Relocation to the Netherlands

Before relocating to the Netherlands, it is important to carefully consider practical aspects, such as visa requirements, accommodation options, opening a bank account, healthcare coverage (among others), and, if applicable, the relocation of the family.

UM assists international PhD candidates with a scholarship that meets the IND norm or UM employment, in their immigration procedures, including obtaining residence permits and social security numbers (BSN). 

For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit is required, and depending on nationality, a long-stay visa (MVV) may also be necessary. The UM’s International Staff Support Office guides the PhD candidate through these processes, ensuring compliance with Dutch immigration regulations. You can also visit this website or contact people mentioned on the website, if you have specific questions regarding e.g. insurances and visa, when planning longer stays outside the Netherlands during your PhD.

International PhD candidates without any funding may only visit occasionally for short periods per year if they have travel grant for their travel, accommodation, (health) insurance and living expenses.

Upon arrival, being an international PhD candidate, you must register with the local municipality and, if applicable, undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test within three months. The university can schedule these appointments for you and will provide detailed instructions on these steps, including necessary documents and procedures. It is also advisable and often necessary to open a bank account in a Dutch bank.

For comprehensive information, please visit:
 Immigration procedures - Maastricht University
 Residence permit researcher (Directive (EU) 2016/801) | IND
 Entry conditions and visas | EURAXESS
 Personal finance | EURAXESS
 Family | EURAXESS

The overarching cooperation of Dutch universities (UNL) also published an information brochure for non-Dutch PhD candidates. This also provided an overview of conducting a PhD in the Netherlands and what you may/can expect from Dutch universities. If you are interested, please find more information here.