How Can International Students Get PR in the Netherlands in 2025?

Are you an international student seeking permanent residency in Netherlands? Are you asking yourself can international students get PR in Netherlands? You have come to the right page! In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the Netherlands PR and the ‘residence permit for long-term EU residents’. You can learn the steps to obtain permanent residency. Also learn the details of Netherlands PR- its eligibility, requirements, application process, fees, and more.

Can International Students Get PR in Netherlands? An Overiew 

Yes. International students can get PR in Netherlands. However, you cannot directly apply for a PR. You need to get a student permit, then an post-study permit, a work permit, and then apply for PR. Overall, you are required to stay in the country for at least 5 years to be a permanent resident. It must be noted that the Netherlands issues the ‘a residence permit for long-term EU residents, and a ‘permanent residence permit’.

How Can Indian Students Get PR in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. Indian students can get PR in Nerthalnds. You can follow the steps below to get permanent residency status.

Complete Your Education 

The first thing is to complete your education in the Netherlands. You can take up a bachelor’s, a master’s course or a doctoral degree Program for this purpose. Only long-term students are qualified to post study permit. Therefore, enrol in a good educational institution. 50% of your study time is counted for PR duration.

Get a Post Study Permit 

The post-study permit in the Netherlands is called the Residence permit for the orientation year. This permit is given for 1 year. During this period, you are free to search for employment in the country. You can also learn how to set up a business. However, you cannot work.

Get a Work Permit 

Thirdly, you need to get a work permit. A work permit can only be applied after you have obtained a job offer from a recognised employer. As an international student, you can apply for any of the following work permits for the purpose of residency-

1. Highly skilled migrant– This residence permit is applied by your employer on your behalf. The duration of a work permit depends mostly on the work contract.. However, you can get it for up to 5 years of stay.
2. Residence permit for paid employment (GVVA)- This residence permit is available for up to 4 years. This is a single permit and it gives both- right to work and residence.This is for special occupations.

Stay in Netherlands for 5 Years & Apply for PR

You can stay in the Netherlands for 5 years. Thereafter, you can apply for PR. However, a PR can only be obtained if you meet all the conditions. The PR you will receive is called the residence permit for long-term EU residents.

Top Universities in Netherlands for international students

What are the Types of Permanent Residence in the Netherlands?

The following are the different types of Permanent Residence permits in the Netherlands. Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. You can apply for any other following permits after staying in the country for 5 years.

The Permanent Residence Permit

The Permanent Residence Permit is available to those who have held a valid Dutch residence permit for 5 years. This permit is only useful for you to stay in the Netherlands.

Residence Permit for Long-Term EU Residents

This residence permit is available for those who have held a permanent residence permit in the Netherlands for 5 years, or those who have a temporary residence permit with a non-temporary residence purpose. For example, work. This permit allows is valid in other EU countries. That is, you can use it to work or study in the EU

What are the Requirements for PR in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get PR in the Netherlands. However, to get the PR you must meet the requirements. These requirements are as follows-

Requirements for Netherlands Permanent Residence Permit	Requirements for a Residence Permit for Long-Term EU Residents
You have held a residence permit for 5 years	You have held a valid Dutch residence permit for at least 5 years.
You are above the age of 13	During the last 5 years, you have not been outside Netherlands for more than 6 consecutive months. (10 months overall)
You hold a residence permit for work or a permanent residence permit	You have met the civic integration requirement
Have applied for residence permit extension in time	You have sufficient funds to cover your expenses
Always met the requirements for residence permits while applying	Registered in the Personal Records Database at your local town hall. This is a population register
Your residence permit it valid at the time of application (for example, residence permit for work)	You have a valid passport
Must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses	You are not a danger to public order or national security.
Registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). This is a population register	Registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP).This is a population register
Cleared the civic integration examination of at least level A2.

When to Apply for PR in Netherlands for International Students?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get PR in the Netherlands. However, they must apply for the PR in time. 

Netherlands PR Type	When to Apply
Permanent residence permit	3 months before the expiry of the current residence permit
Residence permit for long-term EU residents	3 months before the expiry of the current residence permit

How to Apply for PR in Netherlands for International Students?

To know can international students get PR in Netherlands follow these steps. The application process is the same for both types of permanent residency-

1. Visit the official website– Visit the official website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), and go to the respective PR application page.
2. Download the application form- You can download the application form from the website, and even submit the application form online.
3. Fill out the application form– Fill out the application form. At this stage, you are required to upload all the documents. 
4. Pay the application fee– You need to pay the application fee before submitting the form 
5. Processing and decision– At this stage, your application is processed. Once a decision is made you will be informed in the form of a letter.
6. Collect residence permit- Your residence permit will be ready at the IND desk. You can collect it after making an appointment.

Where to Apply for the Netherlands PR for International Students?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get a PR in Netherlands. You will have to stay in the country for 5 years to meet the eligibility requirements. The application form can be sent either-

1. Online- By visiting the IND website 
2. By post– By downloading the form and sending it to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

How Much Does PR Cost in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get a PR in the Netherlands. To get the PR they will have to meet the requirements. One of the requirements of the PR to pay the application fee. The PR fees are as follows:

Netherlands PR Type	PR Fee
Permanent residence permit	EUR 243,00
Residence permit for long-term EU residents	EUR 243,00.

Understand the Cost of Living in the Netherlands

How Long Will it Take to Get PR in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? You will have to stay in the country for 5 years to meet the duration for PR. Once the application is submitted time will be taken to PRoces the application. The PRocessing time is as follows-

Netherlands PR Type	PR PRcoessing Time
Permanent residence permit	6 months.
Residence permit for long-term EU residents	6 months.

If the application form is not complete, more time can be taken for processing.

Note– The PR fees and processing times are subject to change.

How Long is a PR Valid for in the Netherlands?

The validity period for a Netherlands PR is as follows. You can apply for renewal after this period.

Netherlands PR Type	PR Validity	PR Renewal
Permanent residence permit	No end date (valid for 5 years at a time)	Renewal after 5 years
Residence permit for long-term EU residents	No expiry date (valid for 5 years at a time)	Renewal after 5 years

What are the Reasons for Netherlands PR Application Rejection?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. If they stay in the country for 5 years. There are times when a PR application is rejected. These reasons are as follows-

1. If you haven’t filled your application form properly then it can take a long time to be processed. In case, you have provided vague information it will be rejected.
2. Your PR application can be rejected if you are not holding a valid temporary residence permit. For example, a permit that will allow you to work.
3. If your current permit has expired your application will be rejected
4. Lastly, if you don’t meet the requirements for the PR application rejection is guaranteed. For example, you don’t have sufficient funds to cover your expenses.

How Will I Know If My Netherlands PR Application is Approved?

Once the PR application is sent, it is processed. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) will send you a letter. This can be a letter of approval or rejection. If your application is approved, the details for the appointment will be given. On the appointment date, you can collect your PR by visiting the IND office.

Is it Easy to Get PR in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands. Yes. International students can get a PR in the Netherlands if they stay in the country for 5 years. It is moderately easy to get PR in the country. There are several reasons for this.

1. Time spent on studies is counted– 50% of the time spent in studying in the country on a residence permit for studies is counted for your PR duration.
2. Availability of post-study permit– the Netherlands offer your a post-study permit called the ‘Residence permit for orientation year’. This will permit you to stay in the country for 1 year and look for a job.
3. Get jobs easily– You can easily get a job if you have English language skills or are in the technical field
4. Easy work permit- Work permits in the Netherlands are easy to obtain if you meet the requirements. There are different types of work permits you can choose from.
5. Netherlands offer you 2 types of PR.- One for the EU, and one for permanent residency in the Netherlands.

Staying for 5 years in the country, learning the culture, and economic stability, and PRoof that you have no criminal record are all the basic requirements to get PR in any European country. It is the basic requirement to get a PR in any country. Therefore, the Netherlands is not asking for anything special from foreigners who want to settle.

How Long Can International Students Stay in the Netherlands after Graduation?

As an international student, you can stay in the Netherlands for 1 year on a post-study permit (called the ‘Residence permit for orientation year). Thereafter, you can apply for a work permit (residence permit for highly skilled, or salaried employees), and stay for another 5 years. By staying in the country for 5 years in total you will become eligible to apply for PR.

What is the Benefit of Permanent Residence in the Netherlands?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get a PR. There are several benefits of obtaining a PR for the Netherlands. These are as follows-

1. Live, work, or study in the Netherlands for an indefinite period 
2. Work or study in other EU countries (for those with a residence permit for long-term EU residents) for a specified period.
3. Do not have to get a visa to travel to other schengen states for less than 90 days within 180 days.
4. Sponsor your family members to live with you in the Netherlands 
5. Access the government benefits like healthcare, insurance, etc
6. Get the similar rights to the citizens of the Netherlands 

How to Get Citizenship in the Netherlands After Study?

Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Yes. International students can get a PR. Once, you get a PR in Netherlands and stay for 5 years you can apply for citizenship. You can choose to become a citizen by Naturalization. This means you will have to revoke your Indian citizenship. To apply you must have held 

1. A residence permit as a long-term EU resident, or
2. A temporary residence permit with a non-temporary purpose of stay. (for example, work)

You can also choose to become a citizen by option. For this, you do not have to integrate into the culture. You also do not have to renounce your Indian citizenship. This means you can keep both citizenship.

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question- Can international students get PR in Netherlands? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! 

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