Information: European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA)
This information is intended for international students coming to Maastricht University to study for more than 3 months and who hold passports issued by the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
NB As this information changes frequently, please visit these web pages regularly.
Registration at Dutch Immigration (IND)
Although registering with Dutch Immigration is not mandatory for EU and EEA nationals, citizens from the following countries are still advised to do so:
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The application process
- Register with the municipality of the city where you live.
- Call the IND on 0900-1234561 to make an appointment.
- The IND sends you a confirmation of your appointment with a registration form.
- Complete the registration form at home and collect the documents you need.
- Visit the IND Office for the registration.
- The IND checks your registration and provides you with a registration certificate. This is a sticker which the IND will place in your passport or other proof od identity.
Registration Fee
Registration at Dutch Immigration for EU / EEA citizens is free of charge. However, this is subject to change.
Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania only
Although nationals of Bulgaria and Romania are not able to register with Dutch Immigration as detailed above for nationals of other EU member states, they are still advised to apply for a residence permit called 'Verification against Community Law'. This document will last for five years and may be necessary if you wish to claim for social assistance in the Netherlands, or as a first step if you wish to work alongside your study.
Application Fee
You should also confirm the fee you will have to pay for this application when you make your appointment. The fee is currently set at €41 but this is subject to change.
Additional issues
Working 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. If you want to work alongside your studies, you will also have to ask your employer to apply for a Work Permit on your behalf.
Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania should be aware that they may be required to have a Work Permit in order to work alongside their studies. Again, please contact Dutch Immigration directly to find out what procedures apply to you.
Summary
Please remember the following:
- When you are staying for more than one year, bring an original birth certificate with you to the Netherlands, not older than six months with a translation (if required) for registration at City Hall. Please find out from your local Dutch embassy whether additional stamps and/or a translation of the document are required.
- Register at City Hall in the area in which you are living. For Maastricht, make an appointment by calling 14043. After the beep, please say MAASTRICHT. You will then be connected to the office of City Hall in Maastricht.
- Make an appointment with Dutch Immigration to register through the Appointment Line (0900 1234561). Complete the form and prepare the documentation required by Dutch Immigration, which will be detailed in the letter. Attend your appointment at Dutch Immigration.
After your documentation has been checked, a sticker will be placed on your proof of identity (such as your passport), confirming your registration.
