Amsterdam Visa Extension Guide
Anyone relocating to the Netherlands should make it a top priority to check that they comply with immigration and visa procedures. Amsterdam visa extension guide for expats to find the information they needed. Nationals of EU member states, the EEA (European Economic Area), and Switzerland generally have an easier time with paperwork in the Netherlands than those coming from other countries. Keep in mind that Dutch official processes can be very slow – if you need a visa, be sure to allow sufficient time and do not make travel arrangements until all your documents are in good order.
Many factors will affect the type of visa required, including length of stay, purpose of stay, country of origin, and accompanying family members. Please see the following sub-sections for detailed information on each type of visa.
USA citizens can visit the Netherlands without a visa for up to 3 months. However, upon arrival you must report to the local Aliens Police within 3 working days. If you will be in the Netherlands for less than 3 days or will be staying in a hotel, you do not need to report to the Aliens Police.
In case you are planning on staying longer than 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit. In order to be eligible for a residence permit you need a purpose of residence other than holiday. This could be a job (contract and health insurance required), or studying.
If you are self-employed, a more complicated procedure will determine whether your business activities serve a material Dutch purpose and you will be assessed on the basis of a scoring system.
Finally, if you wish to receive medical treatment in the Netherlands, you must undergo an examination for tuberculosis in the Netherlands.
Extending your permit is a similar procedure to applying for one in the first place, and you will need the same documentation for each permit (e.g. students will require proof that they are studying for another year, employees will need new contracts, etc.).
The major difference is that you will need to prove that you have had sufficient Dutch health insurance for the time you have been resident in the Netherlands. In almost every instance you will need to renew your residence permit every year for at least the first five years (after which you can seek permanent residency).
Permits for interns and au pairs will not usually be extended. You will need proof that the purpose that brought you to the Netherlands (work, study, etc.) still requires that you be here.
The IND recommends that you begin the renewal process three months before your current permit is due to expire. Though the IND also says they will send you a timely reminder that your permit will soon be up for renewal, it is better to be proactive and start the process yourself. Often, these reminders are late or never make it at all.
You can download a form to renew your permit from the IND website (http://www.ind.nl) under the section for brochures and forms. You can then send the IND this form along with copies of your documents (see relevant sections for study or work permits), and two new photos.
They will then process your request and, pending approval, they will let you know when you can come to collect your new permit. You must return your old permit when you collect the new one.
You must also apply for a new permit if the purpose of your stay changes (e.g. if you came to study and then get a job or vice versa). Call the IND on 0900 1234561 to find out about your particular circumstances.
Note that even students who change schools should seek advice about changing their residence permits.
Note it is not possible to extend a tourist visa. EU citizens can take up residency through the tourist visa by registering with the local municipal authorities but all other citizens will need to return to their country of origin to apply for a residency permit or longer visa at their closest Dutch embassy.
Though Dutch immigration procedures can seem like a swamp of regulations, information is widely available in many languages. The latest information is available from the Immigratie- en Naturalisatie-dienst (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) either by phone on 0900 1234561 or, the most efficient way to get initial information is to visit the IND Residence Wizard on their website.
