Legal residence means that non-Dutch citizens are granted permission by the government to temporarily reside in the Netherlands for a specific purpose, in this case education. The Dutch government has a number of rules for international visitors/students. Under Dutch law, universities must verify if foreign students are legally residing in the Netherlands before they can be registered as a student.
The application for an entry visa must be made by the International Office of the Student Service Centre (SSC), which will forward your application to the immigration authorities (IND). The IND will provide the University with the approval, based upon which you can travel to the Netherlands.
The IND (Immigration Office) is the organisation responsible for checking your legal residence in the Netherlands. To check how any change in your personal circumstances might affect your legal residence, call 0900-1234561, Or check the website www.ind.nl
New law coming.
Do I need an entry visa and residence permit?
Students who need an entry visa.
What is an entry visa?
Students who do not need an entry visa.
First application
The first application for a residence permit must be made via the International Office of the Student Service Centre (SSC), which will forward your application to the immigration authorities (IND). The IND will then provide the University with proof of legal residence, based upon which you can be registered as a student.