Applying for a re-entry visa
Does the citizenship you hold require you to have a visa to live in the Netherlands? If you wish to travel outside the Netherlands and you do not have a valid residence permit on your return to the Netherlands, you will need a terugkeervisum (re-entry visa or returning resident visa).
Last updated on 23 August 2022
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When do you need to apply for a re-entry visa?
You can apply for a re-entry visa in the following situations:
- You have submitted an application for an extension or amendment to your verblijfsvergunning (residence permit) on time, and you are waiting for a decision.
- You have submitted an application because your residence document has been lost, stolen or damaged, or because it contains incorrect information, and you are waiting for a decision.
- Your child was born in the Netherlands and you have applied for their first residence permit, and you are waiting for a decision.
- You have applied for your first residence permit because you are living with your European Union (EU) family member and you are not an EU citizen, you are waiting for a decision.
- You have received a positive decision on your application, but your residence document has not been issued yet.
Applying for a re-entry visa for urgent reasons
You can apply for a re-entry visa in the following situations, but only if you have an urgent reason:
- You have submitted your first application for a residence permit and you are waiting for a decision.
- You have submitted an appeal and you are waiting for a decision. You may stay in the Netherlands while awaiting the outcome of your appeal.
Urgent reasons include:
- a serious life-threatening illness or death of a close relative (in the 1st or 2nd degree);
- attending the marriage of a close relative (in the 1st or 2nd degree);
- a business or study trip.
You cannot apply for a re-entry visa if you have anverblijfsvergunning asiel (asylum residence permit) or have applied for one and you wish to travel to your country of origin.
Valid passport or travel document required for a re-entry visa
Do you wish to apply for a re-entry visa? Then you must have a valid passport or other valid travel document. You must apply for a re-entry visa in the Netherlands before you go abroad. You must apply to the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst– IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) for this. Do you want to make an appointment at the IND desk? If so, contact the IND in good time.
Period of validity of a re-entry visa
A re-entry visa is valid for 3 months and is issued for a single journey only. Exceptions can be made if you have to travel for business purposes. Or if you have to remain outside the Netherlands for a longer period of time for your studies. A re-entry visa is never valid for longer than 1 month before the expiry of your travel document.
Steps to take if your Dutch residence permit is lost or stolen or if it expires
At netherlandsworldwide.nl, you will find the steps you must take if your residence permit is lost or stolen during your stay outside the Netherlands. Or if your Dutch residence permit expires or is about to expire while you are outside the Netherlands.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Vreemdelingenwet 2000, artikel 2w
Vreemdelingenwet 2000, artikel 2z