office (immigration@tilburguniversity.edu )
Immigration Office (immigration@tilburguniversity.edu )
www.iesntilburg.nl/
www.yellowpages.nl
www.undutchables.nl
www.dutchisnotrequired.nl
Student Service Centre – third floor, Academia building
(A301)
Your employer
Municipality in the area in which you live
(Tilburg Municipality: telephone 14 013)
Frank Regouin
(F.C.G.Regouin@tilburguniversity.edu / or 013 466 3392)
http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/studentlife/insura
nce/
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