Permanent Residency in Netherlands After Study for International Students

What is a Dutch Residence Permit?: International applicants are allowed to apply for PR (permanent residency), once the individual has stayed or worked after graduation for a minimum of five years (60 months) in the Netherlands. Generally, the Permanent Residency in the Netherlands is valid for 5 years so applicants can review it for five years.

This Story also Contains

1. Is it hard to get permanent residency in Netherlands?
2. Challenges to get permanent residency in Netherlands
3. Benefits of Permanent Residency in Netherlands
4. Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency in Netherlands
5. How to get Permanent Residency in Netherlands?
6. Documents required for permanent residency in Netherlands
7. Cost of Permanent Residency in Netherlands
8. Permanent Residency in Netherlands Processing time

In the 2025 academic year, an increasing number of international students are travelling for studies to be placed in top companies and planning to settle in the Netherlands. To become a Netherlands citizen, firstly you must obtain a permanent residency to enhance an opportunity.

However, obtaining PR in the Netherlands is competitive among foreigners. So, applicants must organise all necessary documentation and fulfil the eligibility requirements. Mainly, they must live, study or work in the Netherlands for at least 5 years to be eligible for permanent residency.

Generally, there are two types of Permanent Residency in the Netherlands from non-EU countries: permanent residency and long-term residency. The Netherlands is highly recognised for its developing education system, variety of career choices, and peaceful atmosphere, so it is an extraordinary option for every Indian student.

To learn more about Permanent Residency in the Netherlands, read the complete article to increase the opportunities for Indians to get PR.

Also Read: Study in Netherlands

Is it hard to get permanent residency in Netherlands?

It is challenging for Indians to get permanent residency (PR) in the Netherlands because of its high demand.

The important points to remember, before applying for PR in Netherlands are given below:

• Stay for five years: Mandatory, to live in the Netherlands continuously for 5 years with a valid residency permit. Categories such as highly skilled migrants are exempt.

• Involvement in Dutch culture: Prove that you are connected to Dutch society, which includes completing the Civic Integration Exam and Dutch language tests.

• Economic stability: Confirm that you have enough money to manage your living expenses.

• Legal residency: While staying in the Netherlands, you should not be involved in any legal issues or violations.

Challenges to get permanent residency in Netherlands

• The rules and regulations can change and be challenging, so stay updated with eligibility requirements by visiting the official website (ind.nl).

• It may be challenging to demonstrate language proficiency in English or Dutch.

• It is difficult to meet work requirements, for those on work visas, particularly in highly competitive job markets or industries.

Also Read: Best student cities in Netherlands

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Netherlands

• You are allowed for five years (60 months) to live and manage your own life in the Netherlands.

• If you have PR in the Netherlands, the country does not require a work permit.

• In the Netherlands, you are eligible to apply for insurance, and government services include healthcare benefits.

• If you have permanent residency, you can sponsor your family or individuals, if they plan to get PR in the Netherlands.

Also Read: Top reasons to study in Netherlands

Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency in Netherlands

Here are some of the typical eligibility requirements for an Indian student to get permanent residency in Netherlands after study:

• Stay for at least 5 years, to get permanent residency in the Netherlands after graduation.

• While staying for five years, have a main home in the Netherlands.

• Constantly renew your residency before the deadline and fulfil the residency permit requirements.

• For a temporary residency permit, you must hold a valid residence permit. You should not provide incorrect or misleading information for your current residency permit.

• You must have sufficient income to cover your expenses, taxes and more in the Netherlands.

• You must be registered in the Personal Record Database (BRP).

• You must pass in Civil Integration Examination.

Also Read: Netherlands Student Visa for Indians

How to get Permanent Residency in Netherlands?

Firstly, applicants must read all the requirements to be eligible for PR. The process to get PR in the Netherlands after studies for Indians is mentioned below:

• Step 1: Begin by preparing all the documentation for PR in the Netherlands as stated in the prescribed status determination criteria. The documents need to be translated legally into English, dutch, french or German.

• Step 2: Apply for Dutch permanent residence online or through the mail. Hold a valid residence permit, while applying for PR in the Netherlands.

• Step 3: Pay your application fee and submit it in the portal.

• Step 4: Wait for the decision on your PR application. After shortlisted you will be notified.

• Step 5: Once the permanent residence is approved, the letter will be sent to you. Then, make an appointment to collect your permanent residence in Netherlands.

Documents required for permanent residency in Netherlands

The document details may vary according to the eligibility, however, the common documents required for permanent residency in the Netherlands are mentioned below:

• A valid passport.

• Proof of 5 years of residence in the Netherlands.

• Payslips of current employment in Netherlands company or industry.

• Evidence of Civic Integration Exam.

• Police clearance certificate.

• Health certificate.

• Colour Passport-size photographs.

• Travel documents.

• Documents need to be translated into English.

• Birth certificate (if required).

Cost of Permanent Residency in Netherlands

The cost of PR in the Netherlands for international students is EUR 228,00 per applicant for submitting a permanent residency, according to the official immigration department of the Netherlands (ind.nl). It is mandatory to pay your application fee, insufficient proof or incomplete application may lead to rejection of your PR application.

Also Read: Cost of living in Netherlands

Permanent Residency in Netherlands Processing time

The PR application process in the Netherlands may vary depending on the number of applications. However, the official permanent processing time is typically six months. If the PR application is incomplete the IND (ind.nl) will notify via message.

Note: The processing time for PR application may be extended.