Visa timeline in Amsterdam

• EU, EEA or Swiss citizenNo permit. Register with the gemeente, get a BSN, take out health insurance.5 steps
• Highly skilled migrant, non-EUThe kennismigrant permit, filed by an employer that is an IND-recognised sponsor.6 steps
• Student, non-EUA residence permit for study, filed by your university as a recognised sponsor.5 steps
• Founder or self-employed, non-EUThe self-employed permit, the start-up permit, or the DAFT treaty route for US and Japanese citizens.4 steps
• Recent graduate, non-EUThe orientation year (zoekjaar), to look for work after a Dutch or top-ranked foreign degree.3 steps

Most non-EU work and study routes run through a recognised sponsor, the employer or university, which files with the IND for you. Nationals of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, among others, do not need an entry visa (MVV) and collect their residence permit after arrival. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Confirm each step with the IND, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service before you rely on it.